Belt clamp

Abstract

To provide a belt clamp for allowing easy insertion of a belt into a belt insertion hole in the width direction.SOLUTION: A belt clamp 1 has a belt 2 which is long-sized and belt-shaped. At the base end of the belt 2, a buckle 4 is provided. The buckle 4 has a belt insertion hole 53. The belt insertion hole 53 passes through for the belt 2 to be inserted therethrough in the longitudinal direction. The buckle 4 has a slit 56. The slit 56 orthogonal to the belt insertion hole 53 is communicated with the belt insertion hole 53 so that the belt 2 can be inserted into the belt insertion hole 53 in the width direction. Each face of an entrance 57 of the slit 56 has an inclined surface 59 for gradually narrowing the opening width of the slit 56 as extending from the entrance 57 of the slit 56 to the belt insertion hole 53.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a belt clamp.

Background Art

[0002] A belt clamp is used, for example, for binding wire harnesses and the like wired inside automobiles and the like. The belt clamp includes a belt that can be wound around the outer circumferential surface of a bound object such as a wire harness. A buckle is provided at the base end of the belt. The tip end of the belt wound around the outer circumferential surface of the bound object is inserted into a belt insertion hole formed in the buckle. The tip end of the belt is further pulled to bind the bound object by the belt. The belt is prevented from slipping out of the buckle by a lock piece provided on the buckle.

[0003] The band clamp of Patent Document 1 has a slit that allows the belt to be inserted into the belt insertion hole in the width direction. This enables the belt to be inserted into the belt insertion hole in the width direction without inserting the tip end of the belt into the belt insertion hole. Therefore, even in a location where it is difficult to insert the tip end of the belt into the belt insertion hole, the belt can be easily inserted into the belt insertion hole. Accordingly, the workability of the binding operation for the bound object can be improved.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the band clamp described in Patent Document 1, the edge of the slit entrance is formed at approximately a right angle. Therefore, it is difficult to guide the belt into the slit. Also, the opening width of the slit is formed to be constant from the entrance to the exit. Therefore, it is difficult to guide the belt into the belt insertion hole inside the slit. Thus, it has been conventionally necessary to make it easier to insert the belt into the belt insertion hole in the width direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one feature of this disclosure, a belt clamp has a long, strip-shaped belt. The base end of the belt has a buckle. The buckle has a belt insertion hole. The belt insertion hole is through which the belt is inserted in the longitudinal direction. The buckle has a slit. The slit is perpendicular to the belt insertion hole and communicates with the belt insertion hole, allowing the belt to be inserted into the belt insertion hole in the width direction. Both sides of the entrance of the slit have inclined surfaces that gradually narrow the opening width of the slit from the entrance of the slit toward the belt insertion hole.

[0007] Therefore, the inclined surface guides the belt into the slit. Also, because the opening width of the slit gradually narrows, the inside of the slit guides the belt into the belt insertion hole. Consequently, it is easy to insert the belt into the belt insertion hole in the width direction.

[0008] According to other features of this disclosure, the belt has a first edge that is inserted into the entrance of the slit in the width direction. The opposite side of the first edge has a second edge. The first edge tapers away from the second edge. This makes it easy to insert the first edge of the belt into the slit.

[0009] According to other features of this disclosure, the buckle has an inner wall connected to a belt. It has an outer wall facing the inner wall through a belt insertion hole. It has a first side wall connecting the end of the inner wall to the end of the outer wall. The opposite side of the first side wall has a second side wall with a slit formed therein. The first side wall is thicker than the outer wall and the second side wall. Therefore, the first side wall is rigid. Thus, even if the outer wall flexes when the belt passes through the slit, the necessary rigidity can be ensured.

[0010] According to other features of this disclosure, the buckle has a claw that runs along the belt insertion hole and protrudes toward the slit. The claw has an inner surface that gradually extends toward the belt in the belt insertion hole toward the slit. Therefore, the claw acts in opposition to the belt located in the belt insertion hole. Thus, the belt can be prevented from slipping out of the belt insertion hole.

[0011] According to other features of this disclosure, the belt has side walls that face the claws when positioned within the belt insertion hole. The side walls have inclined surfaces parallel to the inner surface of the claws. Therefore, the claws exert a strong counteracting force against the belt positioned within the belt insertion hole. Consequently, the belt can be more effectively prevented from slipping out of the belt insertion hole.

[0012] According to other features of this disclosure, the claws protrude toward the slit along the edge of the belt located within the belt insertion hole. The protruding claws have a height of 60% or more of the total length of the belt edge. Therefore, the claws sufficiently interfere with the edge of the belt located within the belt insertion hole. Thus, the belt can be prevented from slipping out of the belt insertion hole.

