Fastening structure

Abstract

[Problem] To improve the stability of a fastening structure while allowing for manufacturing errors. [Solution] A fastening structure 1 has: a panel 3 in which a reference hole 7A and at least one auxiliary hole 7B are formed; a bracket 4; and a plurality of clips 1 that are respectively joined to the reference hole and the auxiliary hole or holes. Each of the clips has: a grommet 15 having a body section 22 that has a receiving hole 21, and having a pair of engaging tabs 24 that extend along an axis A of the receiving hole of the body section from the periphery of the receiving hole; and a pin 16 having a shaft section 31 that is inserted into the receiving hole. Each of the body sections is formed integrally with the bracket. Gaps are formed between the pins and the engaging tabs, and the engaging tabs can be displaced to the pin side. The respective displacement directions of the engaging tabs of the grommet or grommets respectively inserted into the auxiliary hole or holes are the same.

Description

Fastening structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening structure including a plurality of clips.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fastening structure for attaching a sensor garnish to a bracket that attaches a sensor main body to a vehicle body. The sensor garnish is attached to the bracket via multiple clips. The back surface of the sensor garnish is provided with multiple groove-shaped receiving portions that receive the shanks of the multiple clips. Each receiving portion is larger than the shank of the corresponding clip, allowing the shank to displace within the receiving portion. This allows the sensor garnish to be attached to the bracket even if there is a manufacturing error in the sensor garnish, bracket, or clip.

[0003] Patent No. 6686082

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the shaft portion of each clip can be displaced within the corresponding receiving portion, which causes a problem in that the position of the sensor garnish varies relative to the bracket.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to improve the stability of a fastening structure while allowing for manufacturing errors.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a fastening structure (1) comprising a panel (3) having a reference hole (7A) and at least one sub-hole (7B) formed therein, a bracket (4), and a plurality of clips (1) coupled to each of the reference hole and the sub-holes, each of the clips having a main body (22) having a receiving hole (21), a grommet (15) having a pair of locking claws (24) extending from the periphery of the receiving hole in the main body along the axis (A) of the receiving hole, and a pin (16) having a shaft (31) inserted into the receiving hole, each of the main body parts being formed integrally with the bracket, a gap being formed between the pin and the locking claws, the locking claws being displaceable toward the pin, and each of the locking claws of the grommet inserted into each of the sub-holes being displaceable in the same direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, the fastening structure can be improved in stability while allowing for manufacturing tolerances. Because the locking claws of the clips inserted into each sub-hole are displaceable in the same direction, manufacturing tolerances can be tolerated in the displacement direction of each locking claw. Because the locking claws of each clip abut against the edges of the corresponding sub-holes, the stability of the fastening structure is improved.

[0008] In the above aspect, each of the pins may be movable relative to the corresponding grommet between a temporary fixing position and a fastening position, and when the pin is in the temporary fixing position, a gap is formed between the pin and the locking claw, and the locking claw may be displaceable toward the pin, and when the pin is in the fastening position, each of the locking claws may abut against the shaft portion, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion.

[0009] According to this aspect, by moving each pin from the temporary fastening position to the fastening position, each clip can maintain a fastened state with the reference hole and the sub-hole.

[0010] In the above aspect, each of the locking claws has a first piece (24A) extending from the main body portion parallel to the axis of the receiving hole, and a claw portion (24B) protruding from the tip of the first piece on the side opposite the receiving hole, and the shaft portion has a large diameter portion (31A) provided on the base end side and a small diameter portion (31B) provided on the tip side of the large diameter portion and having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion, and when the pin is in the temporary fixing position, each of the first pieces faces the small diameter portion across a gap, and when the pin is in the fastening position, each of the first pieces abuts against the large diameter portion, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion.

[0011] According to this aspect, when the pin is in the temporary fastening position, the first piece can be displaced, and when the pin is in the fastening position, the displacement of the first piece is restricted.

[0012] In the above aspect, each of the grommets has a pair of support pieces (25) extending from the main body portion in the same direction as the pair of locking claws, and each of the support pieces has a second piece portion (25A) and a pair of pillar portions (25C) extending from the main body portion parallel to the axis of the receiving hole, and a pair of connection portions (25D) connecting the second piece portion and the pair of pillar portions, and the distance from the tip of the pillar portion of the clip inserted into the secondary hole to the connection portion may be greater than the distance from the tip of the pillar portion of the clip inserted into the reference hole to the connection portion.

[0013] According to this aspect, the rigidity of the post of the clip inserted into the reference hole is higher than the rigidity of the post of the clip inserted into the sub-hole. This makes it difficult for the clip to shift relative to the reference hole, ensuring that the bracket is positioned properly relative to the panel. Furthermore, because the post of the clip inserted into the sub-hole is easily deformed, the clip can deform according to manufacturing tolerances and insert into the sub-hole.

[0014] In the above aspect, the connection portion of the clip that is inserted into the reference hole may protrude into the reference hole.

