GB2461111A - A fastening assembly for fitting a component - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastening comprising a clip 3 with a leading end 3g, a pair of side walls 3e, an internal space 3b, a base end 3d and an opening 3c, such that the leading end serves to connect the side walls to one another, the internal space interposes between the side walls and the base end and has an opening that communicates with the internal space. The side walls of the clip are formed with resilient locking elements 3a, having a fixed end 3s connecting to the side walls and a free end 3q divided into a plurality of segments 3u, whilst the base end is formed to resiliently coincide with the base element 11 of the fastening assembly. The clip and base element are introduced into the desired installation hole(s) 2b, 2c whence a cap 4 is introduced to deflect the resilient locking elements and the base element to fixedly retain a component in the desired installation position.

Description

CLIP FOR FITTING COMPONENT PART

AND

STRUCTURE FOR FITTING COMPONENT PART

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present invention is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-298,442, filed on November 16, 2007, on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-298,403, filed on November 16, 2007, and on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-298,427, filed on November 16, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip, which is used when fittingcomponentparts, suchas interior component parts forvehicle, and a structure or assembly for fitting component parts.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] An assist grip is an interior component for vehicle, and possesses a function of stabilizing a passenger' body, that is, a passenger grips the assist grip to stabilize his or her body when heorshegetsonavehicle, andwhenvibrationsoccurduringrough-road driving, for instance. The assist grip is usually fitted onto a side of ceiling within a vehicle passenger room. Conventionally, when fitting a component part for vehicular interior, such as the assist grip, the following structures or assemblies have been available, namely, those disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2001-130,307, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2003-226,182 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2001-277, 926, for instance.

[00031 In a structure or assembly shown in Fig. 3 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2001-130,307, for instance, an expandable/contractible member (16) having a wider-width portion (26A) and a narrower-width portion (28A) is disposed integrally on a grip body (12) of an assist grip (10) . The expandable/contractible member (16) is fitted into an installation hole (36), which is formed in a ceiling substrate (30) . Thereafter, a lock pin (20) is inserted into a space inside the expandable/contractible member (16), thereby fixing the assist grip (10) onto the ceiling substrate (30).

[0004] Moreover, in a structure or assembly shown in Fig. 11 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2003-226,182, for instance, a grip body (11) of an assist grip (1) is retained swingably onto a base (2) . A clip (3) having locker claws (31, 32) is installed onto the base (2) . Then, the clip (3) is fitted into an installation hole (41), which is formed in a body panel (4) . Moreover, the locker claws (31, 32) of the clip (3) are lockedwiththeinstallationhole (41). Thereafter, apressureplug (22) is fitted into an inner space of the clip (3) [00051 In addition, in a structure or assembly shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) GazetteNo. 2001-277,926, for instance, first and secondprotrusions (28a, 28b) are disposed on a side surface of a cap (or pin member) (21) in the insertion direction. First and second lock holes (16a, 16b) are disposed in a side wall of a fit-in hole (13), which is formed in a base (11), in the insertion direction. When inserting the cap (21) into the fit-in hole (13), the cap (21) is fastened temporarily onto the base (11) by locking the second protrusion (28b) with the first lock hole (16a) . The resulting subassembly is transported in such a state. On this occasion, even when the cap (21) collides with the other things, the cap (21) is prevented from falling off from out of the base (11) . Further, when the cap (21) is pressed in the insertion direction, the second protrusion (28b) is released from the locking with the first lock hole (16a) Furthermore, the cap (21) is inserted into the fit-in hole (13), and is then fitted into an installation hole (H) of a vehicular body panel. Moreover, the second protrusion (28b), and the first protrusion (28a) are locked with the second lock hole (16b), and the first lock hole (16a), respectively. Thus, the cap (21) and base (11) are fixed fully onto the installation hole (H) so that they do not come off from the installation hole (H) [0006] However, in the structure or assembly disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2001-130, 307, the insertion load of the expandable/contractible member (16) increases or decreases depending on the flexibility of the expandable/contractible member (16) . Accordingly, when the expandable/contractible member (16) has a wider width, the insertion load enlarges. On the contrarily, when the expandable/contractible member (16) has a narrower width, the insertion load reduces.

Consequently, in the structure or assembly disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2001-130,307, there might be such a fear that the expandable/contractible member (16) comes out from out of the installation hole (36), because the expandable/contractible member (16) pressurizes the peripheral edge of the installation hole (36) over the entire width so that its pressurizing section becomes likely to flex. Likewise, the pressure plug (22) disclosedinJapaneseUfleXaflhi-fledPateflt Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2003-226,182 might also be associated with the same problem as that of the expandable/contractible member (16) disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) Gazette No. 2001-130, 307.

(0007] InthestructureorassemblydisClOsedinJapaneSeUneXamifled Patent Publication (KOKAI) GazetteNo. 2001-277,926, a large external force is applied to the grip body (1) when transporting the assist grip, and when handling it. That is, an inner surface of a concave (2) might give a large load to a head (22) of the cap (21) in the insertion direction of the cap (21) . In this instance, the first protrusion (28a) and second protrusion (28b) of the cap (21) press a side wall of the base (11) outward, thereby enlarging the fit-in hole (13) diametrically. As a result, there might arise such a fear that the cap (21) has entered deeper than the temporarily-fastened position in the direction of inserting the cap (21) into the fit-in hole (13) . If such is the case, when the cap (21) advances to the fully-fixed position, an elastic locker leg (14) has been inhibited frornflexinginward. Accordingly, theelasticlockerleg (14) cannot pass through the installation hole (H) . Consequently, there might arise such a fear that it has become impossible to fully fix the assist grip onto the installation hole (H)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0008] The present invention has been developed in view of such circumstances. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a clip for fitting component part, and a structure or assembly for fitting component part, structure or assembly which can prevent a clip from coming out from out of an installation hole.

[00091 A clip according to the present invention for fitting component part is used when fitting a component part onto an installation member by way of an installation hole being formed in the installation member, and the clip comprises: a leading end; a pair of side walls being connected at the leading end; an internal space interposing between a pair of the side walls; a base end; and an opening disposed in the base end, and communicating with the internal space; a pair of the side walls having an elastic locker being locked with the installation hole of the installation member, and a retainer being retained to the component part, respectively; the elastic lockers having opposite ends, respectively, one of the opposite ends being connected to a pair of the side walls, and the other one of the opposite ends making a free end; the elastic lockers further having a dent being dented inwardly toward the internal space from the other one of the opposite ends, thereby being locked with the installation hole of the installation member, and an inflection, respectively, the inflection having a bulge bulging toward the outside more than the dent does; and the elastic lockers being divided into a plurality of divisional segments, respectively, from the other one of the opposite ends to the dent at least.

(ooioj The present clip is fitted onto the installation hole of the installation member by locking the dents of the present clip' s elastic lockers respectively with a peripheral edge of the installationhole. Theelastic lockers aredividedintoaplurality of divisional segments from the other one of the opposite ends, that is, the free end, to the dent at least, respectively. Accordingly, the dent of the elastic lockers, which is divided into a plurality of divisional segments, exhibits a locking width for locking with a peripheral edge of the installation hole, locking width which is narrower than such a dent of the elastic lockers, which is not at all divided into a plurality of divisional segments, has.

Consequently, the divided dent exhibits lower rigidity than an undivided dent exhibits. Therefore, it is possible for an assembly worker or robot to insert the clip into the installation hole of the installation member with a reduced insertion load.

[ooii] Moreover, a summed width of the locking widths of the divided dent's multiple divisional segments is substantially equal to the locking width of such elastic lockers that are undivided.

