Cover anchor clip

A cover anchor clip comprising a base section that is a rectangular shaped plate body for retention in a foam body, and that is formed with a plurality of through holes into which the foam body enters, the plurality of through holes are lined up along a length direction of the base section in a plurality of rows; and a plurality of anchor portions that are formed standing out from the base section side-by-side in the length direction of the base section, and each of that is configured to anchor an anchored portion fixed to a cover for covering the foam body, wherein a notch is formed to one edge out of a pair of edges of the base section, the pair of edges extends in the length direction of the base section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-066229 filed Mar. 27, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirely.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Preferred embodiments relates to a cover anchor clip.

Related Art

A cover anchor clip described in JPA No. 2013-132328 is disposed inside a seat pad (foam body). The cover anchor clip is a resin clip that restrains a cover member at the pad in a state in which the cover anchor clip is engaged with a lead-in member attached to the cover member covering the seat pad.

The cover anchor clip includes a base section, first and second tabs stand up from the base section so as to maintain a specific interval to each other, a restriction protrusion provided at the first tab and projecting out toward a second tab side, and an engagement tab that is provided at the second tab, extending obliquely downward and anchoring the lead-in portion such that the lead-in portion cannot be pulled out.

The cover anchor clip may be employed in a vehicle seat with an inbuilt air bag. In such cases, when the air bag deploys, the cover of the seat is pressed by the air bag from the inside of the seat. When the air bag presses the cover from the inside, a force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip through the cover.

SUMMARY

In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of preferred embodiments is to suppress the cover anchor clip from being pulled out of the foam body.

A cover anchor clip of a first aspect of the disclosure includes a base section that is a rectangular shaped plate body for retention in a foam body, and that is formed with plural through holes into which the foam body enters, the plural through holes are lined up along a length direction of the base section in plural rows, and plural anchor portions that are formed standing out from the base section side-by-side in the length direction of the base section, and each of that is configured to anchor an anchored portion fixed to a cover for covering the foam body. A notch is formed to one edge out of a pair of edges of the base section, the pair of edges extends in the length direction of the base section.

In the above configuration, the base section is a rectangular shaped plate body retained in the foam body and the base section is formed with plural through holes into which the foam body enters, and the plural through holes are lined up along the length direction of the base section in plural rows.

Furthermore, the plural anchor portions are formed standing out from the base section side-by-side in the length direction of the base section. The anchor portions anchor the anchored portion fixed to the cover for covering the foam body. The notch is formed to one edge of the base section.

For example, in cases in which an air bag is provided inside the seat, when the air bag deploys, the air bag presses the cover from inside the seat. When this occurs, force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip through the cover and through the anchored portion fixed to the cover.

As mentioned above, the notch is formed to one edge of the base section. When force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip, the vicinity of the notch deforms and twists in the base section retained in the foam body.

Force from the base section acting on the foam body does not act in a uniform direction due to the twisting of the base section. The cover anchor clip can thereby be suppressed from being pulled out from the foam body compared to cases in which force from the base section acts on the foam body in a uniform direction.

A cover anchor clip of a second aspect of the disclosure is the cover anchor clip of the first aspect, wherein the notch is disposed in the length direction between one of the anchor portions and another of the anchor portions.

In the configuration described above, the notch is disposed in the length direction between one of the anchor portions and another of the anchor portions. Due to disposing the notch in this manner, when force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip, the vicinity of the notch deforms, enabling effective twisting between a portion of the base section to which the one anchor portion is connected and a portion of the base section to which the other anchor portion is connected.

In a cover anchor clip of a third aspect of the disclosure that includes the cover anchor clip of the first aspect, the notch is respectively formed to a pair of edges of the base section, and the notches are formed at positions asymmetrical to each other about a center line of the base section extending in the length direction of the base section as viewed in a plate thickness direction of the base section.

In the above configuration, the notches are respectively formed to the pair of edges of the base section, and the pair of notches are formed at positions asymmetrical to each other about the center line of the base section extending in the length direction as viewed in the plate thickness direction of the base section.

For example, in cases in which an air bag is provided inside the seat, when the air bag deploys, the air bag presses the cover from inside the seat. When this occurs, force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip through the cover and through the anchored portion.

