Clip device
The clip device addresses the issue of clip detachment by using a perpendicular insertion method and elastically deformable claw design, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal, even with components experiencing strong reaction forces.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK AND BUS CORPORATION
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing clips used for connecting components are prone to detachment due to reaction forces, especially when the clip mounting direction is the same as the component mounting direction, leading to increased installation difficulty and potential detachment.
A clip device with a gate member and clip design where the clip is inserted perpendicular to the component mounting direction, utilizing a gate-shaped opening and an elastically deformable claw portion that engages with the gate member, allowing easy insertion and secure locking.
The clip device securely attaches components with strong reaction forces, preventing detachment while maintaining easy installation and removal, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing repair costs.
Smart Images
Figure JP2025040424_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Clip device
[0001] The present invention relates to a clip device suitable for use in aligning the relative positions of components with each other.
[0002] For example, in automobiles, a variety of components are used. Clips are frequently used to couple these components to the vehicle body or to connect components to each other. Clips are often used because they can easily perform component alignment (relative alignment of components with each other) and attachment to the main body of a component.
[0003] Such clips are usually attached in the same direction as the component attachment direction. For example, when attaching a component to be attached (attachment component) to the attachment surface of a component at the attachment destination, the clip is inserted into a clip hole formed in the attachment surface from a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface, and the clip and the attachment component are locked to the attachment surface. In this case, the direction of approaching perpendicular to the attachment surface is the component attachment direction and the clip attachment direction.
[0004] In the case of a clip attached in the same direction as the component attachment direction in this way, the clip is provided with a protruding portion that expands and contracts by elastic deformation. During the insertion of the clip into the clip hole, the protruding portion contracts in diameter due to elastic deformation, and after the insertion is completed, the protruding portion expands in diameter and is locked to the locking portion at the periphery of the clip hole.
[0005] However, due to the reaction force between the components to be connected, the attachment component attached with the clip may come off from the component at the attachment destination. For example, due to a shape error between components, a force (reaction force) opposite to the component attachment direction may occur at the component attachment location. In this case, if the clip attachment direction is the same as the component attachment direction, the reaction force acts in the direction of removing the clip, and thus the attachment component may come off from the component at the attachment destination.
[0006] For this reason, in many cases, screws or bolts are used instead of clips to fasten the mounting component to the target component in a way that resists the reaction force, especially in parts with strong reaction forces or in locations where reaction forces are easily generated due to their shape. However, clips are superior to screws and bolts in terms of ease of installation, and there is a need for the development of clips that can be used without problems even in parts with strong reaction forces or in locations where reaction forces are easily generated due to their shape.
[0007] If the clip mounting direction is the same as the component mounting direction, increasing the removal force (the force required to remove the clip) will make it more difficult for the clip to come off, but it will also increase the force required to insert the clip during installation, thus increasing the workload and burden on the installer. In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a clip whose mounting direction is set to intersect with the component mounting direction. The purpose of this invention is to enable easy and reliable fixing of speaker brackets that generate vibrations.
[0008] In this invention, the panel (the component to be mounted) is provided with a projection having a clip insertion hole, and the speaker bracket (mounting component) to be attached to the panel is provided with a panel mounting portion having a projection insertion hole formed parallel to the surface (mounting surface) of the panel (in a direction intersecting the component mounting direction). The clip is made of resin and comprises a locking portion that is inserted into and locked in the clip insertion hole of the panel, and an operating portion for operation by the worker. The locking portion of the clip is inserted into the exposed clip insertion hole when the projection of the panel is fitted into the projection insertion hole of the panel mounting portion of the speaker bracket. As a result, the upper surface of the locking portion of the clip presses against the inner surface of the clip insertion hole, causing the projection to flex. In addition, the rear inclined surface of the elastically deformable claw portion of the clip presses against the front horizontal edge of the ceiling surface of the clip insertion hole, and both connecting portions of the clip press against the vertical edge of the inner wall surface of the clip insertion hole, fixing it in place. In this case, the clip mounting direction is intersecting with the component mounting direction and is different from the component mounting direction, so the clip is less likely to come loose and the component less likely to detach, even when used with components that have a strong reaction force or in locations where a reaction force is easily generated due to the shape.
[0009] International Publication No. 2011 / 065121
[0010] By the way, when joining parts with a clip, sometimes it is assumed that the two parts will not be separated once joined, but sometimes it is assumed that the two parts will be separated by removing the clip after they have been joined. The invention in Patent Document 1 is based on the former premise that the two parts will not be separated once joined, and does not include any configuration to improve operability when removing the clip.
[0011] This invention was conceived in response to these challenges, and one of its objectives is to provide a clipping device that makes it difficult for clips to come loose while also allowing for easy removal.
