Ribbon with anti-disassembly structure

Abstract

A cable tie with an anti-tamper structure includes a locking band and a locking head. The locking band is inserted into the locking hole of the locking head from an inlet along a first direction and can be locked unidirectionally by the locking head, so that the locking band can only move relative to the locking head along the first direction to insert into the inlet. When the locking band moves relative to the locking head in the opposite direction from the locking head to be pulled out from the inlet, it is locked. The locking head is provided with an anti-tamper cover and a locking buckle. The anti-tamper cover is located at both ends of the locking buckle in the first direction. The anti-tamper cover is provided with a locking hole, which fits tightly with the locking band to prevent disassembly tools from entering the locking head and prying the locking buckle. By providing an anti-tamper cover on the locking head, disassembly tools are effectively prevented from entering the locking buckle position and pushing the locking buckle to move. Therefore, by providing an anti-tamper cover, the cable tie can be removed using conventional tools. Compared with the prior art, the anti-tamper cable tie of the present invention has stronger anti-tamper capability, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the packaged items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cable tie technology, and more particularly to a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure. Background Technology

[0002] Cable ties are a common bundling tool widely used for securing and binding wires, cables, pipes, and packaging. Traditional cable ties typically consist of a ties body and a locking head. The ties body has a serrated locking mechanism, and the locking head contains a snap-fit ​​mechanism. One-way locking is achieved by the ties body passing through the locking head and engaging with the snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0003] Currently, there are various types of cable ties on the market, but existing cable ties generally share a common problem: they can all be disassembled or replaced. Even cable ties marketed as having tamper-proof features are not ideally tamper-proof and can still be disassembled. This is mainly because the locking structure of existing cable ties is relatively simple, making it easy for specialized tools or improvised tools (such as thin metal sheets, small screwdrivers, etc.) to be inserted into the locking head, prying open the locking clips and separating them from the serrated locking structure on the cable tie body, thus allowing for disassembly. This detachability poses security risks in certain applications, especially in situations requiring tamper-proofing, theft prevention, or ensuring the integrity of seals, such as logistics packaging, meter seals, and security seals. Therefore, there is an urgent need for cable ties with more reliable tamper-proof features, effectively preventing unauthorized disassembly and replacement, and improving security and reliability in application scenarios.

[0004] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN208802332U discloses a novel anti-disassembly cable tie, comprising a strip-shaped body with protruding locking blocks. The outer side of the locking block has a first inclined surface for easy tightening and sliding, while the inner side has a first vertical surface to prevent pull-out. The body has a female and a male connector at each end. The female connector is cylindrical and has an internal anti-pull-out locking hole with several evenly distributed inner protrusions along its edge. The male connector has a groove that engages with the anti-pull-out locking hole. The outer side of the groove has a second vertical surface to prevent pull-out, and the inner side has a second inclined surface for easy tightening and sliding. This structure prevents the cable tie from being loosened or untied; if untiing is required, the cable tie must be cut, effectively preventing intentional disassembly. However, this cable tie lacks perforations, side baffles, and interlocking locking mechanisms. Therefore, if a thin cylindrical tube is made and wrapped around the cable tie, passing through the body along with it, and the protrusions are opened using the thin tube, the cable tie can be pulled out for disassembly.

[0005] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN218113658U discloses a novel tamper-proof plastic cable tie, relating to the field of cable tie technology. It comprises a locking head and a cable tie body. The locking head has a locking cavity inside, and two symmetrical locking members are arranged at the lower part of the locking cavity. Each of the two symmetrical locking members has a buffer zone on one side, and clamping teeth on the side of each of the two symmetrical locking members away from the buffer zone. The cable tie body is located at the middle of the upper side of the locking head, and both the upper and lower sides of the cable tie body have counter-teeth corresponding to the clamping teeth. However, it can be unlocked by prying from both sides simultaneously, thus the design allows for disassembly. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure to at least solve the technical problem of unsatisfactory anti-tamper effect in the prior art.