Accordingly, when the present clip is fitted onto the installation member byway of the installation hole, a load that the entiremultiple divisional segments receive fromaperipheral edge of the installation hole is substantially equal to a load that such undivided elastic lockers receive from a peripheral edge of the installation hole.

In addition, a load that the elastic lockers' dent has received from a peripheral edge of the installation hole is then dispersed to the elastic lockers' respective divisional segments. Accordingly, a load that the respective divisional segments receive becomes smaller than a load that the entire multiple divisional segments receive.

Consequently, it is possible to inhibit the elastic lockers' dent from flexing increasingly. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit the present clip from coming out from out of the installation hole.

[0012] A structure or assembly according to the present invention for fitting component part comprises: a component part having a base; an installation member having an installation hole; and the present clip; wherein the retainers of the present clip are retained to the base of the component part; and the present clip is fitted into the installation hole of the installation member to lock the elastic lockers respectively with a peripheral edge of the installation hole, thereby fitting the component part onto the installation member.

Thus, the present structure or assembly can prevent the present clip from coming out from out of the installation hole of the installation member in the same manner as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00131 A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of its advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed specification, all of which forms a part of the disclosure.

[00141 Fig. 1 isaplanviewforillustratingastructureorassembly according to Example No. 1 of the present invention for fitting an assist grip.

(0015] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating the structure or assembly according to Example No. 1 for fitting the assist grip.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a major portion of the structure or assembly according to Example No. 1 for fitting the assist grip.

[0017] Fig. 4 isaperspectiveview for illustratingaclipaccording

to Example No. 1.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a perspective view for illustrating a cap according

to Example No. 1.

[ooig] Fig. 6isaperspectiveviewforillustratingabaseacCOrding

to Example No. 1.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a plan view for illustrating the base according

to Example No. 1.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view for describing a method accordingtoExampleNo. 1 for fittingtheassist grip, and illustrates the structure or assembly for fitting the assist grip when the clip is retained to the base.

[ 0022] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating circumstances following those shown in Fig. 8, that is, for illustrating the structure or assembly for fitting the assist grip when the cap is inserted temporarily into the base and clip.

[0023] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taking along the arrows "1O"-"lO" of Fig. 9.

1 0024 1 Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating circumstances following those shown in Fig. 9, that is, for illustrating the structure or assembly for fitting the assist grip when a grip body is fitted onto the base.

1 0025 1 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating circumstances following those shown in Fig. 11, that is, for illustrating the structure or assembly for fitting the assist grip when the clip is fitted into an installation hole of a vehicle-side panel so that the clip is fixed temporarily to the vehicle-side panel.

[ 0026 1 Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating circumstances following those shown in Fig. 12, that is, for illustrating the structure or assembly for fitting the assist grip when legs of the cap are further pressed down into the internal space of the clip so that the assist grip is fixed fully to the vehicle-side panel.

[0027] Fig. l4isacross-sectionalviewforillustratiflgaStrUCtUre or assembly according to Example No. 2 of the present invention for fitting component part, cross-sectional view which is taken in the transversal width-wise direction of a clip when a concave of a grip body covers a cap.

[0028] Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating a major portion of Fig. 14.

[0029] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating the structureorassemblyaccordingtoExampleNo. 2 for fittingcomponent part, cross-sectional view which is taken in the transversal width-wise direction of the clip when legs of the cap are further pressed down into the internal space of the clip so that an assist grip is fixed fully to a vehicle-side panel.

[0030] Fig. 17 isanenlargedcross-sectionalviewforillustrating a major portion of the structure or assembly according to Example No. 2 for fitting component part wherein a temporarily-fastening locker and fully-fixing locker of a base is formed as a convexed shape and a locked portion of a cap is formed as a concaved shape, and is for describing their dimensional relationships graphically.

[0031] Fig. 18 is a plan view for illustrating a clip according to Example No. 3 of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating a major portion of the clip according to Example No. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00331 Having generally described the present invention, a further understanding can be obtained by reference to the specific preferred embodiments which are provided herein for the purpose of illustration only and not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

(Example No. 1)

(0034] Example No. 1 according to the present invention will be hereinafter described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view for illustrating a fitting structure or assembly according to Example No. 1 when an assist grip is fitted onto a vehicle-side panel. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating the fitting structure. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, an assist grip 1 is fitted onto a vehicle-side panel 2 using clips 3 and caps 4.

[0035] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the assist grip 1 comprises a grip body 10, and bases 11. The bases 11 are disposed at the opposite ends of the grip body 10, and support the grip body 10 rotatably.

The opposite ends of the gripbody lOhavea concave l0a, respectively.

The concaves lOa accommodate the bases 11, respectively, therein.

In the side walls of the concaves lOa, shaft holes lOb are opened.

Moreover, the bases 11 are provided with shaft bearers ha. Then, shafts 12 are inserted into the shaft holes lOb and the holes of the shaft bearers ha, thereby supporting the grip body 10 rotatably to the bases 11. In addition, springs 13 are disposed between the shaft bearers ha and the shaft holes lOb. The springs 13 urge the grip body 10 in such a direction that the concaves lOa approach the bases 11. An opposite end 13a of the springs 13 locks with a locker hOc of the concaves lOa. Another opposite end 13b of the springs 13 locks with a locker un of the shaft bearers ha. As described below, the bases 11 are parts that are fixed to the vehicle-side panel 2 using the clips 3 and caps 4. Note that the grip body 10 and bases 11 are molded by injecting a resinous material into a mold, respectively.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a major portion of the fitting structure or assembly according to Example No. 1 for the assist grip 1. In Fig. 3, the downward direction in the sheet is designated an insertion direction, the upward direction in the sheet is designated a pull-out direction, and the horizontally right/left direction in the sheet is designated a depth-wise direction in the internal space of the clips 3. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 3, a direction that heads toward the depth-wise center between the paired side walls of the clips 3 is referred to as a depth-wise central direction "G," and a direction that heads toward the depth-wise outsides of the paired side walls of the clips 3 is referred to as a depth-wise outward direction "H." In addition, a depth-wise width of the internal space between the paired side walls of the clips 3 is referred to as a depth-wise width SD." Note that these expressions will be the same hereinafter in Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Figs. 11 through 13.

[0037] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the vehicle-side panel 2 comprises a superficial panel 21, and an inner panel 22. The superficial panel 21 is exposed within a vehicle passenger room. The inner panel 22 intervenes between the superficial panel 21 and a vehicle body. The superficialpanel2lismadebybondingaskinmaterialontoavehicular ceiling panel. In the superficial panel 21 and inner panel 22, installation holes 2a are formed to penetrate them at positions onto which the bases 11 are fitted. Note that a superficial-panel penetration 2b of the installation holes 2a exhibits a larger opening diameterthananinner-panelpenetration2cthereofdoes. Asaresult, a peripheral edge 2d of the inner-panel penetration 2c is exposed to the superficial-panel penetration 2b.

[0038] As illustrated in Fig. 3, more specifically as shown in Fig. 4, the clips 3 are formed as a letter "U" configuration cross-sectionally. The clips 3 comprise a pair of side walls 3e, respectively. The paired side walls 3e have flats 3h being formed as a longitudinal configuration, respectively. The paired side walls 3e are disposed on the opposite sides of an internal space 3b of the clips 3 so as to hold the internal space 3b therebetween.

The clips 3 comprise a leading 3g, respectively, at which the paired side walls 3e are curved in a letter "U" shape and are connected to each other. The clips 3 comprise a base end 3d, respectively, at which the paired side walls 3e are not connected to each other.