[0012] This invention was made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems and can be realized in the following embodiments or application examples. The clip device according to this application example is a clip device for connecting a first member and a second member, comprising: a gate member having a gate-shaped opening provided on a first plate-shaped portion which is a plate-shaped portion of the first member and oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion extends; an opening drilled in a second plate-shaped portion which is a plate-shaped portion of the second member, through which the gate member can be inserted; and a clip that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, which is inserted through the opening and protruding from the opening, by overlapping the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, wherein the clip is inserted into the gate-shaped opening so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the gate-shaped opening. The clip has a main body and an operating part provided on the base end side of the clip body for an operator to insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening. The clip body has a claw portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the clip from the tip of the clip body toward the operating part and is elastically deformable in a direction toward and toward the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening when inserted into the gate-shaped opening. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion, and a pressing portion is formed on the side of the claw portion toward the operating part to elastically deform the claw portion. When the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, the recess engages with the upper edge of the opening.
[0013] According to this application example, when inserting the clip body of the clip into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, the operator can easily insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member by grasping the operating part and pressing the pressing part, while elastically deforming the claw part. Since the gate-shaped opening is oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part extend, the clip body inserted into the gate-shaped opening is also inserted parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part extend. Therefore, since the clip mounting direction is intersecting the part mounting direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part extend) and is different from the part mounting direction, the clip is less likely to come loose and the part is less likely to come off even when used with parts that have a strong reaction force or in places where a reaction force is likely to be generated due to the shape. Furthermore, when removing the clip body inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, the worker can easily remove the clip body from the gate-shaped opening of the gate member by grasping the operating part and pressing the pressing part, causing the claw part to elastically deform, just as when inserting it.
[0014] According to this application example, the clip becomes less likely to come loose, and it can be removed with ease of use.
[0015] This is a perspective view showing a clip inserted into the gate member of a clip device according to one embodiment. This is a side view of a main part of a vehicle showing an example of an application target for the clip device according to one embodiment. This is a front view of a mounting base fixed to the first member of the clip device according to one embodiment and having a first plate-shaped part with a notched groove. This is a perspective view of a mounting base fixed to the first member of the clip device according to one embodiment and having a first plate-shaped part with a notched groove, showing the gate member in the process of being installed. This is a perspective view of the gate member shown in Figure 1. This is a top view of the gate member shown in Figure 1. Figures 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c) are diagrams showing the gate member shown in Figure 1, where Figure 7(a) is a front view, Figure 7(b) is a side view, and Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 7(a). This is a perspective view of the clip shown in Figure 1. This is a top view of the clip shown in Figure 1. Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are side views of the clip shown in Figure 1. Figure 10(a) shows the claw portion in its natural state only, and Figure 10(b) shows the claw portion in both its natural state and a state of elastic deformation. Figure 10(a) is a front end view of the clip shown in Figure 1. Figure 10(b) is a base end view of the clip shown in Figure 1. Figure 10(b) is a side view showing the clip inserted into the gate member of a clip device according to one embodiment. Figure 10(b) is a top view showing the clip inserted into the gate member of the clip device shown in Figure 1. Figure 10(b) is a perspective view showing the clip shown in Figure 1 being grasped with fingers and inserted. Figures 16(a) to 16(d) are side views showing the process of inserting the clip into the gate member of the clip device shown in Figure 1, in the order of Figures 16(a) to 16(d).
[0016] The embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly shown in these embodiments. Each configuration of the embodiments described below can be modified in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.
[0017] In Figures 1 and 3 to 16, which are referenced in the following explanation, the direction perpendicular to the surface of the first plate-like portion of the first member on the mounting workspace side is defined as "upward," and the opposite direction is defined as "downward." These "upward" and "downward" directions are not aligned with the vertical direction, but are defined as described above for the sake of explanation.
[0018] [1. Configuration] A clip device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. In Figures 1, 13 to 16, the gate member is shown in gray to make it easier to distinguish between the gate member and the clip. This clip device 10 is for connecting two members (a first member and a second member). Here, an example of the first member and the second member will be described. Figure 2 is a side view of the cab 2 of the truck 1. As shown in Figure 2, a fender 4 is mounted on the outside of the wheel arch 3 along the wheel arch 3, and a step wall 5 for holding the boarding and alighting step 6 of the cab 2 is mounted on the lower front of the fender 4. The step wall 5 is also mounted along the wheel arch 3 and continuous with the fender 4.
[0019] The fender (second component) 4 and the step wall (first component) 5 are separate parts, but they need to be mounted in a way that makes them appear smooth and continuous. For this reason, a clip device 10 is used to connect the fender 4 and the step wall 5 in a predetermined relative relationship. Here, the front lower edge of the fender 4 is overlapped and joined on the back surface 5a (see Figure 4) side of the step wall 5. The step wall 5 corresponds to the first component, and the fender 4 corresponds to the second component. The clip device 10 is used, for example, at two locations indicated by the black stars in Figure 2.
[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the clip device 10 comprises a gate member 20 and a clip 30. Both the gate member 20 and the clip 30 are made of resin, and this resin material can be, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM), polyacetal, acetal resin, etc. The gate member 20 is attached to the step wall 5 (first member). For this reason, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a mounting base 50 for attaching the gate member 20 is formed on the back surface 5a side of the step wall 5.