[0015] According to this aspect, the rigidity of the column portion of the clip inserted into the reference hole can be improved.

[0016] In the above aspect, the reference hole and the sub-hole may be formed in a quadrangle, and the four pillar portions of the clip may be disposed at four corners of the reference hole or the sub-hole.

[0017] According to this aspect, the position and orientation of the clip are appropriately determined with respect to the reference hole.

[0018] In the above aspect, the pair of locking claws may abut against the opposing first side portions (11) of the reference hole or the sub-hole, and the pair of support pieces may face the opposing second side portions (12) of the reference hole or the sub-hole.

[0019] This aspect determines the orientation of the clip relative to the reference hole or sub-hole.

[0020] In the above aspect, the length of the first side portion of each of the sub-holes may be longer than the length of the first side portion of the reference hole.

[0021] According to this aspect, the clip inserted into the sub-hole can move in the direction along the second side, which allows for manufacturing errors in the direction along the second side.

[0022] In the above aspect, an inner hole (37) may be formed inside the shaft portion.

[0023] According to this aspect, the shaft portion is easily elastically deformed, making it easier for the worker to push the shaft portion from the temporary fastening position to the fastening position.

[0024] In the above aspect, the bracket may support a radar, and the panel may be a vehicle body panel.

[0025] According to this aspect, the fastening structure can attach the radar to the vehicle body panel.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention is a fastening structure (100) comprising a panel (3) having a reference hole (7A) and at least one sub-hole (7B) formed therein, a bracket (4), and a plurality of clips (101) coupled to the reference hole and the sub-holes, each of the clips having a main body (112) having a receiving hole (111), a grommet (103) having a pair of locking claws (114) extending from the periphery of the receiving hole in the main body along the axis of the receiving hole, and a pin (104) having a shaft portion inserted into the receiving hole, each of the pins being formed integrally with the bracket, a gap being formed between the pin and the locking claws, the locking claws being displaceable toward the pin, and each of the locking claws of the grommet inserted into each of the sub-holes being displaceable in the same direction.

[0027] According to this aspect, in a fastening structure in which a pin is coupled to a bracket, it is possible to improve stability while allowing for manufacturing errors. Because the locking claws of the clips inserted into each sub-hole are displaceable in the same direction, manufacturing errors can be tolerated in the displacement direction of each locking claw. Because the locking claws of each clip abut against the edges of the corresponding sub-holes, the stability of the fastening structure is improved.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the fastening structure can improve stability while allowing for manufacturing errors.

[0029] 7A-7C are cross-sectional views of the clip in the fastened state from the Y direction; IX-IX cross-sectional views of the clip in the fastened state from the X direction; IX-XII cross-sectional views of the clip in the fastened state from the X direction; IX-XII cross-sectional views of the clip in the released state from the X direction; IX-XIV cross-sectional views of the clip in the released state from the X direction; IX-XIV cross-sectional views of the clip in the released state from the X direction; IX-XIV cross-sectional views of the clip in the released state from the X direction; IX-XIII cross-sectional views of the clip in the fastened state from the Y direction; XV sectional view Side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the reference hole, as seen from the Y direction Side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the sub-hole, as seen from the Y direction Cross-sectional view of the clip inserted into the sub-hole in a temporarily fastened state, as seen from the Y direction Side view of the support piece of the clip inserted into the sub-hole, as seen from the Y direction Exploded perspective view of the fastening structure according to the second embodiment Perspective view of a grommet Cross-sectional view of a grommet Cross-sectional view of a clip inserted into the sub-hole, as seen from the Y direction Cross-sectional view of a clip inserted into the main hole and the sub-hole, as seen from the Y direction Cross-sectional view of a clip inserted into the sub-hole, as seen from the Y direction

[0030] First Embodiment A first embodiment of a clip 1 and a fastening structure 2 having the clip 1 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1 , the fastening structure 2 has a plate-shaped panel 3, a bracket 4, and a plurality of clips 1 that fasten the bracket 4 to the panel 3. The bracket 4 supports a radar 5 such as a millimeter-wave radar. Instead of the radar 5, the bracket 4 may support other electrical devices such as a sensor. The panel 3 to which the bracket 4 is attached may be, for example, a body panel of an automobile or a stay connected to the body panel. In this embodiment, the panel 3 is a stay.

[0031] A plurality of fastening holes 7 are formed in the panel 3. Each fastening hole 7 penetrates the panel 3 in the thickness direction. The fastening holes 7 may be formed in the left and right corners of the front end of the automobile or the left and right corners of the rear end. The plurality of fastening holes 7 include one reference hole 7A and at least one sub-hole 7B. In this embodiment, one reference hole 7A and three sub-holes 7B are formed in the panel 3.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B is formed in a quadrangle. Each of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B has a pair of first sides 11 facing each other and a pair of second sides 12 facing each other. The first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B extend in the same direction. The second sides 12 of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B extend in the same direction. The first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B preferably extend in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The second sides 12 of the reference hole 7A preferably extend in the up-down direction (vertical direction). The first sides 11 and the second sides 12 are perpendicular to each other. In the reference hole 7A, the first sides 11 and the second sides 12 preferably have the same length. That is, the reference hole 7A is formed in a square. In the sub-hole 7B, the length of the first side 11 is preferably longer than the length of the second side 12. That is, the sub-hole 7B is formed in a rectangular shape. The reference hole 7A and the three sub-holes 7B are preferably arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle.