Thus, the clips 3 comprise an opening 3c, respectively, at the base end 3d. The opening 3c communicates with the internal space 3b.

The clips 3 are put perpendicularly to the vehicle-side panel 2 so that their longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axial direction of the installation holes 2a, respectively, and are then fitted into the installation holes 2a, respectively. Moreover, the paired side walls 3e of the respective clips 3 have a pair of elastic lockers 3a. The paired elastic lockers 3a are disposed at positions that face to each other in a direction crossing perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the clips 3, that is, in the depth-wise direction within the internal space 3b of the clips 3.

[0039] As illustrated in Fig. 4, an end 3s of the elastic lockers 3a is fixed to the side wall 3e adjacently to the leading 3g of the clips 3. Another end 3q of the elastic lockers 3a makes a leading end. The elastic lockers 3a have an inflection 3t, respectively.

The inflection 3t is disposed adjacently to the end 3q, namely, the free end. Each inflection 3t comprises a dent 3k, and a bulge 3m.

The dent 3k is dented inwardly toward the internal space 3b from the end 3q, thereby locking with the installation hole 2a. The bulge 3m bulges outward more than the dent 3k does. The dent 3k is formed between the bulge 3m and end 3q of the elastic lockers 3a. The dent 3k curves like an arc shape. In a free state, that is, when no load is applied to the elastic lockers 3a, the dents 3k are dented more in the depth-wise central direction "G" than the flats 3h of side walls 3earedented. Thebulges 3mbulgelikeahorizontally-directed letter-"V" shape, as shown in Fig. 3, in the depth-wise outward direction "H" with respect to the flats 3h that are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side walls 3e. The ends 3q of the elastic lockers 3a curve like an arc shape, and then protrude in the depth-wise outward direction "H" beyond the flats 3h, as shown in Fig. 3.

(0040] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the elastic lockers 3a are provided with a slit 3r, which extends in their longitudinal direction, respectively. The slit 3r divides the elastic lockers 3a into multiple divisional segments 3u, 3u in the direction of transversal width "C" (see Fig. 10), or perpendicular to the sheet in which Fig. 3 is depicted. The slit 3r is formed over a distance from the end 3q, the free end, to the dent 3kat least. The slit 3r can preferably be formed over a distance from the end 3q, beyond the dent 3k, and up to an incline 3z of the bulge 3m that is disposed next to the dent 3k in the up/down direction, as shown in Fig. 4. Thus, the elastic lockers 3a enable an assembly worker or robot to insert the clips 3 into the installation holes 2a with an effectively-reduced insertion load.

[0041J Moreover, theslit3rcanpreferablybedisposedatthecenter of the transversal width "C" of the elastic lockers 3a (see Fig. 10), thereby dividing the elastic lockers 3a into an equivalent width to each other. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the insertion load from being distributed unevenly, because the slit 3r disperses the insertion load for the elastic lockers 3a evenly to the respective divisional segments 3u, 3u. In addition, it is allowable to provide the slit 3 in a quantity of 2 or more in the longitudinal direction of the elastic lockers 3a.

[0042] The side walls 3e of the clips 3 are provided with a step 3f, respectively. The step 3f is disposed more adjacently to the base end 3d of the side walls 3e than the end 3q of the elastic lockers 3a is disposed. The step 3f makes a retainer that is retained to thebaseslloftheassistgripl. Thestep3fisformedbyinflecting the side walls 3e in the depth-wise outward direction "H." The clips 3 are made by subjecting a metallic plate to punching and bending processes. Note that it is allowable to make the clips 3 from a resinous material by injection molding.

[0043] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the cap 4 comprises a cover 4a, and legs 4b. As shown in Fig. 3, the cover 4a covers the base end 3d of the clips 3, and cap retainer walls lic, with which the bases 11 are provided as shown in Fig. 6. The cover 4a curves as an inverted letter-"U" configuration in cross section so as to cover the top surfaces and side surfaces of the cap retainer walls llc. The legs 4b extend from the cover 4 downward. The legs 4b are inserted into the internal space 3b of the clips 3 through the opening 3c along their extending direction. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the legs 4b comprise four pillars 4c, and a pair of graspers 4d. The pillars 4c are positioned at the four corners of the rectangle-shaped cover 4a. The graspers 4d connect between the neighboring pillars 4c like a plane. The parts of the legs 4b that face the side walls 3e of the clips 3, that is, the outer side surfaces of the leg 4b, have press contacts 4f that come in press contact with the side walls 3e. At around the leading end 4x of the legs 4b in the insertion direction, the legs 4bexhibit a depth-wise thickness that diminishes graduallytowardthe leadingend 4x inthe insertiondirection. Note that, as illustrated in Fig. 10, an inner side surface of the cover 4a of the cap 4 is provided with a locked convex 4g. Moreover, the cap 4 is molded by injecting a resinous material into a mold.

[0044] AsillustratedinFig. 3, morespecificallyas showninFigs.

6 and 7, the bases 11 of the assist grip 1 comprise a frame llf, and the cap holder walls lic, respectively. The cap holder walls lic protrude upward from the frame hf. The frame hf has a clip retainer hole hlb being formed as a rectangle shape. The clips 3 arefittedintothechipretainerholeilbofthebasesll, respectively.

The cap retainer walls hlc have a configuration that conforms to the inner side surfaces of the cover 4a of the caps 4. Thus, the cap retainer walls lic come in contact with the inner side surfaces of the cover 4a, thereby retaining each of the caps 4. To the rear end of the cap retainer walls lic, the shaft bearer ila is fixed integrally, thereby supporting the grip body 10 of the assist grip 1 rotatably.

(00451 Moreover, the bases 11 have a contact rib lid, respectively, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The contact rib ild protrudes downward beyond the frame llf. The contact ribs ild make restrainers for restraining the clips 3 from moving in a direction of coming out when fitting the clips 3 into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2. The contact rib lid is disposed at the middle of the clip retainer hole lib, thereby demarcatirig the clip retainer holes 2 into two compartments. The contact rib lid is formed as a flat plate shape. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the contact rib lid exhibits a transversal width "B" that is equal to the transversal width "C" of the clips 3 approximately. In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the contact rib lid exhibits a varying depth-wise thickness in the internal space 3b of the clips 3. That is, the depth-wise thickness of the contact ribs lid thickens gradually from the base end liv toward an intermediate part 11w ahead or down below in the insertion direction beyond the installation hole 2a, and then thins gradually from the intermediate part 11w toward the leading end lie.

Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the contact rib lid is chamfered at the leading end ile, and thereby the leading end exhibits a diminished transversal width "B." In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 10, the leading end lie is inserted into a leading-end retainer hole 3j that is opened in the leading end 3g of the clips 3. Thus, the contact rib lid is positioned substantially at a middle in the depth-wise width "D" of the internal spa�e 3b in the clips 3. To the transversal-width-wise opposite ends of the contact rib lld, a reinforcer ilk is fixed, respectively, as shown in Fig. 10. The reinforcers 11k extend downward from the frame hf, and exhibit a transversal width "J" in an orthogonal direction to the direction of the transversal width "B." (0046] When fitting the assist grip 1 onto the vehicle-side panel 2 using the clips 3 and caps 4, the side walls 3e of the clips 3 are first compressed in the depth-wise central direction "G" shown in Fig. 3. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the depth-wise width "D" of the internal space 3b, which intervenes between the side walls 3e, is narrowed down. Under the circumstances, the clips 3 are inserted into the clip retainer holes ilb of the bases 11 beginning with their leading end 3d. The side walls 3e of the clips 3 are inserted from the lower side of the clip retainer holes ilb toward the upper side while contacting with the contact ribs lid of the bases 11 slidably. Then, as can be seen from Fig. 4, more specifically as illustrated in Fig. 10, the transversal-width-wise opposite ends of the clips 3 contact with the inner side surfaces of the reinforcers ilk slidably, and eventually the clips 3 are positioned with respect to the clip retainer holes lib in the transversal-width-wise direction.

