buckle

Abstract

To provide a buckle that enables adjusting and keeping a fastening position on a belt body, while suppressing the number of components.SOLUTION: A buckle 1 comprises a pair of side walls 2A and 2B, a first bar 31 and a second bar 32 for connecting the pair of side wall parts 2A and 2B, a tab 4 disposed between the pair of side walls 2A and 2B and extending in a direction crossing the opposite direction of the pair of side walls 2A and 2B, and connecting parts 5A and 5B for connecting the tab 4 and the pair of side walls 2A and 2B. The tab 4 is disposed between the first bar 31 and the second bar 32, includes a tip portion 411 capable of clamping a belt body B1 between itself and the first bar 31. When a flexible portion 53, the part of the connecting parts 5A and 5B, is elastically deformed, the attitude of the tab 4 can change in such a manner that the tip portion 411 is separated from the first bar 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle that is attached to a strap. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, buckles that are attached to bands such as belts or tapes are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such buckles include a pair of side walls and multiple bars that connect the pair of side walls. The band is looped around these bars, and tension is applied to the band, causing the fastening force of the buckle to act. Furthermore, with such buckles, the fastening force can be released by tilting the buckle relative to the band, thereby allowing the fastening position of the buckle relative to the band to be adjusted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-152193 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned buckles, if the buckle is unintentionally tilted, the fastening force on the band may weaken, and the fastening position of the buckle relative to the band may shift. Furthermore, the buckle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a clamping member that clamps the band between the bar and the buckle to maintain the fastening position of the buckle, but this clamping member is configured as a separate member that is rotatably supported on the buckle body, which increases the number of buckle parts and increases manufacturing costs.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a buckle that can adjust and maintain the fastening position relative to the strap while reducing the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A buckle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of side wall portions, a first bar and a second bar connecting the pair of side wall portions, a tab portion extending between the pair of side wall portions in a direction intersecting the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions, and a connecting portion connecting the tab portion to at least one of the pair of side wall portions, wherein the tab portion is disposed between the first bar and the second bar and has a tip portion capable of clamping a band between the first bar and the tab portion, and the tab portion is capable of changing its position so that the tip portion moves away from the first bar by elastically deforming a flexible portion that is at least a part of the connecting portion. With this configuration, when the band is looped around the first bar and inserted between the first bar and the second bar, the tab acts to prevent the band from slipping out, maintaining the fastening position of the buckle relative to the band. Also, by changing the position of the tab, the tab's prevention of the band from slipping out can be released, allowing the fastening position of the buckle relative to the band to be adjusted. Furthermore, because the elements that make up the buckle can be integrally formed, the number of parts that make up the buckle can be reduced.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the tab portion further has a rear end portion disposed on the opposite side of the connecting portion from the tip end portion side. With this configuration, by applying pressure to the rear end portion, the tab portion can be rotated around the flexible portion as a fulcrum, thereby reducing the force required to operate the tab portion.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the tip portion be able to abut against the second bar by changing the position of the tab portion. With this configuration, excessive changes in the posture of the tab portion can be prevented, and damage to the connecting portion can be suppressed.

[0009] In one form of the present invention, the connecting portion preferably includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that connect the tab portion to each of the pair of side wall portions, and each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion preferably includes a horizontal arm portion that extends from the side wall portion along the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions, and a vertical arm portion that extends from the horizontal arm portion along the extension direction of the tab portion and in which the flexible portion is formed. With this configuration, when the tab portion changes position, twisting is prevented from occurring at the connecting portion and its surroundings, and damage to the buckle can be prevented.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a groove is formed in the vertical arm portion along the opposing direction. With this configuration, the flexible portion can be suitably formed in the vertical arm portion.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the vertical arm portion extends from the horizontal arm portion toward the tip end side of the tab portion. In this configuration, the tab portion can be made easier to operate.

