FASTENING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024000384U filed with the Japan Patent Office on Feb. 8, 2024, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a fastening device made of synthetic resin.

2. Related Art

There has been known a fastening device used as a stopper for clothes. Particularly, shoelaces, which are inserted into shoelace holes such as grommets, of shoes such as sneakers are pulled to fasten shoe wing portions in order for the shoes to fit the foot size of a user. Accordingly, the degree of close contact between the shoes and the feet of the user is enhanced. Thus, the user can comfortably walk.

In a case where the user is, for example, a child of an early elementary school age or a preschool age or an elderly adult, it is not easy for the user to loosen and fasten the shoelaces. For this reason, there has been conventionally proposed a device for smoothly loosening and fastening shoelaces as described in Japanese Patent No. 6681386.

The fastening device described in Japanese Patent No. 6681386 has a reeling member 155 into which a wire L usable as, e.g., a shoelace is inserted and a rotation cover 151 for rotating the reeling member 155. The wire L can be fastened by rotating the rotation cover 151 in one direction. Further, the reeling member 155 can be rotated in the other direction with the rotation cover 151 lifted. Both ends of the wire L are pulled in this state, and in this manner, the wire L can be loosened.

More specifically, the fastening device described in Japanese Patent No. 6681386 has an intermediate member 153 having a lock joint portion 153f. The intermediate member 153 moves integrally with the rotation cover 151. The reeling member 155 has a lock engagement portion 155f joined to the lock joint portion 153f.

When the wire L is fastened, the rotation cover 151 and the intermediate member 153 are lowered. Accordingly, the lock joint portion 153f and the lock engagement portion 155f are joined to each other. When the wire L is loosened, the rotation cover 151 and the intermediate member 153 are lifted. Accordingly, the lock joint portion 153f and the lock engagement portion 155f are released from each other.

SUMMARY

A fastening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a cover; a reel; and a base. In the fastening device, the cover includes a flat portion, a first cover-side protruding portion, a first cover-side lock portion, and a ratchet gear, the first cover-side protruding portion is provided at a lower surface of the flat portion, and protrudes downward, the first cover-side lock portion is provided at an inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion, the ratchet gear is provided at an outer peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion, the reel includes a first reel-side flange portion, a first reel-side cylindrical portion, and a second reel-side flange portion, the first reel-side flange portion is provided, at an outer peripheral surface thereof, with a first reel-side lock portion, the first reel-side cylindrical portion is provided at a lower surface of the first reel-side flange portion, and protrudes downward, the second reel-side flange portion is provided at a lower end of the first reel-side cylindrical portion, the base includes a base-side flange portion, a base-side protruding portion, and a claw, the base-side protruding portion is provided at an upper surface of the base-side flange portion, and protrudes upward, the claw is provided at an inner peripheral surface of the base-side protruding portion, the reel is located on an inner peripheral side of the base-side protruding portion, the first cover-side protruding portion is located on the inner peripheral side of the base-side protruding portion and an outer peripheral side of the first reel-side flange portion, the ratchet gear and the claw are configured to engage with each other, and the first cover-side lock portion and the first reel-side lock portion are configured to engage with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fastening device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a cover used in the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a front view of a reel used in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment upon unlocking, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 4A taken along A-A line;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment upon unlocking, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 5A taken along B-B line;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment upon locking, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 6A taken along C-C line;

FIG. 7A is a front view of the fastening device according to the first embodiment upon locking, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 7A taken along D-D line;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fastening device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a bottom perspective view of a shaft used in the second embodiment, FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of a cover used in the second embodiment, and FIG. 10C is a front view of a reel used in the second embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a plan view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment upon unlocking, and FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 11A taken along E-E line;

FIG. 12A is a front view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment upon unlocking, and FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 12A taken along F-F line;

FIG. 13A is a plan view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment upon locking, and FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 13A taken along G-G line; and

FIG. 14A is a front view of the fastening device according to the second embodiment upon locking, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view of the fastening device of FIG. 14A taken along H-H line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

However, in the configuration of the fastening device described in Japanese Patent No. 6681386, the lock joint portion 153f protrudes downward from the intermediate member 153. Moreover, the lock engagement portion 155f protrudes upward from the reeling member 155. Thus, the entire thickness of the fastening device in the up-down direction thereof is great. For this reason, there is a high probability of the fastening device being caught by other members upon, e.g., walking.

In addition, the fastening device described in Japanese Patent No. 6681386 includes many components such as the rotation cover 151, the intermediate member 153, the reeling member 155, a housing 157, and a support portion 160. For this reason, a production cost may be high.

The present embodiment has been developed in view of the above-described problems. The present embodiment is intended to provide a fastening device having, as a whole, a smaller thickness in the up-down direction than that of a general fastening device made of synthetic resin and having a lower probability of the device being caught by other members. Moreover, the present embodiment is intended to reduce a cost for producing the fastening device by reducing the number of components.

