clip

Abstract

A clip (1) comprises: a holding part (2) in which an insertion space (S), through which a cable (8) is inserted, and a slit (SL) are formed, and that has a pair of open end parts (23A, 23B) facing each other, with the slit (SL) therebetween; a pair of base parts (3A, 3B) that are connected to the pair of open end parts (23A, 23B) and extend in a direction separating from each other along the width direction of the slit (SL); and a pair of protrusions (4A, 4B) that protrude on the opposite side from the holding part (2) side from the pair of base parts (3A, 3B) and that are inserted into an attachment target (9) in a state of being separate from each other in the width direction of the slit (SL).

Description

clip

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip for attaching a cable to an attachment object.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been clips for attaching cables connected to electrical equipment to an attachment target. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clip that includes a holding portion that holds the cable and a protruding portion that is inserted into the attachment target, which is a soft material.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-220166

[0004] However, the clip described in Patent Document 1 does not have sufficient stability when attached to a soft material. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a clip that can be stably attached to a soft material.

[0005] [1] A clip according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a holding portion that forms an insertion space through which a cable is inserted and a slit that opens the insertion space, and has a pair of opening ends that face each other through the slit; a pair of base portions that are connected to the pair of opening ends and extend in directions that separate them from each other along the width direction of the slit; and a pair of protrusions that protrude from the pair of base portions to the opposite side from the holding portion and are inserted into an attachment object while being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit.

[0006] [2] In this aspect, it is preferable that the holding portion elastically deforms so that the pair of opening ends move toward or away from each other in the width direction of the slit.

[0007] [3] In this aspect, it is preferable that the pair of protrusions are provided on the pair of base portions at positions spaced apart from the slit in the width direction of the slit.

[0008] [4] In this aspect, when the pair of protrusions are inserted into the attachment target, it is preferable that the pair of opening ends are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit.

[0009] [5] In this aspect, the holding portion further has a pair of holding piece portions arranged opposite each other across the insertion space, and a hinge portion connecting the pair of holding piece portions, and it is preferable that the pair of holding piece portions rotate around the hinge portion so that the pair of opening ends move closer to or further apart in the width direction of the slit.

[0010] [6] In this aspect, it is preferable that the hinge portion is disposed opposite the slit across the insertion space and has a predetermined width in the width direction of the slit.

[0011] [7] In this aspect, it is preferable that the holding portion has a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the insertion space, and when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the holding portion, the convex portions form an arc-shaped curved surface.

[0012] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a clip according to an embodiment of the present invention is used; FIG. 3 is a side view showing the clip of the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 2 as seen from below; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 2 as seen from above;

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, a clip 1 of the present invention is used to attach a cable 8 connected to an arbitrary device to an attachment target 9.

[0014] The attachment target 9 for which the clip 1 of this embodiment can be used may be any object made of one or more soft materials, such as nonwoven fabric, glass fiber, urethane, and foam. The cable 8 for which the clip 1 of this embodiment can be used may be a single electric wire or a bundle of multiple electric wires. For example, when the clip 1 of this embodiment is used for wiring devices mounted on an automobile, the attachment target 9 is a roof lining made of a soft material, and the cable 8 is a wire harness made of multiple electric wires used for power supply and signal communication.

[0015] 2 to 4, the structure of the clip 1 will be described. The clip 1 is integrally molded from an elastic synthetic resin. The clip 1 includes a holding portion 2 that holds the cable 8, a pair of base portions 3A and 3B that contact the attachment object 9, and a pair of protrusions 4A and 4B that are inserted into the attachment object 9.

[0016] In the following description, the axial direction of the cable 8 held by the clip 1 is referred to as the Y direction, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction and along the insertion direction of the clip 1 into the attachment object 9 is referred to as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Y direction and the Z direction is referred to as the X direction. Furthermore, one direction of the Z direction (the insertion direction) is referred to as the +Z direction, and the other direction of the Z direction (the direction opposite to the insertion direction) is referred to as the -Z direction. The central axis of the cable 8 held by the clip 1 corresponds to the central axis of the holder 2.

[0017] The holding portion 2 forms an insertion space S through which the cable 8 is inserted and a slit SL that communicates with the insertion space S. The insertion space S extends along the Y direction and is open on both sides in the Y direction. The slit SL is an opening that opens the insertion space S toward the +Z direction. The slit SL has a predetermined width W1 in the X direction (see FIG. 2). The holding portion 2 has the same cross-sectional shape along the Y direction (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the length of the holding portion 2 in the Y direction can be set as desired depending on the holding range of the cable 8.

[0018] The holding portion 2 has, as specific configurations for forming the above-mentioned insertion space S and slit SL, a pair of holding piece portions 21A, 21B sandwiching the insertion space S between them, a hinge portion 22 connecting the pair of holding piece portions 21A, 21B, and a pair of opening ends 23A, 23B facing each other via the slit SL.