[0012] In one form of the present invention, the tab portion comprises an action portion including the tip portion, and an intermediate portion that is continuous with the action portion and has a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the action portion in the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions, and it is preferable that the vertical arm portion is connected to the action portion by passing between the intermediate portion and the side wall portions. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the overall width of the buckle from increasing, while ensuring a large width for the tip portion for clamping the band. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a buckle that can adjust and maintain the fastening position relative to the strap while reducing the number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a buckle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the buckle according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, illustrating an example of use of the buckle according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the attitude of the tab portion has changed from that shown in FIG. 3; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The buckle 1 of this embodiment is attached to bands B1 and B2 such as belts or tapes, and the fastening position relative to the band B1 is adjustable. Note that the bands B1 and B2 are not shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the following description of buckle 1, the mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z directions are used. Here, the main extension direction of bands B1 and B2 to which buckle 1 is attached is defined as the X direction, the width direction of bands B1 and B2 perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. One side of the Z direction (+Z direction) is defined as the front side of buckle 1, and the other side of the Z direction (-Z direction) is defined as the back side of buckle 1.

[0016] Buckle 1 is an injection-molded product made of a flexible material, such as a synthetic resin. Buckle 1 includes a pair of opposing side walls 2A, 2B, a plurality of bars (first bar 31, second bar 32, third bar 33, and fourth bar 34) connecting the pair of side walls 2A, 2B, a tab 4 disposed between the pair of side walls 2A, 2B, and a connecting portion 5 connecting the tab 4 to the pair of side walls 2A, 2B.

[0017] The side walls 2A, 2B are each arranged along the XZ plane, have a generally rectangular plate shape that is long in the X direction, and have inner surfaces 21 that face each other in the Y direction. The end of each of the side walls 2A, 2B on one side in the X direction (-X direction) is referred to as a rear end 22, and the end on the other side in the X direction (+X direction) is referred to as a front end 23. An edge 24 on the -Z side near the rear end 22 of each of the side walls 2A, 2B is inclined with respect to the X direction so that the edge 24 is positioned in the +Z direction as it approaches the -X direction.

[0018] In this embodiment, an adjustment band B1 extending from the rear side of the buckle 1 is wound around the first bar 31 and the second bar 32. The first bar 31 and the second bar 32 each extend in the Y direction so as to connect the inner surfaces 21 of the side wall portions 2A, 2B. The first bar 31 is disposed on the +Z side of the second bar 32, and a gap is formed between the first bar 31 and the second bar 32 in which a tip portion 411 of a tab portion 4, which will be described later, is disposed. The positional relationship between the first bar 31 and the second bar 32 in the X direction is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the second bar 32 be disposed on the -X side of the first bar 31.

[0019] In this embodiment, a fixing band B2 extending from the front side of the buckle 1 is attached to the third bar 33 and the fourth bar 34. The third bar 33 and the fourth bar 34 each extend in the Y direction on the +X side of the first bar 31 and the second bar 32 so as to connect the inner surfaces 21 of the side wall portions 2A and 2B. The third bar 33 is disposed on the -X side of the fourth bar 34, and a gap is formed in the X direction between the third bar 33 and the fourth bar 34. The fourth bar 34 is connected to the front end portions 23 of the side wall portions 2A and 2B.

[0020] Tab portion 4 is disposed between a pair of side walls 2A, 2B and extends in a direction intersecting the opposing direction of the pair of side walls 2A, 2B. Specifically, tab portion 4 has a plate shape disposed along the XY plane and includes an action portion 41 which is a portion on the +X side of tab portion 4, an operation portion 42 which is a portion on the -X side of tab portion 4, and an intermediate portion 43 which is a portion between action portion 41 and operation portion 42 and is continuous with action portion 41 and operation portion 42.

[0021] The action portion 41 includes a tip portion 411 that is the end portion on the +X side of the tab portion 4, and the Z direction dimension of the action portion 41 gradually decreases toward the tip portion 411. This tip portion 411 is disposed between the first bar 31 and the second bar 32, and forms a gap S between the tip portion 411 and the first bar 31, through which the band B1 can be inserted. A tip surface 412 of the tip portion 411 that faces the X direction is disposed on the path of the band B1 that passes between the first bar 31 and the second bar 32. In addition, when band B1 is not present, gap S between first bar 31 and tip 411 is preferably smaller than the thickness of band B1. Furthermore, when band B1 is not present, first bar 31 and tip 411 may come into contact, or gap S may be formed by changing the position of tab portion 4 as band B1 is inserted.

[0022] Operating portion 42 includes rear end 421, which is the end on the -X side of tab portion 4, and is positioned closer to the -X side than rear end 22 of side wall portions 2A and 2B and connecting portion 5. Operating portion 42 has operating surface 422 facing the -Z direction, which is inclined with respect to the X direction so that operating surface 422 is positioned in the +Z direction as it approaches the -X direction. This operating surface 422, together with edge portion 24 of the side wall portion, forms a space between band B1 and the operating surface 422 for inserting the user's fingers or the like.

