Patent Abstract:
A clip for attaching a mounting component to a base component, and the clip comprises: a pin including a head portion for engaging the mounting component, and a shaft portion which is contiguous to the head portion, and a lock pins which extends downward from the head portion; and a grommet including a flange and a shank contiguous to the flange and partially defining an aperture operable to receive the pin in one of a temporary fitted position and a permanent fitted position; and wherein the temporary fitted position, the lock pin abuts a recessed portion in the grommet for maintaining the temporary fitted position, and wherein in the permanent fitted position, the lock pin collapses on the inside, and is contained on the inside of the shank portion of the grommet.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-216189, filed on Sep. 28, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to a clip used for attaching a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like to a base component such as a panel for a car or the like. More particularly, it pertains to a clip comprised of two parts, a pin and a grommet. 
         [0003]    In general, a clip is used to attach a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like to a base component such as a panel of a car or the like. Many of these sorts of clips have been offered in the past. An item is often used which is made from a combination of a pin and grommet, in which a pin is pressed into an aperture of the shank of the grommet, and the diameter of a locking hook placed in the shank is expanded, which locks in the attaching aperture of the base component (panel.) 
         [0004]    Japanese published unexamined Utility Model Application 8-1090 (JP 8-1090 UM) discloses a clip comprised of this sort of male component (pin) and female component (grommet). The male component has a head portion, and a shaft portion which extends from the lower surface of the head portion, and has a bulging engaging portion at its tip. A rim portion used for sealing is formed on the periphery of the top of the shaft; at the bottom side of the head portion; and the female component has a shank portion, an attaching flange, which, being formed on the circumference of the upper end of the shank portion, regulates the amount of insertion of the shank portion, and a slit which, being formed on the circumference of the lower end of the shank portion, permits elastic deformation at the aperture portion on the bottom side. The rim portion for sealing is given an umbrella-shape with a size that covers the entire flange from the outside. 
         [0005]    In the clip of JP 8-1090 UM, the shank portion is easily inserted in the aperture portion of the mounting component by means of a bending deformation towards the inside of the shank portion, and the male component inserts the shaft portion from the upper end side opening of the female component, and the bulging engaging portion projects from the lower end side opening and locks so as to prevent slipping. For that reason, attaching to the panel is simple, and there is good operability. The rim portion for sealing presses onto the upper surface of the other panel and, and the seal is maintained. 
         [0006]    In the clip of JP 8-1090 UM, the male component is attached to one panel in advance, the female component is attached to the other panel, and the panel parts are joined by inserting the male component of the clip into the female component. It cannot be used by connecting the male component and the female component in a temporary fitted state and then attaching the pair to a panel for a permanent fitted state. 
         [0007]    In Japanese published unexamined Utility Model Application 3-35307 (JP 3-35307 UM), a clip is disclosed for attaching a part comprised of a main body (pin) made of a resin material that has a head portion and a shaft portion which extends from the head portion and a bushing (grommet) which is fitted on the tip of the shaft portion of the main body. The bushing is formed from a soft resin material. A projecting portion is formed on the shaft of the main body, which projects outward in the radial direction. The four divided leg portions of the shaft have a shape which projects in the radial direction, facing outwards. 
         [0008]    The bushing of the clip for attaching two parts in JP 3-35307 UM is formed from a resin material which has the characteristic of not melting with the resin of the main body, and the main body is manufactured by the injection molding of a fused resin; it is possible to form it on the shaft of the main body by injection molding of a fused resin. Thus, it is possible to obtain a clip in which a bushing is attached to the shaft of the main body. 
         [0009]    The bushing is inserted in the attaching aperture of a panel, and if the shaft of the main body is inserted inside the bushing, the leg portion of the shaft is bent to the inside in the radial direction and the projecting portion passes through the attaching aperture; being positioned at the back of the panel, the leg portion of the shaft portion projects outside in the radial direction, and the projecting portion deforms the bushing in the radial direction facing outwards; the projecting portion engages at the rim of the aperture of the panel, and the clip engages with the panel. 
