Binding structure and binding method

Abstract

The binding structure includes a first binding target, a first binding band, and a second binding band. The first binding band includes: a first strap portion wound around the first binding target; and a first head portion provided at a first end of the first strap portion. The first head portion includes: a first lock portion that holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target; and an attachment portion that attaches the first lock portion to the fixation target. The second binding band includes: a second strap portion that binds the first strap portion and the first head portion together as the second binding target; and a second lock portion provided at a first end of the second strap portion. The second lock portion holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion at a second length.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-027099, filed on February 21, 2025, with the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a binding structure and a binding method.BACKGROUND

[0003] JP 2002-320317 A discloses a binding band in which a band for binding a wire harness of an automobile or the like and a clip for attaching the wire harness to a vehicle body as a fixation target (i.e. an object to be fixed) are integrated. The binding band includes: a band portion that is wound around a binding target (i.e. an object to be bound) such as a wire harness; a buckle portion that locks the band portion; and a clip portion that is attached to the fixation target. The buckle portion has a locking pawl in a through-hole through which the band portion is inserted. The band portion has serrations that engage with the locking pawl. The clip portion is provided on the upper surface of the buckle portion. Hereinafter, the band portion is referred to as a "strap portion," and the buckle portion as a "lock portion."SUMMARY

[0004] When a binding band binding a binding target is attached to a fixation target, the binding band may come off the binding target. This is because a downward force is applied to the strap portion due to the load of the binding target, causing a force to act in a direction in which the locking pawl of the lock portion and the serrations of the strap portion disengage from each other. Such disengagement between the locking pawl and the serrations is more likely to occur when the weight of the binding target is greater. There is a need to prevent the binding band attached to the fixation target from coming off the binding target.

[0005] The present disclosure has an objective of providing a binding structure in which a binding band attached to a fixation target is prevented from coming off a binding target.

[0006] A binding structure according to the present disclosure includes: a first binding target; a first binding band that binds the first binding target and attaches the first binding target to a fixation target; and a second binding band that uses a specific part of the first binding band as a second binding target. The first binding band includes: a first strap portion wound around the first binding target; and a first head portion provided at a first end of the first strap portion. The first head portion includes: a first lock portion that holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target; and an attachment portion that attaches the first lock portion to the fixation target. The second binding band includes: a second strap portion that binds the first strap portion and the first head portion together as the second binding target; and a second lock portion provided at a first end of the second strap portion. The second lock portion holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion at a second length suitable for binding the second binding target, such that the first lock portion holds the first length.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a binding structure in which a binding band attached to a fixation target is prevented from coming off a binding target.

[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a binding structure according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of a first binding band.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the first binding band is used.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing the configuration of a first lock portion in the first binding band.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of a second binding band.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which only the first binding band binds a first binding target.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the engagement state at the first lock portion in FIG. 7.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a view showing a modification of the first binding band.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure

[0019] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0020] (1) A binding structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first binding target; a first binding band that binds the first binding target and attaches the first binding target to a fixation target; and a second binding band that uses a specific part of the first binding band as a second binding target. The first binding band includes: a first strap portion wound around the first binding target; and a first head portion provided at a first end of the first strap portion. The first head portion includes: a first lock portion that holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target; and an attachment portion that attaches the first lock portion to the fixation target. The second binding band includes: a second strap portion that binds the first strap portion and the first head portion together as the second binding target; and a second lock portion provided at a first end of the second strap portion. The second lock portion holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion at a second length suitable for binding the second binding target, such that the first lock portion holds the first length.

[0021] In the binding structure according to the present disclosure, since the first strap portion and the first head portion of the first binding band are bound with the second binding band, the first strap portion is less likely to be subjected to a downward force due to the load of the first binding target. As a result, the first lock portion can hold the first strap portion at the first length suitable for binding the first binding target. The first binding band is thus prevented from coming off the first binding target.