[0023] In the tab portion 4, the width dimension W2 in the Y direction of the intermediate portion 43 is smaller than the width dimension W1 in the Y direction of the acting portion 41, and the acting portion 41 protrudes outward in the Y direction on both sides in the Y direction beyond the intermediate portion 43. The width dimension in the Y direction of the operating portion 42 is larger than the width dimension W2 of the intermediate portion 43, ensuring a wide operating surface 422 (see FIG. 2).

[0024] The connecting portion 5 includes a first connecting portion 5A that connects the side wall portion 2A and the tab portion 4, and a second connecting portion 5B that connects the side wall portion 2B and the tab portion 4. Hereinafter, the first connecting portion 5A and the second connecting portion 5B may be simply referred to as connecting portions 5A and 5B. The connecting portions 5A, 5B each include a horizontal arm portion 51 extending inward in the Y direction from the rear end portions 22 of the side wall portions 2A, 2B, and a vertical arm portion 52 extending from the horizontal arm portion 51 in the +X direction (i.e., in the extension direction of the tab portion 4). The vertical arm portion 52 passes between the side wall portion 2A (or side wall portion 2B) and the intermediate portion 43 of the tab portion 4, and is connected in the X direction to a portion of the acting portion 41 that protrudes outward in the Y direction beyond the intermediate portion 43. According to such connecting portions 5A, 5B, a gap is formed between the vertical arm portion 52 and the side wall portion 2A (or side wall portion 2B), and between the vertical arm portion 52 and the intermediate portion 43.

[0025] Further, a groove 521 is formed in the vertical arm portion 52 along the Y direction (see FIG. 3). As a result, the vertical arm portion 52 has an elastically deformable flexible portion 53 formed as a portion whose thickness in the Z direction is reduced by the groove 521. In this embodiment, the groove 521 of the vertical arm portion 52 opens in the -Z direction for the aesthetic appearance of the front side of the buckle 1, but it may open in the +Z direction. Also, in this embodiment, the groove 521 penetrates the vertical arm portion 52 in the Y direction, but it does not have to penetrate therethrough.

[0026] Next, an example of use and operation of the buckle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the worker attaches the bands B1 and B2 to the buckle 1. Specifically, the worker loops end BE of band B2 around third bar 33 from the back side of buckle 1, passes it between third bar 33 and fourth bar 34, and pulls it out to the back side of buckle 1. Then, the pulled-out end BE of band B2 is overlapped with the middle part of band B2 extending to the back side of buckle 1, and is fixed with any fixing tool or by sewing. The worker also loops end BE of band B1 around first bar 31 from the back side of buckle 1, passes it between first bar 31 and second bar 32, and pulls it out to the back side of buckle 1. Then, the worker adjusts the amount of end BE of band B1 pulled out from buckle 1 so that the length of band B1 from the other end (not shown) of band B1 to buckle 1 is the desired length.

[0027] When threading end BE of band B1 between first bar 31 and second bar 32, or when adjusting the amount of band B1 pulled out, the operator applies pressure F in the +Z direction to operating surface 422 of tab 4, changing the orientation of tab 4. At this time, the load applied to operating surface 422 is transmitted to connecting portions 5A and 5B via tab 4, elastically deforming flexible portions 53 of connecting portions 5A and 5B. As a result, tab 4 rotates around flexible portions 53 of connecting portions 5A and 5B, and tip 411 moves away from first bar 31. As a result, a gap S is formed between first bar 31 and tip 411, allowing band B1 to move freely (see FIG. 4). When tip 411 abuts against second bar 32, the range of rotation of tab 4 is limited.

[0028] After completing the adjustment of the amount of pullout of end BE of band B1, the operator releases the pressure being applied to operation surface 422 of tab 4. Then, the elastic force of flexible portion 53 causes tab 4 to return to its original position (see FIG. 3). At this time, tip 411 of tab 4 sandwiches band B1 between first bar 31, and tip surface 412 of tab 4 abuts against one surface of band B1. With the above steps, the attachment of the bands B1 and B2 to the buckle 1 is completed.