         [0010]    In the clip for attaching parts in JP 3-35307 UM, a protuberance formed on the inner surface of a bushing engages in an annular groove of the tip of the shaft portion, and it becomes possible to prevent the bushing from dropping off during transport or attaching. However, the bushing being made from a soft resin material, the engaging between the bushing and the main body is weak, and there is a concern that it may slip. Also, since the bushing is made of soft resin material and is deformed when it is joined to the panel, because it is possible for the leg portion of the main body to bend in the radial direction facing inward, there is a concern that it may drop off from the panel by means of an external force, even though it is in a state in which it is attached to the panel. 
         [0011]    Japanese published unexamined Utility Model Application 4-124315 (JP 4-124315 UM) discloses a synthetic resin clasp comprised of tubular locking legs which are suspended vertically from the lower surface of the rim portion, with expandable locking hooks around its circumferential surface, and a pin which passes through the insertion aperture formed on the rim portion and inserted in a vacant portion of the locking legs, and expands the locking hooks. A soft, pliable tubular cap made from soft synthetic resin is mounted on the locking legs by being tightly attached to them, and the outer surface of the locking legs being covered, direct engaging of the locking legs with the rim of the panel aperture is avoided. Thus, the coating which is coated onto the panel is contacted lightly, so that the coating is not harmed. 
         [0012]    In the clasp of JP 4-124315 UM, if the shaft of the pin is inserted in the vacant portion of the main body of the clasp before use, a first enlarged-diameter portion pushes a protuberance to the outside; by means of the protuberance, the rim of the first enlarged-diameter portion is received, preventing it from being pulled out. When the clasp is attached to a car body, if the pin is pressed on the main body of the clasp, a second enlarged-diameter portion moves to push a protuberance, and a step portion on the second enlarged-diameter portion engages with a protuberance of the main body of the clasp preventing motion in the direction of it being pulled out. In the clasp of JP 4-124315 UM, when the protuberance of the main body of the clasp rides over the first enlarged-diameter portion or the second enlarged-diameter portion of the pin, because the diameter of the entirety is enlarged, the inserting force is large; and when it is attached on the car body, the entirety of the main body of the clasp is bent and deformed. For this reason, there is a concern that the main body of the clasp deteriorates in quality. 
         [0013]    For this reason, a clip has been sought which can simply and securely attach a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like to a base component such as a car panel or the like. A clip has been sought in which when the clip is maintained in a temporary fixed state, for example during transport, so that the two parts are not fitted by mistake. Also, a clip has been sought in which when permanently fitted from the temporary fitted state, there is the appropriate manual sensation, and it is easy to understand that a permanent fitting has been completed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to offer a clip which can simply and securely attach a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like to a base component such as a car panel or the like. Another object of the present invention is to offer a clip in which there is no easy permanent fitting other than when the clip is attached to the base component. Another object of the present invention is to offer a clip in which it is easy to confirm that the clip has been permanently fitted. 
         [0015]    In order to accomplish these tasks, in a first embodiment of the present invention for attaching a mounting component to a base component, the clip is characterized by being provided with a pin and a grommet with an aperture portion for inserting the pin, said pin having a head portion which holds the mounting component, a shaft portion which is contiguous with the head portion, and a pair of lock pins extending downwards from the head portion; and by said grommet having a flange and a shank which is contiguous with the flange; and in the temporary fitted state, the lock pins of the pin abut a recessed portion formed in the grommet, maintaining the temporary fitted state; and in the permanent fitted state, the lock pins collapse into the inside, and are contained in the inside of the shank portion of the grommet. 
         [0016]    By means of the structure mentioned above, in the temporary fitted state, because the lock pins of the pin abut a recessed portion formed in the grommet, there is no permanent fitting of the pin and the grommet other than when attaching to the base component. 
         [0017]    It is desirable that an enlarged portion is formed on the tip of the lock pins, so that when the enlarged portion is pushed to the inside, the abutment of the lock pins with the recessed portions is released. In this way, a permanent fitted state is easily done, when it is intended to do a permanent fitting. 
         [0018]    It is desirable to form the pin with a lock pin containing concave area, so that the lock pins which are bent towards the inside are contained in the lock pin containing concave area. In this way, the lock pins do not project in the permanent fitted state, and during insertion, the insertion force increases by means of self-interference; in addition, poor insertion does not occur. Further, because there is the appropriate manual sensation from the temporary fitted state to the permanent fitted state, it is easy to confirm a completed attachment. 
