U.S. patent application number 09/858897 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-17 for clip.
Invention is credited to Hamaguchi, Tsuyoshi, Ichimaru, Takahide.
Application Number | 20020004971 09/858897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18655522 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020004971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ichimaru, Takahide ; et
al. |
January 17, 2002 |
Clip
Abstract
A clip is attached to an insertion part of an object and
inserted into an attachment hole formed in an object receiving
attachment. The clip is formed of a pair of clamping plates facing
each other for receiving therebetween the insertion part of the
object and having elasticity for expanding outward. The clamping
plates have a plurality of teeth with tips formed on inner
surfaces. The tips form a multiple stage pattern across a direction
of insertion into the attachment hole to be pressed to the
insertion part. Also, coupling arms are provided outside the
clamping plates. The coupling arms are coupled into the attachment
hole by elasticity at a final position of insertion into the
attachment hole after being elastically bent inward upon insertion
of the insertion part of the object into the attachment hole.
Inventors: |
Ichimaru, Takahide;
(Sagamihara-shi, JP) ; Hamaguchi, Tsuyoshi;
(Sagamihara-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KANESAKA AND TAKEUCHI
1423 Powhatan Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
18655522 |
Appl. No.: |
09/858897 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 5/0607 20130101;
Y10T 24/309 20150115; F16B 2/20 20130101; F16B 21/075 20130101;
Y10T 24/42 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/297 |
International
Class: |
A44B 017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 22, 2000 |
JP |
2000-149707 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A clip to be attached to an insertion part of an object and
inserted into an attachment hole formed in an object receiving
attachment, comprising: a pair of clamping plates facing each other
for receiving therebetween the insertion part of the object and
having elasticity for expanding outward, said clamping plates
having inner surfaces and a plurality of teeth with tips formed on
the inner surfaces, said tips forming a multiple stage pattern
across a direction of insertion of the object into the attachment
hole to be pressed to the insertion part, and coupling arms
provided outside the clamping plates, said coupling arms being
coupled to the attachment hole by elasticity at a final position of
insertion into the attachment hole after being elastically bent
inward pursuant to insertion of the insertion part of the object
into the attachment hole.
2. A clip according to claim 1, wherein the teeth provided on the
clamping plates have elasticity.
3. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said clamping plates have
free end parts pressed inward from the coupling arms, which are
pressed against a hole edge part of the attachment hole and are
bent inward when a force in a direction of pulling out the
insertion part from the attachment hole of the object receiving
attachment is applied.
4. A clip according to claim 1, wherein said teeth formed on one
side of the clamping plate are spaced apart from each other in a
direction of the insertion of the insertion part and extends in a
direction perpendicularly to the direction of the insertion of the
insertion part, respectively, said teeth formed on one side of the
clamping plate facing the teeth formed on the other side of the
clamping plate.
5. A combination of a clip and an insertion section for receiving
the clip, said clip with the insertion part being inserted into an
attachment hole formed in an object receiving attachment, said
insertion section comprising: a base, an insertion part extending
from the base, and an engaging part formed on the insertion part,
said clip comprising: a pair of clamping plates facing each other
for receiving therebetween the insertion part and having elasticity
for expanding outward, said clamping plates having free end parts,
inner surfaces and a plurality of teeth with tips formed on the
inner surfaces, said tips forming a multiple stage pattern across a
direction of insertion into the attachment hole to be pressed to
the insertion part, and coupling arms provided outside the clamping
plates, said coupling arms being coupled into the attachment hole
by elasticity at a final position of insertion of the insertion
section into the attachment hole after being elastically bent
inward pursuant to insertion of the insertion part into the
attachment hole.
6. A combination according to claim 5, wherein said engaging part
includes a pair of checking walls attached to the base to sandwich
the insertion part therebetween, said free end parts of the
clamping plates with the insertion part therebetween being
positioned inside the checking walls such that outward expansions
of the clamping plates are prevented when a force in a direction of
pulling out the insertion part from the attachment hole of the
object receiving attachment is applied.
7. A combination according to claim 5, wherein said clip includes a
coupling part, and said engaging part includes a coupled part
provided on the insertion part and engaging the coupling part upon
receiving the insertion part between the clamping plates.
8. A combination according to claim 7, wherein said coupled part is
bumps formed on the receiving plate, and the coupling part is hooks
for urging the clamping plates to expand outward by abutting
against the bumps pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate,
said hooks being coupled to the bumps by riding past the bumps due
to expansion of the clamping plates and returning back to the
clamping plates at the position rode past.
9. A combination according to claim 7, wherein said coupled part is
a hole formed in the receiving plate part, and the coupling part is
hooks formed on the receiving plate, said hooks urging the clamping
plates to expand outward by abutting against the receiving plate
pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate and engaging the hole
by elasticity of the clamping plates.
10. A combination according to claim 7, wherein said insertion part
includes side walls formed on lateral sides of the insertion part,
said side walls having bumps as the coupled part, and the coupling
part is elastic projections formed on lateral sides of the clamping
plates, said elastic projections being elastically deformed when
abutting against the bumps upon receiving of the insertion part
between the clamping plates, riding past the bumps and being
coupled to the bumps by elasticity.
11. A combination according to claim 10, wherein said elastic
projections are formed of at least two pairs of projections spaced
part from each other, each one pair being at least formed on one
side of the clip.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT
[0001] The invention relates to an improvement of a clip that is
used for attaching an object to an object receiving attachment with
one touch, wherein the clip is fixed around an insertion part of
the object being attached and is inserted into an attachment hole
opened in the object receiving attachment to be coupled to the
attachment hole.
[0002] There is a clip having a pair of clamping plates 300 that
receives and holds therebetween a receiving plate part 102 of an
insertion part 101 formed in an object 100 being attached, and
coupling arms 301 formed outside this pair of the clamping plates
300 and coupled with an attachment hole 201 formed in an object
receiving attachment 200 pursuant to insertion of the insertion
part 101 into the attachment hole 201 (FIG. 16 through FIG.
18).
[0003] The pair of clamping plates 300 and the coupling arms 301 in
such a clip are constituted so as to be capable of elastic
deformation. Also, the receiving plate part 102 is disposed between
the inner surfaces of the pair of clamping plates 300 while
elastically bending the clamping plates 300 outwardly by inserting
the receiving plate part 102 between such pair of the clamping
plates 300. In the state in which the clamping plates 300 are fixed
around the receiving plate part 102 in this manner, the clamp
plates 300 and the receiving plate part 102 are inserted into the
attachment hole 201, so that after the coupling arms 301 are once
bent inwardly, the coupling arms 301 returns at the far ends to
cause the coupling arms 301 to be coupled to the hole edge parts on
the far end of insertion, whereby the object 100 being attached is
attached to the object receiving attachment 200 with one touch.
[0004] Also, in such a clip, the receiving plate part 102 abuts
against the clamping plates 300 so as to once cause the pair of
clamping plates 300 to be bent outward pursuant to the receiving of
the receiving plate 102 on the mutually facing surfaces of the pair
of the clamping plates 300, and receives projections 302 in a
coupling hole 109 formed in the receiving plate part 102 at a
specified position by the elasticity of the bent out clamping
plates 300. When the side of the object 100 being attached is
pulled so as to pull the insertion part 101 of the object 100 out
from the attachment hole 201, from the state in which the coupling
arms 301 are coupled to the attachment hole 201, it is pulled out
from the attachment hole 201 in the condition of being fixed around
the insertion part 101 without the clip being left on the side of
the attachment hole 201, such that problems are not caused such as
in re-attaching of the object 100.
[0005] However, in such clip of the past, because the receiving
plate part 102 is made so as to fix around the inner surfaces of
the pair of clamping plates 300, in cases such as there is
unevenness, and the like, on the plate surface of such receiving
plate part 102, there are many cases that the inner surfaces can
not always be properly pressed against the plate surfaces in all
locations across the direction of insertion of such receiving plate
part 102, and further improvement has been desired in order to make
the state of fixing of the clip to such receiving plate part 102
higher.
