Vehicle clip and exterior component fastening structure

A vehicle clip includes: a clip body including an attachment section that has a pair of retention members for gripping a first exterior, and an insertion hole; and a pin member including an insertion portion that is anchored to the clip body in an inserted state of the insertion portion into the insertion hole and a through hole formed in a second exterior component, a head portion that is formed with a larger diameter than the insertion hole and that retains the second exterior component between the head portion and the clip body, and a pressing portion that extends out from the head portion toward the attachment section side, and that, through one of the retention members, presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application, No. 2016-052754 filed on Mar. 16, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle clip and an exterior component fastening structure.

Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2007-71368 describes a structure including a clip body and a pin as a vehicle clip for fastening together plural exterior components. In this structure, legs of the clip body are inserted through respective through holes formed in the plural exterior components, and the pin is press-fitted into the clip body 12, thereby increasing the diameter of the legs of the clip body and fastening the plural exterior components together. JP-A No. 2012-86777 similarly describes a vehicle clip in which fitting claws of a clip body are inserted in a state in which one exterior component is sandwiched by another exterior component, and then a push-in pin is pushed into the clip body so as to spread apart the fitting claws and fasten together the plural exterior components.

In the technology described in the above documents, the respective clip bodies are inserted in a state in which the plural exterior components have been superimposed and positioned, thus leaving room for improvement from the perspective of increasing the ease of assembly (work efficiency). Fastening structures are known in which, from the perspective of increasing the ease of assembly, a second exterior component is attached to a clip body using a pin or the like after the clip body has been attached to a first exterior component. However, it is difficult to secure fastening strength since the first exterior component and the second exterior component are not fastened together directly.

SUMMARY

In consideration of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a vehicle clip and exterior component fastening structure capable of securing fastening strength, while increasing ease of assembly.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle clip including: a clip body including an attachment section that is provided with a pair of retention members for gripping a first exterior component so as to be attached to the first exterior component, and an insertion hole; and a pin member including an insertion portion that is anchored to the clip body in an inserted state of the insertion portion into the insertion hole and a through hole formed in a second exterior component, a head portion that is formed with a larger diameter than the insertion hole and that retains the second exterior component between the head portion and the clip body, and a pressing portion that extends out from the head portion toward the attachment section side, and that, through one of the retention members, presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body.

In the present aspect, the vehicle clip includes the clip body and the pin member. The clip body includes the attachment section that is attached by gripping the first exterior component, and the insertion hole. The pin member includes the insertion portion that is anchored in an inserted state to the insertion hole of the clip body, and the head portion that is formed with a larger diameter than the insertion hole and that retains the second exterior component between the head portion and the clip body. This thereby enables the first exterior component and the second exterior component to be fastened together by retaining the second exterior component between the head portion and the clip body using the pin member after the clip body has been attached to the first exterior component. Namely, there is no need to directly superimpose and position the first exterior component and the second exterior component with respect to each other, enabling the ease of assembly to be improved.

The head portion of the pin member is provided with the pressing portion. The pressing portion presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member through the one retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body. This thereby enables the retention force of the clip body with respect to the first exterior component to be increased, and enables the fastening strength between the first exterior component and the second exterior component to be secured. Note that the “fastening strength between the first exterior component and the second exterior component” referred to here refers to the difficulty of detaching the first exterior component from the second exterior component. Moreover, “enables the retention force to be secured” refers to being able to make detachment difficult (fasten firmly).

In this manner, the vehicle clip of the first aspect enables the fastening strength to be secured, while increasing the ease of assembly.

In the present aspect, a claw may be formed to at least one of the retention members; and the claw may be configured to engage with a recess that is formed to a location of the first exterior component to which the attachment section is attached.

In the configuration described above, the claw of the clip body engages with the recess of the first exterior component. Moreover, one retention member is pressed toward the side of the first exterior component by the pressing portion of the pin member, thereby enabling the retention force of the clip body with respect to the first exterior component to be further increased.

In this manner, the vehicle clip configured as described above enables the retention force of the clip body with respect to the first exterior component to be increased in comparison to configurations in which the attachment section is not formed with a claw.

In the present aspect, configuration may be made in which the insertion hole of the clip body is formed further to a vehicle inner side than the attachment section.

In the configuration described above, the insertion hole into which the pin member is inserted is formed further to the vehicle inner side than the attachment section. This thereby enables the pin member to be made less visible from the exterior of the vehicle.