As mentioned above, the pair of notches are disposed asymmetrical to each other about the center line extending in the length direction of the base section. When force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip, the vicinity of the pair of notches of the base section retained in the foam body deforms and twists.

Force from the base section acting on the foam body does not act in a uniform direction due to the twisting of the base section. The cover anchor clip can thereby be suppressed from being pulling out from the foam body compared to cases in which force from the base section acts on the foam body in a uniform direction.

A cover anchor clip of a fourth aspect of the disclosure is the cover anchor clip of the third aspect, wherein the notches are disposed in the length direction between one of the anchor portions and another of the anchor portions.

In the above configuration, the notches are disposed between one of the anchor portions and another of the anchor portions in the length direction. Due to disposing the notches in this manner, when force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip, the vicinities of the pair of notches deform, enabling effective twisting between a portion of the base section to which the one anchor portion is connected and a portion of the base section to which the other anchor portion is connected.

A cover anchor clip of a fifth aspect of the disclosure is the cover anchor clip of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, wherein one notch is respectively formed to each of the edges on either side of the center line.

In the above configuration, one notch is respectively formed to each of the edges on either side of the center line. A pair of notches is thereby formed with the two notches.

Such a simple configuration enables the base section to twist effectively when force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body has acted on the cover anchor clip.

A cover anchor clip of a sixth aspect of the disclosure is the cover anchor clip of any one of the third aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein an adjacent portion of the notch formed to one of the edges and an adjacent portion of the notch formed to the other of the edges are disposed at asymmetrical positions about the center line, the adjacent portions are located closest to the center line.

In the above configuration, the one adjacent portion and the other adjacent portion are disposed at differing, asymmetrical positions about the center line extending in the length direction. The base section can thereby effectively twist about an axis of the shortest straight line joining between the one adjacent portion and the other adjacent portion when force to pull the cover anchor clip out from the foam body acts on the cover anchor clip.

A cover anchor clip of a seventh aspect of the disclosure is the cover anchor clip of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein a step portion where a plate thickness of the base section changes is formed on a face of the base section on the opposite side to a face on which the anchor portion is disposed.

A cover anchor clip of an eighth aspect of the disclosure is the cover anchor clip of the seventh aspect, wherein a portion of the base section at a central portion in the length direction has greater plate thickness than that at another portion.

According to the disclosure, the cover anchor clip can be suppressed from being pulled out from the foam body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Explanation follows regarding an example of a cover anchor clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 17. Note that in the drawings, the arrow H indicates an up-down direction of the cover anchor clip, the arrow W indicates a width direction of the cover anchor clip, and the arrow L indicates a front-rear direction of the cover anchor clip. In the exemplary embodiments, when “an up-down direction”, “a width direction”, and “a front-rear direction” are used, the respective directions mean the directions with respect to the cover anchor clip of the exemplary embodiment.

Overall Configuration

First, explanation follows regarding a vehicle seat100in which a cover anchor clip10(referred to below simply as “clip10”) is employed. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the seat100includes a cushion section110, a back section120, and a headrest128that respectively support the buttocks or the like, the back and lumbar region or the like, and the head of an occupant.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the cushion section110includes a cushion112(an example of a foam body) and a cover114. Moreover, the cushion112includes a main portion112A and a pair of support portions112B disposed on either side of the main portion112A in the width direction thereof.

Grooves116are formed between the respective support portions112B and the main portion112A, and the clips10are disposed at a bottom of the grooves116. Specifically, when foam molding the cushion112, the clips10are inserted in the mold so as to dispose the clips10at the bottom of the grooves116(seeFIG. 4).

Suspenders118, serving as examples of an anchored portion and fixed to a sheet member117attached to the cover114, are attached to the clips10(seeFIG. 7). Note that the suspenders118and the clips10are described in detail later.

Similarly, as illustrated inFIG. 14, the back section120includes a cushion122(an example of a foam body) and a cover124. The cushion122includes a main portion122A and a pair of support portions122B disposed on either side of the main portion122A in the width direction thereof.

Grooves126are formed between the respective support portions122B and the main portion122A, and the clips10are disposed at a bottom of the grooves126. Specifically, when foam molding the cushion122, the clips10are inserted in the mold so as to dispose the clips10at the bottom of the grooves126(seeFIG. 4).