[0006] Also, such clip of the past necessarily requires the opening
of a coupling hole 109 on the side of the receiving plate part 102
such that the clip does not remain in the attachment hole 201 when
removing the object 100 being attached, which was once attached to
the object receiving attachment 200, from the object receiving
attachment 200.
[0007] Therefore, the main object of this invention is to provide a
clip that can cause clamping force to act properly on the receiving
plate part, which constitutes the insertion part provided on the
object being attached, in all locations across the direction of
insertion of the insertion part even when there is unevenness, and
the like, on the plate surfaces of the receiving plate part, and
can assuredly be pulled out from the attachment hole in the object
receiving attachment together with the insertion part during
removal of the object being attached, in which the insertion part
is pulled out from the attachment hole, even without applying
special processing to the side of the insertion part.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In order to solve such problems, in the first aspect of the
invention, the clip comprises: a pair of clamping plates that
receive between themselves a receiving plate part, which is a
constituent of an insertion part of an object being attached and is
inserted into an attachment hole opened in an object receiving
attachment, while elastically expanding outward, to be fixed around
the receiving plate part; and coupling arms provided on the outside
of this pair of clamping plates. The coupling arms are coupled into
the attachment hole by elasticity at a final position of insertion
into the attachment hole after once having been elastically bent
inward pursuant to insertion of the insertion part of the object
being attached into the attachment hole of the object receiving
attachment. A plurality of teeth, the tips of which are pressed to
the received receiving plate part, is respectively provided on the
mutually facing sides of the pair of clamping plates so as to form
a multiple stage pattern across the direction of insertion into the
attachment hole.
[0009] By such constitution, by inserting the receiving plate part
between the pair of clamping plates, the receiving plate part can
be clamped by the clamping plates, while the pair of clamping
plates elastically expand outward, such that the plurality of teeth
provided on the pair of clamping plates are respectively pressed
against the plate surfaces of the receiving plate part being
inserted, and the clip can be fixed to the receiving plate part by
this clamping.
[0010] Also, because such plurality of teeth is provided so as to
form a multiple stage pattern across the direction of insertion of
the insertion part into the attachment hole, that is, in the
direction of entry of the receiving plate, the teeth can be pressed
against the receiving plate part by the springing or elastic force
of the clamping plates in a plurality of locations across the
direction of entry of the receiving plate part from both surface
sides of the receiving plate part. Thus, the state of fixing of the
receiving plate part between such pair of clamping plates can be
maintained with stability.
[0011] Also, because the springing force of the clamping plates
acts on the receiving plate part at points with the tips of the
plurality of teeth, the receiving plate part can be properly fixed
around the pair of clamping plates even when there is some
unevenness on the plate surfaces of such receiving plate part.
[0012] Also, by attaching the clip to the insertion part of the
object being attached by inserting the receiving plate part between
the clamping plates in this manner and then inserting this
insertion part into the attachment hole of the object receiving
attachment, the coupling arms can be coupled to the hole edge part
of the attachment hole by elasticity at the final position of
insertion of this insertion part into the attachment hole after
once elastically bending inward. Thus, the object being attached
can be attached to the object receiving attachment via the clip
with one touch.
[0013] Also, in the second aspect of the invention, the teeth
provided on the clamping plates, which are a constituent of the
clip described in the first aspect, have elasticity.
[0014] By such constitution, the elastic force of such teeth can be
made to further act on the receiving plate part which was inserted
between the pair of clamping plates, and the state of fixing
between the receiving plate part and the clip can be further
improved.
[0015] Also, in the invention described in the third aspect, it is
made such that the pair of clamping plates having received the
receiving plate part, which is a constituent of the insertion part
in the clip described in the first aspect, is pressed at free end
parts from outside by the coupling arms which are pressed against
the hole edge part of the attachment hole and are bent inward when
force in the direction of pulling out the insertion part from the
attachment hole of the object receiving attachment is applied.
[0016] By such constitution, when the object being attached and the
object receiving attachment which once were attached together via
the clip are separated by pulling the object being attached with a
force great enough to pull out the insertion part from the
attachment hole, the expansion of the pair of clamping plates can
be checked or prevented by the coupling arm. Thus, the clip can be
pulled out from the attachment hole together with the insertion
part in a state being fixed to the receiving plate part which is a
constituent of the insertion part without being left on the side of
the object receiving attachment, that is, in the attachment hole,
and problems are not caused such as in re-attaching the object
being attached to the object receiving attachment.
[0017] Also, in the fourth aspect of the invention, in the clip of
the first aspect, the clip is further constituted such that free
end parts of the pair of clamping plates having received the
receiving plate part which is a constituent of the insertion part
is positioned between a pair of checking walls that is provided on
a protruding base part of the insertion part of the object being
attached such that expanding outward is prevented by abutment when
a force in the direction of pulling out the insertion part from the
attachment hole of the object receiving attachment is applied.
[0018] By such constitution, when the object being attached and the
object receiving attachment which once were attached together via
the clip are separated by pulling the object being attached with a
force great enough to pull out the insertion part from the
attachment hole, the expansion of the pair of clamping plates,
which receive forces bending outward by the receiving plate part
and try to move in the direction of this pulling out, can be
prevented by pressing the free ends of the clamping plates to the
checking walls. Thus, it can be made such that such clip is pulled
out from the attachment hole together with the insertion part in a
state being fixed to the receiving plate part which is a
constituent of the insertion part without being left on the side of
the object receiving attachment, that is, in the attachment
hole.
[0019] Also, in the fifth aspect of invention, the clip described
in the first to fourth aspects further comprises a coupling part
that is coupled to a coupled part provided on the insertion part
pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate part which is a
constituent of the insertion part of the object being attached
between the pair of clamping plates.
[0020] By such constitution, when the object being attached and
object receiving attachment which once were attached together via
the clip are separated by pulling the side of the object being
attached with a force great enough to pull out the insertion part
from the attachment hole, by the coupling of the coupling part
provided on the side of the clip and the coupled part provided on
the insertion part, it can be made such that such clip is pulled
out from the attachment hole together with the insertion part in a
state being fixed to the receiving plate part which is a
constituent of the insertion part without being left on the side of
the object receiving attachment, that is, in the attachment
hole.
[0021] Also, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the coupling
part in the clip described in the fifth aspect is made as hooks
that forces the pair of clamping plates to expand outward by
abutting against bumps that serve as the coupled part formed on the
receiving plate part pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate
part. The hooks are coupled to the bump by riding past the bumps
due to the expanding of this pair of clamping plates and returning
on the clamping plates at the position rode past.
[0022] By such constitution, when the object being attached and the
object receiving attachment which once were attached together via
the clip are separated by pulling the side of the object being
attached with a force great enough to pull out the insertion part
from the attachment hole, by the coupling of the hooks which
constitute the coupling part provided on the side of the clip and
the bumps provided on the side of the insertion part, it can be
made such that such clip is pulled out from the attachment hole
together with the insertion part in a state being fixed to the
receiving plate part which is a constituent of the insertion part
without being left on the side of the object receiving attachment,
that is, in the attachment hole.
[0023] Also, in the seventh aspect of the invention, the coupling
part in the clip described in the fifth aspect is made as hooks
that once force the pair of clamping plates to expand outward by
abutting against side surfaces of the receiving plate part pursuant
to receiving of the receiving plate part, and are coupled by
entering into a hole that serves as the coupled part which is
formed on the receiving plate part due to springing back of the
pair of clamping plates.
[0024] By such constitution, when the object being attached and the
object receiving attachment which once were attached together via
the clip are separated by pulling the side of the object being
attached with a force great enough to pull out the insertion part
from the attachment hole, by the coupling of the hooks which
constitute the coupling part provided on the side of the clip and
the hole provided on the side of the insertion part, it can be made
such that such clip is pulled out from the attachment hole together
with the insertion part in a state being fixed to the receiving
plate part which is a constituent of the insertion part without
being left on the side of the object receiving attachment, that is,
in the attachment hole.