[0029] When buckle 1 is in use, tension is applied to bands B1 and B2, pulling them on both sides in the X direction of buckle 1. During this time, the middle portion of band B1 pinches end BE of band B1 between itself and second bar 32, pressing end BE against second bar 32, allowing buckle 1 to fasten to band B1.

[0030] Here, even if the posture of the buckle 1 changes and the middle portion of the band B1 no longer presses the end BE of the band B1 against the second bar 32, the tab portion 4 acts to prevent the band B1 from slipping out, so the fastening position of the buckle 1 relative to the band B1 can be maintained. Specifically, when tension is applied to band B1, a force is transmitted from band B1 to the tip surface 412 of tab portion 4 in the direction from second bar 32 to first bar 31. This applies a force to tip portion 411 of tab portion 4 in a direction approaching first bar 31, and band B1 is clamped with strong force between tip portion 411 and first bar 31. As a result, movement of band B1 relative to buckle 1 can be prevented.

[0031] In this embodiment, even when the buckle 1 is in the normal position, the tab portion 4 acts to prevent the band B1 from slipping off, so the buckle 1 is firmly fastened to the band B1. Furthermore, the elastic force of the flexible portion 53 is sufficient as long as it acts as a force to return the tab portion 4 to its original position, and may or may not contribute to preventing the tab portion 4 from slipping off the band B1.

[0032] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, the buckle 1 of this embodiment comprises a pair of side wall portions 2A, 2B, a first bar 31 and a second bar 32 connecting the pair of side wall portions 2A, 2B, a tab portion 4 arranged between the pair of side wall portions 2A, 2B and extending in a direction intersecting the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions 2A, 2B, and connecting portions 5A, 5B connecting the tab portion 4 to the pair of side wall portions 2A, 2B, the tab portion 4 being arranged between the first bar 31 and the second bar 32 and having a tip portion 411 capable of clamping the band B1 between itself and the first bar 31, and the tab portion 4 can change its position so that the tip portion 411 moves away from the first bar 31 by elastically deforming a flexible portion 53 that is part of the connecting portions 5A, 5B. With this configuration, the tab portion 4 acts as a retainer for the band B1, so the fastening position of the buckle 1 relative to the band B1 can be maintained. Also, by changing the position of the tab portion 4, the retaining effect of the tab portion 4 on the band B1 can be released, and the fastening position of the buckle 1 relative to the band B1 can be adjusted. Furthermore, because the elements that make up the buckle 1 can be formed integrally, the number of parts that make up the buckle 1 can be reduced.

[0033] In this embodiment, the tab portion 4 further has a rear end portion 421 that is located on the opposite side of the connecting portions 5A and 5B from the front end portion 411. With this configuration, by applying pressure to the rear end portion 421, the tab portion 4 can be rotated around the flexible portions 53 of the connecting portions 5A and 5B as a fulcrum. This reduces the force required to operate the tab portion 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, the tip portion 411 can come into contact with the second bar 32 as a result of the change in posture of the tab portion 4. This configuration can prevent excessive changes in posture of the tab portion 4, thereby suppressing damage to the connecting portions 5A and 5B.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connecting portions 5A, 5B include horizontal arms 51 extending from the side walls 2A, 2B in the Y direction, and vertical arms 52 extending from the horizontal arms 51 in the X direction and formed as flexible portions 53. With this configuration, twisting of the connecting portions 5A, 5B and their surroundings can be prevented when the tab portion 4 changes position, and damage to the buckle 1 can be suppressed.

[0036] In this embodiment, the connecting portions 5A and 5B are formed with grooves 521 extending in the Y direction. With this configuration, the flexible portions 53 can be suitably formed in the vertical arm portions 52.

[0037] In this embodiment, the vertical arm portion 52 extends from the horizontal arm portion 51 toward the tip portion 411 of the tab portion 4. With this configuration, the tab portion 4 can be made easier to operate.

[0038] In this embodiment, the tab portion 4 includes an action portion 41 including a tip portion 411, and an intermediate portion 43 that is continuous with the action portion 41 and has a width W2 that is smaller than the width W1 of the action portion 41, and the vertical arm portion 52 extends between the intermediate portion 43 and the side wall portion 2A (or side wall portion 2B) and is connected to the action portion 41. This configuration can ensure a large width for the tip portion 411 for clamping the band B1 while preventing the overall width of the buckle 1 from increasing.