The fastening device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has the following configurations in order to accomplish the above-described objects.

Configuration 1

A fastening device (100, 200) is configured to include: a cover (110, 210); a reel (120, 220); and a base (130, 230). The cover (110, 210) includes a flat portion (111, 211), a first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212), a first cover-side lock portion (112a, 212a), and a ratchet gear (112b, 212b), the first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212) is provided at a lower surface of the flat portion (111, 211), and protrudes downward, the first cover-side lock portion (112a, 212a) is provided at an inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212), the ratchet gear (112b, 212b) is provided at an outer peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212), the reel (120, 220) includes a first reel-side flange portion (121, 221), a first reel-side cylindrical portion (122, 222), and a second reel-side flange portion (123, 223), the first reel-side flange portion (121, 221) is provided, at an outer peripheral surface thereof, with a first reel-side lock portion (121a, 221a), the first reel-side cylindrical portion (122, 222) is provided at a lower surface of the first reel-side flange portion (121, 221), and protrudes downward, the second reel-side flange portion (123, 223) is provided at a lower end of the first reel-side cylindrical portion (122, 222), the base (130, 230) includes a base-side flange portion (131, 231), a base-side protruding portion (132, 232), and a claw (132a, 232a), the base-side protruding portion (132, 232) is provided at an upper surface of the base-side flange portion (131, 231), and protrudes upward, the claw (132a, 232a) is provided at an inner peripheral surface of the base-side protruding portion (132, 232), the reel (120, 220) is located on an inner peripheral side of the base-side protruding portion (132, 232), the first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212) is located on the inner peripheral side of the base-side protruding portion (132, 232) and an outer peripheral side of the first reel-side flange portion (121, 221), the ratchet gear (112b, 212b) and the claw (132a, 232a) are configured to engage with each other, and the first cover-side lock portion (112a, 212a) and the first reel-side lock portion (121a, 221a) are configured to engage with each other.

Configuration 2

The cover (110, 210) is movable upward relative to the reel (120, 220) and the base (130, 230), and when the cover (110, 210) moves upward, the first cover-side lock portion (112a, 212a) and the first reel-side lock portion (121a, 221a) disengage from each other.

Configuration 3

The first cover-side lock portion (112a, 212a) has a recessed-raised shape, and is provided over an entirety of the inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212), the ratchet gear (112b, 212b) has a recessed-raised shape, and is provided over an entirety of the outer peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion (112, 212) as the recessed-raised shape, the recessed-raised shape of the ratchet gear (112b, 212) has a dimension greater than that of the recessed-raised shape of the first cover-side lock portion (112a, 212a), and the claw (132a, 232a) has a dimension greater than that of the first reel-side lock portion (121a, 221a).

(Configuration 4) The first reel-side lock portion (121a, 221a) includes first reel-side lock portions (121a, 221a) provided at an interval of 90 degrees at the outer peripheral surface of the first reel-side flange portion (121, 221).

Configuration 5

When the cover (110) moves upward, the claw (132a) and the ratchet gear (112b) disengage from each other.

Configuration 6

The reel (120) includes a second reel-side cylindrical portion (124) and a second reel-side lock portion (124a, 124b), the second reel-side cylindrical portion (124) protrudes upward from a center position of the first reel-side flange portion (121, 221), the second reel-side lock portion (124a, 124b) is provided at an upper end of the second reel-side cylindrical portion (124), and extends to outer and inner peripheral sides of the second reel-side cylindrical portion (124), the cover (110) includes a cover-side cylindrical portion (114), a second cover-side protruding portion (115), and a second cover-side lock portion (115a), the cover-side cylindrical portion (114) protrudes upward from a center position of the flat portion (111), and has an upper end portion (114b), the second cover-side protruding portion (115) is provided at a center of a lower surface of the upper end portion (114b), and protrudes downward, the second cover-side lock portion (115a) is provided at an outer peripheral surface of the second cover-side protruding portion (115), when the first cover-side lock portion (112a) and the first reel-side lock portion (121a) engage with each other, the second reel-side lock portion (124b) engages with an upper portion of the second cover-side lock portion (115a), and when the cover (110) moves upward and the first cover-side lock portion (112a) and the first reel-side lock portion (121a) disengage from each other, the second reel-side lock portion (124a) engages with the flat portion (111) on the outer peripheral side, and the second reel-side lock portion (124b) on the inner peripheral side engages with a lower portion of the second cover-side lock portion (115a).

Configuration 7

The base (130) includes a retaining portion (132c) provided at the inner peripheral surface of the base-side protruding portion (132), and the second reel-side flange portion (123) is fixed to the base (130) by the retaining portion (132c).