[0025] Also, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the coupling
part in the clip described in the fifth aspect is made as elastic
bumps that are elastically deformed once abutting against bumps
that serve as the coupled-part, which are formed on a pair of side
walls that is formed on the insertion part of the object being
attached so as to sandwich the receiving plate part in between,
pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate part between the pair
of clamping plates, and ride past the bumps and are coupled to the
bumps by elasticity at the positions rode past.
[0026] By such constitution, when the object being attached and the
object receiving attachment which once were attached together via
the clip are separated by pulling the side of the object being
attached with a force great enough to pull out the insertion part
from the attachment hole, by the coupling of the elastic bumps
provided on the sides of the clip and the bumps provided on the
sides of the insertion part, it can be made such that such clip is
pulled out from the attachment hole together with the insertion
part in a state being fixed to the receiving plate part which is a
constituent of the insertion part without being left on the side of
the object receiving attachment, that is, in the attachment
hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view separately showing a clip and
an insertion part pertaining to the first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the assembled state of an
object being attached and an object receiving attachment by the
clip;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the state in which the side of
the object being attached is pulled in the direction of pulling out
the insertion part from the attachment hole following the state in
FIG. 2;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the state in FIG. 2 from a
position 90 degrees different from FIG. 2;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view separately showing a clip and
an insertion part pertaining to the second embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the assembled state of the
object being attached and the object receiving attachment by the
clip;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view separately showing a clip and
an insertion part pertaining to the third embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the assembled state of the
object being attached and the object receiving attachment by the
clip;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the clip;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the assembled state of the
object being attached and the object receiving attachment by a clip
of the fourth embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the state in FIG. 10 from a
position 90 degrees different from FIG. 10;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a side view separately showing the clip and the
insertion part pertaining to the fourth embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the clip;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the clip;
[0041] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG.
12;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the
prior art;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a side view showing the state of use of the prior
art example; and
[0044] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the prior art example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Below, typical examples of the clip pertaining to this
invention are explained based on FIG. 1 through FIG. 15.
[0046] Clips C1-C4, which pertain to the examples, are used for
attaching an object 100 being attached to an object receiving
attachment 200 with one touch, by being fixed around an insertion
part 101 of the object 100 being attached which is inserted into an
attachment hole 201 opened in the object receiving attachment 200,
and being coupled to the attachment hole 201 by the insertion of
this insertion part 101 into the attachment hole 101. Typically,
these clips C1-C4 can be constituted by molding such as injection
molding a using plastic material.
[0047] For example, they are used such that internally installed
components of an automobile with the insertion part 101 can be
attached with one touch to an instrument panel with the attachment
hole 201 being formed, by inserting such insertion part 101 into
the attachment hole 201.
[0048] First, the clip C1 which is shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4
is explained.
[0049] Such clip C1 comprises a pair of clamping plates 10 that
receive therebetween a receiving plate part 102, which is a
constituent of an insertion part 101 provided on an object being
attached 100 and is long in the direction of insertion of the
insertion part 101, and coupling arms 11 provided outside the
respective clamping plates 10.
[0050] Such clamping plate 10 is connected integrally with the
other clamping plate 10 by a connecting part 10b at the opposite
side (below, called the base part side of the clamping plate 10) to
the receiving side (below, called free end 10a side of the clamping
plate 10) of the receiving plate part 102. Also, in this example,
it is constituted such that the receiving plate part 102 can be
inserted between the pair of the clamping plates 10 up to the
position where the tip of the receiving plate part 102 abuts
against the inner surface of this connecting part 10b.
[0051] Also, in this example, such receiving plate part 102 is
provided so as to cross between a pair of side plates 103 which
arrange side walls 103a in a direction substantially orthogonally
to the plate surface of the receiving plate part 102, and the
insertion part 101 is formed by this receiving plate part 102 and
the pair of side plates 103. Specifically, such side plates 103
also are constituted so as to be long in the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101. Also, the side plates 103 are formed to
be longer than the receiving plate part 102, and the tips of the
side plates 103 are made to project in the forward direction of
insertion more than the tip of receiving plate part 102. Also, such
receiving plate part 102 is provided substantially along the middle
position in the width direction of the side plates 103, and it is
constituted such that the space between the pair of side plates 103
is divided into left and right by the receiving plate part 102.
[0052] Also, in this example, a plurality of teeth 10c, the tips of
which are pressed to receiving the plate part 102 of the object 100
being attached, is respectively provided on the mutually facing
sides of the pair of the clamping plates 10 (below, called the
inner surface side of the clamping plates 10) so as to form a
multiple stage pattern in the direction of insertion into the
attachment hole 201.
[0053] Specifically, in this example, each tooth 10c is constituted
as a rib-shaped body that is provided on the inner surface side of
the clamping plate 10 and crosses in the width direction of the
clamping plate 10. Also, between the teeth 10c, there is
respectively formed an interval. Also, in this example, it is
constituted such that the interval between the virtual surface on
which the tips of the teeth 10c formed on one clamping plate 10 are
positioned and the virtual surface on which the tips of the teeth
10c formed on the other clamping plate 10 are positioned becomes
somewhat narrower than the plate thickness of the receiving plate
part 102 which is inserted between such pair of clamping plates 10.
Also, it is constituted such that each clamping plate 10 is made
capable of elastic deformation in the direction of being separated
from the other clamping plate 10 generally about the base part
side.
[0054] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 10 from its free
end 10a side, the receiving plate part 102 can be clamped by such
pair of clamping plates 10 while the pair of clamping plates 10 is
caused to elastically expand outward such that each of the
pluralities of teeth 10c respectively provided on the pair of
clamping plates 10 is pressed on the plate surface of the receiving
plate part 102 inserted in this manner, and the clip C1 can be
fixed around the receiving plate part 102 by this clamping.
[0055] Also, because such plurality of teeth 10c is provided so as
to form a multiple stage pattern across the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101 into the attachment hole 201, that is,
the direction of entry of the receiving plate part 102, the teeth
10c can be pressed against the receiving plate part 102 by the
elastic forces of the clamping plates 10 in a plurality of
locations across the direction of insertion of the receiving plate
part 102 from both sides of the receiving plate part 102, and the
state of fixing of the receiving plate part 102 between such pair
of clamping plates 10 can be maintained with stability.
[0056] Also, because the elastic forces of the clamping plates 10
act on the receiving plate part 102 at points with the tips of the
plurality of teeth 10c, the receiving plate part 102 can be clamped
properly by the pair of clamping plates 10, even when there is some
unevenness on the plate surfaces of such receiving plate part
102.
[0057] In this example, on the inner surface side of the pair of
clamping plates 10 in a location from the free end 10a to the tooth
in the position nearest to this free end 10a, there is formed an
inclined surface 10d that inclines in a direction gradually
separating from the inner surface of the other clamping plate 10
when going toward the free end 10a, and it is made such that the
insertion of the receiving plate part 102 between such pair of
clamping plates 10 from the free end 10a side can be performed
smoothly by guiding the tip of the receiving plate part 102 with
the inclined surface 10d.
[0058] Also, the plurality of teeth 10c provided on the clamping
plates 10 respectively is constituted such that the upper surface
facing the free end 10a side is made to incline in the direction
gradually approaching the base part from the root side to the tip
side of the teeth, such that the tip of the receiving plate part
102 easily rides past each tooth 10c by the inclination of this
upper surface.
[0059] Also, in this example, on the outside of each clamping plate
10, there is provided the plate-shaped coupling arm 11 that has an
inner surface facing the outer surface of the clamping plate 10 and
has the same width as that of the clamping plate 10.
[0060] Specifically, such coupling arm 11 is constituted such that
one end thereof is integrally connected in a position substantially
in the middle in the length direction of the clamping plate 10,
such that it can be elastically bent inward in the direction
approaching the clamping plate 10 around this connected position.