In this manner, the vehicle clip configured as described above enables the design qualities of the vehicle to be improved.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is an exterior component fastening structure including: a clip body including an attachment section that is provided with a pair of retention members for gripping a first exterior component so as to be attached to the first exterior component, and an insertion hole; and a second exterior component including an insertion portion that is anchored to the clip body in an inserted state of the insertion portion into the insertion hole, and a pressing portion that extends out toward the attachment section side, and that, through one of the retention members, presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body.

In the present aspect, through the one retention member, the pressing portion of the second exterior component presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body. This thereby enables the retention force of the clip body with respect to the first exterior component to be increased, and enables the fastening strength between the first exterior component and the second exterior component to be secured. Moreover, since the insertion portion and the pressing portion are formed to the second exterior component, the number of components may be reduced in comparison to configurations employing, for example, a pin member that is a separate body.

In this manner, the exterior component fastening structure of the second aspect is capable of achieving both ease of assembly and of securing fastening strength, as well as enabling a reduction in the number of components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding a fastening structure employing a vehicle clip according to a first exemplary embodiment, with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 6. Note that inFIG. 1toFIG. 6, the arrow Rr indicates a vehicle rear side, the arrow UP indicates a vehicle upper side, and the arrow IN indicates a vehicle width direction inner side. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to the front and rear, upward and downward, and left and right directions refers to the front and rear in a vehicle front-rear direction, upward and downward in a vehicle vertical direction, and the left and right when facing toward the direction of vehicle travel.

Explanation follows regarding an exterior component fastening structure according to the present exemplary embodiment, in which as illustrated inFIG. 1, a bumper16, serving as a first exterior component, and a fender liner18, serving as a second exterior component, are fasted together by a vehicle clip10(referred to below as simply the “clip10”). First, a brief explanation is given regarding the structures of the bumper16and the fender liner18, followed by explanation regarding the structure of the clip10according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Schematic Configuration of the Bumper16

The bumper16is an exterior component disposed at a front section of a vehicle, and extends along the vehicle width direction. Respective side walls16A extend from both vehicle width direction ends of the bumper16toward the vehicle rear (inFIG. 1, only the side wall16A on the vehicle left side of the bumper16is illustrated). Moreover, a fold-back portion16B extends out from a rear end of each side wall16A toward the vehicle width direction inner side. A bumper tab20to which a clip body12of the present exemplary embodiment attaches is formed to the fold-back portion16B.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the bumper tab20is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape with a vehicle vertical direction length that becomes shorter on progression toward the vehicle width direction inner side as viewed face-on (from the vehicle rear). An inclined face20B inclining toward the vehicle front on progression from the fold-back portion16B of the bumper16toward the vehicle width direction inner side is formed at a vehicle vertical direction intermediate portion of the bumper tab20. A first recess20A, serving as a recess, is formed at a leading end portion of the inclined face20B. A claw38A of the clip body12, described later, engages with the first recess20A. At the vehicle width direction inner side of the first recess20A, a vertical wall20C is formed extending out from the first recess20A toward the vehicle rear. The claw38A of the clip body12is anchored by the vertical wall20C.

The bumper tab20is formed with second recesses20D on both sides of the first recess20A in the vehicle vertical direction. Each of the second recesses20D extends from a vehicle width direction inner side end of the bumper tab20toward the vehicle width direction outer side. Each of the second recesses20D is recessed toward the vehicle rear, similarly to the first recess20A. Projections44of the clip body12, described later, enter the respective second recesses20D (seeFIG. 6).

Schematic Configuration of the Fender Liner18

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the fender liner18is an exterior component that is fastened to the bumper16through the clip10, and is formed in a shape that covers an upper portion of a tire, not illustrated in the drawings. A front portion of the fender liner18is formed with a front wall18A that is superimposed on the clip body12, and a flange18B extends out from a vehicle width direction outer side end portion of the front wall18A toward the vehicle front.

A through hole18C is formed in the front wall18A, and a pin member14, described later, is inserted through the through hole18C. Moreover, a notch18D corresponding to the shape of a base34configuring the clip body12, described later, is formed in the flange18B.

Structure of the Clip10

Next, explanation follows regarding the structure of the clip10according to the present exemplary embodiment. The clip10of the present exemplary embodiment includes the clip body12and the pin member14. Detailed explanation follows regarding the clip body12and the pin member14respectively.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the clip body12includes an attachment section22that attaches to the bumper tab20, and a fender bearing section32. The attachment section22includes the base34that has a substantially rectangular shape with its length direction along the vertical direction on the page. An opening36is formed at an intermediate portion of the base34in the vertical direction on the page, and a retention member38and a retention member40are provided as a pair inside the plane of the opening of the opening36.