Configuration 8

The fastening device (200) further includes: a shaft-side flange portion (251); a shaft-side protruding portion (252); and a shaft (250). The shaft-side protruding portion (252) is provided at a center of a lower surface of the shaft-side flange portion (251), and protrudes downward, the shaft (250) includes a shaft-side lock portion (252a) provided at an outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side protruding portion (252), the cover (210) includes a substantially circular second cover-side engagement portion (214), the second cover-side engagement portion (214) is provided at a center position of the flat portion (211), is elastically deformable in a radial direction, and at a center thereof, includes a second cover-side opening (214a). When the first cover-side lock portion (212a) and the first reel-side lock portion (221a) engage with each other, the second cover-side engagement portion (214) engages with a lower end side of the shaft-side lock portion (252a), and when the cover (210) moves upward, the first cover-side lock portion (212a) and the first reel-side lock portion (221a) disengage from each other, the second cover-side engagement portion (214) engages with an upper end side of the shaft-side lock portion (252a).

Configuration 9

The shaft (250) includes a small diameter portion (252b) and a screw hole (252d), the small diameter portion (252b) has a smaller diameter, and is provided lower than the shaft-side lock portion (252a), the screw hole (252d) is provided at a center of a lower end of the shaft-side protruding portion (252), the reel (220) includes a reel-side protruding portion (222b), the reel-side protruding portion (222b) is provided at an inner peripheral surface of the first reel-side cylindrical portion (222), and protrudes to an inner peripheral side, the base (230) includes a screw insertion hole (233a) at a center of the base-side flange portion (231), and the screw hole (252d) is configured such that the small diameter portion (252b) is located at the reel-side protruding portion (222b) and a screw (260) is screwed into the screw hole (252d) through the screw insertion hole (233a).

The fastening device (100, 200) according to the present embodiment has the configurations described above. With these configurations, the fastening device (100, 200) provided by the present embodiment has a smaller thickness in the up-down direction than that of the general fastening device made of synthetic resin. In addition, the configuration of the fastening device can be simplified.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are not independent of each other. Those skilled in the art can combine these embodiments as necessary without excessive description. Moreover, those skilled in the art can also grasp synergistic effects of these combinations. Description of elements overlapping between the embodiments will be omitted in principle.

In the description of the present embodiment, directions will be defined as follows. An up-down direction is a direction in which a rotary operation axis of a fastening device 100 extends (specifically, up-down direction in a sectional view shown in FIG. 4B). A direction from a cover 110, 210 to a base 130, 230 as described later will be defined as a down direction. Conversely, a direction from the base 130, 230 to the cover 110, 210 will be defined as an up direction.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7B.

A fastening device 100 includes a cover 110, a reel 120, and a base 130.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the assembled fastening device 100.

The size of the fastening device 100 is changed, for example, according to the thickness of a cord 140 or a use application. In a case where the use application is shoes, a length (diameter) in a radial direction is preferably about 35 millimeters. A thickness in the up-down direction is about 10 millimeters.

(Cover 110)

The cover 110 is formed using thermoplastic resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or ABS. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the cover 110 has a flat portion 111, a first cover-side protruding portion 112, an operation portion 113, a first cover-side lock portion 112a, a ratchet gear 112b, a cover-side cylindrical portion 114, a second cover-side protruding portion 115, and a second cover-side lock portion 115a. A first cover-side opening 111a is provided in a center portion of the flat portion 111. The first cover-side protruding portion 112 is provided at the lower surface of the flat portion 111, and protrudes downward. The operation portion 113 is provided at the lower surface of the outer peripheral end of the flat portion 111, and protrudes downward. The first cover-side lock portion 112a is provided at the inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112. The ratchet gear 112b is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112. The cover-side cylindrical portion 114 protrudes upward from the first cover-side opening 111a, and in a side portion thereof, has a second cover-side opening 114a. The cover-side cylindrical portion 114 further has an upper end portion 114b. The second cover-side protruding portion 115 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the upper end portion 114b, and protrudes downward. The second cover-side lock portion 115a is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the second cover-side protruding portion 115.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the flat portion 111 has a circular shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first cover-side protruding portion 112 and the operation portion 113 have circular ring shapes.

The first cover-side lock portion 112a provided at the inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112 is configured to engage with a first reel-side lock portion 121a of the reel 120 described later. The ratchet gear 112b provided at the outer peripheral surface (surface facing the first cover-side lock portion 112a) of the first cover-side protruding portion 112 is configured to engage with a claw 132a of the base 130 described later.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the first cover-side lock portion 112a has a recessed-raised shape, and is provided over the entire inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112. The ratchet gear 112b has a recessed-raised shape, and is provided over the entire outer peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112. The ratchet gear 112b is configured such that the recessed-raised shape of the ratchet gear 112b has a dimension greater than that of the recessed-raised shape of the first cover-side lock portion 112a.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the first cover-side protruding portion 112 provided with the first cover-side lock portion 112a and the ratchet gear 112b does not protrude downward beyond the operation portion 113 provided at the lower surface of the outer peripheral end of the flat portion 111. With this configuration, when the fastening device 100 is attached to clothes, the first cover-side protruding portion 112 is not visible from a user. Thus, design can be improved.

