Fastening device

Abstract

To provide a fastening device capable of preventing over-tensioning of a lace.SOLUTION: A fastening device 100 comprises a case unit 200 including an inner space, a spool received within the inner space and configured for a lace to be wound thereabout, an engaging unit disposed above the spool along an axis, a torque unit disposed above the engaging unit along the axis and including at least one torque portion, and a knob 500 covering the case unit. As a rotation of the knob in a tensioning direction causes the torque unit to drive the engaging unit for allowing the knob to drive the spool, the spool is rotated in the tensioning direction to tension the lace, and as a force born by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold, the spool is not rotated in the tensioning direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device, and more particularly to a fastening device for fastening an article by loosening or tightening a lace. [Background technology]

[0002] In daily life, knots such as strings and threads are usually used to fasten objects. The most common method of fastening is to pass the knots back and forth through holes such as shoe eyelets and tie them in a knot to secure the object. However, in this type of fastening, the knot easily comes loose due to external forces. Not only does this require re-tying, but it also causes many inconveniences due to the instability of the object.

[0003] To solve such problems, some people skilled in the art have developed a simple fastening mechanism that includes a case, an engagement unit, and a spring. The case includes a hole configured to pass the string through. The string can be clamped and fixed between the engagement unit and the case by the reaction force of the spring and the engagement unit. The length of the string can be changed by pressing the spring to change the position of the locking part. However, in such a fastening mechanism, the restoring force of the spring serves as the fixing force, so that the string is easily released by vibration or external force. In addition, the fixing mechanism does not have a space to receive the string, which may expose the string and cause a danger.

[0004] Therefore, some people skilled in the art have developed a different kind of buckle that can be rotated to tighten the string and can receive the string inside the buckle. By interfering with the parts inside the buckle, not only the degree of tightness but also the length of the string can be adjusted. However, if the buckle continues to increase the tension when the string tension is insufficient, the tension received by the string may exceed the allowable range, causing the string to break or damage to the item. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In light of the above problems, how to solve them becomes the goal that those skilled in the art pursue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a fastening device includes a case unit including an internal space, a spool configured to be received within the internal space and around which a string is wound, an engagement unit disposed above the spool along an axis, a torque unit disposed above the engagement unit along the axis and including at least one torque portion, and a knob covering the case unit, wherein rotation of the knob in a tightening direction causes the torque unit to drive the engagement unit, which in turn drives the spool, such that the spool is rotated in the tightening direction to tighten the string, and when a force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold value, the spool does not rotate in the tightening direction.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a fastening device includes a case unit including an interior space and a plurality of engagement teeth, a spool configured to be received within the interior space and around which a string is wound, a knob covering the case unit, at least one pawl arm received within the interior space and corresponding to at least one of the engagement teeth, and at least one torque portion received within the interior space and rotatably coupled to one of the knob and the at least one pawl arm, wherein rotation of the knob in a tightening direction rotates the at least one pawl arm and causes the spool to rotate in the tightening direction to tighten the string, and when the string is pulled too tight, the at least one torque portion inhibits rotation of the spool in the tightening direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The present invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a fastening device according to a first embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices of the first embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device of the first embodiment of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices of the first embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the first embodiment of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the first embodiment taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a fastening device according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices of the second embodiment of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device of the second embodiment of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices of the second embodiment of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the second embodiment of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the second embodiment taken along line 12-12 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a fastening device according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices of the third embodiment of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device of the third embodiment of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices of the third embodiment of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the third embodiment of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the third embodiment taken along line 18-18 in FIG. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a fastening device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices of the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device of the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices of the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the fourth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the fourth embodiment taken along line 24-24 in FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a fastening device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices of the fifth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device of the fifth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices of the fifth embodiment of FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the fifth embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In order to clearly explain the contents, many practical details are mentioned in the following description. However, the reader will understand that the practical details do not limit the present invention. In other words, in some embodiments of the present invention, the practical details are not necessary. Furthermore, in order to simplify the drawings, some conventional structures and elements are simply illustrated in the drawings, and the repeated elements may be given the same or similar reference numerals.