Also, such coupling arm 11 is formed to a length such that its tip
is positioned above the free end 10a of the clamping plate 10, and
it has a coupling bump 11a on the outside part.
[0061] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
interval between the apexes 11b of the coupling bumps 11a of such
pair of coupling arms 11 becomes greater than the hole width of the
attachment hole 201 opened in the object receiving attachment
200.
[0062] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of the clamping plates 10 and
attaching the clip C1 to the insertion part 101 of the object 100
being attached, and then inserting this insertion part 101 into the
attachment hole 201 of the object receiving attachment 200, the
bumps 11a of the coupling arms 11 abut against the hole edge part
on the front side of insertion in the attachment hole 201 and the
coupling arms 11 are once elastically bent inward, and then the
coupling arms 11 are caused to return to the final positions of
insertion of this insertion part 101 in the attachment hole 201.
Thus, the coupling bump 11a can be coupled to the hole edge part of
the attachment hole 201 at the far ends of the coupling arms 11. By
this, the object 100 being attached can be attached to the object
receiving attachment 200 via the clip C1 with one touch.
[0063] In this example, on the outer surface side of the coupling
arm 11, there is formed an inclined surface 11c that inclines so as
to gradually widen outward toward the apex 11b of the coupling bump
11a from the side of connection with the clamping plate 10 on this
coupling arm 11, such that the coupling arm 11 can be bent inward
smoothly by the inclined surface 11c being caused to abut against
the hole edge part on the front side of insertion in the attachment
hole 201 pursuant to insertion of the insertion part 101 into the
attachment hole 201.
[0064] Also, between such coupling bump 11a and the tip of coupling
arm 11, there is formed a fitting surface 11d along the direction
of insertion which is pressed against the inner surface of the
attachment hole 201 at the final position of insertion.
[0065] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
coupling bump 11a of the coupling arm 11 is coupled on the side of
this fitting surface 11d to the hole edge part on the far end of
insertion into the attachment hole 201.
[0066] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the free
ends 10a of the pair of clamping plates 10 having received the
receiving plate 102, which constitutes the insertion part 101, are
pressed from outside by the coupling arms 11 which are pressed by
the hole edge parts of the attachment hole 201 and are bent inward,
when a force in the direction of pulling out the insertion part 101
from the attachment hole 201 of the object receiving attachment 200
is applied (FIG. 3).
[0067] Specifically, in this example, the coupling bump 11a of the
coupling arm 11 has an inclined surface 11e that inclines inward
gradually toward the fitting surface 11d from the apex 11b of the
coupling bump 11a on the side of the fitting surface 11d. When the
side of the object 100 being attached is pulled with the required
force in the direction of separating from the object receiving
attachment 200, following the state of the attachment with the
object 100 being attached and the object receiving attachment 200
in which such coupling bumps 11a were coupled to the hole edge part
at the far ends of insertion in the attachment hole 201, the
inclined surfaces 11e are pressed against the hole edge part of the
attachment hole 201 at the far ends of insertion and the coupling
arms 11a are again caused to be bent inward. Thus, the coupling of
the coupling bumps 11a is released and the coupling bumps 11a are
entered into the attachment hole 201, such that the insertion part
101 with the clip C1 can be removed again from the attachment hole
201.
[0068] In addition to that, an uplifted part 11f formed on the
inner surface part on the free end 10a side of the coupling arm 10a
which was bend inward pursuant to the operation of pulling out of
this insertion part 101 is pressed against the outer surface part
on the free end 10a side of the clamping plate 10, such that the
pair of clamping plates 10 is pressed in the direction of mutually
approaching by the uplifted part 11f.
[0069] As a result, in this example, when the object 100 being
attached and the object receiving attachment 200 which once were
attached together by the clip C1 are separated by pulling the side
of the object 100 being attached with a force great enough to pull
out the insertion part 101 from the attachment hole 201, the clip
C1 can be pulled out from the attachment hole 201 together with the
insertion part 101 in a state being fixed to the receiving plate
part 102 which constitutes the insertion part 101 without being
left on the side of the object receiving attachment 200, that is,
in the attachment hole 201, and problems are not caused such as in
re-attaching the object 100 being attached to the object receiving
attachment 200.
[0070] Also, in this example, the clip C1 is provided with coupling
parts 12 coupled to coupled parts 104 provided on the insertion
part 101 pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate 102, which
constitutes the insertion part 101 of the object 100 being
attached, between the pair of the clamping plates 10.
[0071] In this example, the coupling part 12 of such clip C1 is
made as elastic bumps 12a that are elastically deformed after once
having collided with bumps 104a that serve as the coupled parts 104
and are formed on mutually facing side walls 103a of a pair of side
plates 103 which constitute the object 100 being attached, pursuant
to receiving the receiving plate part 102 between the pair of the
clamping plates 10, and ride past the bump 104a and are coupled to
the bumps 104a by the elasticity at the positions rode past.
[0072] Specifically, in this example, a plurality of elastic bumps
12a is provided respectively on both end surfaces 10e in the length
direction of the clamping plates 10, and is formed on the end
surfaces 10e to project laterally at intervals across the length of
the clamping plates 10. Also, it is constituted such that the
interval between the virtual surface on which the tips of the
plurality of elastic bumps 12a formed on one end surface 10e of
such clamping plate 10 are positioned and the virtual surface on
which the tips of the plurality of the elastic bumps 12a formed on
the other end surface 10e of such clamping plate 10 are positioned
becomes somewhat greater than the interval between the mutually
facing side walls 103a of the pair of side plates 103. Thus, the
receiving plate part 102 is received between the pair of clamping
plates 10 while this plurality of elastic bumps 12a is elastically
deformed by being pressed against the side walls 103a.
[0073] In addition to that, in this example, the bumps 104a that
form uplifted parts, which pursuant to the insertion of the
receiving plate part 102 up to the position where the tip is made
to collide with the inner surface of the connecting part 10b
between the pair of clamping plates 10, once collide with the
elastic bumps 12a on the most free end 10a side of these clamping
plates 10, then ride past the elastic bumps 12a while causing the
elastic bumps 12a to be deformed by this collision, and come in
beneath the elastic bumps 12a and are coupled with the elastic
bumps 12a, are respectively provided on both sides sandwiching the
receiving plate part 102 in the pair of side plates 103.
[0074] As a result, in this example, when the object 100 being
attached and the object receiving attachment 200 which once were
attached together via the clip C1 are separated by pulling the side
of the object 100 being attached with a force great enough to pull
out the insertion part 101 from the attachment hole 201, also by
using the coupling between the elastic bumps 12a provided on the
sides of the clip C1 and the bumps 104a provided on the sides of
the insertion part 101, it can be made such that the clip C1 is
pulled out from the attachment hole 201 together with the insertion
part 101 in a state being fixed to the receiving plate part 102
which is a constituent of the insertion part 101 without being left
on the side of the object receiving attachment 200, that is, in
attachment hole 201.
[0075] In this example, each of such plurality of elastic bumps 12a
has a side surface provided on the free end 10a side of the
clamping plate 10 inclined in a direction gradually moving away
from the free end boa while going toward the tip of the elastic
bump 12a. Thus, by using these inclined side surfaces, the clip C1
is easy to insert between the pair of side plates, which are a
constituent of the insertion part, while causing the elastic bumps
12a to be elastically deformed from the side of the tips of the
side plates.
[0076] It also may be constituted such that the plurality of teeth
10c provided on the inner surface side of the clamping plates 10
further has elasticity.
[0077] In this case, the springing force or elasticity of such
teeth 10c can be made to act further on the receiving plate part
102 having been inserted between the pair of clamping plates 10,
and the state of fixing between the receiving plate part 102 and
the clip C1 can be further improved.
[0078] Next, a clip C2 which is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is
explained.
[0079] Such clip C2 comprises a pair of clamping plates 20 that
receive therebetween the receiving plate part 102, which is a
constituent of the insertion part 101 provided on the object 100
being attached and is long in the direction of insertion of the
insertion part 101, and coupling arms 21 provided outside the pair
of clamping plates 20.