[0007] According to this application, a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure is provided, including a locking band and a locking head. The locking band is inserted into the locking hole of the locking head from the inlet along a first direction and can be locked in one direction by the locking head, so that the locking band can only move relative to the locking head along the first direction to insert into the inlet. When the locking band moves relative to the locking head in the opposite direction along the first direction to be pulled out from the inlet, it is locked. The locking head is provided with an anti-tamper cover and a locking buckle. The anti-tamper cover is located on both sides of the locking buckle in the first direction. The anti-tamper cover is provided with a locking hole. The locking hole is tightly engaged with the locking band to prevent disassembly tools from entering the locking head and prying the locking buckle.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, the cable ties with tamper-proof structures in this application have the following advantages:

[0009] By incorporating an anti-tamper cover on the locking head, this invention effectively prevents disassembly tools from entering the locking clip and moving it. The gap between the locking hole and the locking band is less than 0.3 mm, preventing the cable tie from being removed without leaving a mark. Tools with good rigidity generally have a certain thickness; materials thinner than 0.3 mm are easily bent, and even inserting them into the anti-tamper cover will not pry open the locking clip. Therefore, the anti-tamper cover prevents the use of conventional tools to remove the cable tie. Compared with existing technologies, the anti-tamper cable tie of this invention has stronger anti-disassembly capabilities, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the packaged items and providing strong protection for various packaging and securing needs, effectively preventing external damage and unauthorized disassembly. Especially in logistics, warehousing, and security fields requiring high security, the anti-tamper cable tie of this invention provides a more reliable packaging solution; if disassembly is necessary, it can be directly removed using scissors.

[0010] In one embodiment, the locking buckle has an inclined surface and a locking surface on both sides in the first direction, so that the cross-section of the locking buckle head is triangular or right trapezoidal, or it can be a near-triangular shape. The locking band has a locking tooth structure that matches the head so that the head can lock the locking band in one direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the locking surface is provided with a locking protrusion, which may be cylindrical, hemispherical, cubic, or trapezoidal in cross-section, or other shapes that function as a latch. The locking band is provided with a matching locking groove, which may be a concave cylindrical, hemispherical, cubic, or trapezoidal groove, or other shapes that function as a latch. The locking protrusion inserts into the locking groove in an interlocking design, and their positions can be interchanged. Because the injection-molded part has a certain degree of elasticity, even with a tight fit, a steel piece less than 0.5 mm may be inserted through the gap under a large external force. Insertion through such a small gap requires overcoming a large frictional force, therefore the steel piece has strong rigidity. By setting the locking protrusion and locking groove, the locking surface can be made uneven, generating a locking force in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, preventing the latch from being pried open. Through the structure of the locking protrusion, even if the steel piece is inserted into the latch position, the latch can only be pried in the locking direction, not in the unlocking direction, thus effectively preventing unauthorized disassembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the locking protrusion is cylindrical and the axis of the cylinder is parallel to the first direction, which can block the thin piece inserted from the gap and prevent it from being further inserted into the locking surface to unlock.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking band has a multi-row locking tooth structure, and different locking tooth structures match different clips to independently achieve the locking function, thus providing better anti-tampering function.

[0014] In one embodiment, multiple clips are provided and arranged along a first direction, which greatly increases the difficulty of disassembling multiple clips and provides a better anti-disassembly function.

[0015] In one embodiment, the multi-row locking tooth structure is located on both sides of the locking band or arranged side by side on the same side. The multiple locking tooth structure makes the locking more stable, the disassembly more difficult, and the cable tie more reliable.

[0016] In one embodiment, the tamper cover and locking head are manufactured independently and formed into an integral structure by ultrasonic welding. The structure of this product is relatively complex and difficult to directly injection mold. It requires the use of a side core-pulling process. However, this requires the design of thicker edges on both sides of the cable tie, which is not suitable for some occasions. Ultrasonic welding process is widely used and cannot be disassembled. After destructive disassembly, there will be disassembly marks, and the cable tie will become ineffective.