[0011] Furthermore, although terms such as first, second, and third are used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. As a result, a first element or component described below can also be referred to as a second element or component. Furthermore, the combination of elements, components, mechanisms, and modules is not a well-known, usual, or customary combination, and whether the combination could be readily completed by one of ordinary skill in the art cannot be determined based on whether the elements, components, mechanisms, or modules themselves are well-known, usual, or customary.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fastening device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices 100 of the first embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device 100 of the first embodiment of Fig. 1. The fastening device 100 includes a case unit 200, a spool 300, an engagement unit 400, a knob 500, and a torque unit 800.

[0013] The case unit 200 includes an internal space. The spool 300 is configured to be received within the internal space and have the string wound around it. The engagement unit 400 is disposed above the spool 300 along an axis I1 (see FIG. 4). The knob 500 is disposed above the engagement unit 400 along the axis I1. The torque unit 800 is rotatably coupled to one of the knob 500 and the engagement unit 400, and the torque unit 800 selectively transmits a rotational force to the spool 300. When the knob 500 rotates in the tightening direction A1, the knob 500 drives the engagement unit 400 to rotate the spool 300 in the tightening direction A1 to tighten the string. If the string is pulled too tight, the spool 300 cannot be rotated in the tightening direction A1.

[0014] Therefore, if the lace is pulled too tight, the user cannot rotate the spool 300 by the knob 500, thereby preventing the lace from being over-tightened. The fastening device 100 will now be described in detail.

[0015] The case unit 200 of the fastening device 100 may include a housing 210, a base 220, a partition 230, a plurality of engagement teeth 240, a central hole 250, and a plurality of internal teeth 260. The housing 210 defines an internal space and includes an upper opening and a lower opening, which communicate with the internal space. The base 220 is detachably coupled to the housing 210 so as to close the lower opening by engagement, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0016] A partition 230 may protrude inwardly from the housing 210 and separate the interior space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Engagement teeth 240 are located on the housing 210 and in the upper chamber, and internal teeth 260 are located on the housing 210 and in the lower chamber. A central hole 250 may pass through the partition 230 to communicate the upper and lower chambers. A spool 300 may be received in the lower chamber.

[0017] The spool 300 may include a spool shaft body, an upper ring portion 310, a lower ring portion 320, a plurality of pivot shafts, a spool hole, and a flexible clamp portion 330. The upper ring portion 310 extends radially outward from the upper end of the spool shaft body, and the lower ring portion 320 extends radially outward from the lower end of the spool shaft body, and a track around which the string is wound is formed between the upper ring portion 310 and the lower ring portion 320. The pivot shaft is disposed on the upper surface of the spool shaft body. The spool hole penetrates the spool shaft body to form the spool inner surface. The flexible clamp portion 330 may include two clamp arms extending downward from the spool inner surface, and may form a clamp space for coupling the connecting units of the fastening device 100, which will be described in detail below.

[0018] The engagement unit 400 may include an engagement disk 410, three claw arms 430, three stops 450, and a number of drive teeth 460. The engagement disk 410 is a hollow circle and includes a central through hole. Each claw arm 430 has a cantilever structure that extends outward from the engagement disk 410 and can be deflected inwardly under bias. Each stop 450 extends outward from the engagement disk 410 and corresponds to a distal end of each claw arm 430. When each claw arm 430 is deflected inwardly under bias, each stop 450 can stop each claw arm 430, thereby increasing the ability to inhibit reverse rotation of the spool 300. The drive teeth 460 may be located at the lower end of the engagement disk 410 close to the spool 300.

[0019] The fastening device 100 may further include a transmission set 700 coupled to the drive teeth 460 of the engagement unit 400 and the spool 300. To be precise, the transmission set 700 may include a sun gear 710, a plurality of planetary gears 730, and a plate 720. The sun gear 710 is driven by the drive teeth 460 of the engagement unit 400. Each planetary gear 730 is rotatably disposed on each pivot shaft of the spool 300 so as to mesh with the sun gear 710 and the internal teeth 260 of the case unit 200. The plate 720 is disposed above the planetary gears 730 so as to cover the planetary gears 730.