The retention member38extends out from an edge of the opening36on the left of the page to the inside in the plane of the opening, and, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the claw38A is formed at a leading end portion of the retention member38. The claw38A engages with the first recess20A of the bumper tab20in an attached state of the clip body12to the bumper tab20. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the retention member40is provided at a leading end of a flexing tab42that extends out from an edge of the opening36on the right of the page to the inside in the plane of the opening. The flexing tab42extends out from a curved portion50, described later. In the attached state of the clip body12to the bumper tab20, the retention member40is positioned on the opposite side of the bumper tab20to the retention member38, and presses the bumper tab20from the vehicle front side (seeFIG. 2). In this manner, the attachment section22of the clip body12is attached by gripping the bumper tab20(bumper16) between the retention member38and the retention member40.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the flexing tab42is formed with a narrower width than the retention member40, and is capable of undergoing flexing deformation. Accordingly, the flexing tab42flexes when attaching the attachment section22to the bumper tab20.

As illustrated inFIG. 4andFIG. 6, the projecting projections44are provided on both sides of the retention member38in the length direction of the base34. Projecting restraint portions46are provided on both sides of the retention member40in the length direction of the base34. The respective projections44enter the second recesses20D of the bumper tab20in the attached state of the clip body12to the bumper tab20. In the attached state of the clip body12to the bumper tab20, the respective restraint portions46are positioned on the opposite side of the bumper tab20to the projections44, and press against the bumper tab20.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the fender bearing section32is formed to the base34at the right of the page. The fender bearing section32is integrally formed to the base34, and a substantially circular insertion hole24is formed at a central portion of the fender bearing section32. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the insertion hole24is formed further toward a vehicle front side and vehicle width direction inner side than the attachment section22.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, a hole edge of the insertion hole24is formed with a guide rib48. The guide rib48is formed around the entire circumference of the insertion hole24, and projects out from a general portion of the fender bearing section32toward the near side on the page.

The fender bearing section32and the base34are coupled together through the curved portion50. As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the attached state of the clip body12to the bumper tab20, the curved portion50from the fender bearing section32toward the vehicle rear is curved toward the vehicle width direction inner side. The fender bearing section32is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction in the attached state of the clip body12to the bumper tab20.

Next, explanation follows regarding the pin member14. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the pin member14includes an insertion portion26that is inserted into the insertion hole24, a head portion28, and a pressing portion30. The head portion28is formed in a flat plate shape, and, as illustrated inFIG. 2, is formed with a larger diameter than the insertion hole24of the fender bearing section32. In an inserted state of the pin member14into the clip body12, the head portion28retains the fender liner18sandwiched between the head portion28and the fender bearing section32of the clip body12.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the insertion portion26is provided projecting from one face of the head portion28. The insertion portion26is integrally formed to the head portion28, and includes an outer wall56, an intermediate rib58, and an anchor claw60.

The outer wall56is formed in a substantially circular cylinder shape. The anchor claw60is formed at an outer peripheral face of the outer wall56. The intermediate rib58is formed in a substantially flat plate shape so as to span between opposing locations on an inner peripheral face of the outer wall56, and projects out further than the outer wall56in a direction away from the head portion28. A leading end of the outer wall56is inclined toward a base side (the head portion28side) on progression away from the intermediate rib58, so as to form a substantially mountain shape with the intermediate rib58at its apex.

The anchor claw60formed to the outer peripheral face of the outer wall56is provided with an inclined face60A that projects further toward an outer side than the outer wall56. The inclined face60A is inclined so as to project out further toward the outer side on progression from the leading end side toward the base side of the outer wall56. Moreover, an anchor face60B is formed at an end portion on the head portion28side of the inclined face60A so as to face the head portion28. The periphery of the anchor claw60is cut away such that the anchor claw60has a cantilever structure that is only joined to the outer wall56at one end of the inclined face60A (the upper end as it appears on the page). Accordingly, during insertion of the insertion portion26into the insertion hole24of the clip body12, the inclined face60A receives a reaction force from the edge of the insertion hole24and the anchor claw60flexes toward the inner side. When the anchor claw60has been fully inserted through the insertion hole24, the anchor claw60recovers so as to achieve a structure in which the anchor face60B prevents or suppresses the pin member14from being pulled out.