         [0019]    It is desirable that the pin have a concave temporary fitting portion on the shaft and the grommet have a convex shank side surface engaging portion on the shank portion; and in the temporary fitted state, the convex shank side surface engaging portion of the grommet engages in the temporary fit concave portion of the pin to prevent slipping. 
         [0020]    It is desirable that the pin have a pair of locking hooks in the shaft and the grommet have a pair of inclined surface portions on the shank and a locking hook containing portion below the inclined surface portions, so that during a permanent fitting, the locking hooks pass over the inclined surfaces and are positioned in the locking hook containing portion to prevent slipping. In this way, the pin and the grommet do not easily slip from the permanent fitted state. Also, it is easy to confirm that the clip has been completely fitted, by means of a click sensation. 
         [0021]    In a second embodiment of the present invention for attaching a mounting component to a base component, being a clip which is provided with a pin and a grommet having an aperture for inserting a pin, the clip is characterized in that the pin has a head for holding the mounting component, a shaft which is contiguous with the head portion, and a pair of lock bars which are contiguous with the head portion; the grommet has a flange, a shank portion contiguous with the flange, and a pair of lock pins formed in the shank portion; and in the temporary fitted state, the lock pins of the grommet about the lock bars which are formed in the pin, maintaining the temporary fitted state; and in the permanent fitted state, the lock pins collapse in the inside and are contained in the inside of the lock bars of the pin. 
         [0022]    It is desirable that an enlarged portion be formed on the tip of the lock pins, so that when the enlarged portion is pushed to the inside, the abutment of the lock pins towards the lock bars is released. 
         [0023]    It is desirable that a lock pin containing concave area be formed in the pin, and the lock pins which are bent towards the inside be contained in the lock pin containing concave area. 
         [0024]    It is desirable that the pin have an enlarged shaft portion on the shaft and the grommet have a pair of inclined surfaces on the shank, and a locking hook containing portion below the inclined surfaces; and in the temporary fitted state, the enlarged portion passes over the inclined surfaces and is positioned in the locking hook containing portion of the lower portion to prevent slipping. 
         [0025]    It is desirable that the pin have a pair of locking hooks, and in the permanent fitted state, the locking hooks pass over the inclined surfaces and are positioned in the locking hook containing portion and prevent slipping. 
         [0026]    By means of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a clip which can easily and securely attach a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like to a base component such as a car panel or the like. It is also possible, by means of the present invention, to obtain a clip in which there is no permanent fitting other than when the clip is attached to the base component. Further, by means of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a clip in which it can be easily confirmed that a permanent fitting has been done. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the clip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a left side elevation view of the pin of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the pin of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-section along line G-G of  FIG. 2  of the pin of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section along line H-H of  FIG. 2  of the pin of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the grommet of the clip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a cross-section along line I-I of  FIG. 6  of the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section along line J-J of  FIG. 7  of the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view showing the appearance of the clip temporarily fitted, with the pin of  FIG. 1  and the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view of the clip of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a cross-section along line B-B of  FIG. 14  of the clip of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section along line A-A of  FIG. 12  of the clip of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a front elevation view showing the appearance of a clip permanently fitted, with the pin of  FIG. 1  and the grommet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of the clip of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 20  is a cross-section along line C-C of  FIG. 19  of the clip of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 21  is a cross-section along line D-D of  FIG. 17  of the clip of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 22  is a side elevation view showing the appearance of the clip of the first embodiment of the present invention attached to a panel, and attaching a spoiler. 
           [0049]      FIG. 23  is a front elevation view showing the appearance of the clip according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the pin and grommet temporary fitted. 
           [0050]      FIG. 24  is a side elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 25  is a bottom plan view of the clip of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 26  is a cross-section along line E-E of  FIG. 25  of the clip of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 27  is a cross-section along line F-F of  FIG. 23  of the clip of  FIG. 23 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0054]    In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the Drawings. Clip  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a pin  10  made from synthetic resin, shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , and a grommet  30  made from synthetic resin, shown in  FIGS. 6-11 . Pin  10  and grommet  30  are maintained in the temporary fitted state shown in  FIGS. 12-16 . After pin  10  and grommet  30  are attached to a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like in a temporary fitted state, they are inserted into the attaching aperture of a base component such as a body panel of a car or the like, and pin  10  is pushed into grommet  30  resulting in the permanent fitted state shown in  FIGS. 17-20 .  FIG. 22  shows an example of a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like attached to pin  10  of clip  1  in a permanent fitted state attached to a base component such as the body panel of a car or the like. 