[0020] 2, the engagement unit 400 may further include a protrusion 420 along an axis I1 and at least one engagement portion 440, where the protrusion 420 is integrally connected to the engagement disk 410, and the at least one engagement portion 440 is disposed on the protrusion 420. In the first embodiment, the number of the at least one engagement portion 440 is three, and each engagement portion 440 has a radial groove structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0021] The torque unit 800 may include a torque disk 820, at least one connecting portion 830, and at least one torque portion 810. The number of the at least one connecting portion 830 is three. The three connecting portions 830 are spaced apart on the inner edge of the torque disk 820, and each connecting portion 830 may engage with each engaging portion 440, and each connecting portion 830 may have a bump structure extending radially inward. The connecting portion 830 and the at least one torque portion 810 may be staggered along the radial direction. In particular, the number of the at least one torque portion 810 is also three, and the three torque portions 810 are spaced apart on the outer edge of the torque disk 820. Furthermore, one of the torque portions 810 is disposed between two of the connecting portions 830, and each torque portion 810 may have a triangular bump structure and may include a biasing inclined surface 811 (as indicated by the numerals in FIG. 6) for enhancing structural stability.

[0022] During installation, the torque unit 800 may be fitted into the protrusion 420 of the engagement unit 400, and each of the connecting portions 830 having a bump structure cooperates with each of the engaging portions 440 having a groove structure, thereby rotatably connecting the torque unit 800 and the engagement unit 400, but the installation method is not limited thereto. In addition, after the torque unit 800 and the engagement unit 400 are installed, a deformation space S1 (shown by a symbol in FIG. 6) is formed between at least a portion of the torque unit 800 and the protrusion 420. Therefore, when the force generated by the torque unit 800, particularly the force generated by each torque portion 810, exceeds a threshold value, at least a portion of the torque unit 800 is deformed in the radial direction. In other words, the protrusion 420 is a triangle, the torque disc 820 is a hollow circle, and the engaging portions 440 are respectively disposed at the three corners of the triangle to correspond to the connecting portions 830, so that three deformation spaces S1 can be formed between the three side edges of the triangle of the protrusion 420 and the inner edge of the hollow circle, respectively. The hollow circle portions corresponding to the triangular side edges of the projection 420 may be portions that can be deformed radially inward. Thus, in a configuration in which each torque portion 810 is disposed at the above-mentioned portions, particularly at the center positions of each side edge, each torque portion 810 may be deformed by biasing.

[0023] The knob 500 is cap-shaped. The knob 500 may be selectively coupled to the torque unit 800 and may include at least one pressing portion 510 corresponding to the at least one torque portion 810. The number of the at least one pressing portion 510 is three. The knob 500 may further include a top recess 520 for receiving the torque unit 800. The three pressing portions 510 may be arranged on the side walls of the top recess 520 at intervals, and each pressing portion 510 may correspond to each torque portion 810. Each pressing portion 510 may include a pressing inclined surface 511 (symbolized in FIG. 6 ) corresponding to the biasing inclined surface 811 of each torque portion 810, and each pressing portion 510 presses each torque portion 810 to rotate the engagement unit 400 in the tightening direction A1.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100 according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100 according to the first embodiment along line 6-6 of FIG. 4. The fastening device 100 may further include a coupling unit. One end of the coupling unit is coupled to the knob 500, and the other end of the coupling unit is coupled to the spool 300. The coupling unit may include a positioning post 600 and a screw member. The positioning post 600 includes a positioning protrusion 610. The positioning post 600 is inserted upward into the spool 300 and the sun gear 710 and enters the center post of the knob 500. The screw member is inserted downward into the center post to be fixed with the positioning post 600. The positioning post 600 and the knob 500 are coupled by an axis I1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the knob 500 is not pulled up, and the engagement unit 400 is located at the first position. The pressing inclined surface 511 of each pressing portion 510 corresponds to the biasing inclined surface 811 of each torque portion 810 of the torque unit 800, the driving tooth 460 of the engagement unit 400 engages with the sun gear 710, and each claw arm 430 engages with the engagement tooth 240. When the user holds the knob 500 and rotates it in the fastening direction A1, each pressing portion 510 presses each torque portion 810 to transmit the rotational force of the knob 500 to the engagement unit 400, and the distal end of each claw arm 430 is successively disengaged from the engagement tooth 240, so that the engagement unit 400 can drive the spool 300 to rotate in the fastening direction A1 to fasten the lace through the transmission set 700.