[0019] The holding pieces 21A and 21B have symmetrical shapes. Each of the holding pieces 21A and 21B has a side surface 211 that forms part of the outer shape of the holding unit 2 and multiple protrusions 212 and 213 that protrude toward the insertion space S. The side surfaces 211 of the holding pieces 21A and 21B are curved so as to be arranged on the same circle in a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the Y direction. The protrusions 212 and 213 of the holding pieces 21A and 21B are arranged to surround the central axis of the holding unit 2. For example, the protrusion 212 of the holding piece 21A and the protrusion 213 of the holding piece 21B are arranged opposite each other, and the protrusion 213 of the holding piece 21A and the protrusion 212 of the holding piece 21B are arranged opposite each other. The protrusions 212 and 213 extend continuously in the Y direction and form an arc-shaped curved surface in the XZ plane. The central angle of each of the convex portions 212 and 213 with respect to the curved surface is, for example, 90 degrees.

[0020] Hinge portion 22 is a portion that serves as a fulcrum for the rotational movement of holding pieces 21A, 21B, and is connected to each end portion on the −Z side of holding pieces 21A, 21B. By the rotational movement of holding pieces 21A, 21B around hinge portion 22, opening ends 23A, 23B move away from each other so that width W1 of slit SL increases.

[0021] The thickness of hinge portion 22 is smaller than the thickness of holding pieces 21A and 21B in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of holding portion 2. Hinge portion 22 is disposed opposite slit SL and has a predetermined width W2 in the width direction (X direction) of slit SL (see FIG. 2). Width W2 of hinge portion 22 is preferably set to at least half the width W1 of slit SL and equal to or smaller than width W1 of slit SL.

[0022] Opening end 23A is provided at the end on the +Z side of holding piece 21A, and opening end 23B is provided at the end on the +Z side of holding piece 21B. Opening ends 23A, 23B may have a shape that extends in the +Z direction from each side surface portion 211 of holding piece 21A, 21B. Note that the Z-direction length of opening ends 23A, 23B, i.e., the Z-direction length of slit SL, can be set arbitrarily.

[0023] Base portion 3A is connected to opening end 23A, and base portion 3B is connected to opening end 23B. These base portions 3A and 3B extend in directions away from each other along the X direction. Furthermore, base portions 3A and 3B are formed in the shape of a plate having a thickness in the Z direction and having the same cross-sectional shape along the Y direction.

[0024] Each of the base portions 3A, 3B has an abutment surface 31 facing in the -Z direction and a guide surface 32 extending between the abutment surface 31 and the slit SL. The abutment surfaces 31 of the base portions 3A, 3B are arranged on the same plane and can abut against the attachment object 9. The guide surfaces 32 of the base portions 3A, 3B face each other in the X direction and are inclined with respect to the Z direction so that the gap between them widens as they move in the +Z direction.

[0025] The protrusion 4A protrudes from the base portion 3A in the +Z direction, and the protrusion 4B protrudes from the base portion 3B in the +Z direction. Specifically, the protrusion 4A is provided on the contact surface 31 of the base portion 3A at a location spaced from the slit SL to one side in the X direction (the -X side). Similarly, the protrusion 4B is provided on the contact surface 31 of the base portion 3B at a location spaced from the slit SL to the other side in the X direction (the +X side).

[0026] Each of the protrusions 4A, 4B has a main body 41 that protrudes from the bases 3A, 3B in the +Z direction, and a claw 42 that protrudes from the main body 41 on the side opposite the slit SL in the X direction. The main body 41 of each of the protrusions 4A, 4B is arranged along the Z direction and has flat surfaces 411 that face each other in the X direction. The claw 42 of each of the protrusions 4A, 4B has a locking surface 421 that faces the -Z direction. The X-direction dimension of each of the protrusions 4A, 4B on the +Z side of the locking surface 421 gradually decreases toward the +Z direction.

[0027] The length of the protrusions 4A, 4B in the Y direction is shorter than the length of the holder 2 and the bases 3A, 3B in the Y direction, and the protrusions 4A, 4B are disposed at the center of the bases 3A, 3B in the Y direction. The Y direction dimension of the protrusions 4A, 4B gradually decreases as it moves from the bases 3A, 3B in the +Z direction (see FIG. 4).

[0028] [Example of Use of Clip 1] A method of attaching cable 8 using clip 1 will be described. Note that the diameter of cable 8 held by clip 1 is preferably larger than the shortest gap G (see FIG. 2 ) between protrusions 212 and 213 of clip 1.