Therefore, when inserting the clips 3 into the clip retainer holes llb, the clips 3 can be led to the clip retainer holes lib securely by bringing the side walls 3e of the clips 3 into contact with the contact ribs lid and reinforcers ilk and then sliding the side walls 3e in contact therewith toward the clip retainer holes lib.

[0047] Eventually, the steps 3f, which are formed at the base end 3d of the clips 3, lock with the top peripheral edge urn of the clip retainer holes ilb, as illustrated in Fig. 8. At the same time, the leading end lie of the contact ribs lid is fitted into the leading-end retainer hole 3j that is opened in the leading end 3g oftheclips 3. Thetaperedorsteppedlockers llh, whicharedisposed adjacently to the leading end lle of the contact ribs lid as shown in Fig. 6, lockwiththeperipherai edge 3n of the leading-end retainer hole 3j, as illustrated in Fig. 10. In this manner, the clips 3 are retained to the bases ii, and the contact ribs lid are positioned substantially at a middle in the depth-wise width "D" of the internal space 3b in the clips 3 simultaneously, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0048] Thereafter, the legs 4b of the cap 4 are inserted into the internal space 3b of the clips 3 through the opening 3c temporarily, as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. In this instance, as shown in Fig. 10, the locked concave 4g, which protrudes from the inner side surface 4h of the cover 4a of the caps 4, locks with the outer edge llgofthecapretainerwallslicofthebases 11. Thus, theinsertion of the caps 4 into the internal space 3b of the clips 3 stops once at the position where the locked concave 4g locks with the outer edge hg of the cap retainer walls lic. The legs 4b are inserted down to a section at which the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3 locate or occupy in the internal space 3b. However, as illustrated in Fig. 9, clearances 3p remain in the depth-wise direction in the internal space 3b that faces the section at which the elastic lockers 3a locate or occupy in the internal space 3b. Hence, the elastic lockers 3a are able to deform easily in the depth-wise direction in the internal space 3b.

[0049] In Example No. 1, the clearances 3p are formed between the legs 4b of the caps 4 and the contact rib lid of the bases 11, because the legs 4b come in contact with the side walls 3e of the clips 3 slidably. However, it is allowable that the clearances 3p can be formed between the legs 4b and the side walls 3e of the clips 3 when the legs 4b come in contact with the contact rib lid slidably. If both of the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the legs 4b do not come in contact with both of the side walls 3eoftheclips 3andthecontact rib ildof thebases 11, theclearances 3p can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the legs 4b and the side walls 3e, and between the inner peripheral surface of the legs 4b and the contact rib lid. Moreover, the leading end 4x of the legs 4b can be positioned nearer to the base end 3d of the clips 3 than the elastic lockers 3a are positioned, thereby remaining a clearance 3p that has the same width as the depth-wise width of the internal space 3b. In all of the above-described arrangements, it suffices that the a clearance 3p or clearances 3p, which enable the elastic lockers 3b to deform, can remain in the depth-wise direction in the internal space 3b that faces the section at which the elastic lockers 3a locate or occupy in the internal space 3b.

[00501 Subsequently, as illustrated in Fig. 2, more specifically as shown in Fig. ii, the bases 11 are disposed in the concaves l0a of the grip body 10. Specifically, the shafts 12 are first inserted into the shaft holes lOb of the concaves 10, and then into the shaft bearers ha of the bases 11. Moreover, the shafts 12 are inserted intothe cylindrical boreof the colors 14, respectively. Inaddition, springs 13 are disposed between the shaft bearers ha and the shaft holes lOb, as shown in Fig. 2. An opposite end 13a of the springs 13 is lockedwiththe locker lOcof theconcaves l0a. Anotheropposite end 13b of the springs 13 is locked with the locker un of the shaft bearers ha. Thus, not only the grip body 10 is fitted onto the baseshl, butalsothegripbodylOisurgedbythespringsi3. Moreover, an opposite end 4u of the cover 4a of the cap 4 comes in contact with a minute depression lOx, with which an inner surface lOd of the concaves lOa is provided, as shown in Fig. 11. Thus, the clips 3, caps 4 and grip body 10 are retained to the bases 10 integrally.

[00511 Then, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the grip body 10 is pressed toward the vehicle-side panel 2 in the arrow direction of force SF1" designatedinthedrawing. Thus, the inner surface lOdof the concaves 10a of the grip body 10 presses the opposite end 4u of the cover 4a of the caps 4 at the depression lOx. Moreover, the caps 4 press the bases 11 downward with their locked convex 4g, as shown in Fig. 10. Accordingly, the clips 3 being retained within the bases 11 are fitted into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2. Note that the peripheral edge 2d of the inner-panel penetration 2c is exposed to the installation holes 2a, respectively.

Consequently, the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3 come in contact with the peripheral edge 2d elastically to diminish the depth-wise width "D" between the elastic lockers 3a in the internal space 3b (see Fig. 3) . As a result, the bulges 3m of the elastic lockers 3a pass through the inner-panel penetration 2c. After the bulges 3m have passed through the inner-panel penetration 2c, the spring repulsive force of the elastic lockers 3 makes the depth-wise width "D" between the elastic lockers 3a closer to the original size.

Moreover, the spring repulsive force locks the dent 3k of the inflection 3t of the elastic lockers 3a with the peripheral edge 2d of the inner-panel penetration 2c. All in all, the assist grip 1 fastened fixedtothevehicle-sidepanel2 temporarily. Notethat, in Example No. 1, although the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3 are locked with the peripheral edge 2d of the inner-panel penetration 2c that is exposed inside the installation holes 2a, it is allowable that the elastic lockers 3a can be locked with the peripheral edge of the superficial-panel penetration 2b of the installation holes 2a.

(00521 Subsequently, as illustrated in Fig. 13, the cover 4a of the caps 4 is pressed toward the vehicle-side panel 2, that is, in the arrow direction of force "F2" designated in the drawing, with a greater load than the load that has been applied in the arrow direction of force "Fl" designated in Fig. 12 when fastening the assist grip 1 to the vehicle-side panel 2 temporarily. Thus, the locked concave 4g of the clips 4 is unlocked with the outer edges hg of the cap retainer walls hic of the bases 11. Then, the caps 4 come to be further inserted fully in the insertion direction. Moreover, when the inner side surfaces of the cover 4a of the caps 4 come in contact with the cap retainer walls lic of the bases 11, the cover 4a covers thesectionof clips 3adjacent tothebaseend3d, andthetopsection of the bases 11. In addition, the legs 4b of the cap 4 are fitted into the internal space 3b of the clips 3. Thus, the paired graspers 4d, which are formed between the legs 4b, grasp the contact rib lid of the bases 11 between them. Note herein that the contact rib lid exhibits a gradually-thickening depth-wise thickness in the internal space 3b, that is, the depth-wise thickness thickens gradually from the base end liv to the intermediate part 11w ahead or down below beyond the installation hole 2a in the insertion direction.