[0026] When the string is pulled, a force acts on the spool 300, which tries to rotate the spool 300 in the loosening direction A2, and each torque portion 810 tries to press each pressing portion 510 in the loosening direction A2 so as to prevent the knob 500 from moving due to each pressing portion 510. As a result, when the force generated by each torque portion 810 exceeds a threshold value, the biasing inclined surface 811 slides relative to the pressing inclined surface 511 of each pressing portion 510, and each biasing inclined surface 811 deforms radially inward so that each pressing portion 510 straddles each torque portion 810, and the knob 500 cannot drive the torque unit 800, and the spool 300 cannot be driven in the tightening direction A1 to tighten the string. When the user stops applying the force, the distal end of each claw arm 430 engages with the engagement tooth 240, which prohibits the spool 300 from rotating in the loosening direction A2, and the string cannot be loosened.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the knob 500 is pulled upward to loosen the string. When the knob 500 is pulled up, the knob 500 and the positioning post 600 move along the axis I1. The positioning protrusion 610 of the positioning post 600 can move from the lower side of the protrusion of the flexible clamp part 330 to the upper side of the protrusion of the flexible clamp part 330. The positioning post 600 moves the engagement unit 400 upward along the axis I1 and switches from the first position to the second position. At this time, each claw arm 430 of the engagement unit 400 is disengaged from the engagement teeth 240, the engagement unit 400 does not prohibit the rotation of the spool 300 in the loosening direction A2, and the string is loosened.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fastening device 100a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices 100a of the second embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device 100a of the second embodiment of FIG. 7. The structure of the fastening device 100a of the second embodiment is similar to that of the fastening device 100 of the first embodiment, and includes a knob 500a, a torque unit 800a, an engagement unit 400a, a transmission set 700a, a spool 300a, and a case unit 200a. Hereinafter, only the differences will be shown, and the same or similar contents will not be described repeatedly.

[0029] The torque unit 800a may include a torque disk 820a, three torque portions 810a, and three connecting portions 830a. The three connecting portions 830a are disposed on the upper edge of the torque disk 820a and connected to the knob 500a, thereby rotatably connecting the torque unit 800a and the knob 500a. The three torque portions 810a may be disposed on the inner edge of the torque disk 820a. The engagement unit 400a may further include three biasing portions 470a corresponding to the three torque portions 810a, respectively. When the force generated by each torque portion 810a exceeds a threshold value, each torque portion 810a is deformed to allow each torque portion 810a to move from one side of each biasing portion 470a to the other side of each biasing portion 470a. It should be noted that the number of biasing portions 470a corresponds to the number of torque portions 810a. Thus, in other embodiments, the number of torque portions is at least one and the number of bias portions is also at least one.

[0030] To be precise, the knob 500a may include three engagement holes 530a spaced apart on the inside upper portion of the knob 500a, each of which is for inserting a corresponding one of the coupling portions 830a, thereby integrally and rotatably coupling the torque unit 800a and the knob 500a.

[0031] The protrusion 420a of the engagement unit 400a may be a hollow circle, and each biasing portion 470a may extend radially outward from an outer edge of the protrusion 420a. When the engagement unit 400a and the torque unit 800a are integrated, each biasing portion 470a may contact each torque portion 810a.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100a of the second embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100a of the second embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100a of the second embodiment along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the knob 500a is not pulled up, and the engagement unit 400a is located at the first position. When the user holds the knob 500a and rotates it in the fastening direction A1, the torque unit 800a rotates and each torque portion 810a presses each biasing portion 470a, transmitting the rotational force of the knob 500a to the engagement unit 400a, thereby driving the spool 300a to rotate in the fastening direction A1 to fasten the lace.