[0080] Such clamping plate 20 is connected integrally with the
other clamping plate 20 by a connecting part 20b at the opposite
side (below, called the base part side of clamping plate 20) to the
receiving side (below, called free end 20a side of the clamping
plate 20) of the receiving plate part 102. Also, in this example,
it is constituted such that the receiving plate part 102 can be
inserted between the pair of clamping plates 20 up to the position
where the tip of the receiving plate part 102 abuts against the
inner surface of this connecting part 20b.
[0081] Also, in this example, such receiving plate part 102 is
provided so as to cross between a pair of the side plates 103 which
arrange side walls 103a in a direction substantially orthogonally
to the plate surface of the receiving plate part 102, and the
insertion part 101 is formed by this receiving plate part 102 and
the pair of side plates 103. Specifically, such side plates 103
also are constituted so as to be long in the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101. Also, the side plates 103 are formed to
be longer than the receiving plate part 102, and the tips of the
side plates 103 are made to project in the forward direction of
insertion more than the tip of the receiving plate part 102. Also,
such receiving plate part 102 is provided substantially along the
middle position in the width direction of the side plates 103, and
the space between the pair of side plates 103 is divided into left
and right by the receiving plate part 102.
[0082] Also, in this example, a plurality of teeth 20c, the tips of
which are pressed to the receiving plate part 102 of the object 100
being attached, is respectively provided on the mutually facing
sides of the pair of clamping plates 20 (below, called the inner
surface side of the clamping plates 20) so as to form a multiple
stage pattern in the direction of insertion into the attachment
hole 201.
[0083] Specifically, in this example, each tooth 20c is constituted
as a rib-shaped body that is provided on the inner surface side of
the clamping plate 20 and crosses in the width direction of the
clamping plate 20. Also, between the teeth 20c, there is
respectively formed an interval. Also, in this example, it is
constituted such that the interval between the virtual surface on
which the tips of the teeth 20c formed on one clamping plate 20 are
positioned and the virtual surface on which the tips of the teeth
20c formed on the other clamping plate 20 are positioned becomes
somewhat narrower than the plate thickness of the receiving plate
part 102 which is inserted between such pair of clamping plates 20.
Also, it is constituted such that each clamping plate 20 is made
capable of elastic deformation in the direction of being separated
from the other clamping plate 20 generally around the base
part.
[0084] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 20 from its free
end 20a side, the receiving plate part 102 can be clamped by such
pair of clamping plates 20 while the pair of clamping plates 20 is
caused to elastically expand outward such that the teeth 20c
respectively provided on the pair of clamping plates 20 are pressed
against the plate surfaces of the receiving plate part 102 inserted
in this manner. The clip C2 can be fixed around the receiving plate
part 102 by this clamping.
[0085] Also, because such plurality of teeth 20c is provided so as
to form a multiple stage pattern across the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101 into the attachment hole 201, that is,
the direction of entry of the receiving plate part 102, the teeth
20c can be pressed against the receiving plate part 102 by the
springing or elastic force of the clamping plates 20 in a plurality
of locations across the direction of insertion of the receiving
plate part 102 from both sides of the receiving plate part 102.
Thus, the state of clamping of the receiving plate part 102 between
such pair of clamping plates 20 can be maintained with
stability.
[0086] Also, because the springing or elastic forces of the
clamping plates 20 act on the receiving plate part 102 at the tips
of the plurality of teeth 20c, the receiving plate part 102 can be
clamped properly by the pair of clamping plates 20 even when there
is some unevenness on the plate surfaces of such receiving plate
part 102.
[0087] Also, in this example, on the outside of the pair of
clamping plates 20, there are provided plate-shaped coupling arms
21 having inner surfaces facing the outer surfaces of the clamping
plates 20 with the same width as that of the clamping plate 20.
[0088] Specifically, such coupling arm 21 is constituted such that
one end thereof is integrally connected in a position near the
connecting part 20b of the clamping plate 20, such that it can be
elastically bent inward in the direction approaching the clamping
plate 20 about this connected position. Also, in this example, such
coupling arm 21 is formed to a length such that its tip is
positioned below the free end 20a of the clamping plate 20, and it
respectively has a coupling bump 21a on the outside part.
[0089] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
interval between the apexes 21b of the coupling bumps 21a of such
pair of coupling arms 21 becomes greater than the hole width of the
attachment hole 201 opened in the object receiving attachment
200.
[0090] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 20 to attach the
clip C2 to the insertion part 101 of the object 100 being attached,
and then inserting this insertion part 101 into the attachment hole
201 of the object receiving attachment, the coupling bumps 21a of
the coupling arms 21 abut against the hole edge part on the front
side of insertion in the attachment hole 201. The coupling arms 21
are once elastically bent inward, and then the coupling arms 21 are
returned at the final position of insertion of this insertion part
101 into the attachment hole 201, so that the coupling bumps 21a
can be coupled to the hole edge part of the attachment hole 201 at
the far end of inserting the coupling arms 21. Thus, the object 100
being attached can be attached to the object receiving attachment
200 via the clip C2 with one touch.
[0091] In this example, on the outer surface side of the coupling
arm 21, there is formed an inclined surface 21c that inclines so as
to gradually widen outward toward the apex 21b of the coupling bump
21a from the side of the connection with the clamping plate 20 on
this coupling arm 21, such that the coupling arm 21 can be bent
inward smoothly by the inclined surface 21c upon abutting against
the hole edge part on the front side of insertion in the attachment
hole 201.
[0092] Also, between such coupling bump 21a and the tip of the
coupling arm 21, there is formed a fitting surface 21d extending
along the direction of insertion, which is pressed against the
inner surface of the attachment hole 201 at the final position of
insertion.
[0093] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
coupling bump 21a of the coupling arm 21 is coupled on the side of
this fitting surface 21d to the hole edge part on the far end of
insertion into the attachment hole 201.
[0094] Also, in this example, the clip C2 is provided with coupling
parts 22 coupled to coupled parts 105 provided on the insertion
part 101 pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate 102, which is
a constituent of the insertion part 101 of the object 100 being
attached, between the pair of clamping plates 20.
[0095] In this example, the coupling parts 22 of such clip C2 are
made as parts of the plurality of teeth 20c provided on the
clamping plates 20, which are coupled to the bumps 105a that serve
as the coupled parts 105 formed on both surface sides of the
receiving plate part 102, which constitute the insertion part 101
of the object 100 being attached, pursuant to receiving of the
receiving plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates
20.
[0096] Specifically, in this example, it is constituted such that
the teeth 20c, each being the second tooth counting from the free
end 20a side of the clamping plate 20 among the plurality of teeth
20c provided on each side of the clamping plate 20, collide with
the bumps 105a that serve as the coupled parts 105 which are formed
on the receiving plate part 102 and cause the clamping plates 20 to
be expanded outward pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate
part 102 between this pair of clamping plates 20, and ride past the
bumps by the expansion of this pair of clamping plates 20, and are
coupled with the bumps by elasticity of the pair of clamping plates
20 at the position rode past.
[0097] As a result, in this example, when the object 100 being
attached and object receiving attachment 200 which once were
attached together via the clip C2 are separated by pulling the side
of the object 100 being attached with a force great enough to pull
out the insertion part 101 from the attachment hole 201, by the
coupling of the teeth 20c which constitute the coupling parts 22
provided on the sides of the clips C2 and the bumps 105a provided
on the sides of the insertion part 101, it can be made such that
such clip C2 is pulled out from the attachment hole 201 together
with the insertion part 101 in a state being fixed to the receiving
plate part which constitutes the insertion part 101, without being
left on the side of the object receiving attachment 200, that is,
in the attachment hole 201.
[0098] It also may be constituted such that the plurality of teeth
20c provided on the inner surface sides of the clamping plates 20
further has elasticity.