[0033] 1, the bracket 4 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and is disposed parallel to the panel 3. The radar 5 is supported on a central portion 4A of the bracket 4. The central portion 4A of the bracket 4 may be provided with a support wall or elastic claws for supporting the bracket 4.

[0034] The bracket 4 is connected to the panel 3 via a plurality of clips 1. In this embodiment, four clips 1 are provided at the four corners of the bracket 4. Each clip 1 has the same structure except for some components described below. Therefore, one clip 1 will be described and the description of the other clips 1 will be applied.

[0035] 1 and 3, the clip 1 includes a grommet 15 and a pin 16. The bracket 4 and the grommets 15 are preferably made of a resin material having a relatively high rigidity. The bracket 4 and the grommets 15 are preferably made of a fiber-reinforced plastic, such as polybutylene terephthalate containing glass fiber. The pin 16 is preferably made of a resin material having a higher flexibility than the bracket 4. The pin 16 is preferably made of polyacetal, for example.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7, the grommet 15 includes a main body 22 having a receiving hole 21, and a plurality of locking claws 24 and a plurality of support pieces 25 extending from the periphery of the receiving hole 21 in the main body 22 along the axis A of the receiving hole 21. The direction parallel to the axis A is defined as the Z direction. The main body 22 is formed in a disk shape and has a first surface 22A facing the panel 3 and a second surface 22B opposite the first surface 22A. The axis A of the receiving hole 21 coincides with the axis A of the main body 22. The receiving hole 21 penetrates the main body 22 from the first surface 22A to the second surface 22B. The main body 22 is formed integrally with the bracket 4. The main body 22 may be connected to the bracket 4 at its outer periphery 22D. The second surface 22B of the main body 22 is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 26 centered on the axis A. The bracket 4 may also be connected to the peripheral wall 26 .

[0037] A plurality of lightening holes 27 are formed in appropriate positions in the main body 22. The plurality of lightening holes 27 preferably penetrate from the first surface 22A to the second surface 22B. The plurality of lightening holes 27 extend in the circumferential direction about the axis A and divide the main body 22 into a central portion 22C and an outer peripheral portion 22D. The central portion 22C and the outer peripheral portion 22D are connected to each other by a plurality of beam portions 28 provided between adjacent lightening holes 27. When viewed in the direction along the axis A, the outer shape of the central portion 22C is formed to be square.

[0038] The receiving hole 21 is formed in the central portion 22C. In this embodiment, the receiving hole 21 has a square cross-sectional shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving hole 21 may be circular or rectangular. The receiving hole 21 forms the central portion 22C into a cylindrical shape.

[0039] In this embodiment, a pair of locking claws 24 and a pair of support pieces 25 are provided on the first surface 22A of the main body 22. The pair of locking claws 24 face each other across the axis A in the X direction perpendicular to the axis A. The pair of support pieces 25 face each other across the axis A in the Y direction perpendicular to the axis A and the X direction.

[0040] Each of the locking pawls 24 has a first piece 24A extending from the main body 22 parallel to the axis A, and a pawl 24B protruding from the tip of the first piece 24A on the side opposite the receiving hole 21. Each first piece 24A is formed in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the X direction. The tip of each first piece 24A can be displaced in the X direction by elastic deformation.

[0041] Each support piece 25 has a second arm 25A extending parallel to the axis A from the main body 22 and a locking projection 25B protruding from the tip of the second arm 25A toward the receiving hole 21. Each support piece 25 may also have a pair of pillars 25C extending parallel to the axis A from the main body 22 and a pair of connecting portions 25D connecting the second arm 25A to the pair of pillars 25C. In the X direction, the second arm 25A is disposed between the pair of pillars 25C via a pair of slits 25E. The pair of connecting portions 25D extend in the X direction and connect the second arm 25A to the corresponding pillars 25C. The connecting portions 25D are also connected to the central portion 22C. Each slit 25E is defined by the second arm 25A, the pillars 25C, and the connecting portions 25D. The slit 25E allows the second arm 25A and the pillar 25C to flex independently of each other.

[0042] The tip of each pillar portion 25C is farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of the first arm portion 24A. The tip of the second arm portion 25A is farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of each pillar portion 25C. The tip of each second arm portion 25A is inclined toward the axis A. A retaining piece 29 extending in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A is provided at the tip of each second arm portion 25A. Each of the retaining pieces 29 is positioned farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of the first arm portion 24A. Furthermore, each of the retaining pieces 29 is positioned farther from the main body portion 22 than the tip of each pillar portion 25C.