[0013] According to other features of this disclosure, the buckle has a pair of receiving portions, each having an inclined surface at the entrance of the slit. Each receiving portion becomes narrower as it moves away from the belt insertion hole. This ensures a wide inclined surface for guiding the belt into the slit. In other words, the belt is guided into the slit from just before the entrance. Furthermore, the pair of receiving portions can increase the rigidity of the entrance portion of the slit.

[0014] In other features of the present disclosure, the belt clamp has a long, strip-shaped belt that can be wrapped around an object to be bound. The base end of the belt has a buckle formed with a belt insertion hole through which the belt is inserted from the tip. The belt has a first straight section extending linearly from the buckle. The belt further has a second straight section extending linearly from the tip of the first straight section in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound. The belt further has a third straight section extending linearly from the tip of the second straight section in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound. The first angle between the first and second straight sections is less than or equal to the second angle between the second and third straight sections.

[0015] Therefore, when wrapping a belt around an object to be bound, for example, insert the belt from the tip towards a wall-like object below the object to be bound. Then, the tip of the third straight section of the belt comes into contact with the object. Because the third straight section has a second angle with respect to the second straight section, the tip of the third straight section makes contact with the object at an angle. If the belt is inserted further, force concentrates at the bend between the third and second straight sections, causing the third straight section to bend relative to the second straight section. Then the third straight section makes surface contact with the object. Because the second straight section has a first angle with respect to the first straight section, the tip of the second straight section also makes contact with the object at an angle. Therefore, if the belt is inserted further, force concentrates at the bend between the second and first straight sections, causing the second straight section to bend relative to the first straight section. Then the second straight section of the belt makes surface contact with the object. If the belt is inserted further, the tip of the first straight section of the belt makes surface contact with the object. The angle between the first and third straight sections is the sum of the first and second angles. Therefore, when the tip of the first straight section makes surface contact with the mating object, the third straight section extends away from the mating object towards the worker. Moreover, because the tip of the first straight section is in surface contact with the mating object, the angle of the third straight section relative to the mating object becomes the desired angle, i.e., the angle relative to the tip of the first straight section. As a result, the tip of the third straight section, which is the end of the belt, can be easily gripped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the belt clamp according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from the lower side. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the buckle seen from the opposite side. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a right side view of the belt clamp. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the buckle. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a right side view illustrating the procedure of a binding work of an object to be bound by the belt clamp. [Figure 8] The next procedure following FIG. 7 is described. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a plan view describing the next procedure following FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the belt clamp according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the procedure of a binding work of an object to be bound by the belt clamp. [Figure 12] The next procedure following FIG. 11 is described. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a plan view describing the next procedure following FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a right side view of the belt clamp according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a right side view of the belt clamp according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 9 shows a modified example of the cross-section of the belt. [Figure 17] This shows a modified example of the second linear portion of the belt. [Figure 18] This shows a modified example of the notch in the second linear portion of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] This shows another modified example of the notch in the second linear portion of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] This shows still another modified example of the notch in the second linear portion of FIG. 17. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 shows a modified example of the buckle. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the buckle. [Figure 23] Figure 22 shows the first modified example of the schematic diagram. [Figure 24] Figure 22 shows a second modified example of the schematic diagram. [Figure 25] Figure 22 shows a third modified example of the schematic diagram. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the following description, the directions of up, down, front, back, left, and right will be those indicated in each figure. This will also apply to the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments described later. As shown in Figures 1 to 2, the belt clamp 1 of the first embodiment is a one-piece molded product made of a rigid synthetic resin material. The belt clamp 1 is broadly divided into a belt 2 and a buckle 4. The belt 2 and buckle 4 will be described individually below.

[0018] First, let's describe belt 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, belt 2 is a long, straight strip of a constant width, and is configured to be wrapped around the outer surface of the object to be bundled 10, such as a wire harness. Belt 2 has a first straight section 20, a second straight section 25, a third straight section 27, and a fourth straight section 29. In other words, belt 2 has a shape that is folded in three sections. The base end 21 of the first straight section 20 extends linearly from the buckle 4. This extension direction is the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the buckle 4, which will be described later. The second straight section 25 extends linearly from the tip 22 of the first straight section 20 and in a direction that wraps around the object to be bundled 10.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the third straight section 27 extends linearly from the tip 26 of the second straight section 25 in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound 10. The fourth straight section 29 extends linearly from the tip 28 of the third straight section 27 in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound 10. Therefore, there is a first bend 37 between the first straight section 20 and the second straight section 25. There is a second bend 38 between the second straight section 25 and the third straight section 27. There is a third bend 39 between the third straight section 27 and the fourth straight section 29.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, of the two angles formed by the first straight section 20 and the second straight section 25, let A be the angle that extends in the direction of wrapping around the object to be bound 10. Also, of these two angles, let B (first angle B) be the angle opposite to the angle that extends in the direction of wrapping around the object to be bound 10. Similarly, of the two angles formed by the second straight section 25 and the third straight section 27, let C be the angle that extends in the direction of wrapping around the object to be bound 10. Also, of these two angles, let D (second angle D) be the angle opposite to the angle that extends in the direction of wrapping around the object to be bound 10.