[0021] In the following explanation, the opening direction (direction perpendicular to the opening surface) of the gate member 20's gate-shaped opening 26 is defined as D1, and the width direction D2 of the clip 30 is defined as the direction parallel to the plate-shaped portion 41 (see Figure 13) of the fender 4 (second member) and perpendicular to the extension direction (also called the "longitudinal direction") of the clip 30. When the clip 30 is inserted into the gate member 20 (after installation), the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the clip 30 coincides with the opening direction D1. In Figures 1, 3 to 15, when the clip 30 is inserted into the gate member 20, the base end direction in the longitudinal direction (coinciding with the opening direction) D1 of the clip 30 is indicated by LDB, the tip direction by LDT, the right direction in the width direction D2 is indicated by RH, the left direction by LT, the upper direction by TP, and the lower direction by BM. These are indicated with arrows in each figure.
[0022] The mounting base 50 includes a vertical wall-shaped leg portion 51 protruding from the back surface 5a, and a plate-shaped portion (first plate-shaped portion) 52 positioned above the leg portion 51 and separated from the back surface 5a. The plate-shaped portion 52 is a roughly rectangular flat plate, and an opening 53 is formed in one edge of the plate-shaped portion 52 and the leg portion 51 continuous below it, into which the first base portion 22 of the gate member 20 (details will be described later) can be inserted. In addition, a notched groove 54 is formed in the plate-shaped portion 52, continuous with this opening 53, into which the neck portion 24 of the gate member 20 can be inserted. Stiffeners 55 are provided protruding from both outer sides of the leg portion 51 on the other edge side of the plate-shaped portion 52.
[0023] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 13, the fender 4 (second member), which is connected to the step wall 5 by the clip device 10, has a plate-like portion (second plate-like portion) 41 extending from it so as to overlap with the back surface 5a of the step wall 5. This plate-like portion 41 is also flat, and an opening 42 is drilled in the plate-like portion 41 through which the gate portion 25 of the gate member 20 (details will be described later) can be inserted.
[0024] Here, the details of the gate member 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 7 [Figures 7(a) to 7(c)]. As shown in Figures 5 to 7 [Figures 7(a) to 7(c)], the gate member 20 consists of a rectangular base portion 21 attached to the mounting base 50 and a gate portion 25 extending upward from the base portion and forming a gate-shaped opening 26. At the joint between the base portion 21 and the gate portion 25, at least one pair of protrusions 27 are formed on the diagonal of the base portion 21, in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 42. Note that the diagonal length L1 of the opening 42 is set to be greater than the diagonal length L2 of the base of the gate portion 25.
[0025] The base portion 21, when attached to the plate-shaped portion 52 of the mounting base 50 of the step wall 5, comprises a rectangular flat first base portion 22 located below the plate-shaped portion 52 (on the back surface 5a side of the step wall 5), a rectangular flat second base portion 23 located above the plate-shaped portion 52 and arranged parallel to the first base portion 22, and a neck portion 24 provided between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23. The distance between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23 is set to be slightly greater than the thickness of the plate-shaped portion 52.
[0026] Furthermore, the first base portion 22 is slightly narrower than the second base portion 23. This is because the lower surface of the plate-like portion 52 into which the first base portion 22 enters has legs 51 around it, and is narrower than the upper surface of the plate-like portion 52 on which the second base portion 23 rests. In addition, the outer circumference of the neck portion 24 is formed in an uneven shape 24a, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 7(c). That is, multiple ridge-like projections 24b extending in the axial direction (in the axial direction of the neck portion 24, in the vertical direction when mounted on the mounting base 50) are formed, and grooves 24c extending in the axial direction are formed between adjacent ridge-like projections 24b. Also, the ridge-like projections 24b are formed smoothly without corners.
[0027] The base portion 21 is positioned so that the neck portion 24 is inserted into the notched groove 54 and the plate-shaped portion 52 is sandwiched between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23. The notched groove 54 is narrowed at the entrance portion on the opening 53 side to be slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the neck portion 24, and the inner portion where the neck portion 24 is housed is formed as a cylindrical surface with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the neck portion 24. Since the outer circumference of the neck portion 24 is formed as an uneven shape 24a, the projection 24b of the neck portion 24 is elastically deformed to reduce its diameter at the narrow entrance portion of the notched groove 54, allowing the neck portion 24 to easily enter the inner part of the notched groove 54. Conversely, the gate member 20 can also be removed from the mounting base 50 by the opposite movement. In other words, the gate member 20 is detachably attached to the step wall 5 (first member).
[0028] The gate section 25 is erected on the second base section 23 of the base section 21 and is formed in a gate shape consisting of a pair of columnar sections 28, 28 and a beam-like section 29 that spans the upper part of these columnar sections 28, 28. Inside the columnar sections 28, 28 and the beam-like section 29, a gate-shaped opening 26 is formed, which is roughly rectangular in front view (see Figure 7(a)). The gate member 20, including the gate section 25, has the same shape on both the front and back sides, so there is no distinct front or back side, but for convenience, one side will be referred to as the front and the other as the back side.
[0029] The corners of the columnar portions 28, 28 and the beam-shaped portion 29 are chamfered. The chamfering of the portions forming the gate-shaped opening 26 is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the clip 30 into the gate-shaped opening 26. In addition, the upper surface 29a of the beam-shaped portion 29 (the top surface of the gate portion 25) is formed into a smooth, curved surface shape that is convex upwards when viewed from both the front and the side. This is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the gate portion 25 into the opening 42.