[0017] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this application will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this application are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 This shows a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locked state of the cable tie with the tamper-proof structure in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 2 of this application is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 This paper shows a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locked state of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 A perspective view of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 3 of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0026] Figure 7 This paper shows a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locked state of the cable tie with the tamper-proof structure in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This paper shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking state of the double-sided locking tooth structure of the cable tie with the tamper-proof structure in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0028] Figure 9 This paper shows a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locked state of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0029] Figure 10 A perspective view of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 5 of this application is shown;

[0030] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0031] Figure 12 A perspective view of a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to Embodiment 6 of this application is shown;

[0032] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0033] Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locked state of the cable tie with the tamper-proof structure in Embodiment 6 of this application is shown.

[0034] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0035] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction;

[0036] 1. Locking band; 2. Locking head; 3. Anti-tamper cover; 10. Locking tooth structure; 11. Locking groove; 12. Free end; 13. Locking groove; 14. Locking through groove; 15. Inclined surface; 16. Elastic deformation space; 20. Outlet; 21. Inlet; 22. Locking hole; 23. Elastic strip; 24. Locking buckle; 25. Inclined surface; 26. Locking hole; 27. Locking surface; 28. Clip; 29. ​​Locking protrusion; 30. Abutment protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a cable tie with an anti-tamper structure includes a locking band 1 and a locking head 2. The locking band 1 is inserted into the locking hole 22 of the locking head 2 from an inlet 21 along a first direction and can be locked unidirectionally by the locking head 2, so that the locking band 1 can only move relative to the locking head 2 along the first direction to insert into the inlet 21. When the locking band 1 moves relative to the locking head 2 in the opposite direction to the first direction and is pulled out from the inlet 21, it is locked. The locking head 2 is provided with an anti-tamper cover 3 and a locking buckle 24. The anti-tamper cover 3 is located on both sides of the locking buckle 24 in the first direction. The anti-tamper cover 3 is provided with a locking hole 26. The locking hole 26 is tightly engaged with the locking band 1 to prevent disassembly tools from entering the locking head 2 and prying the locking buckle 24. The disassembly tool is a flat tool, such as a screwdriver, knife, metal sheet, plastic sheet, etc., which can enter small gaps and pry open the internal structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, the locking buckle 24 has an inclined surface 25 and a locking surface 27 on both sides in the first direction, so that the cross section of the buckle head 28 of the locking buckle 24 is triangular or right trapezoidal, and the locking band 1 has a locking tooth structure 10 that matches the buckle head 28 so that the buckle head 28 can lock the locking band 1 in one direction.

[0041] In one embodiment, the locking surface 27 is provided with a locking protrusion 29, which is cylindrical or hemispherical, and the locking band 1 is provided with a matching locking groove 11, which is concave cylindrical or hemispherical.

[0042] In one embodiment, the locking protrusion 29 is cylindrical, and the axis of the cylinder is parallel to the first direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0043] In one embodiment, the locking band 1 is a long strip structure, with one end of the locking band 1 extending in a second direction as a free end 12, and the other end connected to the locking head 2. The surface of the locking band 1 is provided with serrated locking tooth structures 10 evenly distributed along its length. The cross-section of the serrated locking tooth structure 10 is triangular, with the inclined surface 15 of the serrations facing the free end 12 of the locking band 1, and the vertical surface of the serrations facing the locking head 2, forming a one-way locking structure.

[0044] In one embodiment, the locking head 2 is a hollow structure with an elastic locking buckle 24 inside. The locking buckle 24 undergoes elastic deformation within a certain range and is fixed inside the locking head 2. The locking head 2 has an elastic deformation space 16 for the locking buckle 24 inside. The locking buckle 24 has a triangular cross-section clip 28, which matches the serrated locking tooth structure 10 on the locking band 1, allowing the locking band 1 to pass through the locking head 2 in one direction and be locked. The inclined surface of the clip 28 corresponds to the inclined surface 15 of the serration, and the vertical surface of the clip 28 corresponds to the vertical surface of the serration. When the locking band 1 passes through the locking head 2, the clip 28 can slide along the inclined surface 15 of the serration. When the inclined surface 15 of the serration slides past it, the clip 28 returns to its elasticity and returns below the inclined surface 15 of the serration. When the locking band 1 moves in the opposite direction, the vertical surface of the locking head 28 abuts against the vertical surface of the saw teeth, forming a firm locking effect.