[0022] (2) The binding structure according to the above (1) may have the following configuration. The first strap portion has serrations formed by a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel along a length of the first strap portion. The first lock portion includes: a first annular portion through which the first strap portion is inserted; and a first pawl portion that engages with the serrations inside the first annular portion. The first pawl portion permits the first strap portion to be inserted through the first annular portion in one direction but restricts the first strap portion from being inserted through the first annular portion in an opposite direction.

[0023] With the binding structure according to the above (2), the first strap portion can be easily adjusted to the first length suitable for binding the first binding target.

[0024] (3) In the binding structure according to the above (2), the first binding band may be attached to the fixation target such that the first pawl portion is not positioned below and the serrations are not positioned above.

[0025] With the binding structure according to the above (3), the first binding band is prevented from coming off the first binding target.

[0026] (4) In the binding structure according to any of the above (1) to (3), the attachment portion may include a tubular portion into which a protruding portion of the fixation target is fitted.

[0027] With the binding structure according to the above (4), the first binding band can be attached to the fixation target by fitting the protruding portion into the tubular portion of the attachment portion.

[0028] (5) In the binding structure according to any of the above (1) to (4), the attachment portion may include a protruding portion that is fitted into an insertion hole of the fixation target.

[0029] With the binding structure according to the above (5), the first binding band can be attached to the fixation target by fitting the protruding portion of the attachment portion into the insertion hole.

[0030] (6) In the binding structure according to any of the above (1) to (5), the first binding target may be a wire harness or a hose.

[0031] The binding structure according to the above (6) can attach a wire harness or a hose to the fixation target.

[0032] (7) In the binding structure according to the above (6), the fixation target may be a structural member of a vehicle.

[0033] The binding structure according to the above (7) can attach a wire harness or a hose to a vehicle.

[0034] (8) A binding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a step of preparing a first binding band that binds a first binding target and attaches the first binding target to a fixation target, and a second binding band that uses a specific part of the first binding band as a second binding target; a first preliminary step of loosely winding the first binding band around the first binding target; a second preliminary step of binding the specific part of the first binding band with the second binding band after the first preliminary step; and a binding step of binding the first binding target with the first binding band after the second preliminary step. The first binding band includes: a first strap portion wound around the first binding target; and a first head portion provided at a first end of the first strap portion. The first head portion includes: a first lock portion that holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target; and an attachment portion that attaches the first lock portion to the fixation target. The second binding band includes: a second strap portion that binds the first strap portion and the first head portion together as the second binding target; and a second lock portion provided at a first end of the second strap portion. The second lock portion holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion at a second length suitable for binding the second binding target. In the first preliminary step, the first strap portion is wound around the first binding target so as to form a gap between the first strap portion and the first binding target. In the second preliminary step, the second strap portion is passed through the gap and wound around the first head portion so as to bind the first strap portion and the first head portion with the second strap portion. In the binding step, the first strap portion is tightened such that the first lock portion holds the first length.

[0035] With the binding method according to the above (8), before binding with the first binding band, the first binding band is loosely wound around the first binding target to form a gap between the first strap portion and the first binding target. When binding the first strap portion and the first head portion of the first binding band with the second binding band, the second strap portion is passed through the gap. This eases binding with the second binding band.Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure

[0036] Specific examples of a binding structure according to the present disclosure will be described below. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or corresponding parts. In the drawings, some components may be exaggerated or simplified for convenience of explanation. The shapes, sizes, positional relationships, and the like shown in the drawings are expressed for the purpose of clarifying the description and do not necessarily represent actual shapes, sizes, positional relationships, and the like.Binding Structure

[0037] A binding structure according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the binding structure includes a first binding target 8, a first binding band 1, and a second binding band 2. The first binding band 1 binds the first binding target 8. The second binding band 2 binds a specific part of the first binding band 1. In FIG. 1, only the part of the first binding target 8 to which one first binding band 1 is attached is shown. The first binding band 1 may be disposed at intervals along the length of the first binding target 8.First Binding Target