[0033] When the string is pulled, a force acts on the spool 300a, which tries to rotate the spool 300a in the loosening direction A2, and each of the biasing portions 470a tries to push each of the torque portions 810a toward the loosening direction A2. As a result, when the force generated by each of the torque portions 810a exceeds a threshold value, each of the torque portions 810a is deformed radially outward. The knob 500a and the torque unit 800a rotate relative to the engagement unit 400a, and the spool 300a cannot be driven in the tightening direction A1 to tighten the string. Note that there is a gap between the torque disc 820a and the inner annular surface of the knob 500a, and this gap is for the torque disc 820a to deform radially outward. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the knob 500a is pulled up to loosen the string, but the details will not be repeated.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fastening device 100b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices 100b of the third embodiment of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment of FIG. 13. The structure of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment is similar to that of the fastening device 100 of the first embodiment, and includes a knob 500b, a torque unit 800b, an engagement unit 400b, a transmission set 700b, a spool 300b, and a case unit 200b. Hereinafter, only the differences are shown, and the same or similar contents are not repeated.

[0035] The torque unit 800b and the engagement unit 400b are rotatably connected. The torque unit 800b includes a torque disk 820b and three torque portions 810b, each of which extends along the circumferential direction of the torque unit 800b, particularly along the circumferential direction of the torque disk 820b. The knob 500b includes three pressing portions 510b that respectively press the distal ends of the three torque portions 810b to rotate the spool 300b in the fastening direction A1. When the force generated by each torque portion 810b exceeds a threshold value, the friction force between the friction surface 812b of each torque portion 810b and the case unit 200b prohibits the knob 500b from rotating the spool 300b.

[0036] More specifically, the torque unit 800b includes three connecting portions (not numbered), which are spaced apart from each other and disposed on the outer edge of the torque disk 820b, and each connecting portion extends radially outward. Each torque portion 810b extends integrally from one side of each connecting portion along the circumferential direction, and a distal end of each torque portion 810b includes an end surface 813b (numbered in FIG. 18). Each pressing portion 510b of the knob 500b may include a pressing surface 512b (numbered in FIG. 18) abutted against each end surface 813b, and when the knob 500b rotates in the tightening direction A1, each torque portion 810b is pressed so that the torque unit 800b can rotate in the tightening direction A1.

[0037] The torque unit 800b may further include three engagement grooves 840b recessed into the torque disc 820b. The engagement unit 400b may include three engagement protrusions 480b, which engage with the engagement grooves 840b, respectively, to rotatably couple the torque unit 800b and the engagement unit 400b.

[0038] The housing 210b of the case unit 200b may include an upper side 211b. The upper side 211b is located above the engagement teeth 240b and does not have teeth. After the torque unit 800b is attached to the case unit 200b, the friction surface 812b of each torque portion 810b faces the upper side 211b.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment of FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment of FIG. 13. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment along the line 18-18 of FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18, the knob 500b is not pulled up, and the engagement unit 400b is located at the first position. When the user holds the knob 500b and rotates it in the fastening direction A1, each pressing portion 510b can press each torque portion 810b, which rotates the torque unit 800b for transmitting the rotational force of the knob 500b to the engagement unit 400b, thereby driving the spool 300b to rotate in the fastening direction A1 and fasten the lace.

[0040] When the string is pulled, a force acts on the spool 300b, which tries to rotate the spool 300b in the loosening direction A2, making it difficult to rotate the engagement unit 400b in the tightening direction A1. Therefore, by each pressing portion 510b pressing each torque portion 810b, each torque portion 810b is bent so that its friction surface 812b contacts the inner wall of the upper portion 211b of the housing 210b to generate a friction force. When the force generated by each torque portion 810b exceeds a threshold value, the curve of each torque portion 810b becomes large, which may increase the contact surface between each friction surface 812b and the upper portion 211b. As a result, the friction force increases, and the knob 500b cannot rotate the torque unit 800b in the tightening direction A1, and the spool 300b cannot be rotated in the tightening direction A1 to tighten the string. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, the knob 500b is pulled up to loosen the string, but the details will not be repeated.