         [0055]    In this Specification, coordinate axes will be used to explain the configuration of Clip  1 ; the up-and-down direction of the clip will be called the z direction, the long direction of the roughly rectangular clip as seen from the upper surface (horizontal direction) will be called the x direction, and the direction at a right angle to the x direction and the z direction (widthwise direction) will be called the y direction. 
         [0056]    Pin  10  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 .  FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of pin  10  of clip  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of pin  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is top plan view.  FIG. 4  is a cross-section along line G-G of  FIG. 2  of pin  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-section along line H-H of  FIG. 2  of pin  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0057]    Pin  10  is comprised of a head portion  19 , a shaft portion  20 , and lock pins  14 . Head portion  19  has a pin flange  11 , a neck portion  12 , and a plate portion  13 . The top of head portion  19  has an octagonal pin flange  11 , the top surface of which is planar. As shown in  FIG. 3 , three sides of the octagon which oppose in the y direction have been modified so that the angle is smaller, and the entirety has a shape which approximates a rectangle. Head portion  19  has a short neck portion  12  in the up-and-down direction (z direction) below pin flange  11 . As shown in FIG.  5 —which is a cross-section along line H-H of  FIG. 2  of pin  10 —neck portion  12  has smaller dimensions in the x direction and y direction than pin flange  11 . In neck portion  12 , the dimensions in the x direction are longer than in the y direction. A neck portion aperture  23  is formed in neck portion  12 . 
         [0058]    Head portion  19  has an umbrella-shaped plate portion  13  below neck portion  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , plate portion  13  has longer dimensions than pin flange  11  in the x direction and the y direction and is roughly elliptical, the x direction being longer than the y direction. As shown in  FIG. 4  which is a cross-section along line G-G of  FIG. 2  of the pin, plate portion  13  has a narrow thickness, and the part near the end portion is inclined downwards; the tip portion has a narrow thickness so that it can be elastically deformed. When clip  1  is attached to the base component, the end portion of plate portion  13  abuts the surface of the base component. 
         [0059]    From a position midway in head portion  19  in the extended x direction, a pair of lock pins  14  extend in the x direction, in the downward direction. The tip portion of lock pins  14  is a thick enlarged portion  14   a . The tip portions of lock pins  14  abut recessed portions  32  of shank portion  39  of grommet  30  when clip  1  is in a temporary fitted state and acts to maintain it so a permanent fitting is not done. If enlarged portions  14   a  are pushed so as to mutually approach one another, the abutment of lock pin  14  towards recessed portion  32  slips out, lock pins  14  bend and enter the inside of shank portion  39 , so that a permanent fitting becomes possible. 
         [0060]    Shaft portion  20  extends downwards below the central portion of head portion  19 . Shaft portion  20  has a pair of shaft planar surfaces  15 , a shaft central portion  25 , and a shaft lower portion  26 . Shaft portion  20  has a pair of shaft planar surfaces  15  which are opposed in the y direction. A lock pin containing concave area  18  is formed on shaft planar surface  15  on the inside of locking pin  14  in the x direction. When clip  1  is in the permanent fitted state, lock pins  14  collapse in the inside and are contained in the lock pin containing concave area  18 . In shaft portion  20 , between the pair of shaft planar surfaces  15  in the central portion in the y direction, a shaft central portion  25  extends in the z direction and maintains the strength of the shaft portion. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , at the central portion in the x direction of shaft planar surface  15  below plate portion  13  a pair of locking hooks  21  are provided which project in the y direction. On the inside of shaft planar surface  15 , a vacant shaft portion  24  is formed, which extends in the vertical (z direction) so that locking hook  21  can be elastically deformed in the y direction. When clip  1  does a permanent fitting, locking hook  21  engages with step portion  45  of grommet  30  and acts to hold it so that pin  10  and grommet  30  do not slip. 
         [0062]    Shaft portion  20  has a shaft lower portion  26  below the shaft planar surface  15  and the shaft central portion  25 . A pair of enlarged shaft portions  22  is provided on the shaft lower portion  26  which project in the y direction. The upper end portion and the lower end portion of enlarged shaft portion  22  are inclined surfaces. 