[0038] The first binding target 8 is a linear object. The linear object may be a single linear member or a bundle of a plurality of linear members. The linear object is, for example, a wire harness or a hose attached to a vehicle such as an automobile. The length and thickness of the linear object vary depending on its intended use. The cross-sectional shape of the linear object is not particularly limited and may be circular or polygonal. The cross section of the linear object is perpendicular to the length of the linear object. In this embodiment, the first binding target8 is a wire harness.Fixation Target

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the first binding target 8 is attached to a fixation target 9 by the first binding band 1. The fixation target 9 is, for example, a structural member of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the fixation target 9 is a vehicle body panel of the vehicle. The vehicle body panel as the fixation target 9 has a protruding portion 91. The protruding portion 91 protrudes approximately horizontally from the fixation target 9. The protruding portion 91 is, for example, a stud bolt.First Binding Band 1

[0040] The first binding band 1 binds the linear object as the first binding target 8, and attaches the first binding target 8 to the fixation target 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the first binding band 1 includes a first strap portion 10 and a first head portion 1h provided at a first end of the first strap portion 10. The first head portion 1h includes a first lock portion 11 and an attachment portion 13. FIG. 3 shows the state of the first binding band 1 before binding. In the following description, the side where the first head portion 1h is provided is referred to as "upper," and the side where the first strap portion 10 is provided is referred to as "lower." The terms “upper” and “lower” herein specify the relative positional relationship between structural elements and do not specify the direction in which the first binding band 1 is attached to the first binding target 8.First Strap Portion

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the first strap portion 10 is a part wound around the first binding target 8. As a result of the first strap portion 10 being wound around the first binding target 8, the first binding band 1 binds the first binding target 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the first strap portion 10 extends from the first lock portion 11. The first strap portion 10 includes a base end connected to the first lock portion 11 and a tip end as a free end. The base end is the first end. The first strap portion 10 has a length sufficient to bind the first binding target 8. In other words, the length of the first strap portion 10 is longer than the circumferential length of the cross section of the linear object as the first binding target 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first strap portion 10 has serrations 101. The serrations 101 are provided on a first surface 10a. As shown in FIG. 2, the first surface 10a faces outward when the first strap portion 10 is wound around the first binding target 8. In other words, the first surface 10a is opposite to the surface contacting the first binding target 8.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the serrations 101 are provided in an intermediate part between the tip end and the base end of the first strap portion 10. The serrations 101 are formed by a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel along the length of the first strap portion 10. In a section along the center line of the first strap portion 10, the shape of each groove is triangular, as shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the grooves have a right-angled triangular shape. Each groove is inclined so as to decrease in height from the base end toward the tip end of the first strap portion 10. The surface of each groove near the tip end is approximately perpendicular to the first surface 10a.First Lock Portion

[0044] The first lock portion 11 holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the first lock portion 11 holds the first strap portion 10 wound around the first binding target 8 at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target 8. The first length is the length of the first strap portion 10 wound around the first binding target 8 such that substantially no gap is formed between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8. In other words, the first length is the length of the first strap portion 10 when the first binding band 1 binds the first binding target 8 with the first strap portion 10 tightened.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in this embodiment, the first lock portion 11 includes a first annular portion 11a and a first pawl portion 12. The first annular portion 11a has a through-hole 110 through which the first strap portion 10 is inserted. The width w of the through-hole 110 is approximately the same as the width of the first strap portion 10. The height h of the through-hole 110 is greater than the thickness of the first strap portion 10. In this embodiment, the first annular portion 11a has a rectangular annular shape. The through-hole 110 has a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the first end as the base end of the first strap portion 10 is connected to the lower surface of the first annular portion 11a.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the first annular portion 11a has an inlet 111 and an outlet 112. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the first strap portion 10 is inserted through the first annular portion 11a. In FIG. 4, illustration of the serrations 101 of the first strap portion 10 is omitted. The first strap portion 10 is inserted from the inlet 111 and is drawn out from the outlet 112.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the first pawl portion 12 is provided inside the first annular portion 11a. In this embodiment, the first pawl portion 12 is provided on the upper surface of the through-hole 110. The first strap portion 10 is inserted between the first pawl portion 12 and the lower surface of the through-hole 110. The first surface 10a of the first strap portion 10 faces the upper surface of the through-hole 110. The first pawl portion 12 engages with the serrations 101 of the first strap portion 10 inside the first annular portion 11a. As a result of the first pawl portion 12 engaging the serrations 101, the first lock portion 11 holds the intermediate part of the first strap portion 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first pawl portion 12 includes a protrusion 121 and a support piece 122 that cantilevers the protrusion 121. The protrusion 121 is provided at the tip end of the support piece 122. The base end of the support piece 122 is connected to the upper surface of the through-hole 110. The support piece 122 is flexible. The protrusion 121 is swingable up and down with the base end of the support piece 122 as a fulcrum. The support piece 122 biases the protrusion 121 downward. In other words, the protrusion 121 is biased toward the lower surface of the through-hole 110.