[0021] Similarly, of the two angles formed by the third straight section 27 and the fourth straight section 29, let E be the angle extending in the direction of wrapping around the object to be bound 10. Also, of these two angles, let F (third angle F) be the angle opposite to the side extending in the direction of wrapping around the object to be bound 10. In this first embodiment, the first angle B = 10°, the second angle D = 20°, and the third angle F = 30°. In these cases, the relationship first angle B ≤ second angle D ≤ third angle F holds true. Furthermore, the sum of these first angle B, second angle D, and third angle F is 90° or less. Note that if this sum is approximately 90°, when the tip 22 of the first straight section 20 of the belt 2 makes surface contact with the object 70 (as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8), the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 faces approximately towards the operator, making it easy for the operator to grasp the tip 30.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the inner surface 23 of the first straight section 20 has rack teeth 24 at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the first straight section 20. As shown in Figure 5, the lower side (back side) of the right edge 33, which is the first edge of the second straight section 25, has an R-shaped section 33a. The upper side (front side) has a tapered section 33b such that the right edge 33 tapers away from the left edge 35, which is the second edge and is opposite to the first edge.

[0023] In other words, the right edge 33 of the second straight section 25 is tapered. The right edge 33 is the edge that is inserted into the entrance 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4 in the left-right direction (width direction of the belt 2). This tapered shape allows the second straight section 25 to be inserted laterally from the slit 56 of the buckle 4 into the belt insertion hole 53 to be carried out smoothly. The inclusion of these R-shaped section 33a and tapered section 33b is not limited to the second straight section 25, but is also the case for the first straight section 20, the third straight section 27, and the fourth straight section 29.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the central part of the inner surface 31 of the fourth straight section 29 has roughly triangular projections 32 at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the fourth straight section 29. This improves the frictional force between the fingers and the fourth straight section 29 when the worker pinches and pulls the fourth straight section 29 with their fingers during the binding process. Therefore, it prevents the fourth straight section 29 from slipping when pulled (improves grip).

[0025] Furthermore, this projection 32 can engage with the engaging claw 61 of the buckle 4, which will be described later. Therefore, when the fourth straight section 29 is inserted laterally into the belt insertion hole 53 from the slit 56 of the buckle 4, the projection 32 of the laterally inserted fourth straight section 29 engages (temporarily fastens) with the engaging claw 61 of the buckle 4. Consequently, it is easier to wrap the belt 2 around the outer surface of the object to be fastened 10 (preventing the belt 2 from coming off). The same applies when inserting the fourth straight section 29 into the belt insertion hole 53 from the entrance 54 of the buckle 4.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the length of belt 2 is L (distance from buckle 4 to the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of belt 2). The length of the first straight section 20 is L1. The length of the second straight section 25 is L2. The length of the third straight section 27 is L3. The length of the fourth straight section 29 is L4. In these cases, the relationship L2 = L3 = L4 holds true. Also, the relationship L × 28% ± 10% = L2 + L3 + L4 = L1 - L1.