[0030] The projections 27 are formed near the base on either the front or back side of each columnar portion 28, and the outer surface of these projections 27 is also formed in a smooth curved shape. Furthermore, when each columnar portion 28 is viewed from the side (see Figure 7(b)), both the front and back surfaces are inclined so as to gradually narrow towards the upward direction (away from the base portion 21) TP. This is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the gate portion 25 into the opening 42. In contrast, the front and back surfaces of the projections 27 stand perpendicular to the plane of the base portion 21 (the rectangular flat second base portion 23). This is because the projections 27 abut against the edge of the opening 42 drilled in the plate portion 41 of the fender 4 over its entire thickness direction, thereby contributing to the positioning of the plate portion 41.
[0031] Next, the clip 30 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the clip 30 has a clip body 31 that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction D1 of the gate-shaped opening 26, and an operating part 32 provided on the base end side of the clip body 31 (see arrow LDB) for the operator to insert the clip body 31 into the gate-shaped opening 26.
[0032] The clip body 31 has elastically deformable claw portions 33. More specifically, the clip body 31 is positioned to sandwich the claw portions 33 from both sides, and includes an arm portion 34, one end of which is connected to the operating portion 32 and the other end of which is connected to the plate-shaped tip portion 31a of the clip body 31. The claw portion 33 is held at one end by the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 and extends in the longitudinal direction D1 of the clip 30 so as to approach the side of the operating portion 32. Furthermore, when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, the claw portion 33 is elastically deformable in a direction (downward) BM that moves away from the upper edge portion 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26.
[0033] A recess 35 is formed on the upper surface of the middle portion of the claw portion 33 in the longitudinal direction D1. A pressing portion 36 is also formed on the side of the claw portion 33 that approaches the operating portion 32, for pressing to elastically deform the claw portion 33. When the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, the recess 35 is fitted into the upper edge portion 26a of the opening. However, the bottom surface portion 35a of the recess 35 is separated from the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, and only the two vertical walls 35b and 35c of the recess 35 approach or come into contact with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening.
[0034] Furthermore, the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 is curved in the direction TP away from the plate-shaped portion 41 (second plate-shaped portion). The angle θ of this curvature (see Figure 10(a)) is, for example, about 40 degrees. The lower surface 31b of the tip portion 31a is slidable with the plate-shaped portion 41 while the clip body 31 is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26. Moreover, the tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 is formed in a plate shape with a smaller thickness than the rest of the clip body 31.
[0035] Furthermore, the lower surface 34b of the arm portion 34 is slidable with the plate-shaped portion 41 while the clip body 31 is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, and the upper surface 34a on the base end side of the arm portion 34 is configured to come close to the upper edge 26a of the opening when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26. As a result, when the clip 30 tries to move away from the base portion 21 of the gate member 20, the upper surface 34a comes into contact with the upper edge 26a of the opening, restricting its movement.
[0036] Furthermore, the claw portion 33 includes a first protrusion 37 adjacent to the tip side of the clip body 31 relative to the recess 35, and a second protrusion 38 adjacent to the base end side of the clip body 31 relative to the recess 35. When the recess 35 is fitted with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 protrude above the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, and in particular, the second protrusion 38 protrudes above the upper surface 29a of the beam-shaped portion 29 (the top surface of the gate portion 25). A pressing portion 36 is provided on the upper surface of the second protrusion 38.
[0037] When the pressing portion 36 is pressed downwards, the claw portion 33 elastically deforms and bends downwards, and returns to its original position when the pressing force of the pressing portion 36 is released. As shown in the plan view of Figure 9, the wall portion 40 of the operating portion 32, which is opposite the tip of the claw portion 33, is positioned with a gap between it and the tip of the claw portion 33. However, the upper corner portion 38a of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 interferes with the wall portion 40 when the pressing portion 36 is pressed downwards beyond a certain point, as shown by the diagonal lines in Figure 10(b).
[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, the corner portion 38a is cut out to avoid this interference and to allow the pressing portion 36 to be pushed downward by a certain amount or more. In other words, the surface 39 on the tip side of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 (corresponding to the base end side of the clip body 31) is formed as an inclined surface that gradually moves upward away from the base end side of the clip body 31. However, if a sufficient gap can be made between the wall portion 40 and the tip of the claw portion 33 and the pressing portion 36 can be pushed downward by a certain amount or more, the corner portion 38a may be left uncut.
[0039] Furthermore, when the pressing portion 36 is pressed firmly downward, the tip surface 39 of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 eventually comes into contact with the wall portion 40 of the operating portion 32, restricting the pressing portion 36 from further elastically deforming downward. Thus, the wall portion 40 of the operating portion 32 functions as a deformation restricting portion. In addition, even when the tip of the claw portion 33 has elastically deformed to the point where it is restricted by the wall portion (deformation restricting portion) 40, the upper end of the second protrusion 38 is set to protrude above the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26.