[0049] The protrusion 121 has a shape that engages with the serrations 101. Specifically, the protrusion 121 has a shape that meshes with the grooves of the serrations 101. In this embodiment, the protrusion 121 has a right-angled triangular shape. The protrusion 121 is inclined such that its height decreases from the tip end toward the base end of the support piece 122. The tip end surface of the protrusion 121 is approximately perpendicular to the support piece 122.

[0050] The first pawl portion 12 allows the first strap portion 10 to be inserted through the first annular portion 11a in one direction, but restricts the first strap portion 10 from being inserted through the first annular portion 11a in the opposite direction. The one direction is the direction from the inlet 111 toward the outlet 112. The first strap portion 10 is tightened by moving in the one direction. The opposite direction is the direction from the outlet 112 toward the inlet 111. When the first strap portion 10 is inserted into the first annular portion 11a, the first strap portion 10 moves in the one direction from the inlet 111 toward the outlet 112. The protrusion 121 contacts the first surface 10a of the first strap portion 10, and engages with the grooves of the serrations 101 as the first strap portion 10 moves. The first strap portion 10 is allowed to move in the one direction by the protrusion 121 swinging up and down along the inclined surfaces of the grooves. The first strap portion 10 is restricted from moving in the opposite direction because the protrusion 121 is caught in the grooves. By restricting the movement of the first strap portion 10 in the opposite direction, the first lock portion 11 can hold (maintain) the first length.Attachment Portion

[0051] The attachment portion 13 attaches the first lock portion 11 to the fixation target 9 (FIG. 2). As a result of the attachment portion 13 being attached to the fixation target 9, the first binding band 1 is attached to the fixation target 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment portion 13 is provided on the first lock portion 11 so as to be located on the side opposite the first strap portion 10. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 13 is disposed on the upper surface of the first annular portion 11a.

[0052] In this embodiment, the attachment portion 13 includes a tubular portion 13a having an insertion hole 130. The tubular portion 13a has a cylindrical shape. The insertion hole 130 has a circular shape. The protruding portion 91 (FIG. 2) of the fixation target 9 is fitted into the insertion hole 130. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 13a has a plurality of projections 131 that project from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 130. The projections 131 have a function of preventing the protruding portion 91 from coming off the attachment portion 13. The protruding portion 91 includes, for example, a shaft portion and a head portion provided at the tip end of the shaft portion. The head portion has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of a virtual circle formed by connecting the tip ends of the plurality of projections 131. When the protruding portion 91 is inserted into the insertion hole 130 while elastically deforming the projections 131, the head portion of the protruding portion 91 catches on the projections 131, preventing the protruding portion 91 from coming off the attachment portion 13.Second Binding Band