[0043] Each retaining piece 29 has a first portion 29A extending in the X direction from the tip of the second piece 25A and a second portion 29B extending in the Y direction from one end of the first portion 29A. In a cross section perpendicular to the axis A, the pair of retaining pieces 29 are arranged to form a frame shape surrounding the small diameter portion 31B. The frame shape may be rectangular. Each retaining piece 29 may extend counterclockwise from the corresponding second piece 25A around the axis A. The circumferential direction (rotational direction) is based on the state viewed from the base end side (main body 22 side) along the axis A. Each retaining piece 29 is arranged closer to the shaft 31 than the base end of the second piece 25A.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 , the pin 16 has a shank 31 that is inserted into the receiving hole 21. The shank 31 inserted into the receiving hole 21 is arranged coaxially with the axis A. The base end of the shank 31 protrudes from the second surface 22B, and the tip end of the shank 31 protrudes from the first surface 22A. The shank 31 has a large diameter portion 31A provided on the base end side and a small diameter portion 31B provided distally of the large diameter portion 31A and having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 31A. A tapered portion 31C is provided between the large diameter portion 31A and the small diameter portion 31B, the diameter of which gradually increases from the small diameter portion 31B toward the large diameter portion 31A. The small diameter portion 31B has a first engagement portion 33 provided distally and a second engagement portion 34 provided closer to the large diameter portion 31A than the first engagement portion 33.

[0045] The first engagement portion 33 includes a plurality of first recesses 33A arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 31. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion 33 includes four first recesses 33A. Each first recess 33A is recessed toward the center of the shaft portion 31 and extends toward the base end. The depth of each first recess 33A becomes shallower toward the base end.

[0046] The second engagement portion 34 includes a plurality of second recesses 34A arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 31. In the present embodiment, the second engagement portion 34 includes four second recesses 34A. Each second recess 34A is recessed toward the center of the shaft portion 31. An inclined surface 34B that becomes shallower in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 31 is provided at the bottom of each second recess 34A.

[0047] A disk-shaped flange 35 is provided at the base end of the shaft portion 31. The flange 35 is thin and flexible. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 , an inner hole 37 is formed inside the shaft portion 31. The inner hole 37 extends from the end face of the base end toward the tip side along the axis A. The inner hole 37 may pass through the large diameter portion 31A and the tapered portion 31C and reach the small diameter portion 31B. A tool engagement portion 38 is formed at the opening of the inner hole 37, i.e., on the end face of the base end of the shaft portion 31. The tool engagement portion 38 may be formed to be engageable with a tool such as a Phillips screwdriver or a flathead screwdriver.

[0048] 5, a first cam 41 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the shaft portion 31. In this embodiment, two first cams 41 are arranged at 180-degree intervals around the axis A. Each first cam 41 is formed on an inclined surface that protrudes toward the main body portion 22 in the clockwise direction of the pin 16. It is preferable that each first cam 41 is provided at the boundary between the shaft portion 31 and the flange 35.

[0049] 6 and 9 , the main body 22 is provided with second cams 42 that abut against the first cam 41. In this embodiment, four second cams 42 are arranged on the second surface 22B of the main body 22 at 90-degree intervals around the axis A. Each second cam 42 protrudes from the second surface 22B and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis A.

[0050] The pin 16 is movable between a temporary locking position and a fastening position relative to the grommet 15. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with the first engagement portion 33. Specifically, when the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with one of the first recesses 33A of the first engagement portion 33. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the pin 16 is in the fastening position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with the second engagement portion 34. Specifically, when the pin 16 is in the fastening position, each of the locking protrusions 25B engages with one of the second recesses 34A of the second engagement portion 34. The state in which the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position is referred to as the temporary locking state of the clip 1. The state in which the pin 16 is in the fastening position is referred to as the fastened state of the clip 1.

[0051] The operation and function of the clip 1 will be described below. Before attaching the bracket 4 to the panel 3, the worker temporarily fastens each clip 1. The worker can temporarily fasten the clip 1 by inserting the shank 31 of the pin 16 into the receiving hole 21 of the grommet 15 from the second surface 22B side. At this time, the tip of the shank 31 abuts against each locking protrusion 25B, elastically deforming each second arm 25A outward. When the first engaging portion 33 reaches each locking protrusion 25B, each locking protrusion 25B enters the corresponding first recess 33A, and each second arm 25A returns to its initial state. This returns the clip 1 to its initial state.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, when the pin 16 is in the temporary locking position, each of the first pieces 24A faces the small diameter portion 31B with a gap therebetween, allowing it to be displaced toward the shaft 31. Also, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the pair of retaining pieces 29 are arranged to surround the tip of the shaft 31 and maintain the posture of the shaft 31. This prevents the shaft 31 from tipping over relative to the grommet 15. As shown in Fig. 6, the flange 35 is spaced from the end face of the peripheral wall 26 of the grommet 15. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, when the clip 1 is in the temporary locking state, each of the first cams 41 is spaced from the plurality of second cams 42.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6 , the clip 1 in the temporarily fastened state is inserted into the coupling hole 7, which is the reference hole 7A or the sub-hole 7B. At this time, the claw portions 24B of each locking claw 24 are pressed against the edge of the coupling hole 7, and each first piece 24A is elastically deformed toward the shaft portion 31. This allows each locking claw 24 to pass through the coupling hole 7. Once each claw portion 24B passes through the coupling hole 7, each first piece 24A returns to its initial state, and each claw portion 24B locks onto the edge of the coupling hole 7. This temporarily fastens the clip 1 to the coupling hole 7. With the clip 1 temporarily fastened to the coupling hole 7, the four pillar portions 25C are positioned at the four corners of the coupling hole 7.