         [0063]    The end portion in the horizontal direction (x direction) of shaft lower portion  26  is the temporary fitting concave portion  16  which is concave in the x direction, and an engaging end portion  17  which projects in the x direction is below temporary fitting concave portion  16 . The boundary between temporary fitting concave portion  16  and engaging end portion  17  is engaging step portion  17   a . When clip  1  is in a temporary fitted state, engaging step portion  17   a  engages in shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  of grommet  30 , holding the temporary fitted state of pin  10  and grommet  30 . 
         [0064]    Grommet  30  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 6-11 .  FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of grommet  30  of clip  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a side elevation of grommet  30 ,  FIG. 8  is a top plan view, and  FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view.  FIG. 10  is a cross-section along line I-I of  FIG. 6  of grommet  30 .  FIG. 11  is a cross-section along line J-J of  FIG. 7  of grommet  30 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , grommet  30  has an oval flange  31 , the corners on the upper end portion being arc-shaped and the opposing sides being straight. An aperture is made in the central portion of flange  31 , so that the shaft portion  20  of pin  10  can be inserted. Below flange  31  there are the xz planar surfaces which are the shank planar surfaces  33  and the yz planar surfaces, which are the shank planar surfaces  38 , which form the shank portion  39 . An aperture  36  is placed in shank portion  39  for inserting the shaft portion  20  of pin  10 . Concave recessed portions  32  are placed on both ends of flange  31  in the x direction and on the top portion of shank side surface portion  38 . During the temporary fitted state, lock pins  14  of pin  10  engage at the recessed portions  32 , so as to maintain the temporary fitted state. 
         [0066]    A pair of shank planar engaging walls  43  is placed below the shank planar surfaces  33  of the central portion of flange  31 , which is the surface (xz surface) which extends in the horizontal direction of shank portion  39 . The thickness of the shank planar engaging wall  43  becomes thicker towards the top, and its upper end portion is a pair of shank planar surface convex engaging portions  41 . Slits  42  are made on both ends of shank planar engaging walls  43  in the x direction and on the upper end portion in the z direction, so that shank planar engaging wall  43  is elastically deformable. Planar surface convex engaging portions  41 , when engaging in the attaching aperture  54  of base component  52 , elastically deform and the gap becomes narrow; and after passing through attaching aperture  54 , the gap returns to its original state, and they abut the lower surface around the attaching aperture  54  of mounting component  52 . 
         [0067]    On the top portion of shank planar surface engaging wall  43 , the inside of flange  31  in the y direction becomes the inclined surfaces  44 . In the temporary fitted state, locking hook  21  of pin  10  is positioned so as to not abut the top portion of inclined surface  44 . The bottom of inclined surface  44  is a step portion  45 , and the dimensions of step portion  45  to aperture  36  in the y direction grow larger, and become the locking hook containing portion  46 . If pin  10  is pushed into the aperture portion of grommet  30 , the locking hook  21  of pin  10  abuts inclined surface  44 , and elastically deforms at the inside in the y direction and moves downward. In the permanent fitted state, locking hook  21  engages with step  45  and prevents slipping. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , which is a cross-section along line J-J of the grommet in  FIG. 7 , on the bottom side of recessed portion  32  on the end portion of grommet  30  in the x direction, there is a pair of shank side surfaces  38 . In a temporary fitted state, lock pin  14  of pin  10  enters at recessed portion  32 , and the tip portion of lock pin  14  abuts the upper end portion of shank side surface  38  (the bottom portion of recessed portion  32 ) and it being impossible for pin  10  to be pushed into grommet  30  any further, the temporary fitted state is maintained. A shank side surface engaging portion  34  is formed on the bottom of the central portion of shank side surface  38 , and a convex portion is formed on the tip of shank side surface engaging portion  34 , which becomes shank side surface convex engaging portion  35 . During the temporary fitted state, shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  engages in temporary fitting concave portion  16  of pin  10 , so as to maintain the temporary fitted state. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , which is a cross-section along line I-I of  FIG. 6  of grommet  30 , a slit  37  is made on both end portions of shank side surface engaging portion  34  in the y direction, and shank side surface engaging portion  34  becomes elastically deformable in the x direction. 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of clip  1  when pin  10  and grommet  30  are in a temporary fitted state.  FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of clip  1 ; and  FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view. Figure is a cross-section along line B-B of  FIG. 14  of clip  1 .  FIG. 16  is a cross-section along line A-A of  FIG. 12 . 