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the second binding band 2 uses a specific part of the first binding band 1 as a second binding target. The second binding target is the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h. As shown in FIG. 6, the second binding band 2 includes a second strap portion 20 and a second lock portion 21 provided at a first end of the second strap portion 20. The second binding band 2 differs from the first binding band 1 shown in FIG. 3 in that the attachment portion 13 is not included.Second Strap Portion

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the second strap portion 20 binds together the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h of the first binding band 1. The second strap portion 20 is wound around the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h together. The second strap portion 20 is passed through the gap between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8. The second binding band 2 binds the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h in the vicinity of the inlet 111 of the first lock portion 11 shown in FIG. 4.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the second strap portion 20 extends from the second lock portion 21. The second strap portion 20 includes a base end connected to the second lock portion 21 and a tip end as a free end. The base end is the first end. Th second strap portion 20 has a length sufficient to bind the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h.

[0056] The configuration of the second strap portion 20 in this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the first strap portion 10 described above. The second strap portion 20 has serrations 201. The serrations 201 are provided on a first surface 20a. The first surface 20a faces outward when the second strap portion 20 is wound around the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h together as shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the serrations 201 are provided in an intermediate part between the tip end and the base end of the second strap portion 20. The serrations 201 are formed by a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel along the length of the second strap portion 20. Since the configuration of the serrations 201 is substantially the same as the configuration of the serrations 101 described above, its description is omitted.Second Lock Portion

[0058] The second lock portion 21 holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the second lock portion 21 holds the second strap portion 20 wound around the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h together, at a second length suitable for binding the second binding target. The second length is such a length at which the first lock portion 11 can hold the first length. The second length is the length when the second binding band 2 binds the second binding target with the second strap portion 20 tightened.

[0059] The configuration of the second lock portion 21 in this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the first lock portion 11 described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the second lock portion 21 includes a second annular portion 21a. The second annular portion 21a has a through-hole 210 through which the second strap portion 20 is inserted. The width w of the through-hole 210 is approximately the same as the width of the second strap portion 20. The height h of the through-hole 210 is greater than the thickness of the second strap portion 20. In this embodiment, the second annular portion 21a has a rectangular annular shape. The through-hole 210 has a rectangular shape. The first end as the base end of the second strap portion 20 is connected to the lower surface of the second annular portion 21a.

[0060] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the second lock portion 21 includes a second pawl portion provided inside the second annular portion 21a. The second pawl portion engages with the serrations 201 of the second strap portion 20 inserted into the second annular portion 21a. Since the configuration of the second pawl portion is substantially the same as the configuration of the first pawl portion 12 described above, its description is omitted.Attachment Direction of First Binding Band

[0061] The first binding band 1 is attached to the fixation target 9 such that the first pawl portion 12 is not positioned below and the serrations 101 are not positioned above. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first binding band 1 is attached to the fixation target 9 such that the attachment portion 13 is positioned above and the first strap portion 10 is positioned below. As shown in FIG. 5, the first pawl portion 12 is positioned above and the serrations 101 are positioned below inside the first annular portion 11a.

[0062] When the first binding band 1 is attached to the fixation target 9, a downward force is applied to the first strap portion 10 due to the load of the first binding target 8. As shown in FIG. 7, in a state in which only the first binding band 1 binds the first binding target 8, the load of the first binding target 8 causes the first strap portion 10 to sag. As shown in FIG. 8, when a downward force is applied to a part of the first strap portion 10 near the inlet 111 of the first annular portion 11a into which the first strap portion 10 has been inserted, a force may act in a direction in which the first pawl portion 12 and the serrations 101 disengage from each other. If the first pawl portion 12 and the serrations 101 disengage from each other, the first strap portion 10 can move from the outlet 112 toward the inlet 111. Since the movement of the first strap portion 10 in the opposite direction is not restricted, the first strap portion 10 may be unable to be held at the first length suitable for binding the first binding target 8.Function of Second Binding Band

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the second binding band 2 binds the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h together, thereby reducing the downward force applied to the first strap portion 10. As a result of the second lock portion 21 holding the second length, a force is less likely to act in a direction in which the first pawl portion 12 and the serrations 101 disengage from each other, and the engagement between the first pawl portion 12 and the serrations 101 is maintained. Since the movement of the first strap portion 10 in the opposite direction is restricted, the first lock portion 11 can hold the first length. Thus, the first binding band 1 is prevented from coming off the first binding target 8.