[0099] In this case, the springing or elastic forces of such teeth
20c can act further on the receiving plate part 102 having been
inserted between the pair of clamping plates 20, and the state of
fixing between the receiving plate part 102 and clip C2 can be
further improved.
[0100] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the free
ends 20a of the pair of clamping plates 20 having received the
receiving plate part 102 which constitutes the insertion part 101
are positioned between a pair of checking walls 107a provided on
the sides of the protruding base part of the insertion part 101 of
the object 100 being attached. Thus, the outward expansion is
prevented by colliding therewith when a force in the direction of
pulling out the insertion part 101 from the attachment hole 201 of
the object receiving attachment 200 is applied.
[0101] More specifically, in this example, on each side of the
receiving plate part 102 which constitutes the insertion part 101
of the object receiving attachment 100, there is formed a checking
bump 107 having a checking wall 107a facing the plate surface of
this receiving plate part 102 so as to cross between the bases of
the pair of side plates 103. In addition to that, it is formed such
that the interval between the outside parts of the free ends 20a of
the clamping plate 20 is somewhat smaller than the interval between
the pair of checking walls 107a. Also, the free ends 20a of such
pair of clamping plates 20 are respectively positioned inside the
checking bumps 107a at the final position of insertion of the
receiving plate part 102 where the tip of the receiving plate part
102 abuts against the inner surface of the connecting part 20b
between this pair of clamping plates 20.
[0102] As a result, in this example, when the object 100 being
attached and object receiving attachment 200 which once were
attached together via the clip C2 are separated by pulling the side
of the object 100 with a force great enough to pull out the
insertion part 101 from the attachment hole 201, the outward
expansions of the pair of clamping plates 20 which receive forces
bending outward by receiving the plate part 102 which is moved in
this direction of pulling out can be checked by pressing the free
ends 20a of the clamping plates 20 against the checking walls 107a.
By this, it can be made such that such clip C2 is pulled out from
the attachment hole 201 together with the insertion part 101 in a
state being fixed to the receiving plate part 102 which constitutes
the insertion part 101 without being left on the side of the object
receiving attachment 200, that is, in the attachment hole 201.
[0103] Next, a clip C3 which is shown in FIG. 7 through FIG. 9 is
explained.
[0104] Such clip C3 comprises a pair of clamping plates 30 that
receives therebetween the receiving plate part 102, which
constitutes the insertion part 101 provided on the object 100 being
attached and is long in the direction of insertion of the insertion
part 101, and coupling arms 31 provided outside this pair of
clamping plates 30.
[0105] Such clamping plate 30 is connected integrally with the
other clamping plate 30 by a connecting part 30b at the opposite
side (below, called the base part side of the clamping plate 30) to
the receiving side (below, called free end 30a side of the clamping
plate 30) of the receiving plate part 102. Also, in this example,
it is constituted such that the receiving plate part 102 can be
inserted between the pair of clamping plates 30 up to the position
where the tip of the receiving plate part 102 abuts against the
inner surface of this connecting part 30b.
[0106] Also, in this example, such receiving plate part 102 is
provided so as to cross between a pair of side plates 103 which
arrange side walls 103a in a direction substantially orthogonally
to the plate surface of the receiving plate part 102, and the
insertion part 101 is formed by this receiving plate part 102 and
the pair of side plates 103. Specifically, such side plates 103
also are constituted so as to be long in the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101. Also, the side plates 103 are
constituted to be longer than the receiving plate part 102, and the
tips of the side plates 103 are made to project in the forward
direction of insertion more than the tip of the receiving plate
part 102. Also, such receiving plate part 102 is provided
substantially along the middle position in the width direction of
the side plates 103, and it is constituted such that the space
between the pair of side plates 103 is divided into left and right
by the receiving plate part 102.
[0107] Also, in this example, a plurality of teeth 30c, the tips of
which are pressed to the receiving plate part 102 of the object 100
being attached, is respectively provided on the mutually facing
sides of the pair of clamping plates 30 (below, called the inner
surface side of the clamping plates 30) so as to form a multiple
stage pattern in the direction of insertion into the attachment
hole 201.
[0108] Specifically, in this example, each teeth 30c is constituted
as a rib-shaped body that is provided on the inner surface side of
the clamping plate 30 and crosses in the width direction of the
clamping plate 30. Also, between each tooth 30c, there is
respectively formed an interval. Also, in this example, it is
constituted such that the interval between the virtual surface on
which the tips of the teeth 30c formed on one clamping plate 30 are
positioned and the virtual surface on which the tips of the teeth
30c formed on the other clamping plate 30 are positioned becomes
somewhat narrower than the plate thickness of the receiving plate
part 102 which is inserted between such pair of clamping plates 30,
and it is constituted such that each clamping plate 30 is made
capable of elastic deformation in the direction of being separated
from the other clamping plate 30 generally about on the base part
side.
[0109] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 30 from its free
end 30a side, the receiving plate part 102 can be clamped by such
pair of clamping plates 30 while the pair of clamping plates 30 is
caused to elastically expand outward such that the plurality of
teeth 30c respectively provided on the pair of clamping plates 30
is pressed against the plate surface of the receiving plate part
102 inserted in this manner, and the clip C3 can be fixed around
the receiving plate part 102 by this clamping.
[0110] Also, because such plurality of teeth 30c is provided so as
to form a multiple stage pattern across the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101 into the attachment hole 201, that is,
the direction of insertion of the receiving plate part 102, the
teeth can be pressed against the receiving plate part 102 by the
springing force of the clamping plates 30 in a plurality of
locations across the direction of insertion of the receiving plate
part 102 from both sides of the receiving plate part 102. Thus, the
state of fixing of the receiving plate part 102 between such pair
of clamping plates 30 can be maintained with stability.
[0111] Also, because the springing or elastic forces of the
clamping plates 30 act on the receiving plate part 102 at the tips
of the plurality of teeth, the receiving plate part 102 can be
clamped properly by the pair of clamping plates 30 even when there
is some unevenness on the plate surfaces of such receiving plate
part 102.
[0112] Also, the plurality of teeth 30c provided on the clamping
plates 30 respectively is constituted such that the upper surfaces
facing the free end 30a side are made to incline in the direction
gradually approaching the base part from the root side to the tip
side of the teeth 30c, such that the tip of the receiving plate
part 102 easily rides past each tooth 30c by the inclination of
this upper surface.
[0113] Also, in this example, on the outside of the pair of
clamping plates 30, there are provided plate-shaped coupling arms
31 that have the same width as that of the clamping plate 30 and
arrange plate surfaces in the same direction as the plate surfaces
of the clamping plates 30.
[0114] Specifically, such coupling arm 31 is constituted such that
one end thereof is integrally connected in a position near the free
end 30a of the clamping plate 30, such that it can be elastically
bent inward in the direction approaching the clamping plate 30
about this connected position. Also, in this example, such coupling
arm 31 is formed to have a length such that its tip is positioned
above the free end 30a of the clamping plate 30, and it
respectively has a coupling bump 31a on the outside part.
[0115] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
interval between the apexes 31b of the coupling bumps 31a of such
pair of coupling arms 31 becomes greater than the hole width of the
attachment hole 201 opened in the object receiving attachment
200.
[0116] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 30 to attach the
clip C3 to the insertion part 101 of the object 100 being attached,
and then inserting this insertion part 101 into the attachment hole
201 of the object receiving attachment 200, the coupling bumps 31a
of the coupling arms 31 abut against the hole edge part on the
front side of insertion in the attachment hole 201 and the coupling
arms 31 are once elastically bent inward, and then the coupling
arms 31 return at the final position of insertion of this insertion
part 101 into the attachment hole 201 and the coupling bumps 31a
can be coupled to the hole edge part of the attachment hole 201 at
the far ends of inserting the coupling arms 31. By this, the object
100 being attached can be attached to the object receiving
attachment 200 via the clip C3 with one touch.