Accordingly, when the legs 4b are inserted between the side walls 3e of the clips 3 and the contact rib lid, the inner side surfaces of the legs 4b are separated from the contact rib lid upon starting the insertion, but they come to contact slidably with the contact rib lid eventually. Moreover, the outer side surfaces of the legs 4b come to contact with the inner surfaces of the side walls 3e of the clips 3 slidably. In addition, the graspers 4d come in press contact with an inner surface of the dent 3k of the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3. Specifically, as illustrate in Fig. 13, and as can be appreciated from Figs. 4 and 5, the graspers 4d of the legs 4b of the caps 4 make contact with the dent 3k of the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3, thereby inhibiting the elastic lockers 3a from deforming. Moreover, the pillars 4c of the legs 4b of the caps 4 make contact with the flats 3h of the side walls 3e of the clips 3, thereby inhibiting the entire clips 3, excepting the elastic lockers 3, from deforming. Thus, the depth-wise clearances 3p disappear in the internal space 3b of the clips 3. Consequently, the elastic lockers 3a become less likely to deform in the depth-wise central direction "G" in the internal space 3b (see Fig. 3) . In addition, the side walls 3e of the clips 3, and the dent 3k of the elastic lockers 3a become less likely to flex in the depth-wise central direction "G." All in all, the clips 3 are prevented from coming outfromoutoftheinstallationholes2a. Inthismanner, the assist grip 1 is fixed to the vehicle-side panel 2 fully.

[0053] In Example No. 1, when the clips 3 are fitted into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side installation panel 2 as illustrated in Fig. 12, there might arise such a case that the elastic lockers 3a undergo elastic deformation in the direction of narrowing down the depth-wise width "D" so that the clips 3 come out to the other side in the direction that is opposite to the insertion direction, namely, in the pull-out direction designated in Fig. 3. For such an occasion, note that the elastic lockers 3a are divided into the two divisional segments 3u, 3u, from the base end 3q, the free end, to the dent 3k at least. Accordingly, compared with elastic lockers whose dent 3k is not divided at all, each of the divided divisional segments 3u, 3u has a narrow locking width K" that locks with the peripheral edge 2d of the installation holes 2a, and consequently exhibit low rigidity. Hence, since the clips 3 can be inserted into the installation holes 2a with a reduced insertion load, the clips 3 hardly come out from out of the installation holes 2a to the other side in the direction that is opposite to the insertion direction, namely, in the pull-out direction.

[0054] Moreover, when summing the locking width of each multiple divisional segments 3u, 3u, which are formed by dividing the dent 3k, the summed locking width is the same as that of an undivided dent 3kapproximately. Accordingly, aftertheclips3hasbeenfitted ontothe installationholes 2a of thevehicle-sidepanel 2, theentire multipledivisional segments3u, 3ureceivealoadfromtheperipheral edge 2d of the installation holes 2 to substantially the same extent that an undivided dent 3k receives from the peripheral edge 2d of the installation holes 2a. In addition, the peripheral edge 2d of the installation holes 2a exerts a load to the dent 3k of the elastic lockers 3a, but the load is dispersed and then applied to each of the divisional segments 3u, 3u. Accordingly, the divisional segments 3u, 3u are subjected respectively to a load that has become smaller than a load that the entire multiple divisional segments 3u, 3u are subjected to. Consequently, the dent 3k of the elastic lockers 3 is inhibited from flexing increasingly. Therefore, the divisional segments 3u, 3u make it possible to prevent the clips 3 from coming out from out of the installation holes 2a.

[0055] In addition, when the legs 4b of the caps 4 are fitted into the clips 3 through the opening 3c toward the internal space 3b, the legs 4b inhibit the elastic lockers 3a from deforming inwardly toward the internal space 3b. As a result, the clips 3 become much less likely to come out from out of the installation holes 2a.

[0056] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 3, or as shown in Fig. 6 especially, the bases ii comprise the contact rib lid, which is inserted into the internal space 3b of the clips 3, respectively.

The graspers 4d of the caps 4 hold the contact rib lid between them in the internal space 3b of the clips 3. In addition thereto, the graspers 4d press the side walls 3e of the clips 3 in the depth-wise outward direction "H," and then the thus pressed side walls 3e are fitted into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2.

Accordingly, clearances 3p disappear in the depth-wise internal space 3b between the side walls 3e of the clips 3. Consequently, the graspers 4d can retain the side walls 3e stably without flexing the side walls 3e inward in the direction opposite to the depth-wise outward direction "H." [0057] Iii addition, the graspers 4d of the caps 4 come in press contactwiththepairedelasticlockers3aoftheclips3. Accordingly, clearances 3p disappear in the internal space 3b between the elastic lockers3a. Inadditionthereto, thegraspers4dcomeinpresscontact with the side walls 3e of the clips 3. Consequently, there are not any spaces in the depth-wise direction in the internal space 3b of the clips 3 between the side walls 3e. As a result, the graspers 4d hardly flex the side walls 3e inward in the direction opposite tothedepth-wiseoutwarddirection"H,"therebyretainingthemstably.

Therefore, the graspers 4 can prevent the clips 3 from rattling.

[0058] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3 may deform elastically in such a direction that narrows down the depth-wise width "D" (see Fig. 3) when fitting the clips 3 into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2. As a result, the clips 3 might come out from out of another side that is disposed oppositely to the insertion direction. In this instance, note however that the contact rib lid of the bases 11 come in contact with the leading end 3g of the clips 3 ahead or down below in the insertion direction. Accordingly, the contact ribs lid inhibit the clips 3 from moving in the pull-out direction designated in Fig. 3. consequently, the contact rib lid of the bases 11 can prevent the clips 3 from coming out from out of the installation holes 2a.

[0059] In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 3, or as can be seen from Fig. 5, the graspers 4d of the caps 4 hold the contact rib lid between them after the assist grip 1 has been fitted onto the vehicle-side panel 2. Accordingly, the graspers 4dmake the contact rib lid likely to be retained at the central position in the clips 3. Consequently, the graspers 4d make it possible to retain the clips 3 parallel to the axial-line direction of the installation holes 2a without ever inclining the clips 3 to the installation holes 2a.

[0060] When inserting the clips 3 into the installation holes 2a ofthevehicle-sidepanel2, theelasticlockers 3adeformelastically in the depth-wise direction in the internal space 3b between the paired side walls 3e (see Fig. 3) . In this instance, note however that the contact rib lid of the bases 11 is disposed at the center in the depth-wise direction, and then the graspers 4d of the caps 4 grasp the contact rib lid between them from the opposite sides in the depth-wise direction. Thus, the contact rib lid and graspers 4d can effectively inhibit the elastic lockers 3a from deforming elastically after the clips 3 have been fitted into the installation holes 2a. Moreover, since the graspers 4d retain the contact rib lid at the center in the depth-wise direction, the graspers 4d can inhibit the clips 3 from inclining to the installation holes 2a, or can inhibit them from rattling.

[0061] Moreover, the leading end lie of the contact rib lid of the bases 11 is fitted into the leading-end retainer hole 3j that is opened in the leading end 3g of the clips 3. Accordingly, the leading-end retainer holes 3j make it possible to position the contact ribs lid at the middle in the internal space 3b of the clips 3. In addition, the leading-end retainer holes 3j make it possible to inhibit the contact ribs lld fromdisplacingpositionallywith respect to the clips 3. All in all, the leading-end retainer holes 3j make it possible to inhibit the clips 3 from inclining to the installation holes 2a, or to inhibit them from rattling.