Preferably, an anti-slip portion is provided at the peripheral surface of the operation portion 113. The configuration of the anti-slip portion is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a recessed-raised portion may be provided as the anti-slip portion in the outer peripheral surface of the operation portion 113.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the second cover-side opening 114a of the cover-side cylindrical portion 114 protruding upward from the first cover-side opening 111a has such a shape that an end portion of a second reel-side lock portion 124a of the reel 120 described later is fitted therein. Two second cover-side opening 114a are provided at opposing positions (positions apart from each other by 180 degrees) at the side surface of the cover-side cylindrical portion 114.

The second cover-side protruding portion 115 has a substantially circular columnar shape. As shown in FIG. 4B, the second cover-side protruding portion 115 is configured to fit in the second reel-side cylindrical portion (124) of the reel 120 described later.

The second cover-side lock portion 115a provided at the outer peripheral surface of the second cover-side protruding portion 115 is configured to engage with a second reel-side lock portion 124b of the reel 120 described later.

(Reel 120)

As in the cover 110, the reel 120 is formed using thermoplastic resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or ABS. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, the reel 120 has a first reel-side flange portion 121, a first reel-side cylindrical portion 122, a reel-side cord insertion hole 122a, a second reel-side flange portion 123, the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124, and the second reel-side lock portions 124a, 124b. The first reel-side lock portion 121a is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the first reel-side flange portion 121. The first reel-side cylindrical portion 122 is provided at the lower surface of the first reel-side flange portion 121, and protrudes downward. The reel-side cord insertion hole 122a is provided in a side portion of the first reel-side cylindrical portion 122. The second reel-side flange portion 123 is provided at the lower end of the first reel-side cylindrical portion 122. The second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 protrudes upward from the center position of the first reel-side flange portion 121. The second reel-side lock portions 124a, 124b are provided at an upper end portion of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124, and extend to the outer peripheral side and inner peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first reel-side flange portion 121 and the second reel-side flange portion 123 have circular shapes.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the thickness of the first reel-side flange portion 121 in the height direction thereof is substantially the same as the thickness of the first cover-side protruding portion 112 of the cover 110 in the height direction thereof.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the diameter of the first reel-side flange portion 121 is substantially the same as the diameter of the circular shape defined by the inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112 of the cover 110. With this configuration, the first reel-side lock portion 121a can engage with the first cover-side lock portion 112a provided at the inner peripheral surface of the first cover-side protruding portion 112.

The first reel-side lock portion 121a includes first reel-side lock portions 121a provided at an interval of 90 degrees at the outer peripheral surface of the first reel-side flange portion 121.

If the interval of the first reel-side lock portions 121a is less than 90 degrees, when the reel 120 is integrally produced by resin injection molding using a mold, undercut is caused between the first reel-side lock portions 121a in the resin injection molding. For this reason, a mold for forming an undercut portion needs to be additionally prepared.

However, in a case where the interval of the first reel-side lock portions 121a is 90 degrees, the reel 120 can be molded without the need for an additional mold for forming an undercut portion of the first reel-side lock portion 121a. Thus, the reel 120 can be more easily produced.

The reel-side cord insertion hole 122a includes two reel-side cord insertion holes 122a provided at opposing positions (positions apart from each other by 180 degrees) in the side portion of the first reel-side cylindrical portion 122 provided at the lower surface of the first reel-side flange portion 121 and protruding downward.

The reel-side cord insertion hole 122a is configured to communicate with a base-side cord insertion hole 132b of the base 130 described later.

The reel-side cord insertion hole 122a has a shape smaller than a cord-side lock portion 141 provided at the cord 140 described later. With this size, the cord-side lock portion 141 is caught by the reel-side cord insertion hole 122a when the cord 140 is pulled. Thus, when the cord 140 is reeled by rotation of the reel 120, misalignment of the cord 140 from a reeling position or rotation of the reel 120 without reeling the cord 140 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3B, two slits 124c are provided at opposing positions (positions apart from each other by 180 degrees) in a side portion of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 protruding upward from the center position of the first reel-side flange portion 121. With these slits 124c, the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 is elastically deformable in the radial direction.

The second reel-side lock portions 124a, 124b extending to the outer peripheral side and inner peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 are provided at an upper end portion of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124. As shown in FIG. 4B, the second reel-side lock portion 124a is configured to engage with the flat portion 111 of the cover 110. The second reel-side lock portion 124b is configured to engage with the second cover-side lock portion 115a provided at the second cover-side protruding portion 115.

Specifically, the outer diameter of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 and the diameter of the first cover-side opening 111a are substantially the same as each other. Thus, the second reel-side lock portion 124a extending to the outer peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 can engage with the flat portion 111 at the position at which the second cover-side opening 114a is provided. The second reel-side lock portion 124b extending to the inner peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 defines a hole into which the second cover-side protruding portion 115 is to be inserted. The diameter of such a hole and the outer diameter of the second cover-side protruding portion 115 are substantially the same as each other. Thus, the second reel-side lock portion 124b can engage with the second cover-side lock portion 115a.