[0029] First, the worker positions the central axis of the holding part 2 along the axial direction of the cable 8 and presses the peripheral surface of the cable 8 against the slit SL of the holding part 2. At this time, the guide surfaces 32 of the base parts 3A and 3B guide the cable 8 toward the slit SL. The cable 8 passes through the slit SL of the holding part 2 while expanding the slit SL in the X direction, and is placed in the insertion space S.

[0030] When the cable 8 is placed in the insertion space S, the holding pieces 21A and 21B clamp the cable 8 by the elastic force of the hinge portion 22. At this time, the protrusions 212 and 213 of the holding pieces 21A and 21B are pressed against the peripheral surface of the cable 8.

[0031] Next, the worker inserts the protrusions 4A, 4B of the clip 1 into a desired portion of the attachment target 9. At this time, the worker preferably presses the holding pieces 21A, 21B inward in the X direction while piercing the protrusions 4A, 4B into the attachment target 9. The worker also preferably pierces the protrusions 4A, 4B into the attachment target 9 until the contact surfaces 31 of the base portions 3A, 3B come into contact with the surface of the attachment target 9.

[0032] When the protrusions 4A, 4B of the clip 1 are inserted into the attachment object 9, friction occurs between the protrusions 4A, 4B and the attachment object 9 due to the elasticity of the attachment object 9. Also, the locking surfaces 421 of the protrusions 4A, 4B engage with the interior of the attachment object 9. In this way, the cable 8 is attached to the attachment object 9 via the clip 1, as shown in FIG.

[0033] [Effects of this embodiment] The clip 1 of this embodiment includes a holding portion 2 that forms an insertion space S through which a cable 8 is inserted and a slit SL that communicates with the insertion space S, and has a pair of opening ends 23A, 23B that face each other via the slit SL, a pair of base portions 3A, 3B that are connected to the pair of opening ends 23A, 23B and extend in directions that separate them from each other along the width direction (X direction) of the slit SL, and a pair of protrusions 4A, 4B that protrude from the pair of base portions 3A, 3B to the side opposite the holding portion 2 and are inserted into the attachment object 9 while being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit SL.

[0034] With this configuration, the base portions 3A, 3B can contact the attachment target 9 while being expanded in the width direction of the slit SL, and the protrusions 4A, 4B are inserted into the attachment target 9 while being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit SL, thereby stabilizing the posture of the clip 1 relative to the attachment target 9. Furthermore, the load applied to the holding portion 2 from the cable 8 in the insertion space S acts as a force that separates the open ends 23A, 23B of the holding portion 2 from each other, pressing the protrusions 4A, 4B against the attachment target 9 in the width direction of the slit SL. This allows the protrusions 4A, 4B to firmly engage with the attachment target 9. Therefore, the clip 1 of this embodiment can be stably attached to the attachment target 9, which is made of a soft material.

[0035] As a comparative example, the clip of Patent Document 1 has one protrusion that is inserted into the attachment target, and if the hole in the attachment target into which the protrusion is inserted becomes loose, the clip may fall off the attachment target. On the other hand, in the clip 1 of this embodiment, the protrusions 4A and 4B are inserted into the attachment target 9 and pressed against each other in opposite directions against the attachment target 9. Therefore, even if the hole in the attachment target 9 into which the protrusions 4A and 4B are inserted becomes loose, the clip is less likely to fall off the attachment target compared to the comparative example.

[0036] In this embodiment, the holding portion 2 elastically deforms so that the pair of opening ends 23A, 23B move toward or away from each other in the width direction of the slit SL. This configuration allows the protrusions 4A, 4B to suitably engage with the attachment object 9. In addition, the allowable range of the diameter of the cable 8 that can be held by the clip 1 can be increased.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pair of protrusions 4A, 4B are provided on the pair of base portions 3A, 3B at positions spaced apart from the slit SL in the width direction (X direction) of the slit SL. In this configuration, even when the holding portion 2 elastically changes so that the pair of opening ends 23A, 23B approach each other, the protrusions 4A, 4B can be suitably maintained in a spaced-apart state.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the pair of protrusions 4A, 4B are inserted into the attachment target 9, the pair of opening ends 23A, 23B are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (X direction) of the slit SL. With this configuration, when the protrusions 4A, 4B are inserted into the attachment target 9, it is possible to suppress wobbling of the holding portion 2 relative to the base portions 3A, 3B. This makes it possible to more suitably stabilize the posture of the clip 1 relative to the attachment target 9.