[0062] In Example No. 1, note that the clips 3 are fitted into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2 after inserting the legs 4b of the caps 4 into the internal space 3b of the clips 3. This arrangement is intended to make the transfer and handling of product easier by assembling the bases 11 of the assist grip 1, the grip body 10, the clips 3 and the caps 4 together as an integrated product. However, even when the assembly order is reversed, it is possible to demonstrate the advantages of Example No. 1 according to the present invention. That is, it is allowable that the clips 3 can be first fitted into the installation holes 2a under such a circumstance that the legs 4b of the caps 4 are not inserted into the internal space 3b of the clips 3; and then the legs 4b of the caps 4 can be inserted into the internal space 3b of the clips 3.

If such is the case, it is possible to insert the legs 4b of the caps 4 fully into the internal space 3b of the clips 3 by single or snap action.

(Example No. 2)

(00631 Figs. 14 through 16 illustrate Example No. 2 according to the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 14, more specifically as illustrated in Fig. 15, the outer side surface lip of the bases 11 is provided with a temporarily-fastening locker concave liq, and a fully-fixing locker concave llr. The paired temporarily-fastening locker concave llq and fully-fixing locker concave hr are disposed in the outer side surface lip of a pair of the opposing cap retainer walls llc of the bases 11 in line in this order in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11. In the drawings, the fully-fixing locker concave hr is positioned more ahead or down below in the fitting direction of the caps 4 than the temporarily-fastening locker concave llq is positioned. Moreover, the outer side surface lip of the cap retainer walls hic is positioned more inside than the contour of the frame llf of the bases 11 is positioned, as shown in Fig. 14. In addition, as shown in Fig. 15, a step us is provided between the outer side surface lip and the frame hf toconnect them. Except theabove-describedconstructions, Example No. 2 comprises the same constructions as those of Example No. 1.

(0064] When fitting the assist grip 1 onto the vehicle-side panel 2 in Example No. 2, an assembly worker or robot first retains the clips 3ontothebases 11. Then, the assemblyworker or robot inserts the legs 4b of the caps 4 into the internal space 3b of the clips 3 temporarily in the same manner as described in Example No. 1.

(00651 Then, the assembly worker or robot fits the grip body 10 onto the bases 11 rotatably, as illustrated in Fig. 2, more specifically as shown in Fig. 11, drawings which are directed to Example No. 1. That is, the assembly worker or robot accommodates the cover 4a of the caps 4 within each of the concaves lOa of the grip body 10. When the assembly worker or robot completes this operation, the opposite end 4u of the cover 4a of the caps 4 comes in contact with the depression lOx, which is formed in the inner surface lOd of the concaves iDa, as illustrated in Fig. 11.

(00661 Notehereinthat, inExampleNo. 2, anouterperipheralsurface of the cover 4a of the caps 4 has opposite locked back surfaces 4e, as illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. The opposite locked back surfaces 4e are made of the opposite parts of the outer peripheral surface of the cover 4a that are disposed back to back to the locked convex 4g. The locked back surfaces 4e are covered with the inner surface lOd of the concaves iOa of the grip body 10. Moreover, the springs 13 exert urging force to the concaves lOa of the grip body 10 so that the concaves lOa retain the bases 11 so as to cover the bases 11. Thus, the clips 3, the caps 4, and the grip body 10 are fastened integrally to the bases 11.

(00671 As illustrated in Fig. 15, a width "Li," a dimension from the outer end lit of the temporarily-fastening locker concave ilq ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11 to a position at which the leading end 4k of the locked convex 4gisput inpiace, isgreaterthananinterval "L2,"adimension between the locked back surface 4e and the inner surface lOd of the concaves iOa of the grip body 10. If such is the case, even when the locked back surface 4e deforms outward, the inner surface lOd of the concaves lOa can suppress the deformation magnitude of the locked back surface 4e up to the maximum interval "L2." Moreover, the width "Li" between the outer edge lit of the temporarily-fastening locker concave ha ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11 and the leading end 4k of the locked convex 4g is greater than the deformation magnitude of the locked back surface 4e. As a result, not only the locked convex 4g hardly comes off from the temporarily-fastening locker concave liq, but also it can keep staying at the temporarily-fastened position.

[0068] Moreover, it is allowable that the opposite outer edge ilu of the temporarily-fastening locker concave hlq trailing or up above in the fitting direction of the caps 4 into the bases ii, namely, the top outer edge thereof in Fig. 15, can exhibit a length from the bottom surface liz of the temporarily-fastening concave hlq, length which is substantially equal to a length that the outer edges lit ahead or down below in the fitting direction exhibits from the bottom surface liz. Inotherwords, it is allowable that the opposite outer edge ilu trailing or up above in the fitting direction can be placed diametrically at the substantially same position as a position at which the outer edge lit ahead or down below in the fitting direction is placed diametrically. In addition, it is allowable that the opposite outer edge liu trailing or up above in the fitting direction can be placed on a more inner side diametrically than the outer edge lit ahead or down below in the fitting direction is placed diametrically. In the latter case, an assembly worker or robot can lock the locked convex 4g with the temporarily-fastening locker concave ilq with a smaller load than that in the former case, namely, when both of the outer edges lit and ilu are put in position at a diametrically identical location virtually.

[0069] Then, in the same manner as described in Example No. 1, the assembly worker or robot presses the grip body 10 toward the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2 as shown in Fig. 12, thereby fixing the assist grip 1 to the vehicle-side panel 2 temporarily. Thereafter, the assembly worker or robot rotates the grip body 10 against the urging force of the springs 13, thereby exposing the bases 11 and caps 4 from out of the concaves lOa as shown in Fig. 13. Moreover, the assembly worker or robot presses the cover 4a of the caps 4 toward the vehicle-side panel 2 with a greater load than the load upon fastening the assist grip 1 to the vehicle-side panel 2 temporarily. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 16, the locked concaved 4g of the caps 4 unlocks with the temporarily-fastening concave llq of the bases 11 so that the caps 4 further advance ahead or down below in the fitting direction.

Eventually, the locked concave 4g of the caps 4 locks with the fully-fixing locker concave hr of the bases 11 that is positioned more ahead or down below in the fitting direction than the temporarily-fastening concave llq is positioned in the fitting direction.

(0070] In this instance, as designated with the chain double-dashed lines in Fig. 15, a width "L3," a dimension from the outer edge ils of the fully-fixing locker concave hr ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11 to a position at which the leading end 4k of the locked convex 4g of the caps 4 is put in place, can preferably be greater than the above-described width "Li," a dimension from the outer edge llt of the temporarily-fastening locker concave hlq ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11 to a position at which the leading end 4k of the locked convex 4g of the caps 4 is put in place. In this instance, even when a great load is applied to the caps 4 in the fitting direction upon fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11 fully so that the locked back surfaces 4e deform outward, it is possible to inhibit the locked convex 4g from corning off from the fully-fixing locked concave hr. As a result, it is possible to prevent the outwardly-deformed locked convex 4g frombeing retained to the outer side surface lip trailing or up above in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11, or to the frame hf more ahead or down below in the fitting direction than the fully-fixing locked concave hr is put in place therein.

10071] Moreover, when the locked convex 4g of the caps 4 locks with the fully-fixing locker concave llr of the bases 11, the inner side surface 4h of the cover 4a covers the cap retainer walls hic of the bases 11 and the leading end 3d of the clips 3, as illustrated in Fig. 16. In addition, the legs 4b of the caps 4 are fitted into the inner space 3b of the clips 3 fully. Accordingly, the locking between the locked convex 4g and the fully-fixing locker concave hr inhibits the legs 4b from being furthermore fitted into the internal space 3b where the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3 are placed, and thereby inhibits the elastic lockers 3a from deforming inward. Consequently, the locking between them prevents the clips 3 from coming out from out of the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2. Thus, an assembly worker or robot fits the assist grip 1 onto the vehicle-side panel 2, as described above.