[0027] Next, the buckle 4 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the buckle 4 is roughly box-shaped and has a belt insertion hole 53 inside for passing the belt 2 through. As shown in Figure 6, the entrance 54 and exit 55 at the upper and lower ends of the belt insertion hole 53 are open to communicate (through). The belt insertion hole 53 is configured so that the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of the belt 2 can be inserted through the entrance 54 in the longitudinal direction of the belt 2.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the buckle 4 has an inner wall 40, an outer wall 42, a first side wall 44, and a second side wall 49. The inner wall 40 is connected to the base end 21 of the first straight section 20 of the belt 2 via a thin-walled portion 40a that is curved upward at approximately 90°. With the presence of this thin-walled portion 40a, when the belt 2 is wrapped around the outer surface of the object to be fastened 10 and tightened, the thin-walled portion 40a also bends, thus suppressing the amount of bending of the tightened belt 2. Therefore, the stress acting on the tightened belt 2 is distributed not only to the base end 21 of the belt 2 but also to the thin-walled portion 40a. In other words, stress distribution against tightening (bending) of the belt 2 can be achieved.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the inner surface 41 of the inner wall 40 has a flexible piece 60 that protrudes downward and is elastically deformable. The surface of the flexible piece 60 has an engaging claw 61 that can engage with the rack teeth 24 of the first straight section 20 of the belt 2. As shown in Figure 5, the left edge of the engaging claw 61 has a rounded edge 61a. Therefore, when the second straight section 25 is inserted laterally from the slit 56 of the buckle 4 into the belt insertion hole 53, interference between the right edge 33 of the inserted second straight section 25 and the engaging claw 61 of the buckle 4 is suppressed. Thus, the second straight section 25 can be inserted laterally smoothly.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the outer wall 42 faces the inner wall 40 via the belt insertion hole 53. The upper end of the outer wall 42 is provided with an R-shaped section 43 that slopes downward from rear to front toward the belt insertion hole 53 and has a width approximately the same as the width of the belt 2. This improves the ease of insertion when inserting the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of the belt 2 into the entrance 54 of the belt insertion hole 53 during the binding process. As a result, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of the belt 2 can be smoothly inserted into the entrance 54 of the belt insertion hole 53.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the first side wall 44 connects the right end of the inner wall 40 and the right end of the outer wall 42. As shown in Figure 1, the first side wall 44 has a first overhang 47 at its upper end that extends to the right along the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 1, the first side wall 44 has a second overhang 48 at its central part in the front-rear direction that extends to the right along the up-down direction. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the thickness T1 of the first side wall 44 is greater than the thickness T2 of the outer wall 42 and the thickness T3 of the second side wall 49.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the second side wall 49 is on the opposite side of the first side wall 44 and has a slit 56 that communicates the inside and outside of the belt insertion hole 53 vertically. The slit 56 is perpendicular to the belt insertion hole 53 and communicates with the belt insertion hole 53, allowing the belt 2 to be inserted into the belt insertion hole 53 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 5, the second side wall 49 has a claw 50 that runs along the belt insertion hole 53 and protrudes toward the slit 56. The claw 50 has an inner surface 51 that gradually extends toward the belt 2 inside the belt insertion hole 53 toward the slit 56.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the claw 50 protrudes toward the slit 56 along the left edge 35 of the belt 2 located within the belt insertion hole 53. The protruding height H of the claw 50 is approximately 80% of the total length H1 of the left edge 35 of the belt 2. As shown in Figure 4, the second side wall 49 has a pair of receiving portions 52, each having an inclined surface 59 at the entrance 57 of the slit 56. Each of the pair of receiving portions 52 becomes narrower as it moves away from the belt insertion hole 53. That is, the pair of receiving portions 52 become narrower toward the belt insertion hole 53. The buckle 4 is configured in this way.

[0034] Next, the process of securing the object to be secured 10 using the belt clamp 1 will be explained. First, the belt 2 is inserted below the object to be secured 10, and the belt 2 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the object to be secured 10. Next, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of the belt 2, which is wrapped around the outer circumference of the object to be secured 10, is inserted into the entrance 54 of the belt insertion hole 53 of the buckle 4. Next, the tip 30 of the belt 2 that was inserted into the entrance 54 is pulled out from the exit 55 and temporarily secured. As a result of this temporary securing, the rack teeth 24 of the belt 2 and the engaging claws 61 of the flexible piece 60 of the buckle 4 slide against each other.

[0035] Then, the pressure from the inserted belt 2 causes the flexible piece 60 of the buckle 4 to bend toward the inner surface 41. The reaction force of this bending causes the rack teeth 24 and the engaging claws 61 to temporarily engage, temporarily locking the belt 2 and the buckle 4. Next, with the insertion opening of the special tool inserted into the exit 55 of the belt insertion hole 53, the special tool is operated. Then, the belt 2 wrapped around the outer surface of the object to be bound 10 is tightened until it reaches a predetermined tightened state.

[0036] Therefore, the rack teeth 24 of the belt 2 and the engaging claws 61 of the flexible piece 60 of the buckle 4 engage, locking the belt 2 and the buckle 4 together. After this locking, the excess portion of the belt 2 pulled out from the exit 55 of the belt insertion hole 53 of the buckle 4 is cut off. In this way, the object to be bound 10 can be bound to the belt 2. Of course, the belt 2 can also be tightened and the excess portion of the belt 2 cut off by hand with wire cutters or scissors without using any special tools.