         [0071]    When putting pin  10  and grommet  30  into the temporary fitted state, the x and y directions of pin  10  and grommet  30  are matched, and engaging portion  17  of pin  10  is put forward first, and pin  10  is inserted into aperture  36  of the central portion from the side of flange  31  of grommet  30 . Engaging portion  17  of pin  10  pushes and widens shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  of the tip portion of the shank side surface engaging portion  34  of grommet  30 , and riding over, the space between shank side surface convex engaging portions  35  which oppose in the x direction becomes smaller, and shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  of grommet  30  enters the temporary fitting concave portion  16  of pin  10 . At that time, the enlarged portion  14   a  of the tip portion of lock pins  14  of pin  10  abuts recessed portion  32  of shank side surface portion  38 , and pin  10  stops. This state is the temporary fitted state. The distance between the surfaces which oppose in the y direction of shaft enlarged portion  22  of pin  10  is roughly equal to the distance between the lower end portions of the opposing inclined surfaces  44  of grommet  30 , and it is possible for shaft enlarged portion  22  to enter the locking hook containing portion  46 . 
         [0072]    Because shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  of grommet  30  enter into the temporary fitting concave portion  16  of pin  10 , pin  10  and grommet  30  are temporarily locked, and as long as no strong extracting force is applied, pin  10  is not pulled out of grommet  30  and does not fall out. 
         [0073]    As long as a force is not applied in a direction so that the enlarged portions  14   a  on the tip portion of a pair of lock pins  14  do not approach one another, lock pins  14  are locked, and pin  10  cannot be inserted further into the aperture of grommet  30 , maintaining the temporary fitted state. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIG. 16  which is a cross-section along line A-A of  FIG. 12 , in the temporary fitted state, there is a space from inclined surface  44  of grommet  30 , and locking hook  21  of pin  10  does not abut. As shown in  FIG. 15  which is a cross-section along line B-B of  FIG. 14 , if clip  1  in which pin  10  and grommet  30  have been temporarily fitted is inserted in attaching aperture  54  of base component  52 , engaging end portion  17  being put forward first, although shank planar surface  33  and shank planar surface  38  can pass through attaching aperture  54 , in the distance in the x direction of the enlarged portion  14   a  of two lock pins  14 , the dimensions in the x direction being larger than the inner diameter of attaching aperture  54 , it abuts on the inner rim portion of attaching aperture  54 , and clip  1  is stopped. 
         [0075]      FIG. 17  is a front elevation view of clip  1  with pin  10  and grommet  30  in a permanent fitted state.  FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of the clip, and  FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view.  FIG. 20  is a cross-section along line C-C of  FIG. 19  of clip  1 .  FIG. 21  is a cross-section along line D-D of  FIG. 17  of clip  1 . 
         [0076]    From the temporary fitted state, if pin  10  is pushed into the bottom portion, the enlarged portion  14   a  lock pin  14  is pushed into the inside by means of the inner rim of attaching aperture  54  of base component  52 . The tip portion of the enlarged portion  14   a  of lock pin  14  slips out of recessed portion  32  and entering the lock pin containing concave area  18  of the inside, pin  10  advances into the lower portion of aperture  36  of grommet  30 , with the engaging end portion  17  being put forward first. Engaging end portion  17  of pin  10  exits at the bottom from aperture  36  of grommet  30 . A pair of locking hooks  21  of pin  10  approach one another, being pressed to the inside by the inclined surfaces  44  of grommet  30 , and advance to the lower portion. 
         [0077]    Because enlarged portion  14   a  of lock pin  14  moves to the inside, the shank portion  39  of grommet  30  moves to the bottom through the attaching aperture  54  of base component  52  and the shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  elastically deforms on the inside, passing through attaching aperture  54 . If the upper surface of base component  52  abuts the lower surface of flange  31 , shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  returns to its original shape and abuts the lower side of base portion  52 . 