[0040] The operating section 32 is formed to protrude to the left and right in the width direction D2 from the clip body 31. Operating surfaces 32a that can be grasped by the operator's fingers are formed at both the left and right ends of the operating section 32 in the width direction D2. Furthermore, the upper surface 33a located on the tip side of the clip body 31 (see arrow LDT) in the longitudinal direction of the claw portion 33 is formed in a curved shape that allows it to slide smoothly against the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26 when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26.
[0041] [2. Operation to connect the two members] When connecting two members (step wall 5 (first member) and fender 4 (second member)) using the clip device 10 configured in this way, as described above, first, the gate member 20 is attached to the mounting base 50 of the step wall 5 (first member), and the gate portion 25 of the gate member 20 is inserted through the opening 42 of the fender 4 (second member).
[0042] From this state, the clip 30 is inserted into the gate member 20, and at this time, the clip 30 is grasped with the fingers, for example as shown in Figure 15. In the example shown in Figure 15, the thumb 61 and middle finger 63 grasp the operating surfaces 32a at both ends in the width direction of the operating part 32, and the index finger 62 is placed against the pressing part 36 on the upper surface of the second protrusion 38. Note that the clip 30 exemplified here is small, for example, with a length of about 20 to 25 mm and a width of about 10 to 15 mm, and the gate member 20 is similarly small.
[0043] Figures 16(a) to 16(d) show, in order, the process of inserting the clip 30 into the gate member 20. First, as shown in Figure 16(a), the tip 31a of the clip 30 is pointed diagonally downward from above the gate member 20, bringing it close to the plate-shaped portion 41 of the fender 4 near the gate-shaped opening 26. Then, the tip 31a of the clip 30 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26.
[0044] Since the lower surface 31b of the tip 31a of the clip body 31 is slidable with respect to the plate-like portion 41, the lower surface 31b of the tip 31a can insert the tip 31a into the portal-shaped opening 26 while sliding along the surface of the plate-like portion 41. Also, since the tip 31a is warped in a direction away from the plate-like portion 41, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the clip 30 can be inserted into the portal-shaped opening 26 with the tip 31a facing obliquely downward.
[0045] When the tip 31a of the clip body 31 is inserted into the portal-shaped opening 26, the upper surface portion 33a of the claw portion 33 contacts the upper edge portion 26a of the opening of the portal-shaped opening 26. Since the upper surface portion 33a of the claw portion 33 is formed in a curved surface shape that can slide smoothly with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, the tip 31a can be further inserted into the portal-shaped opening 26 while sliding the contact portion. However, as shown in FIG. 16(c), if the pressing portion 36 is pressed with the index finger 62 (see the white arrow), the upper surface portion 33a of the claw portion 33 and the upper edge portion 26a of the opening are separated, and it can be pushed in more smoothly.
[0046] Then, when the lower surface 34b of the arm portion 34 contacts the plate-like portion 41, as shown in FIG. 16(d), while pressing the pressing portion 36 (see the white arrow), the tip 31a is further inserted into the portal-shaped opening 26 while sliding the contact portion. At this time, the upper surface 34a on the base end side of the arm portion 34 approaches the upper edge portion 26a of the opening. However, when the clip 30 tries to separate from the base portion 21 of the gate member 20, the upper surface 34a abuts against the upper edge portion 26a of the opening, and its movement is restricted. Finally, as shown in FIGS. 1, 13, and FIG. 14, the recess 35 is fitted with the upper edge portion 26a of the opening. By this fitting, the clip 30 is restricted from moving in its insertion direction (longitudinal direction).
[0047] On the other hand, when removing the clip body 3 from the portal-shaped opening 26, the thumb 61 and the middle finger 63 grip the operation surfaces 32a at both ends in the width direction of the operation portion 32, and the index finger 62 presses the pressing portion 36 on the upper surface of the second convex portion 38 to elastically deform the claw portion 33 downward. Then, the upper surface of the first convex portion 37 drops below the upper edge portion 26a of the opening of the portal-shaped opening 26, so that the clip body 31 can be easily pulled out from the portal-shaped opening 26.
[0048] [3. Function and Effect] Since the clip device according to the embodiment is configured as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained. The portal-shaped opening 26 is oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-like portion 52 and the second plate-like portion 41 extend. Therefore, the clip body 31 of the clip 30 inserted into the portal-shaped opening 26 is also inserted parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-like portion 52 and the second plate-like portion 41 extend. Accordingly, since the clip mounting direction intersects the component mounting direction (the direction orthogonal to the plane direction in which the first plate-like portion 52 and the second plate-like portion 41 extend) and is different from the component mounting direction, the clip 30 is difficult to come off even when used for components with a strong reaction force or places where a reaction force is likely to occur due to the shape, and the component is difficult to come off.
[0049] Also, although it has a simple structure, two components can be easily connected. Further, when removing the clip body 31 inserted into the portal-shaped opening 26 of the gate member 20 from the portal-shaped opening 26, as described above, the operator can easily remove the clip body 31 from the portal-shaped opening 26 of the gate member 20 while pressing the pressing portion 36 while grasping the operating portion 32, similar to when inserting, while elastically deforming the claw portion 33. Therefore, the clip 30 becomes difficult to come off, and the clip 30 can be removed with good operability.