[0054] When the pin 16 is pushed into the fastening position by an operator or machine while the clip 1 is temporarily fastened in the fastening hole 7, the clip 1 enters a fastened state as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 . At this time, each locking protrusion 25B slides within the first recess 33A and reaches the second recess 34A connected to the first recess 33A. As shown in FIG. 11 , each first recess 33A becomes shallower toward the base end. Therefore, when each locking protrusion 25B slides within the opposing first recess 33A, each second piece 25A elastically deforms radially outward of the shaft 31. When each locking protrusion 25B enters the second recess 34A, each second piece 25A returns to its initial state. At the boundary between each first recess 33A and the corresponding second recess 34A, the second recess 34A is deeper than the first recess 33A. Therefore, each locking protrusion 25B can slide from the first recess 33A to the second recess 34A, but cannot slide from the second recess 34A to the first recess 33A, thereby maintaining the pin 16 in the fastened position.

[0055] 10 , when the pin 16 is in the fastening position, each of the first pieces 24A abuts against the large diameter portion 31A, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion 31. This prevents each of the claws 24B from passing through the coupling hole 7, and the clip 1 is maintained in a state coupled to the coupling hole 7. When the pin 16 is in the fastening position, the flange 35 is in close contact with the end surface of the peripheral wall 26 of the grommet 15, covering the second surface 22B of the main body 22.

[0056] An operator can change the clip 1 from the fastened state to the provisionally fastened state by inserting a tool into the tool engagement portion 38 and rotating the pin 16 counterclockwise. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , counterclockwise rotation of the pin 16 causes each locking protrusion 25B to slide circumferentially along the inclined surface 34B of the corresponding second recess 34A and disengage from the second recess 34A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15 , the first cam 41 and the second cam 42 slide against each other, causing the shaft 31 to move in a direction disengaging from the receiving hole 21. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 , each locking protrusion 25B slides along the outer surface of the small-diameter portion 31B and moves toward the first recess 33A. This places the clip 1 in a provisionally fastened state. When the clip 1 is in the provisionally fastened state, an operator can pull the clip 1 out of the coupling hole 7. At this time, the pair of locking claws 24 are pushed by the edge of the coupling hole 7 and elastically deformed toward the shaft portion 31 , thereby being able to pass through the coupling hole 7 .

[0057] The clip 1 according to the embodiment can maintain an appropriate fastening state regardless of the material. When the pin 16 is in the provisional fastening position, the locking claw 24 can be displaced toward the shank 31, allowing the locking claw 24 to pass through the coupling hole 7. When the pin 16 is in the fastening position, the locking claw 24 cannot be displaced toward the shank 31, allowing the locking claw 24 to remain engaged with the coupling hole 7. When the pin 16 is in the fastening position, the locking claw 24 is not deformed, thereby suppressing plastic deformation of the locking claw 24. This allows the grommet 15 to be made of a material with relatively high rigidity, such as fiber-reinforced resin. Furthermore, when the pin 16 is in the provisional fastening position, a gap is formed between the shank 31 and the locking claw 24, but the locking protrusions 25B of the multiple support pieces 25 and the retaining pieces 29 surround the shank 31, preventing the shank 31 from tipping over relative to the grommet 15.

[0058] Because the retaining piece 29 holds the shank 31 on the tip side of the first piece 24A, the shank 31 is more appropriately prevented from tipping relative to the grommet 15. Because the retaining piece 29 is arranged to surround the tip of the shank 31, it is possible to restrict tipping of the shank 31 in various directions. Furthermore, because the retaining piece 29 extends counterclockwise around the axis A, the tip of the retaining piece 29 is prevented from getting caught on the shank 31 even if the shank 31 rotates counterclockwise when releasing the clip 1 from the fastened state. This allows the pin 16 to rotate smoothly.

[0059] The inner hole 37 formed inside the shaft portion 31 allows the shaft portion 31 to easily deform elastically, which makes it easier for the worker to push the shaft portion 31 from the temporary fastening position to the fastening position.