[0041] FIG. 19 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fastening device 100c according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices 100c of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device 100c of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19. The structure of the fastening device 100c of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment, and includes a knob 500c, a torque unit 800c, an engagement unit 400c, a transmission set 700c, a spool 300c, and a case unit 200c. Hereinafter, only the differences will be shown, and the same or similar contents will not be described repeatedly.

[0042] The torque unit 800c and the engagement unit 400c are rotatably coupled. The torque unit 800c includes a torque disk 820c and three torque portions 810c, each of which extends along the circumferential direction of the torque unit 800c, particularly along the circumferential direction of the torque disk 820c. Each of the torque portions 810c may include a torque tooth 814c. The knob 500c includes three pressing portions 510c that respectively press the three torque portions 810c to rotate the spool 300c in the fastening direction A1. The case unit 200c may include a plurality of recesses 270c. When the force generated by each of the torque portions 810c exceeds a threshold value, each of the torque portions 810c is bent such that its torque tooth 814c engages with one of the recesses 270c, thereby prohibiting the knob 500c from rotating the spool 300c.

[0043] To be precise, the housing 210c of the case unit 200c may include an upper portion 211c. The upper portion 211c is located above the engagement teeth 240c, and the recess 270c is located on the upper portion 211c. The torque teeth 814c of each torque portion 810c may have a toothed structure on the outside and are located near the distal end of each torque portion 810c. After the torque unit 800c is attached to the case unit 200c, each torque tooth 814c of the torque portion 810c faces toward the recess 270c.

[0044] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices 100c of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 23 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100c of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 19. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100c of the fourth embodiment along the line 24-24 of FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 24, the knob 500c is not pulled up, and the engagement unit 400c is located at the first position. When the user holds the knob 500c and rotates it in the fastening direction A1, the torque teeth 814c of each torque portion 810c are not engaged with the recess 270c, so that each pressing portion 510c can press each torque portion 810c to rotate the torque unit 800c in order to transmit the rotational force of the knob 500c to the engagement unit 400c, thereby driving the spool 300c to rotate in the fastening direction A1 to fasten the lace.

[0045] When the string is pulled, a force acts on the spool 300c, which tries to rotate the spool 300c in the loosening direction A2, making it difficult to rotate the engagement unit 400c in the tightening direction A1. Therefore, when each pressing portion 510c presses each torque portion 810c, each torque portion 810c bends, and the torque teeth 814c of each torque portion 810c begin to engage with the recess 270c. When the force generated by each torque portion 810c exceeds a threshold value, the curve of each torque portion 810c becomes large, which may lead to complete engagement between each torque tooth 814c of the torque portion 810c and the recess 270c. As a result, the knob 500c cannot rotate the torque unit 800c in the tightening direction A1, and the spool 300c cannot be rotated in the tightening direction A1 to tighten the string. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23, the knob 500c is pulled up to loosen the string, but the details are not repeated.

[0046] FIG. 25 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a fastening device 100d according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fastening devices 100d of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is another exploded perspective view of the fastening device 100d of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 25. The structure of the fastening device 100d of the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the fastening device 100b of the third embodiment, and includes a knob 500d, an engagement unit 400d, a transmission set 700d, a spool 300d and a case unit 200d, and the engagement unit 400d includes at least one claw arm 430d. Hereinafter, only the differences are shown, and the same or similar contents are not repeated.