The pressing portion30is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the head portion28. The pressing portion30is integrally formed to the head portion28, and extends out in the thickness direction of the head portion28. Moreover, as illustrated inFIG. 2, in a state in which the insertion portion26of the pin member14has been anchored to the clip body12, the pressing portion30extends out toward the side of the attachment section22, and a leading end of the pressing portion30enters between the curved portion50and the retention member40. Moreover, the pressing portion30presses the bumper tab20through the one retention member40configuring the attachment section22, toward the side of the other retention member38. A contact face30A of the pressing portion30that contacts the retention member40has a shape corresponding to that of the retention member40, such that when this occurs, the contact face30A and the retention member40make face contact with each other.

Next, explanation follows regarding an example of a procedure to fasten the bumper16and the fender liner18together using the clip10.

First, the attachment section22of the clip body12is attached to the bumper tab20of the bumper16. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the clip body12is attached by gripping the bumper tab20between the retention member38and the retention member40of the attachment section22. The bumper16is conveyed to the next process in this state.

Next, the fender liner18is assembled to a body, not illustrated in the drawings. When this is performed, the fender liner18may be assembled to the body using fastenings such as nuts and bolts, or the fender liner18may be assembled to the body using other clips or the like.

Following this, the bumper16is temporarily assembled to the body in the state in which the clip body12is attached to the bumper16. The fender liner18is then set with respect to the clip body12. Specifically, the guide rib48of the clip body12is inserted through and positioned with respect to the through hole18C of the fender liner18. When this is performed, the fender liner18is temporarily attached so as not to come away from the clip body12.

Finally, the pin member14is inserted into the through hole18C of the fender liner18and the insertion hole24of the clip body12, and the pin member14is anchored to the clip body12. The bumper16and the fender liner18are thereby fastened together using the above procedure.

Operation and Effects

Next, explanation follows regarding operation and advantageous effects of the clip10and the exterior component fastening structure according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As described above, the present exemplary embodiment enables the bumper16and the fender liner18to be fastened together by using the pin member14to attach the fender liner18to the clip body12after the clip body12has been attached to the bumper16. Namely, the clip body12may be attached without having to directly superimpose and position the bumper16and the fender liner18with respect to each other. Moreover, in the anchored state of the insertion portion26of the pin member14to the clip body12, the pressing portion30of the pin member14presses the bumper tab20toward the side of the retention member38through the retention member40. This thereby enables the bumper tab20to be more firmly gripped between the retention member40and the retention member38, increasing the retention force of the clip body12with respect to the bumper16. The fastening strength between the bumper16and the fender liner18may accordingly be secured, thereby enabling both ease of assembly and fastening strength to be secured.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the claw38A of the retention member38engages with the first recess20A of the bumper tab20, and moreover, the retention member40is pressed toward the bumper tab20side by the pressing portion30of the pin member14. This thereby enables the bumper tab20to be firmly held between the retention member38and the retention member40. As a result, the retention force of the clip body12with respect to the bumper16may be increased in comparison to configurations in which the retention member38is not formed to the attachment section22.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the insertion hole24of the clip body12, into which the pin member14is inserted, is formed further toward the vehicle inner side than the attachment section22. This enables the pin member14to be made less visible from the exterior of the vehicle. As a result, the design qualities of the vehicle may be improved in comparison to configurations in which the pin member14is provided at a position where it may be seen easily.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the second recesses20D of the bumper tab20are gripped between the projections44and the restraint portions46respectively formed to the base34of the clip body12. This thereby enables the strength with respect to wrenching force or the like received from the fender liner18when the vehicle is traveling to be increased.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the flexing tab42that links the retention member40and the curved portion50together is formed with a narrower width than the retention member40, and is configured capable of undergoing flexing deformation. This thereby enables the flexing tab42to be flexed when attaching the attachment section22to the bumper tab20, enabling the force required for attachment to be reduced. Namely, the ease of attachment of the clip body12may be improved.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the guide rib48is provided to the fender bearing section32of the pin member14, thereby enabling easy positioning between the fender liner18and the clip body12prior to attaching the pin member14. Moreover, the guide rib48of the present exemplary embodiment is formed thicker than the front wall18A of the fender liner18. This thereby enables application to other vehicle types in which the thickness of the fender liner18is thicker.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, explanation follows regarding an exterior component fastening structure according to a second exemplary embodiment, with reference toFIG. 7. Note that configurations similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment are allocated the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the fastening structure of the present exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in the point that no pin member is provided, and a fender liner70, serving as a second exterior component, includes the function of a pin member. Specifically, similarly to in the first exemplary embodiment, in the bumper16, serving as a first exterior component, to which the clip body12is attached, the fold-back portion16B extends out from a rear end of the side wall16A toward the vehicle width direction inner side, and the bumper tab20is formed to the fold-back portion16B.