[0060] Next, the relationship between each clip 1 and the reference hole 7A and the three sub-holes 7B will be described. The pair of locking claws 24 of the clip 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B engages with the pair of first sides 11 of the sub-hole 7B. That is, the displacement directions of the locking claws 24 of the grommets 15 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. That is, the X directions of the clips 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. In this embodiment, the pair of locking claws 24 of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A also engage with the first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A.

[0061] The pair of support pieces 25 of the clip 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B face the pair of second sides 12 of the sub-hole 7B. That is, the Y directions of the clips 1 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. In this embodiment, the pair of support pieces 25 of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A also face the second sides 12 of the reference hole 7A.

[0062] FIG. 16 shows the support piece 25 of a clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A. FIG. 17 shows the support piece 25 of a clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the distance from the tip of the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B to the connecting portion 25D is greater than the distance from the tip of the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A to the connecting portion 25D. That is, the width of the connecting portion 25D of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B in the direction along the axis A is smaller than the width of the connecting portion 25D of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A in the direction along the axis A. Furthermore, the length of the slit 25E of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B is longer than the length of the slit 25E of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A. As a result, the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B has higher flexibility than the post 25C inserted into the reference hole 7A.

[0063] Due to manufacturing errors, the distance between the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A and the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B may deviate in the direction (vertical direction) along the second side 12 relative to the distance between the reference hole 7A and each sub-hole 7B. In this case, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the locking claw 24 and the post 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B elastically deform and tilt, allowing the locking claw 24 and the post 25C to be inserted into the sub-hole 7B. At this time, the locking claw 24 and the post 25C abut against the edge of the sub-hole 7B, allowing the clip 1 to be fastened to the sub-hole 7B without rattle. In this way, the locking claws 24 of the clips 1 inserted into each sub-hole 7B are displaceable in the same direction, allowing for manufacturing errors in the displacement direction of each locking claw 24 of each clip 1. Because the locking claw 24 of each clip 1 abuts against the edge of the corresponding sub-hole 7B, the stability of the fastening structure 2 is improved.

[0064] 18, a recess 24C is formed in the portion of the tip of first piece 24A facing shank 31, the recess 24C being recessed in the opposite direction to shank 31. Recess 24C increases the gap between first piece 24A and shank 31, allowing first piece 24A to be displaced toward shank 31 when pin 16 is in the temporary fastening position.

[0065] The inner hole 37 has the effect of increasing the flexibility of the shaft 31. As a result, even if the locking claw 24 inserted into the sub-hole 7B is tilted, the large diameter portion 31A of the shaft 31 deforms toward the center, allowing the pin 16 to move from the temporary fastening position to the fastening position.

[0066] It is preferable that the connection portion 25D of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A protrudes into the reference hole 7A. This suppresses deformation of the pillar portion 25C and positions the clip 1 in the correct position relative to the reference hole 7A. Furthermore, because the four pillar portions 25C of the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A are positioned at the four corners of the reference hole 7A, the clip 1 is positioned in the correct position relative to the reference hole 7A.

[0067] The first side 11 of the sub-hole 7B is larger than the width of the clip 1 in the direction along the first side 11. Therefore, the clip 1 can move in the sub-hole 7B in the direction along the first side 11. Due to manufacturing errors, the distance between the clip 1 inserted into the reference hole 7A and the clip 1 inserted into the sub-hole 7B may deviate in the direction along the first side 11 (left-right direction) relative to the distance between the reference hole 7A and each sub-hole 7B. In this case, the clip 1 moves in the direction along the first side 11 in the sub-hole 7B to accommodate the manufacturing error.

[0068] Second Embodiment A fastening structure 100 according to a second embodiment differs from the fastening structure 2 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the clip 1. In the fastening structure 100 according to the second embodiment, the same structures as those in the fastening structure 2 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 20 , in the fastening structure 100 according to the second embodiment, the bracket 4 is coupled to the panel 3 via a plurality of clips 101. In this embodiment, four clips 101 are provided at the four corners of the bracket 4. Each clip 101 has the same structure. Therefore, one clip 101 will be described below, and the description of the other clips 101 will be incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] The clip 101 according to the second embodiment includes a grommet 103 and pins 104. Each of the pins 104 is integrally formed with the bracket 4. The bracket 4 and the pins 104 may be formed of a resin material having a relatively high rigidity. The bracket 4 and the pins 104 may be formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic, for example, polybutylene terephthalate containing glass fiber. The grommet 103 may be formed of a resin material having a higher flexibility than the bracket 4. The grommet 103 may be formed of, for example, polyacetal.