[0037] In addition, during the binding process described above, there may be cases where a wall-like object 70 exists at the end of the belt 2 inserted below the object to be bound 10. This case will be explained below.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, for example, the belt 2 is inserted below the object to be bound 10, from the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 toward the wall-shaped object 70. Then, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of the belt 2 comes into contact with the object 70. Because the fourth straight section 29 has a third angle F with respect to the third straight section 27, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 makes contact with the object 70 at an angle.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, when the belt 2 is inserted further, force concentrates at the third bend 39 between the fourth straight section 29 and the third straight section 27, causing the fourth straight section 29 to bend relative to the third straight section 27. The fourth straight section 29 then makes surface contact with the mating object. Because the third straight section 27 has a second angle D with respect to the second straight section 25, the tip 28 of the third straight section 27 makes contact with the mating object 70 at an angle. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, when the belt 2 is inserted further, force concentrates at the second bend 38 between the third straight section 27 and the second straight section 25, causing the third straight section 27 to bend relative to the second straight section 25. The third straight section 27 then makes surface contact with the mating object 70. Because the second straight section 25 has a first angle B with respect to the first straight section 20, the tip 26 of the second straight section 25 also makes contact with the mating object 70 at an angle.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, when the belt 2 is inserted further, force concentrates at the first bent portion 37 between the second straight portion 25 and the first straight portion 20, causing the second straight portion 25 to bend relative to the first straight portion 20. Then the second straight portion 25 of the belt 2 makes surface contact with the mating object 70. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 8, when the belt 2 is inserted further, the tip portion 22 of the first straight portion 20 of the belt 2 makes surface contact with the mating object 70.

[0041] The angle between the first straight section 20 and the fourth straight section 29 is the sum of the first angle B, the second angle D, and the third angle F. Therefore, when the tip 22 of the first straight section 20 makes surface contact with the mating object 70, the fourth straight section 29 extends away from the mating object 70 toward the worker. Moreover, because the tip 22 of the first straight section 20 is in surface contact with the mating object 70, the angle of the fourth straight section 29 with respect to the mating object 70 becomes the desired angle, that is, the angle with respect to the tip 22 of the first straight section 20. Therefore, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29, which is the tip of the belt 2, can be easily gripped.

[0042] Furthermore, in the aforementioned binding work, there are cases where it is difficult to insert the tip 30 of the belt 2 into the belt insertion hole 53. That is, there may be components on both the left and right sides of the buckle 4 that interfere with the worker's fingers. This case will be explained below.

[0043] First, as shown in Figure 1, insert the belt 2 below the object to be bound 10. Next, wrap the belt 2 around the outer circumference of the object to be bound 10. Then, as shown in Figure 5, insert the belt 2 in the width direction (sideways insertion) from the right edge 33 of the second straight section 25 of the wrapped belt 2 toward the entrance 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4. As a result, the belt 2 passes through the slit 56 while the outer wall 42 of the buckle 4 is bent so that the opening width of the slit 56 widens.

[0044] At this time, because the right edge 33 of the second straight section 25 has a tapered shape, it is easy to insert the belt 2 in the width direction toward the entrance 57 of the slit 56. Also, because it has a pair of receiving sections 52, it is easy to guide the belt 2 toward the entrance 57 of the slit 56. Eventually, the belt 2 passes through the slit 56 and reaches the belt insertion hole 53. Then, as shown in Figure 9, it becomes the same state as when the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29 of the belt 2 is inserted through the entrance 54 of the belt insertion hole 53 of the buckle 4 and tightened.

[0045] Therefore, as described above, the tip 30 of the belt 2 is pulled out from the exit 55 and temporarily fastened. Thereafter, the object to be fastened 10 can be fastened to the belt 2 using the same procedure as described above. Therefore, even when working in a place where it is difficult to insert the tip 30 of the belt 2 into the belt insertion hole 53, the belt 2 can be easily inserted into the belt insertion hole 53.

[0046] In the state shown in Figure 9, approximately 80% of the total length H1 of the left edge 35 of the belt 2 overlaps with the protruding height H of the claw 50 of the buckle 4 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the belt 2.