         [0078]    The lower surface of flange  31  abuts the upper surface of mounting component  52  and the motion of grommet  30  towards base component  52  is stopped. The shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  of grommet  30  then returns to its shape before elastic deformation and abuts the lower surface of base component  52 . Accordingly, base component  52  is squeezed and held between the shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  and flange  31 . Flange  31  is contained within plate portion  13  of pin  10 , and the outer rim portion of plate  13  abuts the upper surface of base component  52 . 
         [0079]    In the permanent fitted state, the shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  of the lower end portion of shank side surface engaging portion  34  comes out of temporary fitting concave portion  16  of pin  10  and is positioned on both sides of the upper portion of shaft lower portion  26 . Engaging hooks  21  of pin  10  enter the locking hook containing portion  46 , and abutting step portion  45  of its upper end portion, pin  10  is prevented from slipping out. Locking hook  21  passes over step portion  45  and enters the locking hook containing portion  46 , and by means of returning to its original position, there is a click sensation, so it is easy to know if pin  10  and grommet  30  have been permanently fitted. 
         [0080]      FIG. 22  is a side elevation view showing the appearance when attached to base component  52  (panel), clip  1  being attached to a mounting component  51  (spoiler, trim or the like). Base component  51  has a rim portion  55  in which an aperture  53  or U-shaped groove extends in the x direction. When pin  10  and grommet  30  are in the temporary fitted state, mounting component  51  is held between pin flange  11  of the head portion  19  of pin  10  and plate portion  13 ; and following this, clip  1  is inserted in the attaching aperture  54  of base component  52 , and mounting component  52  is squeezed and held between shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  of grommet  30  and flange  31 . If pin  10  is again pushed into grommet  30 , it is possible to attach pin  10  and grommet  30  in a permanent fitted state. 
         [0081]    In the first embodiment, a method was explained in which pin  10  and grommet  30  were attached to a mounting component  51  and then put in a permanent fitted state. In addition to this, pin  10  and grommet  30  may be attached to base component  52  in a temporary fitted state and then put in a permanent fitted state. Also, it is possible to attach grommet  30  to base component  52  without putting pin  10  and grommet  30  in a temporary fitted state, and, after attaching pin  10  to mounting component  51  to insert pin  10  in the aperture of grommet  30 , putting pin  10  and grommet  30  in a permanent fitted state and attaching mounting component  51  to base component  52 . 
         [0082]    It is possible to release pin  10  and grommet  30  after putting pin  10  and grommet  30  of clip  1  in a permanent fitted state and mounting component  51  has been attached to base component  52 . In releasing pin  10  and grommet  30 , a tool such as a flat head screwdriver or the like is inserted between the plate portion  13  of pin  10  and base component  52  so as to pry open plate portion  13 . When this is done, locking hooks  21  of pin  10  pass over step portion  45  of grommet  30 , and move to the top of inclined surface portion  44 . Shaft portion  20  of pin  10  moves to the top. Thus, lock pin  14  of pin  10  returns to the top of shank side surface portion  38  of grommet  30  and the enlarged portion  14   a  of lock pin  14  leaves from lock pin containing concave area  18 , and contacting recessed portion  32 , returns to a temporary fitted state. Also, pin  10  and grommet  30  can be released without using a tool, by pulling mounting component  51  in an upwards direction. 
         [0083]    In completely releasing pin  10  and grommet  30  from the temporary fitted state, pin  10  is again pulled out and shank side surface convex engaging portion  35  of grommet  30  rides over engaging end portion  17  of pin  10 , and it is possible to release pin  10  and grommet  30 . 
         [0084]    According to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a clip which simply and securely attaches a mounting component such as a spoiler or molding or the like to a base component such as a car body panel or the like. Also, when the clip is held in a temporary fitted state, there is no unintentional permanent fitting of the two parts. In addition, it is easy to confirm that a permanent fitted state has been done, by means of a click sensation. 
         [0085]      FIG. 23  is a front elevation view of clip  2  according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the pin and the grommet are in a temporary fitted state.  FIG. 24  is a side elevation view of the clip, and  FIG. 25  is a bottom plan view.  FIG. 26  is a cross-section along line E-E of  FIG. 25  of the clip.  FIG. 27  is a cross-section along line F-F of  FIG. 23  of the clip. 