(Base 130)

As in the cover 110 and the like, the base 130 is formed using thermoplastic resin such as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or ABS. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 130 has a base-side flange portion 131, a base-side protruding portion 132, the claw 132a, the base-side cord insertion hole 132b, and a retaining portion 132c. The base-side protruding portion 132 is provided at the upper surface of the base-side flange portion 131, and protrudes upward. The claw 132a is provided at the inner peripheral surface of the base-side protruding portion 132. The base-side cord insertion hole 132b is provided in a side portion of the base-side protruding portion 132. The retaining portion 132c is provided at the inner peripheral surface of the base-side protruding portion 132.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base-side protruding portion 132 has a substantially circular ring shape as a whole.

In the configuration of the base-side protruding portion 132, the inner diameter of the base-side protruding portion 132 is greater than the diameter of the second reel-side flange portion 123 so that the second reel-side flange portion 123 of the reel 120 can be housed therein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining portion 132c is provided at the inner peripheral surface of the base-side protruding portion 132. The retaining portion 132c has such a shape that an upper end portion of the second reel-side flange portion 123 housed in the base 130 can be covered therewith. Thus, detachment of the second reel-side flange portion 123 housed in the base 130 can be reduced with a simple configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining portion 132c includes two retaining portions 132c provided at opposing positions (positions apart from each other by 180 degrees). Note that the number of retaining portions 132c can be adjusted as necessary, for example, according to the arrangement and sizes of the claw 132a and the base-side cord insertion hole 132b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the claw 132a of the base-side protruding portion 132 has a shape obtained by bending the base-side protruding portion 132 to the inner peripheral side.

A slit 132d extending in a circumferential direction is provided in an inner peripheral portion of the base-side protruding portion 132 at the position at which the claw 132a is provided. With this configuration, the claw 132a is easily elastically deformable in the radial direction of the base-side protruding portion 132.

As shown in FIG. 2, the claw 132a includes two claws 132a provided at opposing positions (positions apart from each other by 180 degrees). Note that the number of claws 132a can be adjusted as necessary, for example, according to the arrangement and sizes of the retaining portion 132c and the base-side cord insertion hole 132b.

The claw 132a is configured to engage with the ratchet gear 112b of the cover 110.

The claw 132a has a shape fitting the recessed-raised shape of the ratchet gear 112b. For example, when the recessed-raised shape of the ratchet gear 112b is large, the claw 132a is preferably configured to further protrude to the inner peripheral side in accordance with such a recessed-raised shape. With this configuration, the claw 132a and the ratchet gear 112b can adjust resistance generated when the cover 110 is rotated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base-side protruding portion 132 has two base-side cord insertion holes 132b located at opposing positions (positions apart from each other by 180 degrees).

The positions at which the base-side cord insertion holes 132b are located are not limited to the positions at which the base-side cord insertion holes 132b face each other. Note that the positions at which the base-side cord insertion holes 132b face each other are preferred, for example, in consideration of easy communication with the reel-side cord insertion holes 122a of the reel 120.

The number of base-side cord insertion holes 132b is not limited to two. Note that the two base-side cord insertion holes 132b are preferred, for example, in consideration of easy communication with the reel-side cord insertion holes 122a of the reel 120.

(Cord 140)

As shown in FIG. 4B, the cord-side lock portion 141 is formed in the vicinity of the center of the cord 140 or the vicinity of an end portion of the cord 140.

The cord-side lock portion 141 has a shape larger than the reel-side cord insertion hole 122a of the reel 120. With this size, in this configuration, the cord-side lock portion 141 is less likely to be detached from the first reel-side cylindrical portion 122 after having placed in the first reel-side cylindrical portion 122.

With this configuration, when the cord 140 is reeled by rotation of the reel 120, misalignment of the cord 140 from the reeling position and rotation of the reel 120 without reeling the cord 140 can be reduced.

(Method for Assembling Fastening Device 100)

A method for assembling the fastening device 100 will be described.

First, the cord 140 is inserted into the reel-side cord insertion hole 122a and the base-side cord insertion hole 132b. Thereafter, the reel 120 is pushed in from the upper side to the lower side in the up-down direction until the second reel-side flange portion 123 fits in the retaining portion 132c of the base 130 in the base-side protruding portion 132 of the base 130. Thereafter, the cover 110 is pushed in from the upper side to the lower side in the up-down direction such that the second cover-side protruding portion 115 of the cover 110 fits in the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 of the reel 120. In this manner, the assembly is completed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of the retaining portion 132c of the base 130 is a tapered surface inclined downward toward the inside of the base-side protruding portion 132 in the radial direction. Thus, when the reel 120 is pushed in from the upper side to the lower side in the up-down direction, the second reel-side flange portion 123 is guided downward. In addition, the retaining portion 132c is elastically deformed outward in the radial direction of the base-side protruding portion 132. Thus, when the second reel-side flange portion 123 reaches a position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4B, the retaining portion 132c elastically deformed outward in the radial direction of the base-side protruding portion 132 returns to an original shape, and contacts an end portion of the second reel-side flange portion 123. At this time, click sound is generated. This sound makes the user or manufacturer of the fastening device 100 grasp that the second reel-side flange portion 123 is fixed to the base 130.