[0047] The belt clamp 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above. With this configuration, the belt 2 has a first straight section 20 that extends linearly from the buckle 4. Furthermore, the belt 2 has a second straight section 25 that extends linearly from the tip 22 of the first straight section 20 in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound 10. Furthermore, the belt 2 has a third straight section 27 that extends linearly from the tip 26 of the second straight section 25 in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound 10. The first angle B between the first straight section 20 and the second straight section 25 is less than or equal to the second angle D between the second straight section 25 and the third straight section 27. Therefore, when the tip 22 of the first straight section 20 of the belt 2 makes surface contact with the object 70, the third straight section 27, which is the tip of the belt 2, extends away from the object 70 toward the worker. Thus, the tip 28 of the third straight section 27, which is the tip of the belt 2, can be easily gripped.

[0048] Furthermore, with this configuration, the belt 2 has a fourth straight section 29 that extends linearly from the tip 28 of the third straight section 27 in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound 10. The second angle D is less than or equal to the third angle between the third straight section 27 and the fourth straight section 29. Therefore, the fourth straight section 29, which is the tip of the belt 2, extends toward the mating object 70 via the sum of the first angle B, the second angle D, and the third angle F. Consequently, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29, which is the tip of the belt 2, is reliably facing toward the worker. As a result, the tip of the belt 2 is easier for the worker to grasp.

[0049] Furthermore, with this configuration, the relationship L2 of the belt section 25 = L3 of the belt section 27 = L4 of the belt section 4 is satisfied. Therefore, the second, third, and fourth straight sections 25, 27, and 29 can be arranged in a balanced manner.

[0050] Furthermore, with this configuration, the length of belt 2 L × 28% ± 10% = length of belt 2 L - length of the first straight section 20 L1. Therefore, while minimizing the excess portion of belt 2 that is cut, the length of belt 2 also provides the effect of the tip of belt 2 contacting the object 70 and facing the worker when wrapping belt 2 around the object to be bound 10.

[0051] Furthermore, in this configuration, the belt 2 has a slit 56. The slit 56 is perpendicular to the belt insertion hole 53 and communicates with the belt insertion hole 53, allowing the belt 2 to be inserted into the belt insertion hole 53 in the width direction. Both sides of the entrance 57 of the slit 56 have inclined surfaces 59 that gradually narrow the opening width of the slit 56 from the entrance 57 toward the belt insertion hole 53. Therefore, the inclined surfaces 59 guide the belt 2 into the slit 56. Also, because the opening width of the slit 56 gradually narrows, the inside of the slit 56 guides the belt 2 into the belt insertion hole 53. Thus, it is easy to insert the belt 2 into the belt insertion hole 53 in the width direction.

[0052] Furthermore, with this configuration, the right edge 33, which is the first edge of the first straight section 20, tapers away from the left edge 35, which is the second edge and is on the opposite side of the first edge. Therefore, it is easy to insert the right edge 33 of the belt 2 into the slit 56.

[0053] Furthermore, with this configuration, the thickness T1 of the first side wall 44 is greater than the thickness T2 of the outer wall 42 and the thickness T3 of the second side wall 49. As a result, the first side wall 44 becomes stronger. Therefore, even if the outer wall 42 flexes when the belt 2 passes through the slit 56 of the buckle 4, the necessary rigidity can be ensured.

[0054] Furthermore, with this configuration, the second side wall 49 has a claw 50 that runs along the belt insertion hole 53 and protrudes toward the slit 56. The claw 50 has an inner surface 51 that gradually extends toward the belt 2 inside the belt insertion hole 53 toward the slit 56. Therefore, the claw 50 acts in opposition to the belt 2 located inside the belt insertion hole 53. Thus, the slippage of the belt 2 from inside the belt insertion hole 53 can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, with this configuration, the claw 50 protrudes toward the slit 56 along the left edge 35 of the belt 2 located within the belt insertion hole 53. The protruding height H of the claw 50 is approximately 80% of the total length H1 of the left edge 35 of the belt 2. Therefore, the claw 50 sufficiently interferes with the left edge 35 of the belt 2 located within the belt insertion hole 53. Thus, the slippage of the belt 2 from within the belt insertion hole 53 can be suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, with this configuration, the second side wall 49 has a pair of receiving portions 52, each having an inclined surface 59 at the entrance 57 of the slit 56. The pair of receiving portions 52 become narrower as they move away from the belt insertion hole 53. Therefore, a wide area of ​​the inclined surface 59 for guiding the belt 2 into the slit 56 can be secured. In other words, the belt 2 can be guided into the slit 56 from just before the entrance 57 of the slit 56 (making insertion easier). In addition, the rigidity of the entrance 57 portion of the slit 56 can be increased by the pair of receiving portions 52.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10-13. The belt clamp 101 of this second embodiment differs from the belt clamp 1 of the first embodiment, which has already been described, in that the belt 2 is folded in two stages. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components and components that perform the same function as those in the belt clamp 1 of the first embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted. This also applies to the third embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the belt 2 of the belt clamp 101 has a first straight section 20, a second straight section 25, and a third straight section 27. In this belt clamp 101, the first angle B = 30° and the second angle D = 30°. Also, in this belt clamp 101, the relationship L2 of the belt section 25 > L3 of the belt section 27 holds true. The same effects and advantages as belt clamp 1 can be obtained with this belt clamp 101 as with belt clamp 1. For example, in the process of binding objects 10, if there is a wall-like object 70 at the end of the belt 2 inserted below the objects 10, the tip 28 of the third straight section 27, which is the tip of the belt 2, will reliably face the worker, making it easy for the worker to grasp the tip of the belt 2 (see Figures 11-13). Note that in this belt clamp 101, the relationship L2 of the belt section 25 = L3 of the belt section 27 may also hold true. Furthermore, in this belt clamp 101, the relationship L2 of the belt length of the second straight section 25 < L3 of the belt length of the third straight section 27 may also be satisfied. Even in that case, the same effects and advantages as those of the belt clamp 1 can be obtained.