[0050] In the case of the track 1 illustrated in this embodiment, it is often necessary to newly paint the outer surface of the cab manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer. In this case, the painting includes the fender 4 and the step wall 5. At the time of this painting, it is necessary to release the connection between the fender 4 and the step wall 5 in advance. In this regard, if the clip 30 can be removed with good operability, the connection between the fender 4 and the step wall 5 can be easily released, and the above-mentioned prior work can be efficiently advanced.
[0051] Furthermore, since the gate member 20 is detachably attached to the first member, if the gate member 20 is damaged, only the gate member 20 needs to be replaced, thus reducing repair costs. If the gate member 20 were integrated with the step wall 5, then if the gate member 20 was damaged, the entire step wall 5 would have to be replaced, resulting in higher repair costs.
[0052] The gate member 20 has a pair of protrusions 27 formed at the joint between the base portion 21 and the gate portion 25, on the diagonal of the base portion 21, which contact the inner circumferential surface of the opening 42. Since the diagonal length L1 of the opening 42 is greater than the diagonal length L2 of the base of the gate portion 25, the gate portion 25 can easily fit into the opening 42 when the two members 4 and 5 are stacked, improving assembly workability. In addition, the diagonally placed protrusions 27 allow the opening 42 and the gate member 20 to align point by point, absorbing product tolerances and assembly errors (dimensional errors) and suppressing rattle.
[0053] The base portion 21 is positioned so that the neck portion 24 is inserted into the notched groove 54 and the first plate-shaped portion 52 is sandwiched between the first base portion 22 and the second base portion 23, so that the gate member 20 can be positioned in the correct position relative to the step wall 5 (first member). The outer circumferential surface of the neck portion is formed in an uneven shape, which makes it easier to insert the neck portion 24 into the notched groove 54. The upper surface 29a of the beam-shaped portion 29 (the top surface of the gate portion 25) is formed in a smooth curved shape, which makes it easier for the gate portion 25 to enter the opening 42.
[0054] The tip 31a of the clip body 31 is curved in a direction away from the second plate-like portion 41. Therefore, when inserting the clip body 31 into the gate portion 25, it is easier to insert it at an angle due to the curve, making it easier to insert the clip even in narrow mounting spaces and improving assembly workability. For example, the clip 30 can be inserted while rotating it with the upper edge 26a of the opening of the gate portion 25 as a pivot point.
[0055] The tip portion 31a of the clip body 31 is formed in a plate shape with less thickness than the rest of the clip body 31, making it easy to insert the clip body 31 into the gate-shaped opening 26. The lower surface 34b of the arm portion 34 of the clip body 31 is slidable with the second plate-shaped portion 41 while the clip body 31 is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, making it easy to insert the clip body 31 into the gate-shaped opening 26. In addition, the upper surface 34a on the base end side of the arm portion 34 approaches the upper edge portion 26a of the opening when the clip body 31 is inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, restricting the upward movement of the clip 30, so that the clip 30 can be securely locked to the gate member 20.
[0056] With the recess 35 of the claw portion 33 fitted with the upper edge 26a of the opening, the first protrusion 37 and the second protrusion 38 protrude above the upper edge 26a of the opening, so that the clip 30 can be securely locked to the gate member 20. In addition, the second protrusion 38 protrudes above the top surface of the gate member 20, and a pressing portion 36 is provided on this second protrusion 38, improving operability. Even when the tip of the claw portion 33 is elastically deformed until it is restricted by the wall portion (deformation restricting portion) 40, the second protrusion 38 protrudes above the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26, so that the clip 30 is not inserted too far into the gate member 20.
[0057] The operating section 32 is formed to protrude in the width direction from the clip body 31, and operating surfaces 32a that can be gripped by the operator's fingers are formed at both ends of the operating section 32 in the width direction, thereby improving operability. The upper surface of the claw section 33 on the tip side of the clip body 31 is formed in a curved shape that allows the clip body 31 to slide smoothly against the upper edge 26a of the gate-shaped opening 26 as it is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening 26, thereby improving workability.
[0058] Furthermore, since the tip side (corresponding to the base end side of the clip body 31) of the second protrusion 38 of the claw portion 33 is formed as an inclined surface that gradually moves away from the base end side of the clip body 31 toward upward, even when the pressing portion 36 is pressed downward, there is no risk of the tip of the second protrusion 38 [corner portion 38a in Figure 10(a)] interfering with the wall portion 32b of the claw portion 33 before it is pressed all the way down, thus ensuring operability.
[0059] [4. Others] Although the embodiments have been described above, this device can be applied to various fields, such as by applying it to other parts of a vehicle or to parts other than those of a vehicle.
[0060] [5. Addendum] The following addendum is disclosed with respect to the above embodiments.