A side airbag132(referred to below simply as “airbag”) is disposed on one support portion122B side. A slit (not illustrated in the drawings) for releasing the airbag132to the outside when the airbag132is deployed, is formed at the cover124.

Suspenders118, serving as examples of an anchored portion, that are fixed to a sheet member127attached to the cover124, are attached to the clip10(seeFIG. 7). Note that the suspenders118and the clips10are described in detail later.

Each of the suspenders118extends along a bottom face of the groove116,126and is tapered at a leading end side, as illustrated inFIG. 7. A pair of protrusions118A are formed projecting toward the outside (left-right direction sides inFIG. 7) at a portion on a base end side of each suspender118.

Each clip10is integrally formed from a resin material, and, as illustrated inFIG. 10, includes a plate shaped base section14that is retained by the cushions112,122(seeFIG. 14), and two anchor portions34standing out from a front face of the base section14toward the upper side.

Base Section

A plate face of the base section14faces in the up-down direction and extends in the front-rear direction (a length direction), and the base section14is formed by a rectangular plate body extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the base section14includes a pair of edges18that extend in the front-rear direction and that are each formed with a notch16, and a pair of edges22that couple the pair of edges18together at both end portions thereof and that are each formed with a notch20.

Specifically, the respective edges18and the respective edges22are coupled together through circular arc shaped edges26. Moreover, the notch20formed to one of the edges22, and the notch20, formed to the other of the edges22, are each has recessed shapes as viewed from the upper side and are formed symmetrically to each other about a center line L1of the base section14extending in the width direction. Note that the center line L1passes through the center C (centroid) of the base section14, and is a straight line extending in the width direction.

A notch16A formed to one of the edges18A and a notch16B formed to the other of the edges18B are each has recessed shapes as viewed from the upper side. Furthermore, the pair of notches16A,16B are each disposed in the front-rear direction between one of the anchor portions34and another of the anchor portions34. The notch16A and the notch16B are asymmetrical to each other about a center line L2of the base section14extending in the front-rear direction. Note that the center line L2passes through the center C (centroid) of the base section14, and is a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

The notches16A,16B include straight line portions28A,28B extending in the width direction, angled portions30A,30B angled with respect to the width direction, and circular arc portions32A,32B that couple leading end sides of the straight line portions28A,28B together with leading end sides of the angled portions30A,30B. In the present exemplary embodiment, as viewed from the upper side, the notch16A and the notch16B are formed with point symmetry about the center C of the base section14, and the circular arc portion32A of the notch16A is disposed on one side of the center line L1, and the circular arc portion32B of the notch16B is disposed on the other side of the center line L1. In other words, the circular arc portion32A (an example of an adjacent portion) that is closest to the center line L2in the notch16A, and the circular arc portion32B (an example of an adjacent portion) that is closest to the center line L2in the notch16B, are disposed at different positions asymmetrical to each other about the center line L2.

The base section14is formed with four through holes36in a line along the one edge18A, and four through holes38in a line along the other edge18B. Namely, the through holes36,38are formed in respective lines along the front-rear direction, in plural rows across the width direction (two rows in the present exemplary embodiment). The foam bodies enter the through holes36,38(seeFIG. 8) during foam molding of the cushions112,122(seeFIG. 14).

As illustrated inFIG. 11, step portions42,44(examples of portions where a plate thickness changes) where the plate thickness of the base section14changes are formed to a back face of the base section14, that is an opposite side face to the face on which the anchor portions34are disposed. In the present exemplary embodiment, a front-rear direction central portion of the base section14has a plate thickness of 1.2 mm, and other general portions of the base section14have a plate thickness of 1.0 mm.

Specifically, as viewed from the lower side, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the step portion42is disposed on one side of the center line L1, and the step portion44is disposed on the other side of the center line L1. A portion of the base section14between the step portion42and the step portion44has a plate thickness of 1.2 mm.

In this configuration, in a state in which the respective clips10are disposed in the cushions112,122, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the base sections14are disposed so as to extend running along the bottom faces of the grooves116,126of the cushions112,122.

Anchor Portion

As illustrated inFIG. 10, two of the anchor portions34are disposed side-by-side in the front-rear direction, standing out from the front face of the base section14toward the upper side. As illustrated inFIG. 12, one anchor portion34and the other anchor portion34are disposed on either side of the center line L1. The notches16A,16B are disposed between the one anchor portion34and the other anchor portion34, as described above. Since each of the anchor portions34is configured with a similar shape, explanation follows regarding the one anchor portion34.