[0071] 21 and 22 , the grommet 103 has a main body 112 having a receiving hole 111, and a pair of locking claws 114 extending from the periphery of the receiving hole 111 in the main body 112 along the axis A of the receiving hole 111. The direction along the axis A is the Z direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction is the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is the Y direction. Each of the locking claws 114 has a pair of first pieces 114A extending parallel to the axis A, a connecting portion 114B connecting the tips of the pair of first pieces 114A, a first claw portion 114C protruding from the connecting portion 114B toward the receiving hole 111, a second piece 114D extending from one of the first pieces 114A, and a second claw portion 114E protruding from the second piece 114D on the side opposite the receiving hole 111. The second arm 114D extends between the pair of first arm portions 114A toward the main body 112. The pair of locking claws 114 face each other in the X direction perpendicular to the axis A. The second arm 114D elastically deforms in the X direction, allowing the second claw 114E to be displaced in the X direction.

[0072] A rib 114F is provided on the side of each first piece 114A opposite the receiving hole 111 in the X direction. Each rib 114F protrudes in the X direction and extends in the Z direction along the first piece 114A. The amount of protrusion of each rib 114F in the X direction decreases toward the tip of the first piece 114A. The protruding end of each second claw 114E is positioned outward in the X direction from the protruding end of the corresponding rib 114F.

[0073] 23 , the pin 104 has a shaft portion 117 extending in the Z direction from the bracket 4, and an enlarged head portion 118 provided at the tip of the shaft portion 117. The shaft portion 117 is formed in the shape of a flat plate having a width in the Y direction.

[0074] The grommet 103 is attached to the pin 104. The shaft 117 of the pin 104 is inserted into the receiving hole 111 and is held between a pair of locking claws 114. The pair of first claws 114C are locked onto the enlarged heads 118 of the pin 104, thereby maintaining the pin 104 and the grommet 103 in a coupled state.

[0075] Each pin 104 inserted into each sub-hole 7B is configured to be more elastically deformable in the X direction than the pin 104 inserted into the reference hole 7A. As shown in FIG. 24 , the width in the X direction of the base end 117A of the shaft 117 inserted into the reference hole 7A is preferably larger than the width in the X direction of the base end 117A of the shaft 117 inserted into each sub-hole 7B. When viewed from the Y direction, the base end 117A of the shaft 117 inserted into the reference hole 7A contacts the edge of the receiving hole 111. This prevents the pin 104 inserted into the reference hole 7A from moving in the X direction relative to the grommet 103. On the other hand, when viewed from the Y direction, a gap is formed between the base end 117A of the shaft 117 inserted into each sub-hole 7B and the edge of the receiving hole 111. This allows the pin 104 inserted into the sub-hole 7B to move in the X direction relative to the grommet 103.

[0076] With the grommet 103 attached to the pin 104, the shaft 117 and the pair of locking claws 114 are inserted into the coupling hole 7. At this time, the second claw 114E is pressed against the edge of the coupling hole 7, causing the second piece 114D to elastically deform in the X direction, and the second claw 114E passes through the coupling hole 7. Once the second claw 114E passes through the coupling hole 7, the second piece 114D returns to its original shape, and the second claw 114E is locked onto the edge of the coupling hole 7. This maintains the pin 104 and grommet 103 in a coupled state with the coupling hole 7, and the bracket 4 is coupled to the panel 3.

[0077] A pair of locking claws 114 of the clip 101 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B engages with a pair of first sides 11 of the sub-hole 7B. That is, the displacement directions of the locking claws 114 of the grommets 103 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. That is, the X directions of the clips 101 inserted into each of the sub-holes 7B are the same. In this embodiment, the pair of locking claws 114 of the clip 101 inserted into the reference hole 7A also engage with the first sides 11 of the reference hole 7A.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 24, the position of each grommet 103 relative to the panel 3 is determined by the rib 114F of each grommet 103 abutting against the first side portion 11 on the edge of the reference hole 7A or sub-hole 7B.

[0079] Due to manufacturing errors, the distance between the clip 101 inserted into the reference hole 7A and the clip 101 inserted into the sub-hole 7B may deviate in the direction along the second side 12 (vertical direction) relative to the distance between the reference hole 7A and the sub-hole 7B. In this case, the shank 117 of the clip 101 inserted into the sub-hole 7B elastically deforms and tilts, allowing the grommet 103 to be inserted into the sub-hole 7B. At this time, the rib 114F of the grommet 103 abuts against the first side 11 of the sub-hole 7B, allowing the clip 101 to be coupled to the sub-hole 7B without rattle. In this way, because the shank 117 of the clip 101 inserted into each sub-hole 7B is displaceable in the X direction, each clip 101 can tolerate manufacturing errors in the X direction. Similarly, each clip 101 inserted into the other sub-holes 7B can be inserted into the sub-hole 7B even if there is manufacturing error.

[0080] The first side 11 of the sub-hole 7B is larger than the width of the clip 101 in the direction along the first side 11. Therefore, the clip 101 can move in the sub-hole 7B in the direction along the first side 11. Due to manufacturing errors, the distance between the clip 101 inserted into the reference hole 7A and the clip 101 inserted into the sub-hole 7B may deviate in the direction along the first side 11 (left-right direction) relative to the distance between the reference hole 7A and each sub-hole 7B. In this case, the clip 101 moves in the direction along the first side 11 in the sub-hole 7B to accommodate the manufacturing error.