[0059] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. The belt clamp 201 of this third embodiment differs from the belt clamp 101 of the second embodiment already described in terms of its first angle B.

[0060] As shown in Figure 14, the belt 2 of the belt clamp 201 has a first straight section 20, a second straight section 25, and a third straight section 27. In this belt clamp 201, the first angle B = 25° and the second angle D = 30°. The same effects as those of the belt clamp 101 can be obtained with this belt clamp 201 as well. For example, in the process of binding objects 10, if there is a wall-like object 70 at the end of the belt 2 inserted below the objects 10, the tip 28 of the third straight section 27, which is the tip of the belt 2, will be reliably facing the worker, making it easy for the worker to grasp the tip of the belt 2.

[0061] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. The belt clamp 301 of this fourth embodiment differs from the belt clamp 1 of the first embodiment described earlier in its second angle D and third angle F.

[0062] As shown in Figure 15, the belt 2 of the belt clamp 301 has a first straight section 20, a second straight section 25, a third straight section 27, and a fourth straight section 29. In this belt clamp 301, the first angle B = 10°, the second angle D = 10°, and the third angle F = 10°. The same effects as those of the belt clamp 1 can be obtained with this belt clamp 301 as well. For example, in the process of binding objects 10, if there is a wall-like object 70 at the end of the belt 2 inserted below the objects 10, the tip 30 of the fourth straight section 29, which is the tip of the belt 2, will be reliably facing the worker, making it easy for the worker to grasp the tip of the belt 2.

[0063] Various modifications can be made to the belt clamp 1 described above. For example, the belt 2 of the belt clamp 1 has four straight sections: the first straight section 20, the second straight section 25, the third straight section 27, and the fourth straight section 29. Alternatively, the belt 2 of the belt clamp 1 may have five straight sections: the first straight section 20, the second straight section 25, the third straight section 27, the fourth straight section 29, and the fifth straight section. In that case as well, the relationship B ≤ D ≤ F ≤

[0064] For example, the relationship L2 of the second straight section 25 = L3 of the third straight section 27 = L4 of the fourth straight section 29 holds true. Alternatively, the lengths of the belts L2, L3, and L4 of the second straight section 25, the third straight section 27, and the fourth straight section 29 may differ by no more than 10%.

[0065] For example, a wire harness was described as the object to be bundled 10. Alternatively, the object to be bundled 10 may be a cable bundle. Also, for example, the buckle 4 may have an attachment member such as an anchor that can be attached to the mounting hole of the panel member. In that case, the object to be bundled 10 can be fastened to the panel member using the belt clamp 1.

[0066] For example, we described an example where the left side wall 36 of the left edge 35 of belt 2 is aligned in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16, the left side wall 36 of the left edge 35 of belt 2 may be an inclined surface parallel to the inner surface 51 of the claw 50. In that case, the claw 50 will exert a stronger counteracting effect on belt 2 located inside the belt insertion hole 53. Therefore, the slippage of belt 2 from inside the belt insertion hole 53 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the right edge of the second straight section 25 of the belt 2 may have a notch 25a formed therein, which penetrates in the thickness direction. This makes it easier for the worker to recognize the belt 2 when performing the binding work on the objects to be bound 10, even if the worker cannot see the binding work (blind work), as their fingers can touch the notch 25a. Also, when inserting the belt 2 in the width direction toward the opening 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4, inserting it from the notch 25a reduces the insertion resistance caused by this insertion. Therefore, the belt 2 can be smoothly inserted into the belt insertion hole 53 of the buckle 4.