As illustrated inFIG. 4andFIG. 10, each anchor portion34includes a pair of extension portions50standing out from the front face of the base section14and disposed facing each other, and a pair of anchor claws52that are respectively formed to leading ends of the extension portions50and that fit around and anchor the suspenders118mentioned above.

The pair of extension portions50and the pair of anchor claws52are symmetrical to each other about a center line L3(seeFIG. 4) of the base section14extending in the up-down direction. Note that the center line L3passes through the center C (centroid) of the base section14and is a straight line extending in the up-down direction.

The pair of extension portions50are angled toward the width direction outside so as to be further apart from each other at leading end sides than at base end sides. The respective extension portions50are curved so as to protrude toward the width direction outside. The respective extension portions50are capable of undergoing elastic deformation such that the leading ends of the respective extension portions50move away from each other.

Furthermore, the anchor claws52are formed to the leading ends of the respective extension portions50such that leading edges of the pair of anchor claws52approach each other.

In this configuration, in a state in which the clips10are disposed in the cushions112,122, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the anchor portions34are disposed in the grooves116,126of the cushions112,122, and are exposed from the foam body to the exterior.

In order to fit the pair of anchor claws52around and anchor the suspender118, as illustrated inFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the respective extension portions50elastically deform such that the pair of anchor claws52move away from each other.

Other

Protrusions54are respectively formed to the leading ends of the pair of extension portions50.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the protrusions54protrude out toward the opposite side to the side at which the extension portions50face each other (opposite side to the side formed with the anchor claws52), and each protrusion54is formed with a lower face54A (an example of a contact face) facing the lower side.

The clip10includes pairs of upstanding portions56that stand out from the base section14toward the upper side in the up-down direction (an example of an upstanding direction), and that are respectively disposed on the width direction outside of each extension portion50. Leading end portions of each pair of upstanding portions56are formed with top faces56A facing the upper side in the up-down direction.

Furthermore, a triangular rib58supporting the upstanding portion56is formed on the width direction outside of each upstanding portion56.

In this configuration, in a state in which the clips10are disposed in the cushions112,122, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the upstanding portions56are disposed inside the cushions112,122.

When the extension portions50elastically deform such that the pair of anchor claws52move away from each other, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the lower faces54A of the protrusions54can contact the top faces56A of the upstanding portions56so as to make face-to-face contact.

Operation and Advantageous Effects

Next, explanation follows regarding operation of the clips10, with reference to an operation to attach the suspenders118, which are fixed to the sheet members117,127attached to the covers114,124, to the clips10, and to deformation behavior of the clips10when the airbag132is deployed.

Attachment Operation

When attaching the suspender118to the clips10, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the suspender118is inserted into the grooves116,126. When the suspender118is inserted into the grooves116,126, the tapered leading end portion of the suspender118contacts the pairs of anchor claws52of the respective clips10.

When the suspender118is inserted further toward the bottom of the grooves116,126, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the pair of anchor claws52are pressed by the suspender118and the extension portions50elastically deform such that the pair of anchor claws52move away from each other. The suspender118is thereby allowed to pass between the pair of anchor claws52. When this occurs, the lower faces54A of the protrusions54and the top faces56A of the upstanding portions56are not in contact, and a gap60is formed between each lower face54A and top face56A.

When the protrusions118A of the suspender118pass between the pair of anchor claws52, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the extension portions50undergo elastic recovery, such that the pair of anchor claws52fit around and anchor the suspender118. The suspender118is thereby attached to the clip10.

The attachment operation to attach the suspender118to the clip10is thereby completed.

During Airbag Deployment

As illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 7, in a state in which the suspender118is attached to the clip10, the plate shaped base section14is not deformed.