The second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 of the reel 120 has the slits 124c. The outer diameter of the second reel-side lock portion 124a extending to the outer peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 is greater than the inner diameter of the first cover-side opening 111a of the cover 110. Thus, the cover 110 is pushed in from the upper side to the lower side in the up-down direction such that the second cover-side protruding portion 115 of the cover 110 fits in the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124. At this time, the second reel-side lock portion 124a extending to the outer peripheral side is pushed by the first cover-side opening 111a of the cover 110. As a result, the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 is elastically deformed inward in the radial direction.

In this manner, the flat portion 111 reaches the position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4B. At this time, the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 elastically deformed inward in the radial direction returns to an original shape, and contacts an end portion of the flat portion 111. Accordingly, click sound is generated. This sound makes the user or manufacturer of the fastening device 100 grasp that the cover 110 is fixed at the position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4B.

The cover 110 is further pushed in downward from the position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4B. Then, the second reel-side lock portion 124b extending to the inner peripheral side is pushed by the second cover-side lock portion 115a of the cover 110. As a result, the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 is elastically deformed outward in the radial direction.

In this manner, the second cover-side lock portion 115a reaches a position (lock position) shown in FIG. 6B. At this time, the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 elastically deformed outward in the radial direction returns to the original shape, and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second cover-side protruding portion 115. Accordingly, click sound is generated. This sound makes the user or manufacturer of the fastening device 100 grasp that the cover 110 is fixed at the position (lock position) shown in FIG. 6B.

In the above-described configuration, the recessed-raised shape of the ratchet gear 112b of the cover 110 has the dimension greater than that of the recessed-raised shape of the first cover-side lock portion 112a, as shown in FIG. 5B. The claw 132a of the base 130 has a dimension greater than that of the first reel-side lock portion 121a.

With this configuration, the recessed-raised shapes of the first cover-side lock portion 112a and the first reel-side lock portion 121a are relatively small. Thus, when the fastening device 100 is assembled, both these portions more easily engage with each other. In addition, the recessed-raised shapes of the ratchet gear 112b and the claw 132a are relatively large. Thus, when the cover 110 rotates to reel the cord 140, resistance in a rotation direction increases. As a result, the cord 140 is less likely to be naturally loosened.

(Method for Unlocking Fastening Device 100)

A method for using the fastening device 100, particularly a method (unlocking method) for moving the cover 110 from the position (lock position) shown in FIG. 6B to the position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4B, will be described.

The unlocking method includes only lifting, using the operation portion 113 of the cover 110, the cover 110 upward relative to the reel 120 and the base 130.

The cover 110 is lifted upward relative to the reel 120 and the base 130 from the lock position as described above. Then, the claw 132a of the base 130 and the ratchet gear 112b of the cover 110 disengage from each other, and the first cover-side lock portion 112a and the first reel-side lock portion 121a disengage from each other. In this manner, the cover 110 reaches the unlock position. At the unlock position, the reel 120 is freely rotatable.

At the unlock position, the cord 140 extending out of the fastening device 100 is pulled from both sides of the fastening device 100. In this manner, the cord 140 can be loosened.

Certain friction force acts between the second reel-side lock portion 124b extending to the inner peripheral side of the second reel-side flange portion 123 and, for example, the second cover-side protruding portion 115. Thus, the cord 140 can also be loosened by rotating the cover 110 at the unlock position in a direction of loosening the cord 140.

When the cover 110 is at the unlock position, a lower portion of the second reel-side lock portion 124a on the outer peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 engages with an upper portion of the flat portion 111 of the cover 110, as shown in FIG. 4B. In addition, an upper portion of the second reel-side lock portion 124b on the inner peripheral side of the second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 engages with a lower portion of the second cover-side lock portion 115a of the cover 110.

Thus, when the cover 110 is at the unlock position, an unlock state of the fastening device 100 can be maintained.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, when the cover 110 is at the unlock position, the claw 132a of the base 130 and the ratchet gear 112b of the cover 110 disengage from each other. Note that both these portions do not necessarily disengage from each other.

For example, the amount of upward protrusion of the base-side protruding portion 132 and the claw 132a can be set greater than that of the first reel-side flange portion 121. In this case, the claw 132a and the ratchet gear 112b do not disengage from each other.