[0039] In this embodiment, the holding portion 2 further includes a pair of holding pieces 21A, 21B arranged opposite each other across the insertion space S, and a hinge portion 22 connecting the pair of holding pieces 21A, 21B. The pair of holding pieces 21A, 21B rotate about the hinge portion 22 so that the pair of opening ends 23A, 23B move toward or away from each other in the width direction (X direction) of the slit SL. In this configuration, the pair of holding pieces 21A, 21B clamp the cable 8, allowing the holding portion 2 to suitably hold the cable 8. Furthermore, when a load is applied to the holding portion 2 from the cable 8 in the insertion space S, the pair of holding pieces 21A, 21B press the protrusions 4A, 4B against the attachment target 9, allowing the protrusions 4A, 4B to suitably engage with the attachment target 9.

[0040] In this embodiment, the hinge portion 22 is disposed opposite the slit SL across the insertion space S, and has a predetermined width W1 in the width direction (X direction) of the slit SL. In this configuration, the width of the slit SL in the holding portion 2 is stable. As a result, the posture of the clip 1 relative to the attachment object 9 can be more suitably stabilized.

[0041] In this embodiment, the holding portion 2 has a plurality of protrusions 212, 213 that protrude toward the insertion space S, and when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the holding portion 2, the protrusions 212, 213 form an arc-shaped curved surface. With this configuration, each of the protrusions 212, 213 reliably contacts the cable 8, thereby enabling the cable 8 to be suitably held. Furthermore, the load applied to the holding portion 2 from the cable 8 in the insertion space S can be suitably secured, allowing the protrusions 4A, 4B to suitably engage with the attachment object 9.

[0042] [Modification] In the above embodiment, one protrusion 4A, 4B is provided on each of the base portions 3A, 3B, but multiple protrusions 4A, 4B may be provided on each of the base portions 3A, 3B. Furthermore, the arrangement of the protrusions 4A, 4B on the base portions 3A, 3B is not limited to the arrangement described in the above embodiment, as long as they can be spaced apart from each other at least in the width direction of the slit SL.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the opening ends 23A, 23B are spaced apart from each other when the protrusions 4A, 4B are inserted into the attachment target 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, as long as the protrusions 4A, 4B are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit SL, the opening ends 23A, 23B may be in contact with each other.

[0044] Although the holder 2 in the above embodiment has the hinge portion 22 connecting the pair of holding pieces 21A, 21B, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holder 2 may be elastically deformed as a whole, so that the pair of opening ends 23A, 23B move closer to or farther apart in the X direction.

[0045] Although the holding unit 2 in the above embodiment holds the cable 8 by the plurality of protrusions 212, 213, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holding unit 2 may have another configuration for holding the cable 8 without the plurality of protrusions 212, 213.

[0046] 1...clip, 2...holding portion, 21A, 21B...holding piece portion, 211...side portion, 212, 213...convex portion, 22...hinge portion, 23A, 23B...opening end, 3A, 3B...base portion, 31...contact surface, 32...guide surface, 4A, 4B...protrusion portion, 41...main body portion, 411...flat surface, 42...claw portion, 421...engaging surface, 8...cable, 9...mounting object, SL...slit, S...insertion space.

Claims

1. A clip comprising: a retaining portion (2) that forms an insertion space (S) through which a cable (8) is inserted and a slit (SL) that opens the insertion space (S), and that has a pair of opening ends (23A, 23B) that face each other via the slit (SL); a pair of base portions (3A, 3B) that are connected to the pair of opening ends (23A, 23B) and extend in directions that separate them from each other along the width direction of the slit (SL); and a pair of protruding portions (4A, 4B) that protrude from the pair of base portions (3A, 3B) to the side opposite the retaining portion (2) and that are inserted into an attachment object (9) while being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit (SL).

2. A clip as described in claim 1, wherein the retaining portion (2) elastically deforms so that the pair of opening ends (23A, 23B) move closer to or farther away from each other in the width direction of the slit (SL).

3. A clip as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pair of protrusions (4A, 4B) are provided on the pair of base portions (3A, 3B) at positions spaced apart from the slit (SL) in the width direction of the slit (SL).

4. A clip as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the pair of protrusions (4A, 4B) are inserted into the attachment object (9), the pair of opening ends (23A, 23B) are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the slit (SL).

5. A clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding portion (2) further comprises a pair of holding piece portions (21A, 21B) arranged opposite each other across the insertion space (S), and a hinge portion (22) connecting the pair of holding piece portions (21A, 21B), and the pair of holding piece portions (21A, 21B) rotate around the hinge portion (22) so that the pair of opening ends (23A, 23B) move closer to or farther apart in the width direction of the slit (SL).

6. A clip as described in claim 5, wherein the hinge portion (22) is arranged opposite the slit (SL) via the insertion space (S) and has a predetermined width in the width direction of the slit (SL).

7. A clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holding portion (2) has a plurality of protrusions (212, 213) that protrude towards the insertion space (S), and when viewed from a direction along the central axis of the holding portion (2), the protrusions (212, 213) form an arc-shaped curved surface.

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