[0045] The locking head 2 is equipped with an anti-tamper cover 3, which completely covers the locking head 2. The anti-tamper cover 3 has a locking hole 26, the size of which is closely matched with the cross-sectional size of the locking band 1, allowing the locking band 1 to pass smoothly through the locking hole 26 while preventing any disassembly tools from entering the locking head 2 and contacting the locking buckle 24. The inner diameter of the locking hole 26 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the locking band 1, and the gap between them is smaller than the thickness of common disassembly tools. Considering that the locking hole 26 may deform, the gap must be less than 0.3 mm to effectively prevent the insertion of disassembly tools.

[0046] The locking band 1 has a locking groove 11 extending along its length. The locking groove 11 is semi-cylindrical, and its depth is one-third of the thickness of the locking band 1. The locking buckle 24 has a locking protrusion 29 that matches the locking groove 11. The locking protrusion 29 is also semi-cylindrical, and its height is equal to the depth of the locking groove 11. When the locking band 1 passes through the locking head 2, the locking protrusion 29 is embedded in the locking groove 11, forming an additional locking structure, effectively preventing tools such as thin pieces from being inserted into the locking area and damaging the locking mechanism.

[0047] The locking groove 11 is provided along the extension direction of the locking band 1, that is, the long axis of the locking groove 11 is parallel to the long axis of the locking band 1. The width of the locking groove 11 is one-third of the width of the locking band 1, and the locking groove 11 is located in the center of the locking band 1, so that the locking protrusion 29 can be accurately embedded in the locking groove 11.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tamper cover 3 and the locking head 2 are manufactured independently and then ultrasonically welded into a single structure. The tamper cover 3 can be divided into upper and lower pieces, which are directly welded to the locking head 2.

[0049] The ultrasonic welding creates a strong and durable connection, further enhancing the security of the tamper-evident cable ties. The ultrasonic welding frequency is 20kHz, the welding time is 0.5 seconds, and the welding pressure is 0.3MPa, ensuring a secure connection between the tamper-evident cover 3 and the locking head 2.

[0050] In one embodiment, the outlet 20 of the locking head 2 is disposed opposite to the inlet 21. The inlet 21 may be provided with an elastic strip 23 so that the elastic strip 23 can deform when squeezed by the inclined surface 25 to avoid blocking the movement of the locking band 1, but can be blocked when a foreign object is inserted.

[0051] In use, the free end 12 of the locking strap 1 is passed through the object being bound, and then inserted into the locking head 2 from the inlet 21 in the first direction. After the locking strap 1 passes through the locking hole 26, the latch 28 on the locking buckle 24 engages with the serrated locking tooth structure 10 on the locking strap 1. At the same time, the locking protrusion 29 on the locking buckle 24 is embedded in the locking groove 11 of the locking strap 1. After the locking strap 1 is tightened to the appropriate position, the locking strap 1 cannot move in the opposite direction, achieving a secure binding effect. Due to the presence of the anti-tamper cover 3 and the tight fit between the locking hole 26 and the locking strap 1, disassembly tools cannot enter the inside of the locking head 2 to contact the locking buckle 24, thereby effectively preventing the cable tie from being illegally disassembled.

[0052] Example 2:

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the locking band 1 is provided with multiple rows of locking tooth structures 10, and different locking tooth structures 10 are matched with different locking heads 28 to independently realize the locking function.

[0054] In one embodiment, two rows of locking tooth structures 10 are located on both sides of the locking band 1. When the locking band 1 is inserted into the locking head 2, the locking head 28 is also symmetrically arranged on both sides of the locking band 1.