[0068] For example, the notch 25a described is cut so as to penetrate the belt 2 in the thickness direction. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, the notch 25a may be a shallow cut in a portion of the belt 2 in the thickness direction. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the notch 25a may be an arc shape when viewed from the right side. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the notch 25a may be a deep cut in a portion of the belt 2 in the thickness direction.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the corners of the slit 56 of the buckle 4 may be tapered (chamfered as tapered surfaces (D)). These tapered surfaces (D) are formed by chamfering the corners of three surfaces: the top surface (A) of the buckle 4, the inner surface (B) of the slit 56, and the outer surface (C) of the receiving portion 52. This prevents the belt 2 from interfering with the corners when it is inserted in the width direction toward the opening 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4. As a result, the belt 2 can be smoothly inserted into the belt insertion hole 53 of the buckle 4.

[0070] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing the four surfaces (A) to (D) described above in the buckle 4 of Figure 21. Furthermore, a tapered surface (D) may be formed in the buckle 4 as shown in Figures 23 to 24. That is, the tapered surface (D) only needs to span at least two of the three surfaces (A) to (C) described above. Also, the tapered surface (D) does not need to be formed over the entire surface; it only needs to be formed at the corners. Additionally, a notch (E) may be formed in place of the tapered surface (D) in the buckle 4 as shown in Figure 25. Even in these cases, the effects and advantages shown in Figures 21 to 22 can be obtained.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first angle B = 10°, the second angle D = 20°, and the third angle F = 30° were described. Alternatively, the values ​​of these angles can be any number in degrees as long as the relationship B ≤ D ≤ F holds true. Preferably, the sum of these angles is close to 90°. These points are also true in the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the belt 2 is inserted in the width direction (sideways) from the right edge 33 of the second straight portion 25 of the wrapped belt 2 toward the entrance 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4. Alternatively, the belt 2 may be inserted in the width direction from the right edge 33 of the third straight portion 27 or the fourth straight portion 29 of the belt 2 toward the entrance 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4. Of course, the belt 2 may also be inserted in the width direction from the right edge 33 of the first straight portion 20 of the belt 2 toward the entrance 57 of the slit 56 of the buckle 4. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Belt clamp 2 belts 4 buckles 10 Object to be bound 21 Proximal end 53 Belt insertion holes 56 slits 57 Entrance 59 Slope

Claims

1. It is a belt clamp, A long, strip-shaped belt, The belt has a buckle provided at its base end, The aforementioned buckle is, A belt insertion hole through which the belt is inserted in the longitudinal direction, A slit perpendicular to the belt insertion hole and communicating with the belt insertion hole, allowing the belt to be inserted into the belt insertion hole in the width direction, The slit has inclined surfaces formed on both sides of the entrance so as to gradually narrow the opening width of the slit from the entrance of the slit toward the belt insertion hole, The buckle has a claw that protrudes along the belt insertion hole and toward the slit, and the claw has an inner surface that gradually extends toward the belt in the belt insertion hole toward the slit, forming a belt clamp.

2. A belt clamp according to claim 1, The belt has a first edge that is inserted into the entrance of the slit in the width direction, and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The first edge of the belt clamp is tapered away from the second edge.

3. A belt clamp according to claim 1 or 2, The buckle has an inner wall connected to the belt, an outer wall facing the inner wall through the belt insertion hole, a first side wall connecting the end of the inner wall and the end of the outer wall, and a second side wall opposite the first side wall and on which the slit is formed. The first side wall of the belt clamp is thicker than the outer wall and the second side wall.

4. A belt clamp according to claim 1 or 2, The belt clamp has a side wall that faces the claw when positioned within the belt insertion hole, and the side wall has an inclined surface parallel to the inner surface of the claw.

5. A belt clamp according to claim 4, The claws protrude toward the slit along the edge of the belt located within the belt insertion hole, and the belt clamp has a height of 60% or more of the total length of the edge of the belt.

6. A belt clamp according to claim 1 or 2, The buckle has a pair of receiving portions, each having an inclined surface at the entrance of the slit, and each receiving portion is a belt clamp that becomes narrower as it moves away from the belt insertion hole.

7. A belt clamp according to claim 1 or 2, The belt has a first straight section extending linearly from the buckle, a second straight section extending linearly from the tip of the first straight section in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound, and a third straight section extending linearly from the tip of the second straight section in a direction that wraps around the object to be bound. A belt clamp in which the first angle between the first straight section and the second straight section is less than or equal to the second angle between the second straight section and the third straight section.

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