The bumper tab20is formed with a recess20A, and the retention member38configuring the attachment section22of the clip body12engages with the recess20A. The retention member40configuring the attachment section22of the clip body12is disposed at the opposite face of the bumper tab20to the face formed with the recess20A. The clip body12is attached to the bumper16such that the bumper tab20is gripped between the retention member38and the retention member40. InFIG. 7, the insertion hole24is formed in the fender bearing section32of the clip body12similarly to in the first exemplary embodiment, but there is no guide portion formed at the hole edge of the insertion hole24.

The fender liner70is attached to the clip body12. The fender liner70includes a front wall70A that is superimposed on the fender bearing section32of the clip body12.

The front wall70A includes an insertion portion72that projects out toward the clip body12side in a state in which the front wall70A is superimposed on the fender bearing section32, and that is inserted into the insertion hole24. The insertion portion72is formed in a substantially circular cylinder shape, and is formed in a similar shape to the insertion portion26of the pin member14of the first exemplary embodiment (seeFIG. 5). Moreover, the insertion portion72is formed with an anchor claw, not illustrated in the drawings. When the insertion portion72is inserted into the insertion hole24, the anchor claw anchors to the fender bearing section32so as to achieve a structure in which the fender bearing section32is gripped between the front wall70A and the anchor claw. This thereby prevents or suppresses the fender liner70from being pulled out.

The front wall70A of the fender liner70is formed with a pressing portion74. In a state in which the insertion portion72has been inserted into the insertion hole24, the pressing portion74extends out from the front wall70A toward the side of the attachment section22of the clip body12, and enters between the curved portion50and the retention member40of the clip body12. A contact face74A at a vehicle rear side of the pressing portion74contacts the retention member40, and presses the bumper tab20toward the side of the retention member38through the retention member40.

Operation and Effects

Explanation follows regarding operation and advantageous effects of the vehicle clip10and exterior component fastening structure according to the present exemplary embodiment.

In the exterior component fastening structure according to the present exemplary embodiment, in the anchored state of the insertion portion72of the fender liner70to the clip body12, the pressing portion74of the fender liner70presses the bumper tab20toward the side of the retention member38through the retention member40of the clip body12. This thereby enables the bumper tab20to be more firmly gripped between the retention member40and the retention member38, thereby increasing the attachment strength of the clip body12with respect to the bumper16. This thereby enables the fastening strength between the bumper16and the fender liner70to be secured. Moreover, the insertion portion72and the pressing portion74are formed to the fender liner70, thereby enabling a reduction in the number of components in comparison to configurations such as that of the first exemplary embodiment in which a pin member is employed.

Explanation has been given above regarding a first exemplary embodiment and a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. However, various configurations may be implemented within a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above, explanation has been given regarding a fastening structure for a bumper and a fender liner. However, there is no limitation thereto, and application may be made to fastening structures for fastening other exterior components.

In the exemplary embodiments described above, the recess20A is formed at a vehicle rear face of the bumper tab20; however, there is no limitation thereto. For example, a structure may be configured without forming the recess20A. In such cases, a protrusion or the like may be formed on the bumper tab20, and engaged with a recess formed on the side of the attachment section22of the clip body12. Moreover, a structure may be configured with recesses formed on both faces of the bumper tab20. In such cases, a structure that detaches even less readily may be achieved by further providing a claw on the retention member40configuring the attachment section22of the clip body12.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiments described above, the insertion hole24is formed further toward the vehicle inner side than the attachment section22of the clip body12. However, there is no limitation thereto, and the positional relationship between the attachment section22and the insertion hole24may be modified as appropriate.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiments described above, the pressing portion is integrally formed to the pin member14or the fender liner70; however, there is no limitation thereto. For example, inFIG. 5, the pressing portion30may be joined to the head portion28of the pin member14using fastenings such as nuts and bolts, or may be joined using an adhesive or the like.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, in the second exemplary embodiment, the insertion portion72is formed integrally to the fender liner70; however, there is no limitation thereto. For example, the insertion portion72may be formed as a separate body, and joined to the fender liner70using fastenings such as nuts and bolts, or using an adhesive or the like. In such cases, the present disclosure may also be applied to existing fender liners.