[0117] In this example, on the outer surface side of the coupling
arm 31, there is formed an inclined surface 31c that inclines so as
to gradually widen outward toward the apex 31b of the coupling bump
31a from the side of connection with the clamping plate 30 on this
coupling arm 31. Thus, the coupling arm 31 can be bent inward
smoothly by the inclined surface 31c abutting against the hole edge
part on the front side of insertion in the attachment hole 201
pursuant to insertion of the insertion part 101 into the attachment
hole 201.
[0118] Also, between such coupling bump 31a and the tip of coupling
arm 31, there is formed a fitting surface 31d along the direction
of insertion which is pressed against the inner surface of the
attachment hole 201 at the final position of insertion.
[0119] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
coupling bump 31a of the coupling arm 31 is coupled on the side of
this fitting surface 31d to the hole edge part on the far end of
insertion into the attachment hole 201.
[0120] Also, in this example, the clip C3 is provided with coupling
parts 32 coupled to a part 106 provided on the insertion part 101
pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate 102, which constitutes
the insertion part 101 of the object 100 being attached, between
the pair of clamping plates 30.
[0121] In this example, the coupling parts 32 of such clip C3 are
made as hooks 32a that once cause the pair of clamping plates 30 to
expand outward by colliding with the side surface of the receiving
plate part 102 pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate part,
and enter into and are coupled to a hole 106a that serves as the
coupled part 106 which is formed in the receiving plate part, by
returning of the pair of clamping plates 30.
[0122] Specifically, in this example, the hooks 32 are provided
respectively on the inner surface parts of the free end 30a sides
of the pair of clamping plates 30. In this example, such hook 32a
is constituted such that the size of projection from the clamping
plate 30 is made greater than the plurality of teeth 30c provided
on the clamping plate. Also, in this example, in order that the
protruding tip 32b of the hook 32a provided on one side of such
pair of clamping plates 30 and the hook 32a provided on the other
side do not face each other, it is constituted such that the
position of the hook 32a on one clamping plate 30 and the position
of the hook 32a on the other clamping plate 30 are adjacent to each
other when viewing the clip C3 as a plane from the free end 30a
side of the clamping plate 30 (FIG. 9).
[0123] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the hole
106a which serves as the coupled part 106 is opened through the
receiving plate part, and the hooks 32a which serve as the coupling
part 32 provided on the pair of clamping plates 30 corresponding to
the hole 106a cause the clamping plates 30 to expand outward by
respectively abutting against the tip of the receiving plate part
102 pursuant to receiving of the receiving plate part 102 between
this pair of clamping plates 30. Then, the hooks 32a which serve as
this coupling part 32 enter into the hole 106a and are respectively
coupled by the return of the pair of clamping plates 30 at the
position of the receiving plate part 102 where they enter the hole
106a.
[0124] As a result, in this example, when the object 100 being
attached and the object receiving attachment 200 which once were
attached together via the clip C3 are separated by pulling the side
of the object 100 with a force great enough to pull out the
insertion part 101 from the attachment hole, by the coupling of the
hooks 32a which constitute the coupling part 32 provided on the
side of the clip C3 and the hole 106a provided on the side of the
insertion part 101, it can be made such that such clip C3 is pulled
out from the attachment hole 201 together with the insertion part
101 in a state being fixed to the receiving plate part 102 which
constitutes the insertion part 101, without being left on the side
of the object receiving attachment 200, that is, in the attachment
hole 201.
[0125] Also, in this example, the hooks 32a, which respectively are
provided on the pair of clamping plates 30 and constitute the
coupling part 32, are formed adjacent to each other when viewing
the clip C3 as a plane from the free end 30a side of the clamping
plate 30 as noted previously. Thus, the clip C3 can be formed
without problem by injection molding, and the like, using a plastic
material, in a state in which the protruding tip 32b of the hook
32a formed on one clamping plate 30 and the protruding tip 32b of
the hook 32a formed on the other clamping plate 30 are made to form
substantially the same surface when viewing the clip C3 from the
side, and the surface area for coupling the hooks 32a to the hole
106a can be fully assured.
[0126] It also may be constituted such that the plurality of teeth
30c provided on the inner surface side of the clamping plates 30
further has elasticity.
[0127] In this case, the springing or elastic forces of such teeth
30c can act further on the receiving plate part 102 having been
inserted between the pair of clamping plates 30, so that the state
of fixing between the receiving plate part 102 and the clip C3 can
be further improved.
[0128] Next, a clip C4 which is shown in FIG. 10 through FIG. 15 is
explained.
[0129] Such clip C4 comprises a pair of clamping plates 40 that
receives therebetween a receiving plate part 102, which constitutes
the insertion part 101 provided on the object 100 being attached
and is long in the direction of insertion of the insertion part
101, and coupling arms 41 provided outside the pair of clamping
plates 40.
[0130] Such clamping plate 40 is connected integrally with the
other clamping plate 40 by a connecting part 40b at the opposite
side (below, called the base part side of the clamping plate 40) to
the receiving side (below, called the free end 40a side of the
clamping plate 40) of the receiving plate part 102. Also, in this
example, it is constituted such that the receiving plate part 102
can be inserted between the pair of clamping plates 40 up to the
position where the tip of the receiving plate part 102 abuts
against the inner surface of this connecting part 40b.
[0131] Also, in this example, such receiving plate part 102 is
provided so as to cross between a pair of side plates 103 which
arranges side walls 103a in a direction substantially orthogonally
to the plate surface of the receiving plate part 102, and the
insertion part 101 is formed by this receiving plate part 102 and
the pair of side plates 103. Specifically, such side plates 103
also are constituted so as to be long in the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101. Also, the side plates 103 are
constituted to be longer than the receiving plate part 102, and the
tips of the side plates 103 are made to extend in the forward
direction of insertion more than the tip of the receiving plate
part 102. Also, such receiving plate part 102 is provided
substantially along the middle position in the width direction of
the side plates 103, and it is constituted such that the space
between the pair of side plates 103 is divided into left and right
by the receiving plate part 102.
[0132] Also, in this example, a plurality of teeth 40c, the tips of
which are pressed to the receiving plate part 102 of the object 100
being attached, is respectively provided on the mutually facing
sides of the pair of clamping plates 40 (below, called the inner
surface side of the clamping plates 40) so as to form a multiple
stage pattern in the direction of insertion into the attachment
hole 201.
[0133] Specifically, in this example, each tooth 40c is constituted
as a rib-shaped body that is provided on the inner surface side of
the clamping plate 40 and crosses in the width direction of the
clamping plate 40. Also, between each tooth 40c, there is
respectively formed an interval. Also, in this example, it is
constituted such that the interval between the virtual surface on
which the tips of the teeth 40c formed on one clamping plate 40 are
positioned and the virtual surface on which the tips of the teeth
40c formed on the other clamping plate 40 are positioned becomes
somewhat narrower than the plate thickness of the receiving plate
part 102 which is inserted between such pair of clamping plates 40.
Also, it is constituted such that each of such pair of clamping
plates 40 is made capable of elastic deformation in the direction
of being separated from the other clamping plate 40 generally about
the base part side.
[0134] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 40 from its free
end 40a side, the receiving plate part 102 can be clamped by such
pair of clamping plates 40 while the pair of clamping plates 40 is
caused to elastically expand outward such that the plurality of
teeth 40c respectively provided on the pair of clamping plates 40
is pressed against the plate surfaces of the receiving plate part
102 inserted in this manner, and the clip C4 can be fixed around
the receiving plate part 102 by this clamping.
[0135] Also, because such plurality of teeth 40c is provided so as
to form a multiple stage pattern across the direction of insertion
of the insertion part 101 into the attachment hole 201, that is,
the direction of entry of the receiving plate part 102, the teeth
40c can be pressed against the receiving plate part 102 by the
springing or elastic force of the clamping plates 40 in a plurality
of locations across the direction of pushing of the receiving plate
part 102 from both sides of the receiving plate part 102. Thus, the
state of fixing of the receiving plate part 102 between such pair
of clamping plates 40 can be maintained with stability.