[0039] (Variation) In the above embodiment, the buckle 1 is a single piece to which the adjustment band B1 and the fixing band B2 are attached, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a buckle according to a modified example may include a male member and a female member that are detachable from each other. In this case, the adjustment band B1 may be attached to one of the male member and the female member, and the fixing band B2 may be attached to the other, and the one of the male member and the female member may include the side walls 2A and 2B, the first bar 31, the second bar 32, the tab portion 4, and the connecting portion 5. Furthermore, the buckle 1 does not have to include the third bar 33 and the fourth bar 34, and the fixing band B2 does not have to be attached.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the elastically deformable flexible portion 53 is configured in the vertical arm portion 52 of the connecting portions 5A, 5B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the horizontal arm portion 51 of the connecting portions 5A, 5B may be elastically deformed, or the entire connecting portion including the horizontal arm portion 51 and the vertical arm portion 52 may be elastically deformed. In other words, the flexible portion 53 may be at least a part of the connecting portions 5A, 5B that is elastically deformable in response to a change in the position of the tab portion 4. Furthermore, the formation of the flexible portion 53 is not limited to the formation of the groove 521, but may be achieved by selecting the thickness or material, etc.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the shape of each of the connecting portions 5A, 5B can be changed as desired. For example, the connecting portions 5A, 5B may have any shape that connects the side wall portions 2A, 2B and the tab portion 4 within a range R (see FIG. 2) on the −X side of the first bar 31. Furthermore, the connecting portions 5A, 5B may be connected to the tab portion 4 in the Y direction instead of the X direction, or may be connected to the intermediate portion 43 instead of the action portion 41. In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 5 includes the first connecting portion 5A and the second connecting portion 5B, but may include only one of them. In this case, the connecting portion 5 may support the tab portion 4 in a cantilevered manner.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the shape of the tab portion 4 can be changed as desired. For example, the operating portion 42 and the intermediate portion 43 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, an operation may be performed in which the action portion 41 of the tab portion 4 is pushed toward the -Z side.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the thickness of the band B1 can be selected arbitrarily. For example, the thickness of the band B1 can be selected so that the tab portion 4 can change its position when the band B1 is inserted through the gap S. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1...buckle, 21...inner surface, 22...rear end portion, 23...front end portion, 24...edge portion, 2A, 2B...side wall portion, 31...first bar, 32...second bar, 33...third bar, 34...fourth bar, 4...tab portion, 41...acting portion, 411...tip portion, 412...tip surface, 42...operating portion, 421...rear end portion, 422...operating surface, 43...intermediate portion, 5...connecting portion, 5A...first connecting portion, 5B...second connecting portion, 51...horizontal arm portion, 52...vertical arm portion, 521...groove, 53...flexible portion, B1, B2...band, BE...end portion.

Claims

1. A pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B); a first bar (31) and a second bar (32) connecting the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B); a tab portion (4) extending between the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B) in a direction intersecting the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B); a connecting portion (5) connecting the tab portion (4) and at least one of the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B), The tab portion (4) is a tip portion (411) disposed between the first bar (31) and the second bar (32) and capable of clamping the strip (B1) between the tip portion (411) and the first bar (31); an action portion (41) including the tip portion (411); an intermediate portion (43) that is continuous with the action portion (41) and has a width dimension (W2) that is smaller than the width dimension (W1) of the action portion (41) in the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B); and a rear end portion (421) disposed on the opposite side of the front end portion (411) with respect to the connecting portion (5), The connecting portion (5) includes a first connecting portion (5A) and a second connecting portion (5B) that connect the tab portion (4) to each of the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B), Each of the first connecting portion (5A) and the second connecting portion (5B) is a horizontal arm portion (51) extending from the side wall portion (2A, 2B) along the opposing direction of the pair of side wall portions (2A, 2B); a vertical arm portion (52) extending from the horizontal arm portion (51) toward the tip portion (411) of the tab portion (4) and having a flexible portion (53) formed thereon; The vertical arm portion (52) is connected to the action portion (41) through a gap between the intermediate portion (43) and the side wall portions (2A, 2B), When an operating force is applied to the rear end portion (421), the tab portion (4) elastically deforms the flexible portion (53), thereby changing its position so that the tip portion (411) moves away from the first bar (31).

2. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion (411) can abut against the second bar (32) by changing the position of the tab portion (4).

3. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein the vertical arm portions (52) are formed with grooves (521) along the opposing directions.

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