[0061] (Note 1) A clip device for connecting a first member and a second member, comprising: a gate member provided on a first plate-shaped portion which is a plate-shaped portion of the first member and having a gate-shaped opening oriented parallel to the plane direction in which the first plate-shaped portion extends; an opening drilled in a second plate-shaped portion which is a plate-shaped portion of the second member and through which the gate member can be inserted; and a clip that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, which is inserted through the opening and protruding from the opening, by overlapping the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, wherein the clip has a clip body that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the gate-shaped opening, and an operating part provided on the base end side of the clip body for an operator to insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening, The clip device is characterized in that the clip body has a claw portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the clip from the tip of the clip body toward the side of the operating portion, and is elastically deformable in a direction toward and toward the upper edge of the opening of the gate-shaped opening when inserted into the gate-shaped opening, a recess is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion, and a pressing portion is formed on the side of the claw portion toward the operating portion that elastically deforms the claw portion, and when the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, the recess engages with the upper edge of the opening.
[0062] (Note 2) The clip device according to Note 1, characterized in that the gate member is detachably attached to the first member.
[0063] (Note 3) The clip device according to Note 2, characterized in that the opening is formed in a rectangular shape, the gate member comprises a rectangular base portion formed on the first member and attached to a mounting base having the first plate-shaped portion, and a gate portion extending from the base portion and constituting the gate-shaped opening, at the joint between the base portion and the gate portion, at least one pair of protrusions are formed on the diagonal of the base portion and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening, and the diagonal length of the opening is greater than the diagonal length of the base of the gate portion.
[0064] (Note 4) The clip device according to Note 3, wherein the base portion comprises, when attached to the first plate-shaped portion, a rectangular flat first base portion located below the first plate-shaped portion, a rectangular flat second base portion located above the first plate-shaped portion and arranged parallel to the first base portion, and a neck portion provided between the first base portion and the second base portion, the first plate-shaped portion is arranged to be separated from the first member via a leg portion and has a notched groove formed therein, and the base portion is arranged so as to have the neck portion inserted into the notched groove and to sandwich the first plate-shaped portion between the first base portion and the second base portion.
[0065] (Note 5) The clip device according to Note 4, characterized in that the outer surface of the neck portion is formed in an uneven shape.
[0066] (Note 6) The clip device according to any one of Notes 3 to 5, characterized in that the top surface of the gate portion is formed in a smooth curved shape.
[0067] (Note 7) The clip device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, characterized in that the tip of the clip body is curved in a direction away from the second plate-like portion.
[0068] (Note 8) The clip device according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, characterized in that the tip portion of the clip body is formed in a plate shape with a thickness less than that of the other parts of the clip body.
[0069] (Note 9) The clip device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the clip body is positioned to sandwich the claw portion, has a base end connected to the operating portion, and has a plate-shaped tip which is connected to the tip portion, the lower surface of the arm portion is slidable with the second plate-shaped portion while the clip body is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening, and the upper surface on the base end side of the arm portion approaches the upper edge of the opening when the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, thereby restricting the upward movement of the clip.
[0070] (Note 10) The clip device according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein the claw portion comprises a first protrusion adjacent to the tip side of the clip body relative to the recess, and a second protrusion adjacent to the base side of the clip body relative to the recess, wherein when the recess is fitted with the upper edge of the opening, the first protrusion and the second protrusion protrude above the upper edge of the opening, and the second protrusion protrudes above the top surface of the gate member, and the pressing portion is provided on the second protrusion.
[0071] (Note 11) The clip device according to Note 10, wherein the clip is provided with a deformation restricting portion that restricts the tip of the claw portion from elastically deforming downward beyond a certain point, and even when the tip of the claw portion is elastically deformed to the extent that it is restricted by the deformation restricting portion, the second protrusion protrudes above the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening.
[0072] (Note 12) The clip device according to Note 10 or 11, characterized in that the second protrusion is formed on the base end side surface of the clip body in an inclined surface shape that gradually moves away from the base end side toward upward.
[0073] (Note 13) The clip device according to any one of Notes 1 to 12, characterized in that the operating portion is formed to protrude from the clip body in the width direction which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the clip, and operating surfaces that can be grasped by an operator with their fingers are formed at both ends of the operating portion in the width direction.
[0074] (Note 14) The clip device according to any one of Notes 1 to 13, characterized in that the upper surface of the clip body on the tip side in the longitudinal direction of the claw portion is formed in a curved shape that allows the clip body to slide smoothly with the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening as it is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening.