[0136] Also, because the springing force of the clamping plates 40
acts on the receiving plate part 102 at the tips of the plurality
of teeth 40c, the receiving plate part 102 can be clamped properly
by the pair of clamping plates 40, even when there is some
unevenness on the plate surfaces of such receiving plate part
102.
[0137] In this example, on the inner surface side of the clamping
plates 40 in a location from the free end 40a to the tooth 40c in
the position nearest to this free end 40a, there is formed an
inclined surface 40d that inclines in a direction gradually
separated from the inner surface of the other clamping plate 40
when going toward the free end 40a, and it is made such that the
insertion of the receiving plate part 102 between such pair of
clamping plates 40 from the free end 40a side can be performed
smoothly by guiding the tips of the receiving plate part 102 with
the inclined surfaces 40d.
[0138] Also, in this example, on the outside of each clamping plate
40, there is provided a plate-shaped coupling arm 41 that has an
inner surface facing the outer surface of the clamping plate 40 and
has about half the width of the clamping plate 40. Also, one side
edge 41a in the length direction of the coupling arm 41 provided on
one side of the pair of clamping plates 40 is made to extend along
one side edge in the length direction of the clamping plate 40 on
one side, and one side edge 41a in the length direction of the
coupling arm 41 provided on the other side of the pair of clamping
plates 40 is made to extend along the other side edge in the length
direction of the clamping plate 40 on the other side. That is, in
this example, it is constituted such that, when the clip C4 is
viewed as a plane from the free end 40a side of the clamping plates
40, the coupling arm 41 on the side of one clamping plate 40 and
the coupling arm 41 on the side of the other clamping plate 40 are
arranged in point-symmetric positions based on the center part (the
center of the connecting part 40b) of the clip C4 (FIG. 13).
[0139] Specifically, such coupling arm 41 is constituted such that
one end thereof is integrally connected in a position near the
connecting part 40b of the clamping plate 40, such that it can be
elastically bent inward in the direction approaching the clamping
plate 40 about this connected position. Also, in this example, such
coupling arm 41 is formed to a length such that its tip is
positioned below the free end 40a of the clamping plate 40, and it
respectively has a coupling bump 41b on the outside part.
[0140] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
interval between the apexes 41c of the coupling bumps 41b of such
pair of coupling arms 41 becomes greater than the hole width of the
attachment hole 201 opened in the object receiving attachment
200.
[0141] As a result, in this example, by inserting the receiving
plate part 102 between the pair of clamping plates 40 to thereby
attach the attaching clip C4 to the insertion part 101 of the
object being attached, and then inserting this insertion part 101
into attachment hole 201 of the object receiving attachment 200,
the coupling bumps 41b of the coupling arms 41 abut against the
hole edge part on the front side of insertion in the attachment
hole 201. The coupling arms 41 are once elastically bent inward,
and then the coupling arms 41 are caused to return at the final
position of insertion of this insertion part 101 into the
attachment hole 201, so that the coupling bumps 41b can be coupled
to the hole edge part of the attachment hole 201 at the far end of
insertion of the coupling arms 41. By this, the object 100 being
attached can be attached to the object receiving attachment 200 via
the clip C4 with one touch.
[0142] In this example, on the outer surface side of the coupling
arm 41, there is formed an inclined surface 41d that inclines so as
to gradually widen or expand outward toward the apex 41c of the
coupling bump 41b from the side of connection with the clamping
plate 40 on this coupling arm 41. Thus, the coupling arm 41 can be
bent inward smoothly by the inclined surface 41d upon abutment
against the hole edge part on the front side of insertion in the
attachment hole 201 pursuant to insertion of the insertion part 101
into the attachment hole 201.
[0143] Also, between such coupling bump 41b and the tip of the
coupling arm 41, there is formed a fitting surface 41e along the
direction of insertion which is pressed against the inner surface
of the attachment hole 201 at the final position of insertion.
[0144] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the
coupling bump 41b of the coupling arm 41 is coupled on the side of
this fitting surface 41e to the hole edge part on the far end of
insertion into the attachment hole 201.
[0145] It also may be constituted such that the plurality of teeth
40c provided on the inner surface side of the clamping plates 40
further has elasticity.
[0146] In this case, the springing force of such teeth 40c can act
further on the receiving plate part 102 having been inserted
between the pair of clamping plates 40, and the state of fixing
between the receiving plate part 102 and the clip C4 can be further
improved.
[0147] Also, in this example, it is constituted such that the free
ends 40a of the pair of clamping plates 40 having received the
receiving plate part 102 which constitutes the insertion part 101
are positioned between a pair of checking walls 108a provided on
the side of the protruding base part of the insertion part 101 of
the object 100 being attached, such that the outward expansion is
checked or prevented by the abutment thereto when force in the
direction of pulling out the insertion part 101 from the attachment
hole 201 of the object receiving attachment 200 is applied.
[0148] More specifically, in this example, on each side of the
receiving plate part 102 which constitutes the insertion part 101
of the object receiving attachment 100, there is formed a checking
bump 108 having a checking wall 108a facing the plate surface of
this receiving plate part 102 so as to cross between the bases of
the pair of side plates 103. In addition to that, it is constituted
such that the interval between the outside parts of the free ends
40a of the pair of clamping plates 40 having received such
receiving plate 102 in between is somewhat smaller than the
interval between the pair of checking walls 108a. Also, such pair
of clamping plates 40 respectively positions the free ends 40a
inside the checking bumps 108a at the final position of insertion
of the receiving plate part 102 where the tip of the receiving
plate part 102 abuts against the inner surface of connecting part
40b between this pair of clamping plates 40.
[0149] As a result, in this example, when the object 100 being
attached and object receiving attachment 200 which once were
attached together via the clip C4 are separated by pulling the side
of the object 100 with a force great enough to pull out the
insertion part 101 from the attachment hole 201, outward expansion
of the pair of clamping plates 40 which receive forces for bending
outward by the receiving plate part 102 which is moved in this
direction of pulling out can be checked or prevented by pressing
the free end 40a of the clamping plates 40 against the checking
walls 108a. By this, it can be made such that such clip C4 is
pulled out from the attachment hole 201 together with the insertion
part 101 in a state being fixed to the receiving plate part 102
which is a constituent of the insertion part 101 without being left
on the side of the object receiving attachment 200, that is, in the
attachment hole 201.
[0150] In this example, it is constituted such that the checking
bump 108, which is a constituent of the insertion part 101, also
enters into the attachment hole 201 at the final position of
insertion of the insertion part 101 of the object 100 into the
attachment hole 201.
[0151] In addition to that, in this example, when the clip C4 is
viewed as a plane from the free end 40a side of the clamping plates
40, the coupling arm 41 provided on the side of one of the pair of
clamping plates 40 and the coupling arm 41 provided on the other
side are arranged in point-symmetric positions. Thus, a cut-out
part 108b that allows a movement of the tip of the coupling arm 41
is provided on the checking bump 8 at a place where it enters into
the attachment hole 201. The positions of these cut-out parts 108b
also are made different between the side of one checking bump 108
and the side of the other checking bump 108.
[0152] By such clip in this invention, the clamping force can act
properly on the receiving plate part, which is a constituent of the
insertion part provided on the object being attached, in all
locations across the direction of insertion of the insertion part,
even when there is unevenness, and the like, on the plate surfaces
of the receiving plate part, by a plurality of teeth which is
provided so as to respectively form multiple stage pattern on the
mutually facing sides of the pair of clamping plates.
[0153] Also, by the clips of the invention, during removal of the
object being attached, in which the insertion part is pulled out
from the attachment hole of the object receiving attachment, it
becomes possible to assuredly pull out the clip from the attachment
hole together with the insertion part, even without applying
special processing to the side of the insertion part of the object
being attached.
[0154] While the invention has been explained with reference to the
specific embodiments of the invention, the explanation is
illustrative and the invention is limited only by the appended
claims.
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