[0072] Example No. 2 comprises the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4, as illustrated in Fig. 14. The locked back surfaces 4e make the back-surface sides that are disposed oppositely to the part of the caps 4 that is provided with the locked convex 4g. Moreover, as specifically shown in Fig. 15, the concaves lOa of the grip body cover the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 when the temporary-fastening locker convex hg locks with the locked convex 4g. Accordingly, even when a large load is applied to the caps 4 in their fitting direction into the clips 3, the concaves lOa of the grip body 10 can inhibit the locked convex 4g of the caps 4 from deforming. Consequently, the concaves lOa can prevent the locked convex 4g from coming off from the temporarily-fastening locked concave llq of the bases 11. Therefore, the inner surfaces lOd of the concaves lOa, which cover the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4, enable the caps 4 to keep staying at the temporarily-fastened position with respect to the bases 11, even when the caps 4 receive a great load.

[0073] Moreover, after an assembly worker or robot fits the clips 3 into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2, the assembly worker or robot rotates the grip body 10 to expose the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 from out of the concaves iDa of the grip body 10, as shown in Fig. 13. Under the circumstances, the locked back surfaces 4e are likely to deform outward readily.

Accordingly, when the assembly worker or robot further presses the caps 4 down into the internal space 3b of the clips 3, the locked back surfaces 4e deform outward to unlock the locked convex 4g with the temporarily-fastening locker concave llq of the bases ii, as illustrated with the chain double-dashed lines in Fig. 16.

Consequently, the assembly worker or robot can enter the legs 4b of the caps 4 further ahead or down below in their fitting direction into the clips 3. Then, the locked convex 4g of the caps 4 locks withthefully-fixinglockerconcaveilrofthebases 11. Therefore, the locked convex 4g and fully-fixing locker concave lir, which lock to each other, make it possible to inhibit the caps 4 from coming off from the bases 11.

(0074] Inaddition, as illustratedin Fig. 15, ExampleNo. 2 exhibits the width "Li" that is greater than the interval "L2." Note herein that the width "Li" is a dimension that extends from the outer edge lit of the temporarily-fastening locker concave ha ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4 to a position at which the leading end 4k of the locked convex 4g is put in place, and that the interval "L2" is a dimension that extends between the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 and the inner surfaces lOd of the concaves lOa of the grip body 10. Moreover, the inner surfaces lOd of the concaves lOa cover the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4. Accordingly, evenwhenthelockedbacksurfaces4edeformoutward, the inner surfaces lOdof the concaves lOa keep the locked back surfaces 4e from deforming in a deforming magnitude more than the interval "L2," the dimension between locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 and the inner surfaces lOd of the concaves iOa. In addition, the interval "L2" is less than the width "Li." As described above, the width "Li" is a dimension between the outer edge hf of the temporarily-fastening locker concave llq ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4 and the leading end 4k of the locked convex 4g. Consequently, even when the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 deform outward, the locked convex 4g hardly comes off from the temporarily-fastening locker concave ilq of the bases 11.

Therefore, the inner side surfaces lOd of the concaves iDa, which thus cover the locked back surfaces 4e upon the temporarily fastening, can reliably keep the locked convex 4g of the caps 4 from furthermore entering ahead or down below in the fitting direction of the caps 4.

[0075] In Example No. 2, the outer side surface lip of the bases 11 are provided with the temporarily-fastening locker concave hg and fully-fixing locker concave hir, and the inner surface 4h of the cover 4a of the caps 4 is provided with the locked convex 4g.

However, it is allowable to provide them with the locker concave and the locked convex in a manner opposite to the above-described manner. That is, as illustrated in Fig. 17, it is allowable toprovide the outer side surface lip of bases 11 with temporarily-fastening locker convex llq' and fully-fixing locker convex hr'1 and it is allowable to provide the inner surface 4h of the cover 4a of the caps 4 with a locked concave 4g' . In this alternative arrangement as well, a width "Li'," a dimension that extends from the leading end lit' of the temporarily-fastening convex llq' to a position at which the outer edge 4k' of the locked concave 4g' is put in place ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4, can be greater than the interval "L2," the dimension that extends between the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 and the inner surfaces lOd of the concaves iDa of the grip body 10. Moreover, since the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 are covered with the inner surfaces lOd of the concaves l0a, the locked back surfaces 4e cannot produce a deforming magnitude that is more than the interval "L2," even when they deform outward. In addition, since the interval "L2" is likewise less than the width "Li'," the dimension between the leading end lit' of the temporarily-fastening convex llq' and the outer edge 4k' of the locked concave 4g' that is positioned ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4, the alternative arrangement also disables the locked concave 4g' to come off from the temporarily-fastening locker convex llq', even when the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 deform outward. Therefore, the alternative arrangement can reliably keep the locked concave 4g' of the caps 4 from furthermore entering ahead or down below in the fitting direction of the caps 4, because the locked back surfaces 4e of the caps 4 are thus covered with the inner side surfaces lOd of the concaves lOa when the caps 4 are fastened to the bases 11 temporarily.

[0076) Also in this alternative arrangement, as designated with the chain double-dashed lines in Fig. 17, a width "L3' " can preferably be greater than the above-describedwidth "Li' ." Asdescribedabove, the width "L3'" is a dimension that extends from the outer edge us of the frame hf that is more ahead or down below than the fully-fixing locker convex lir' is in the direction of fitting the caps 4 to a position at which the leading end 4k' of the locked concave 4g' is put inpiace. Likewise, theinterval"L1'"isadimensionthatextends from the leading end lit' of the temporarily-fastening locker convex llq' to a position at which the outer edge 4k' of the locked concaves 4g' is put in place ahead or down below in the direction of fitting the caps 4. In this instance as well, even when an assembly worker or robot has applied a great load to the caps 4 in the fitting direction upon fitting the caps 4 fully so that the locked back surfaces 4e deform outward, the alternative arrangement can inhibit the locked concave 4g' from coming off from the fully-fixing locker convex lir' As a result, the alternative arrangement can prevent the assembly worker or robot from retaining the outwardly-deformed locked concave 4g' to the outer side surface lip trailing or up above in the direction of fitting the caps 4 into the bases 11, or to the frame hf more ahead or down below in the direction of fitting than the fully-fixing locker convex lir' is put in place therein.

(Example No. 3)

[0077] Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate Example No. 3 according to the present invention. Example No. 3 also comprises the clips 3 that have the elastic lockers 3a. As described in Example Nos. 1 and 2, the elastic lockers 3a similarly have the dent 3k, respectively.

The dents 3k make parts that enable the elastic lockers 3k to lock with the inner-panel penetration 2c of the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2. Especially, in the elastic lockers 3a of the clips 3 according to Example No. 3, the dents 3k have a bentsection3v, whichisformedasahorizontally-disposedletter---"V" shape, respectively, as shown in Fig. 19. When an assembly worker or robot fits the clips 3 into the installation holes 2a of the vehicle-side panel 2, the bent sections 3v of the dents 3k of the elastic lockers 3a lock with the peripheral edge of the inner-panel penetration 2c of the installation holes 2a. Then, as shown in Fig. 19, the top end 2e and bottom end 2f of the inner-panel penetration 2c come in press contact with the top side 3w and bottom side 3x of the bent sections 3v, respectively, thereby pressing the bent sections 3v so as to open up. As a result, the bent sections 3v make it possible to fit the clips 3 onto the installation holes 3a more stably, namely, so that the clips 3 are much less likely to rattle. Other than the above-described bent sections 3v, Example No. 3 comprises the same constructions as those of Example Nos. 1 and 2. Therefore, Example No. 3 can produce the same advantages as those produced by Example Nos. 1 and 2.