[0075] 1 Truck 2 Cab 3 Wheel arch 4 Fender (second member) 5 Step wall (first member) 5a Back surface of step wall 5 6 Step for boarding and alighting 10 Clip device 20 Gate member 21 Base part 22 First base part 23 Second base part 24 Neck part 24a Uneven shape 24b Projection 24c Groove 25 Gate part 26 Gate-shaped opening 26a Upper edge of the gate-shaped opening 26 27 Projection part 28 Columnar part 29 Beam-shaped part 30 Clip 31 Clip body 31a Tip of clip body 31 31b Lower surface of tip 31a of clip body 31 32 Operating part 32a Operating surface 33 Claw part 33a Upper surface of claw part 33 34 Arm part 34a Upper surface of the base end of arm part 34 34b Lower surface of arm portion 34 35 Recess 35a Bottom surface of recess 35 35b, 35c Double vertical walls of recess 35 36 Pressing portion 37 First protrusion 38 Second protrusion 38a Corner at the upper end of the second protrusion 38 39 Surface of the claw portion 33 on the tip side of the second protrusion 38 40 Deformation restricting portion 41 Plate-shaped portion (second plate-shaped portion) 42 Opening 50 Mounting base 51 Leg portion 52 Plate-shaped portion (first plate-shaped portion) 53 Opening 54 Notched groove 55 Stiffener 61 Thumb 62 Index finger 63 Middle finger D1 Opening direction of gate-shaped opening 26 (longitudinal or extending direction of clip 30 after mounting) D2 Width direction L1 Diagonal length of opening 42 L2 The diagonal lengths of the base of the gate portion 25 are as follows: LDB (base direction), LDT (tip direction), LT (left direction), RH (right direction), TP (upward), and BM (downward).
Claims
1. A clip device for connecting a first member and a second member, comprising: a gate member provided on a first plate-shaped portion of the first member, having a gate-shaped opening oriented parallel to the extending surface direction of the first plate-shaped portion; an opening drilled in a second plate-shaped portion of the second member, through which the gate member can be inserted; and a clip that is inserted into the gate-shaped opening of the gate member, which is inserted through the opening and protruding from the opening, by overlapping the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, wherein the clip comprises: a clip body inserted into the gate-shaped opening so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening direction of the gate-shaped opening; and an operating part provided on the base end side of the clip body for an operator to insert the clip body into the gate-shaped opening, wherein the clip body has a claw portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the clip so as to approach the side of the operating part from the tip of the clip body, and is elastically deformable in a direction toward and away from the upper edge of the opening of the gate-shaped opening when inserted into the gate-shaped opening. A clip device characterized in that a recess is formed on the upper surface of the longitudinal middle portion of the claw portion, a pressing portion is formed on the side of the claw portion approaching the operating portion to elastically deform the claw portion, and when the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, the recess fits with the upper edge of the opening.
2. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gate member is detachably attached to the first member.
3. The clip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening is formed in a rectangular shape, the gate member comprises a rectangular base portion formed on the first member and attached to a mounting base having the first plate-shaped portion, and a gate portion extending from the base portion and constituting the gate-shaped opening, at the joint between the base portion and the gate portion, at least a pair of protrusions are formed on the diagonal of the base portion and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening, and the diagonal length of the opening is greater than the diagonal length of the base of the gate portion.
4. The clip device according to claim 3, wherein the base portion comprises, when attached to the first plate-shaped portion, a rectangular flat first base portion located below the first plate-shaped portion, a rectangular flat second base portion located above the first plate-shaped portion and arranged parallel to the first base portion, and a neck portion provided between the first base portion and the second base portion, wherein the first plate-shaped portion is arranged to be separated from the first member via a leg portion and has a notched groove formed therein, and the base portion is arranged so as to have the neck portion inserted into the notched groove and to sandwich the first plate-shaped portion between the first base portion and the second base portion.
5. The clip device according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer circumferential surface of the neck portion is formed in an uneven shape.
6. The clip device according to claim 3, characterized in that the top surface of the gate portion is formed in a smooth curved shape.
7. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip of the clip body is curved in a direction away from the second plate-like portion.
8. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip portion of the clip body is formed in a plate shape with a thickness less than that of the other parts of the clip body.
9. The clip device according to claim 1, wherein the clip body is positioned to clamp the claw portion, has a base end connected to the operating portion, and has a plate-shaped tip which is connected to the tip portion, the lower surface of the arm portion is slidable with the second plate-shaped portion while the clip body is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening, and the upper surface on the base end side of the arm portion approaches the upper edge of the opening when the clip body is inserted into the gate-shaped opening, thereby restricting the upward movement of the clip.
10. The clip device according to claim 1, wherein the claw portion comprises a first protrusion adjacent to the tip end side of the clip body relative to the recess, and a second protrusion adjacent to the base end side of the clip body relative to the recess, wherein, when the recess is fitted with the upper edge of the opening, the first protrusion and the second protrusion protrude above the upper edge of the opening, and the second protrusion protrudes above the top surface of the gate member, and the pressing portion is provided on the second protrusion.
11. The clip device according to claim 10, wherein the clip is provided with a deformation restricting portion that restricts the tip of the claw portion from elastically deforming downward beyond a certain point, and even when the tip of the claw portion is elastically deformed to the extent that it is restricted by the deformation restricting portion, the second protrusion protrudes above the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening.
12. The clip device according to claim 10, characterized in that the second protrusion is formed on the base end side surface of the clip body in an inclined surface shape that gradually moves away from the base end side toward upward.
13. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating portion is formed to protrude from the clip body in a width direction which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the clip, and operating surfaces that can be grasped by an operator with their fingers are formed at both ends of the operating portion in the width direction.
14. The clip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface of the clip body on the tip side in the longitudinal direction of the claw portion is formed in a curved shape that allows the clip body to slide smoothly against the upper edge of the gate-shaped opening while it is being inserted into the gate-shaped opening.