         [0086]    As pertains to the clip of the second embodiment, we shall now explain those points which are different from the clip of the first embodiment. The reference numerals for clip  2  of the second embodiment are the same as for the clip of the first embodiment; the corresponding parts will also be shown by the same reference numerals. The parts that are different will be explained using different reference numerals. 
         [0087]    In clip  1  of the first embodiment, lock pin  14  is the part of pin  10  which extends downwards from the head portion  19 , and, by collapsing on the inside, it enters the inside of shank side surface portion  38  of grommet  30 , and the temporary fitted state is released. In clip  2  of the second embodiment, lock pin  74  is the part of grommet  30  which extends upwards from shank side surface portion  38  of grommet  30 . An enlarged portion  74   a  is formed as shown at a position near the upper end portion of lock pin  74 . A slit  75  is provided on both sides of lock pin  74  in the y direction, so that lock pin  74  is capable of elastic deformation. 
         [0088]    A short lock bar  63  extends downwards from head portion  19 . In the temporary fitted state, lock bar  63  is near or abuts the upper end portion of lock pin  74 . A lock pin containing concave area  64  is provided on the inside of lock bar  63  in the x direction, and lock pin  74  of grommet  30  collapses in so as to enter from the bottom portion. 
         [0089]    In clip  1  of the first embodiment, the distance between the two surfaces in the y direction of shaft enlarged portion  22  of pin  10  being roughly equal to the distance between the lower end portions of the inclined surfaces  44  of grommet  30 , shaft enlarged portion  22  does not push and widen inclined surface  44 , and it impossible for it to enter into locking hook containing portion  46 . In clip  2  of the second embodiment, the distance between the two surfaces in the y direction of shaft enlarged portion  22  of pin  10  is longer than distance between the lower end portion of the inclined surfaces  44  of grommet  30 , and enlarged portion  22  pushes and widens inclined surface  44  elastically deforming these, and enters into locking hook containing portion  46 . In the temporary fitted state, enlarged portion  22  of pin  10  is positioned inside locking hook containing portion  46 . If pin  10  move upwards, pin  10  is prevented from slipping out because enlarged portion  22  abuts step portion  45  which is above locking hook containing portion  46 . 
         [0090]    From the temporary fitted state, if clip  2  is again inserted in attaching aperture  54  of base component  52 , attaching aperture  54  abuts enlarged portion  74   a  on the top portion of lock pin  74  and stops. If pin  10  and grommet  30  are pushed into the attaching aperture  54  of base component  52 , the rim of attaching aperture  54  pushes enlarged portion  74   a  from the outside, and the gap of the pair of enlarged portions  74   a  is smaller. The locking of the pair of lock pins  64  by lock bars  63  is released, and lock pin  74  enters into the lock pin containing concave area  64 . It is possible for pin  10  to again move downward through aperture portion  36  through grommet  30 . 
         [0091]    Attaching aperture  54  of base component  52  pushes shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  on the inside, and if shank planar surface convex engaging portion  41  is elastically deformed and rides over base component  52 , it abuts the lower surface of base component  52 . The lower surface of flange  31  abuts the upper surface of base component  52 . 
         [0092]    When locking hooks  21  of pin  10  are pushed by means of the inclined surfaces  44  of grommet  30 , the gap becomes narrow, and passing over inclined surfaces  44 , they enter into locking hook containing portion  46 . Locking hooks  21  engage in step portion  45 , preventing slipping, and a permanent fitted state results. 
         [0093]    In the second embodiment of the invention, shank side surface engaging portion  34  of the lower portion of shank side surface  38 , and slit  37 , which are in the first embodiment, are not provided. The lower portion of shank side surface portion  38  is not fitted in pin  10  in the temporary fitted state or in the permanent fitted state. In the second embodiment, in the temporary fitted state, the enlarged portion  22  of pin  10  is prevented from slipping by the lower surface of inclined surfaces  44 , and in the permanent fitted state, the locking hook  21  of pin  10  is prevented from slipping by the lower surface of inclined surface  44 . An explanation pertaining to the other points will be omitted because they are the same as for clip  1  of the first embodiment. It is possible to obtain the same efficacy with clip  2  of the second embodiment as with clip  1  of the first embodiment. 
         [0094]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5