[0047] The fastening device 100d may include at least one torque portion 490d, and the at least one torque portion 490d is rotatably coupled to at least one claw arm 430d. To be precise, the number of the at least one torque portion 490d is three, and the number of the at least one claw arm 430d is three. The engagement unit 400d may include an engagement disk 410d, three torque portions 490d, and three claw arms 430d. The three torque portions 490d and the three claw arms 430d are spaced apart from each other and arranged on the engagement disk 410d. In other words, the fifth embodiment does not include an independent torque disk for arranging the torque portion 490d, and the torque portion 490d is arranged on the engagement disk 410d. Since the engagement disk 410d is arranged in the upper chamber, each torque portion 490d can contact the partition 230d to generate a friction force.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of one of the fastening devices 100d of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is another cross-sectional view of the fastening device 100d of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 28, the knob 500d is not pulled up, and the engagement unit 400d is located at the first position. When a user holds the knob 500d and rotates it in the fastening direction A1 with a small tension on the string, the frictional force between each torque portion 490d and the partition 230d is small, so that the rotation of the spool 300d is not affected. When the force generated by each torque portion 490d exceeds a threshold value, the curve of each torque portion 490d becomes large, and the frictional force between each torque portion 490d and the partition 230d may become large. As a result, the knob 500d cannot rotate the engagement unit 400d in the fastening direction A1, and the spool 300d cannot be driven in the fastening direction A1 to fasten the string, so that over-pulling of the string can be prevented. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29, pulling the knob 500d upward loosens the string, the detailed description of which will not be repeated.

[0049] In view of the above-mentioned embodiments, the configuration of the torque portion allows the knob to rotate relative to the spool in the tightening direction when the string is pulled too tight, or the knob cannot rotate in the tightening direction, thereby achieving the objective of preventing the spool from rotating in the tightening direction. Furthermore, the torque portion may be disposed on an independent torque disk to form an independent torque unit, or the torque portion may be disposed on the engagement disk without including an independent torque unit, but the objective of preventing the spool from rotating in the tightening direction when the string is pulled too tight must be achieved. Furthermore, a frictional force may be generated between the torque portion and any part of the case unit or any part of the knob to prevent the knob from rotating in the tightening direction, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible, and therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A case unit having an internal space; a spool configured to be received within the interior space and around which a line is wound; an engagement unit disposed above the spool along an axis; a torque unit disposed above the engagement unit along the axis and having at least one torque portion; a knob for covering the case unit; A fastening device, wherein when the knob is rotated in a tightening direction, the torque unit drives the engagement unit, enabling the knob to drive the spool, and the spool rotates in the tightening direction to tighten the lace, and when the force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold value, the spool is not rotated in the tightening direction.

2. 2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement unit includes at least one engagement portion, the torque unit further includes at least one connecting portion corresponding to the at least one engagement portion, and the at least one connecting portion and the at least one torque portion are arranged in a staggered manner along a radial direction.

3. The fastening device of claim 2 , wherein the torque unit further comprises a torque disk, the at least one coupling portion being disposed on an inner edge of the torque disk and the at least one torque portion being disposed on an outer edge of the torque disk.

4. 4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the engagement unit comprises an engagement disk and a protrusion, the protrusion being integrally connected to the engagement disk, the at least one engagement portion being disposed on the protrusion, and at least one deformation space being formed between an inner edge of the torque disk and at least one side edge of the protrusion, thereby allowing the at least one torque portion to be deformed inwardly.

5. 4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the knob comprises at least one pressing portion corresponding to the at least one torque portion, and when the force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds the threshold value, the at least one torque portion deforms to allow the at least one pressing portion to move from one side of the at least one torque portion to the other side of the at least one torque portion.

6. The fastening device according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one torque portion includes a biasing ramp, and the at least one pressing portion has a biasing ramp corresponding to the biasing ramp of the at least one torque portion.

7. The fastening device of claim 2 , wherein the torque unit further comprises a torque disk, the at least one coupling portion being disposed on an upper edge of the torque disk and the at least one torque portion being disposed on an inner edge of the torque disk.

8. 4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the engagement unit further comprises at least one biasing portion corresponding to the at least one torque portion, and when the force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds the threshold value, the at least one torque portion deforms to allow the at least one torque portion to move from one side of the at least one biasing portion to the other side of the at least one biasing portion.

9. 2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the torque unit and the engagement unit are rotatably coupled, the at least one torque portion extends along a circumferential direction of the torque unit, and the knob includes at least one pressing portion that presses a distal end of the at least one torque portion to rotate the spool in the tightening direction, and when the force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds the threshold value, a friction force between a friction surface of the at least one torque portion and an inner wall of the case unit prohibits the knob from rotating the spool.