[0079] Note that Example Nos. 1 through 3 according to the present invention make embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a component part, an assist grip that is one of vehicular interior component parts. However, the present invention is applicable not only to the other vehicular interior component parts, such as console boxes, instrument panels, sun visors, coat hooks, registers and room lamps, but also to vehicular exterior component parts.

[0079] Moreover, inExampleNos.1 through 3accordingtothepresent invention, the component part retaining the clips 3, the assist grip 1, comprises two members, the grip body 1 and the bases 11. However, it is allowable that the component part retaining the clips 3 can comprise an individual member as far as it has a base that is made in accordance the present invention. It goes without saying that the component part retaining the clips 3 can comprise a base according to the present invention, and two or more of the other members.

[0080] Having now fully described the present invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as set forth herein including the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. What is claimed is: 1. A clip for fitting component part, the clip being used when fitting a component part onto an installation member by way of an installation hole being formed in the installation member, and the clip comprising: a leading end; a pair of side walls being connected at the leading end; an internal space interposing between a pair of the side walls; a base end; and an opening disposed in the base end, and communicating with the internal space; a pair of the side walls having an elastic locker being locked with the installation hole of the installation member, anda retainer being retained to the component part, respectively; the elastic lockers having opposite ends, respectively, one of the opposite ends being connected to a pair of the side walls, and the other one of the opposite ends making a free end; the elastic lockers further having a dent being dented inwardly toward the internal space from the other one of the opposite ends, thereby being locked with the installation hole of the installation member, and an inflection, respectively, the inflection having a bulge bulging toward the outside more than the dent does; and the elastic lockers being divided into a plurality of divisional segments, respectively, from the other one of the opposite ends to the dent at least.
2. 2. A structure for fitting component part, the structure comprising: a component part having a base; an installation member having an installation hole; and a clip comprising: a leading end; a pair of side walls being connected at the leading end, and having an elastic locker, and a retainer, respectively; an internal space interposing between a pair of the side walls; a base end; and an opening disposed in the base end, and communicating with the internal space; the clip being fitted into the installation hole of the installation member so that the retainers of the side walls are retained to the base of the component part, and so that the elastic lockers are locked with a peripheral edge of the installation hole, respectively, thereby fitting the component part onto the installation member; the elastic lockers of the clip having opposite ends, respectively, one of the opposite ends being connected to a pair of the side walls, and the other one of the opposite ends making a free end; the elastic lockers further having a dent being dented inwardly toward the internal space from the other one of the opposite ends, thereby being locked with the installation hole of the installation member, and an inflection, respectively, the inflection having a bulge bulging toward the outside more than the dent does; and the elastic lockers being divided into a plurality of divisional segments, respectively, from the other one of the opposite ends to the dent at least.
3. 3. The structure according to claim 2 further comprising a cap, wherein: the cap being fitted into the internal space of the clip through the opening thereof; and the cap having a cover for covering the base end of the clip, and a leg being fitted into the internal space of the clip through the opening, thereby inhibiting the elastic lockers from deforming toward the internal space.
4. 4. The structure according to claim 3, wherein the base of the component part has a restrainer for restraining the clip from moving in a direction of coming out from out of the installation hole of the installation member when fitting the clip into the installation hole.
5. 5. The structure according to claim 4, wherein the restrainer comprises a contact rib, which is inserted into the internal space of the clip, and which comes in contact with the leading end of the clip ahead in a direction of fitting the clip into the installation hole of the installation member.
6. 6. The structure according to claim 5, wherein the leg of the cap is disposed between the contact rib of the restrainer of the componentpart'sbaseandtheelasticlockersoftheclip, andfurther has a pair of graspers for grasping the contact rib therebetween.
7. 7. The structure according to claim 6, wherein the contact rib is disposed at a depth-wise center in the internal space of the clip between a pair of the side walls thereof, and is grasped by a pair of the graspers from the depth-wise opposite sides of the internal space.
8. 8. The structureaccordingtoclaim6, whereinthepairedgraspers come in press contact with a pair of the side walls of the clip.
9. 9. The structure accordingtoclaim6, whereinthepairedgraspers come in press contact with the elastic lockers of the clip.
10. 10. The structure according to claim 5, wherein: the clip further having a leading-end retainer hole, which is formed at the leading end, and into which the contact rib of the restrainer of the component part's base is fitted at a leading end thereof ahead in a direction of inserting the contact rib into the internal space of the clip; and the contact rib of the restrainer having a locker, which is disposed adjacently to the leading end thereof, thereby being locked with a peripheral edge of the leading-end retainer hole of the clip.
11. 11. The structure according to claim 2, wherein the component part comprises an assist grip.
12. 12. The structure according to claim 3, wherein: the component part comprising an assist grip; the assist grip being formed as a longitudinal configuration, and comprising the base, and a grip body having a concave at the opposite ends, respectively; the concaves of the grip body having an axial supporter, respectively; the base being made accommodable in the concaves of the grip body, beingsupportedpivotallytotheaxialsupporteroftheconcaves, and being provided with a clip retainer hole; the clip comprising the leading end being inserted into the clip retainer hole of the base so as to protrude therefrom, and the base end being retained to a peripheral edge of the clip retainer hole; the cap comprising a locked portion being disposed on a part of the cover facing an outer side surface of the base; the base being further provided with a temporarily-fastening locker being disposed on the outer side surface, and a fully-fixing locker being disposed thereon, the temporarily-fastening locker being for retaining the cap at a temporarily-fastened position, the fully-fixing locker being disposed beyond the temporarily-fastened position ahead in a direction of fitting the cap into the internal space of the clip and for retaining the cap at such a position that the cap is fitted into the internal space beyond the temporarily-fastened position ahead in the fitting direction; and the cap further having a locked back surface being disposed back to back to the locked portion on an outer side surface of the cover of the cap, and being covered with an inner surface of the concaves of the grip body of the assist grip when the locked portion of the cap is locked with the temporarily-fastening locker of the base.
13. 13. The structure according to claim 12, wherein: the temporarily-fastening locker of the base, and the fully-fixing locker thereof comprising a temporarily-fastening locker concave and a fully-fixing locker concave, which are concaved into the outer side surface of the base, respectively; the locked portion of the cap comprising a locked convex, which is convexed from an inner side surface of the cover of the cap to make a leading end; and the temporarily-fastening locker concave exhibiting a width, which extends from an outer peripheral edge thereof ahead in a direction of fitting the cap into the internal space of the clip to a position at which the leading end of the locked convex of the cap' slockedportion is disposed, andwhichisgreaterthananinterval between the locked back surface of the cap and an inner surface of the concaves of the grip body of the assist grip.
14. 14. The structure according to claim 12, wherein: the temporarily-fastening locker of the base, and the fully-fixing locker thereof comprising a temporarily-fastening locker convex and a fully-fixing locker convex, which are convexed from the outer side surface of the base to make a leading end, respectively; the locked portion of the cap comprising a locked concave, which is concaved into an inner side surface of the cover of the cap; and the temporarily-fastening locker convex exhibiting a width, which extends from the leading end thereof to a position at which an outer peripheral edge of the locked concave of the cap' s locked portion ahead in a direction of fitting the cap into the internal space of the clip is disposed, and which is greater than an interval between the locked back surface of the cap arid an inner surface of the concaves of the grip body of the assist grip.