[0055] Example 3:

[0056] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the locking tooth structure 10 is set in the locking groove 13 of the locking band 1, and a process hole can be opened on the side of the locking head 2 to form the locking buckle 24. The locking protrusion 29 on the locking surface 27 is cylindrical and the axis of the cylinder is parallel to the third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction of insertion and removal of the locking band 1, and the third direction is perpendicular to the second direction of the arrangement of the locking tooth structure 10. The locking band 1 is provided with a matching locking groove 11, which is set along the third direction. The outlet 20 and inlet 21 of the locking head 2 are set opposite to each other, that is, the insertion of the locking band 1 is unrestricted. The anti-tamper cover 3 and the locking head 2 are designed separately and formed into an integral structure by ultrasonic welding, or an anti-tamper riveting structure is adopted.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the locking band 1 has locking tooth structures 10 on both sides, thus providing better anti-tampering function.

[0058] Example 4:

[0059] like Figure 9As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the card head 28 is provided with multiple card heads arranged along the first direction. During molding, process holes need to be opened on the side of the locking head 2. The structure is formed by side core pulling, and the locking band 1 of embodiment 3 is used to avoid disassembling the locking band 1 from the process holes on the side of the locking head 2.

[0060] Example 5:

[0061] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the multi-row locking tooth structure 10 is arranged side by side on the same side of the locking band 1, and the adjacent locking tooth structures 10 are staggered at a certain angle, so that the locking function can be achieved in different positions, making disassembly more difficult and the anti-disassembly effect better. The locking groove 11 is a semi-cylindrical surface or a hemispherical surface.

[0062] Example 6:

[0063] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the locking groove 11 is a common strip groove with rounded corners, the locking head 28 is provided with a locking protrusion 29 that matches the shape of the locking groove 11, and the two sides of the locking head 28 are provided with abutting protrusions 30 that abut against the locking tooth structure 10 of the locking band 1. The locking groove 11 extends to the other side of the locking band 1 to form a locking through groove 14. The locking through groove 14 can reduce the weight of the locking band and facilitate the injection molding of the locking groove 11.

[0064] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this application can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this application can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0065] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0066] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cable tie with an anti-tamper structure, comprising a locking band (1) and a locking head (2), wherein the locking band (1) is inserted into the locking hole (22) of the locking head (2) from an inlet (21) along a first direction and can be locked unidirectionally by the locking head (2), such that the locking band (1) can only move relative to the locking head (2) along the first direction to insert into the inlet (21), and is locked when the locking band (1) moves relative to the locking head (2) in the opposite direction to the first direction and is pulled out from the inlet (21), characterized in that: The locking head (2) is provided with an anti-disassembly cover (3) and a locking buckle (24). The anti-disassembly cover (3) is located at both ends of the locking buckle (24) in the first direction. The anti-disassembly cover (3) is provided with a locking hole (26). The locking hole (26) is tightly engaged with the locking band (1) to prevent disassembly tools from entering the locking head (2) and prying the locking buckle (24).

2. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking buckle (24) has an inclined surface (25) and a locking surface (27) on both sides in the first direction, so that the cross section of the buckle head (28) of the locking buckle (24) is triangular or right trapezoidal. The locking band (1) has a locking tooth structure (10) that matches the buckle head (28), so that the buckle head (28) can lock the locking band (1) in one direction.

3. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking surface (27) is provided with a locking protrusion (29), and the locking band (1) is provided with a matching locking groove (11).

4. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking protrusion (29) is a cylindrical, hemispherical, cubic or trapezoidal protrusion, and the locking groove (11) is a concave cylindrical, hemispherical, cubic or trapezoidal groove, and the locking protrusion (29) can be inserted into the groove (11).

5. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking protrusion (29) is cylindrical and the axis of the cylinder is parallel to the first direction.

6. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking band (1) is provided with multiple rows of locking tooth structures (10), and different locking tooth structures (10) are matched with different locking heads (28) to independently realize the locking function.

7. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The card head (28) has multiple parts and is arranged along the first direction.

8. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: Multiple rows of the locking tooth structure (10) are located on both sides of the locking band (1) or arranged side by side on the same side.

9. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The outlet (20) of the locking head (2) is positioned opposite to the inlet (21).

10. The cable tie with an anti-tamper structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The anti-disassembly cover (3) and the locking head (2) are manufactured independently and formed into an integral structure by ultrasonic welding.

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