10. 2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the torque unit and the engagement unit are rotatably coupled to each other, the at least one torque portion extends along a circumferential direction of the torque unit and has torque teeth, the knob has at least one pressing portion that presses the at least one torque portion to rotate the spool in the tightening direction, and the case unit has a plurality of recesses, and when the force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold value, the at least one torque portion is bent so that the torque teeth engage with one of the recesses to prohibit the knob from rotating the spool.

11. a case unit having an internal space and a plurality of engagement teeth; a spool configured to be received within the interior space and around which a line is wound; A knob for covering the case unit; at least one pawl arm received in the interior space and corresponding to at least one of the engagement teeth; at least one torque portion received in the interior space and rotatably coupled to one of the knob and the at least one pawl arm; When the knob is rotated in a tightening direction, the at least one claw arm rotates, causing the spool to rotate in the tightening direction to tighten the lace, and when the lace is pulled too tight, the at least one torque portion prohibits the spool from rotating in the tightening direction.

12. The fastening device of claim 11 further comprising a coupling unit, one end of the coupling unit coupled to the knob and another end of the coupling unit coupled to the spool.

13. The fastening device of claim 12 , wherein the connecting unit comprises a locating post and the spool comprises a flexible clamp portion coupled to the locating post.

14. The fastening device of claim 11 further comprising a torque disc and at least one connecting portion, said at least one connecting portion and said at least one torque portion being spaced apart on said torque disc.

15. 15. The fastening device of claim 14, further comprising an engagement disk, a protrusion, and at least one engagement portion, wherein the at least one connecting portion is disposed on an inner edge of the torque disk, the at least one torque portion is disposed on an outer edge of the torque disk, the at least one pawl arm is disposed on the engagement disk, the protrusion is integrally connected to the engagement disk along an axis, the at least one engagement portion is disposed on the protrusion and correspondingly engages with the at least one connecting portion to allow the at least one torque portion to be rotatably connected to the at least one pawl arm, and at least one deformation space is formed between an inner edge of the torque disk and at least one side edge of the protrusion, thereby allowing the at least one torque portion to deform inwardly.

16. 15. The fastening device according to claim 14, wherein the knob comprises at least one pressing portion corresponding to the at least one torque portion, and when a force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold value, the at least one torque portion deforms to allow the at least one pressing portion to move from one side of the at least one torque portion to the other side of the at least one torque portion.

17. 15. The fastening device of claim 14, further comprising an engagement disk and at least one biasing portion, the at least one biasing portion being disposed on the engagement disk and corresponding to the at least one torque portion, the at least one connecting portion being disposed on an upper edge of the torque disk and connected to a knob such that the torque disk is rotatably connected to the knob, the at least one torque portion being disposed on an inner edge of the torque disk, and when a force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold, the at least one torque portion deforms to allow the at least one torque portion to move from one side of the at least one biasing portion to the other side of the at least one biasing portion.

18. 12. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one torque portion and the at least one claw arm are rotatably connected, the knob includes at least one pressing portion that presses the at least one torque portion to rotate the spool in the tightening direction, and when a force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold value, a friction force between a friction surface of the at least one torque portion and the case unit prohibits the knob from rotating the spool.

19. 12. The fastening device of claim 11, wherein the at least one torque portion and the at least one pawl arm are rotatably coupled, the at least one torque portion includes torque teeth, the knob includes at least one pressing portion that pushes the at least one torque portion to rotate the spool in the tightening direction, and the case unit includes a plurality of recesses, and when a force generated by the at least one torque portion exceeds a threshold value, the at least one torque portion is bent such that the torque teeth engage with one of the recesses to prohibit the knob from rotating the spool.

20. 12. The fastening device of claim 11, further comprising an engagement disk, the at least one torque portion and the at least one claw arm being spaced apart on the engagement disk, the case unit further comprising a housing and a partition, the partition protruding inwardly from the housing to separate the interior space into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the engagement teeth being disposed on the housing and in the upper chamber, and the at least one torque portion contacting the partition to generate a frictional force.

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