Note that in a case where the claw 132a of the base 130 and the ratchet gear 112b of the cover 110 do not disengage from each other as described above when the cover 110 is at the unlock position, the cover 110 is supported not only at a center portion (second cover-side protruding portion 115) thereof but also an outer peripheral portion (ratchet gear 112b) thereof upon unlocking. Thus, the cover 110 is stably held. As a result, there is an advantage that an operation of moving the cover 110 from the unlock position to the lock position is facilitated.

(Method for Locking Fastening Device 100)

A method for using the fastening device 100, particularly a method (locking method) for moving the cover 110 from the position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4B to the position (lock position) shown in FIG. 6B, will be described.

The locking method includes only pushing in the cover 110 downward relative to the reel 120 and the base 130.

The cover 110 is pushed in downward relative to the reel 120 and the base 130. Then, the claw 132a of the base 130 and the ratchet gear 112b of the cover 110 engage with each other. In addition, the first cover-side lock portion 112a and the first reel-side lock portion 121a engage with each other. In this manner, the cover 110 reaches the lock position. At this time, the reel 120 is rotatable only in one direction set by the claw 132a and the ratchet gear 112b.

The cord 140 can be fastened by rotating the cover 110 in the set direction in such a lock state of the fastening device 100.

When the cover 110 is at the lock position, a lower portion of the second reel-side lock portion 124b extending to the inner peripheral side of the reel 120 engages with an upper portion of the second cover-side lock portion 115a of the cover 110, as shown in FIG. 6B.

Thus, when the cover 110 is at the lock position, the lock state of the fastening device 100 can be maintained.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14B.

A fastening device 200 includes a cover 210, a reel 220, a base 230, and a shaft 250.

Note that description of the same configurations as or configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the assembled fastening device 200.

(Cover 210)

The cover 210 is mainly different from the cover 110 of the first embodiment in configurations described below. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B, a substantially circular second cover-side engagement portion 214 elastically deformable in the radial direction of the cover 210 is provided at the inner peripheral surface of a first cover-side opening 211a. A second cover-side opening 214a is provided at the center of the second cover-side engagement portion 214. A circular ring-shaped guide portion 215 is provided at the upper surface of a flat portion 211. Note that no cover-side cylindrical portion 114 is provided.

The configurations and functions of a first cover-side protruding portion 212 and an operation portion 213 are similar to the configurations and functions of the elements of the same names in the first embodiment. Thus, description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the second cover-side engagement portion 214 is configured such that a shaft-side protruding portion 252 of the shaft 250 described later fits therein. With this configuration, the second cover-side engagement portion 214 can engage with a shaft-side lock portion 252a.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the guide portion 215 is configured to guide movement of a shaft-side flange portion 251 of the shaft 250 described later in the up-down direction.

(Reel 220)

The reel 220 is mainly different from the reel 120 of the first embodiment in configurations described below. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10C, and 11B, a reel-side protruding portion 222b protruding to the inner peripheral side of a first reel-side cylindrical portion 222 is provided at the inner peripheral surface of the first reel-side cylindrical portion 222. Moreover, a second reel-side opening 221c communicating with a first reel-side opening 221b provided at the center of a first reel-side flange portion 221 is provided. Note that no second reel-side cylindrical portion 124 is provided.

The configurations and functions of the first reel-side flange portion 221 and a second reel-side flange portion 223 are similar to the configurations and functions of the elements of the same names in the first embodiment. Thus, description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the reel-side protruding portion 222b is configured such that a small diameter portion 252b of the shaft 250 described later fits therein. With this configuration, the reel-side protruding portion 222b can engage with the shaft-side protruding portion 252.

Although not shown in the figure, the second reel-side opening 221c is configured to house a cord-side lock portion 241 of a cord 240.

(Base 230)

The base 230 is mainly different from the base 130 of the first embodiment in configurations described below. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 13B, a second base-side protruding portion 233 protruding upward is provided at the center of a base-side flange portion 231. The second base-side protruding portion 233 has a screw insertion hole 233a. Note that no retaining portion 132c is provided.

The configurations and functions of the base-side flange portion 231 and a base-side protruding portion 232 are similar to the configurations and functions of the elements of the same names in the first embodiment. Thus, description thereof will be omitted.

The second base-side protruding portion 233 has a circular shape. As shown in FIG. 13B, the diameter of the second base-side protruding portion 233 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the first reel-side opening 221b of the reel 220.

The screw insertion hole 233a is configured to communicate with a screw hole of the shaft 250 described later.

(Cord 240)

The cord 240 has configurations and functions similar to those of the element of the same name in the first embodiment. Thus, description thereof will be omitted.