[0081] 25 , the worker inserts the tool 120 between the main body 112 and the panel 3 and uses the tool 120 to push the second piece 114D toward the shaft 117, thereby separating the second claw 114E from the edge of the coupling hole 7. This allows the clip 101 to be removed from the coupling hole 7.

[0082] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified. For example, the orientation of the panel 3, and the positions and number of the reference holes 7A and sub-holes 7B on the panel 3 may be changed as desired. Furthermore, the positions and number of the clips 1 on the bracket 4 may be changed as desired.

[0083] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Clip 2: Fastening structure 3: Panel 4: Bracket 7: Coupling hole 7A: Reference hole 7B: Sub-hole 11: First side portion 12: Second side portion 15: Grommet 16: Pin 21: Receiving hole 22: Main body portion 24: Locking claw 24A: First piece portion 24B: Claw portion 24C: Recessed portion 25: Support piece 25A: Second piece portion 25B: Locking protrusion portion 25C: Pillar portion 25D: Connection portion 25E: Slit 29: Holding piece 29A: First portion 29B: Second portion 31: Shaft portion 31A: Large diameter portion 31B: Small diameter portion 33: First engaging portion 33A: First recessed portion 34 : Second engagement portion 34A : Second recess 34B : Inclined surface 41 : First cam 42 : Second cam

Claims

1. A fastening structure comprising: a panel having a reference hole and at least one sub-hole formed therein; a bracket; and a plurality of clips which connect to each of the reference holes and the sub-holes, each of the clips having a main body with a receiving hole, a grommet having a pair of locking claws extending from around the receiving hole in the main body along the axis of the receiving hole, and a pin having a shaft which is inserted into the receiving hole, each of the main body being integrally formed with the bracket, a gap being formed between the pin and the locking claws, the locking claws being displaceable towards the pin, and each of the locking claws of the grommet inserted into each of the sub-holes being displaceable in the same direction.

2. A fastening structure as described in claim 1, wherein each of the pins is movable relative to the corresponding grommet between a temporary fastening position and a fastening position, and when the pin is in the temporary fastening position, a gap is formed between the pin and the locking claw and the locking claw is displaceable toward the pin, and when the pin is in the fastening position, each of the locking claws abuts against the shaft portion, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion.

3. The fastening structure described in claim 2, wherein each of the locking claws has a first piece extending from the main body portion parallel to the axis of the receiving hole, and a claw portion protruding from the tip of the first piece on the side opposite the receiving hole, the shaft portion has a large diameter portion provided on the base end side, and a small diameter portion provided on the tip side of the large diameter portion and having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion, when the pin is in the temporary fastening position, each of the first pieces faces the small diameter portion across a gap, and when the pin is in the fastening position, each of the first pieces abuts against the large diameter portion, thereby restricting displacement toward the shaft portion.

4. A fastening structure as described in claim 3, wherein each of the grommets has a pair of support pieces extending from the main body in the same direction as the pair of locking claws, each of the support pieces has a second piece and a pair of pillars extending from the main body parallel to the axis of the receiving hole, and a pair of connecting parts connecting the second piece and the pair of pillars, and the distance from the tip of the pillar of the clip inserted into the auxiliary hole to the connecting parts is greater than the distance from the tip of the pillar of the clip inserted into the reference hole to the connecting parts.

5. A fastening structure as set forth in claim 4, wherein the connection portion of the clip that is inserted into the reference hole protrudes into the reference hole.

6. The fastening structure according to claim 5, wherein the reference hole and the sub-hole are formed in a quadrangle, and the four pillars of the clip are disposed at the four corners of the reference hole or the sub-hole.

7. A fastening structure as described in claim 6, wherein the pair of locking claws abut against opposing first sides of the reference hole or the sub-hole, and the pair of support pieces face opposing second sides of the reference hole or the sub-hole.

8. The fastening structure according to claim 7, wherein the length of the first side portion of each of the sub-holes is longer than the length of the first side portion of the reference hole.

9. The fastening structure according to claim 2, wherein an inner hole is formed inside the shaft portion.

10. A fastening structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bracket supports a radar, and the panel is a vehicle body panel.

11. A fastening structure comprising: a panel having a reference hole and at least one sub-hole formed therein; a bracket; and a plurality of clips coupled to each of the reference hole and the sub-hole, each of the clips having a main body having a receiving hole, a grommet having a pair of locking claws extending from around the receiving hole in the main body along the axis of the receiving hole, and a pin having a shaft portion to be inserted into the receiving hole, each of the pins being integrally formed with the bracket, a gap being formed between the pin and the locking claws, the locking claws being displaceable toward the pin, and each of the locking claws of the grommet inserted into each of the sub-holes being displaceable in the same direction.

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