However, in cases in which the airbag132(seeFIG. 14) has deployed for whatever reason, the airbag132presses the cover124from the inside of the seat100. In the event that the airbag132presses the cover124, as illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 3, the suspender118moves toward the upper side. Due to the suspender118moving toward the upper side, the protrusions118A of the suspender118press the anchor claws52of the anchor portions34, and the anchor portions34are lifted toward the upper side. A force to pull the clips10out from the cushions112,122thereby acts on the clips10.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, two of the anchor portions34are formed side-by-side in the front-rear direction in each clip10. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the notch16A and the notch16B, formed between the one anchor portion34and the other anchor portion34in the front-rear direction, are asymmetrical to each other about the center line L2. The circular arc portion32A of the notch16A is disposed on the one side of the center line L1, and the circular arc portion32B of the notch16B is disposed on the other side of the center line L1.

Accordingly, when the one anchor portion34(on the right inFIG. 1) and the other anchor portion34(on the left inFIG. 1) are lifted toward the upper side, as illustrated inFIG. 1, there is twisting between the portion of the base section14to which the one anchor portion34is connected and the portion of the base section14to which the other anchor portion34is connected.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the portion of the base section14to which the one anchor portion34is connected and the portion of the base section14to which the other anchor portion34is connected twist about an axis of a shortest straight line E joining between the circular arc portion32A and the circular arc portion32B. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the portion of the base section14to which the one anchor portion34is connected rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and the portion of the base section14to which the other anchor portion34is connected rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing.

Each of the anchor portions34is thereby lifted toward the upper side, and force transmitted from the anchor portions34to the base section14is dispersed into a force pressing the cushions112,122obliquely toward the right upper side inFIG. 3, and a force pressing the cushions112,122obliquely toward the left upper side inFIG. 3.

As explained above, the force transmitted from the anchor portions34to the base section14is dispersed into a force pressing the cushions112,122obliquely toward the right upper side inFIG. 3, and a force pressing the cushions112,122obliquely toward the left upper side inFIG. 3. The force from the base section14acting on the cushions112,122can thereby be suppressed from pulling out the clips10from the cushions112,122compared to cases in which force from the base section14acts in a uniform direction.

The notches16A,16B are disposed between the one anchor portion34and the other anchor portion34in the front-rear direction. This thereby enables effective twisting between the portion of the base section14to which the one anchor portion34is connected and the portion of the base section14to which the other anchor portion34is connected.

The pair of notches16A,16B are respectively formed on either side of the center line L2, with one each on the one edge18A and the other edge18b.Simple configuration in this manner enables effective twisting between the portion of the base section14to which the one anchor portion34is connected and the portion of the base section14to which the other anchor portion34is connected.

Disposing the one circular arc portion32A and the other circular arc portion32B at different positions in the front-rear direction enables the base section14to twist effectively about the axis of the shortest straight line joining between the one circular arc portion32A and the other circular arc portion32B when force to pull the clips10out from the cushions112,122acts on the clips10.

Note that detailed explanation has been given regarding a particular exemplary embodiment of the present invention; however, the present invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, and it would be obvious to a practitioner skilled in the art that various other exemplary embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the exemplary embodiment explained above, the notches16A,16B are respectively formed with one each on the one edge18A and the other edge18B on either side of the center line L2; however, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the notch16may be formed to the one edge18A alone. It is sufficient that the base section14is able to twist when the one anchor portion34and the other anchor portion34are lifted toward the upper side.

In the exemplary embodiment explained above, the notches16A,16B are respectively formed with one each on the one edge18A and the other edge18B on either side of the center line L2; however, as illustrated inFIG. 17, plural (two inFIG. 17) notches16C,16D may be formed to the other edge18B, for example. It is sufficient that the base section14is able to twist when the one anchor portion34and the other anchor portion34are lifted toward the upper side.

In the exemplary embodiment explained above, two of the anchor portions34are provided to the clip10; however, three or more may be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment explained above, the four through holes36and the four through holes38are respectively formed running side-by-side in the front-rear direction in two rows across the width direction; however, the numbers of the respective through holes may be a number other than four, and there may be three or more through hole rows.

In the exemplary embodiment explained above, explanation has been given of an example of a case which the clips10attempt to pull out from the cushions112,122due to the cover124being pressed by the airbag132during deployment of the airbag132; however, it is sufficient that the force described above acts on the clips10, even if it is not particularly due to deployment of the airbag132.

In the exemplary embodiment explained above, explanation has been given of an example of a case in which the clip10is employed in the vehicle seat100; however, the clip10may be employed in other seats (chairs) such as an office chair, a home sofa, or a legless chair.