(Shaft 250)

The shaft 250 is formed using thermoplastic resin such as polyamide, polyacetal,

polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or ABS. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 11B, the shaft 250 has the shaft-side flange portion 251, the shaft-side protruding portion 252, the shaft-side lock portion 252a, the small diameter portion 252b, and a screw hole 252d. The shaft-side protruding portion 252 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the shaft-side flange portion 251, and protrudes downward. The shaft-side lock portion 252a is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-side protruding portion 252. The small diameter portion 252b has a smaller diameter, and is provided lower than the shaft-side lock portion 252a. The screw hole 252d is provided at the center of the lower end of the shaft-side protruding portion 252.

As shown in FIG. 9, the shaft-side flange portion 251 has a circular shape.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the shaft-side protruding portion 252 is configured to fit in the second cover-side opening 214a of the cover 210 and the first reel-side opening 221b of the reel 220. In this configuration, the shaft-side lock portion 252a engages with the second cover-side engagement portion 214.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 252b is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the reel-side protruding portion 222b of the reel 220.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the screw hole 252d is configured to communicate with the screw insertion hole 233a of the base 230.

(Method for Assembling Fastening Device 200)

A method for assembling the fastening device 200 will be described.

First, the cord 240 is inserted into a reel-side cord insertion hole 222a and a base-side cord insertion hole 232b. Thereafter, the reel 220 is disposed in the base-side protruding portion 232 of the base 230. The cover 210 is disposed on the reel 220 such that the second cover-side opening 214a and the first reel-side opening 221b of the reel 220 communicate with each other.

Thereafter, the shaft-side protruding portion 252 of the shaft 250 is inserted into the second cover-side opening 214a and the first reel-side opening 221b.

Then, a screw 260 is screwed into the screw hole 252d of the shaft 250 through the screw insertion hole 233a of the base 230. In this manner, the assembly is completed.

The entirety of the fastening device 200 is fixed with the screw 260. Thus, the entire device has a stronger configuration.

(Method for Unlocking Fastening Device 200)

A method for using the fastening device 200, particularly a method (unlocking method) for moving the cover 210 from a position (lock position) shown in FIG. 13B to a position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 11B, will be described.

The unlocking method includes only lifting, using the operation portion 213 of the cover 210, the cover 210 upward relative to the reel 220 and the base 230.

The cover 210 is lifted upward relative to the reel 220 and the base 230 from the lock position. Then, a claw 232a of the base 230 and a ratchet gear 212b of the cover 210 disengage from each other, and a first cover-side lock portion 212a and a first reel-side lock portion 221a disengage from each other. In this manner, the cover 210 reaches the unlock position. At the unlock position, the reel 220 is freely rotatable.

At the unlock position, the cord 240 extending out of the fastening device 200 is pulled from both sides of the fastening device 200. In this manner, the cord 240 can be loosened.

When the cover 210 is at the unlock position, a lower portion of the second cover-side engagement portion 214 of the cover 210 and an upper portion of the shaft-side lock portion 252a engage with each other, as shown in FIG. 11B.

Thus, when the cover 210 is at the unlock position, an unlock state of the fastening device 200 can be maintained.

(Method for Locking Fastening Device 200)

A method for using the fastening device 200, particularly a method (locking method) for moving the cover 210 from the position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 11B to the position (lock position) shown in FIG. 13B, will be described.

The locking method includes only pushing in the cover 210 downward relative to the reel 220 and the base 230.

The cover 210 is pushed in downward relative to the reel 220 and the base 230. Then, the claw 232a of the base 230 and the ratchet gear 212b of the cover 210 engage with each other. In addition, the first cover-side lock portion 212a and the first reel-side lock portion 221a engage with each other. In this manner, the cover 210 reaches the lock position. At this time, the reel 220 is rotatable only in one direction set by the claw 232a and the ratchet gear 212b.

The cord 240 can be fastened by rotating the cover 210 in the set direction in such a lock state of the fastening device 200.

When the cover 210 is at the lock position, an upper portion of the second cover-side engagement portion 214 engages with a lower portion of the shaft-side lock portion 252a, as shown in FIG. 13B.

Thus, when the cover 210 is at the lock position, the lock state of the fastening device 200 can be maintained.

The fastening device according to the present embodiment has the configurations described above. Thus, according to the present embodiment, a fastening device can be provided, which has, as a whole, a smaller thickness in the up-down direction than that of a general fastening device made of synthetic resin and has a lower probability of the device being caught by other members. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the number of components can be reduced, and therefore, a cost for producing the fastening device can be reduced.

The use application of the fastening device of the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the fastening device of the present embodiment can be used for protective shoes, kid's shoes, sports shoes, and high cut shoes. The use application is not limited to shoes, and the fastening device of the present embodiment can also be used for, e.g., a lace around the waist of clothes.

Note that the present embodiment is not limited only to the embodiments described above. A technique recognized by those skilled in the art can be used as necessary as the substantially same technique as each technique described above in the embodiments or a technique producing an effect similar to that of each technique described above in the embodiments. That is, such a technique can be used as a substitute for that in the embodiments above, or can be added to the embodiments above.

The foregoing detailed description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter described herein to the precise form disclosed. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims appended hereto.