[0064] Conversely, in the case where the first binding band 1 is attached to the fixation target 9 such that the first pawl portion 12 is positioned below and the serrations 101 are positioned above, even if a downward force is applied to the first strap portion 10 due to the load of the first binding target 8, a force does not act in a direction in which the first pawl portion 12 and the serrations 101 disengage from each other. Therefore, even without the second binding band 2, the first binding band 1 is prevented from coming off the first binding target 8. In the case where the first pawl portion 12 is positioned above and the serrations 101 are positioned below as in this embodiment or in the case where the first pawl portion 12 is positioned on one of the left and right lateral sides and the serrations 101 are positioned on the other of the left and right lateral sides, if a downward force is applied to the first strap portion 10, the first lock portion 11 and the first strap portion 10 may disengage from each other. Thus, in the absence of the second binding band 2, the first binding band 1 may come off the first binding target 8. By binding the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h with the second binding band 2, it is possible to prevent the first binding band 1 from coming off the first binding target 8.Attachment Direction of Second Binding Band

[0065] The second binding band 2 is attached to the first binding band 1 such that the second lock portion 21 is not positioned above. If the second lock portion 21 is positioned above the first head portion 1h, the second strap portion 20 may be subjected to the load of the first binding target 8 through the first strap portion 10, and the second binding band 2 may come off the first binding band 1. In this embodiment, since the second lock portion 21 is disposed laterally offset from being directly above the first head portion 1h, the second lock portion 21 and the second strap portion 20 are less likely to disengage from each other.Binding Method

[0066] The binding structure of the above-described embodiment is obtained by a binding method according to an embodiment. The binding method includes a preparation step, a first preliminary step, a second preliminary step, and a binding step. Each step will be described in detail below.Preparation Step

[0067] The preparation step is a step of preparing the above-described first binding band 1 and second binding band 2.First Preliminary Step

[0068] The first preliminary step is a step of loosely winding the first binding band 1 around the first binding target 8. The first preliminary step is performed before the first binding band 1 binds the first binding target 8. In the first preliminary step, the first strap portion 10 is wound around the first binding target 8 so as to form a gap between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8. The first strap portion 10 wound around the first binding target 8 is held by the first lock portion 11. Specifically, the first strap portion 10 is inserted through the first annular portion 11a, and the first pawl portion 12 and the serrations 101 engage with each other. At this point, the first binding band 1 has not yet bound the first binding target 8. Since there is a gap between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8, the length of the first strap portion 10 wound around the first binding target 8 is longer than the first length.Second Preliminary Step

[0069] The second preliminary step is a step of binding a specific part of the first binding band 1 with the second binding band 2 after the first preliminary step. In the second preliminary step, the second strap portion 20 is passed through the gap formed between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8 and wound around the first head portion 1h, to bind the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h with the second binding band 2. The second strap portion 20 wound around the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h together is held by the second lock portion 21. The second strap portion 20 is tightened to bind the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h with the second binding band 2.Binding Step

[0070] The binding step is a step of binding the first binding target 8 with the first binding band 1 after the second preliminary step. In the binding step, the first strap portion 10 is tightened such that the first lock portion 11 holds the first length.

[0071] With the binding method of the above-described embodiment, in the first preliminary step prior to binding with the first binding band 1, the first strap portion 10 is wound around the first binding target 8 so as to form a gap between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8. In the second preliminary step, when binding the first strap portion 10 and the first head portion 1h with the second binding band 2, passing the second strap portion 20 through the gap eases the binding with the second binding band 2. In the case where the binding with the second binding band 2 follows the binding with the first binding band 1 unlike in the binding method of this embodiment, it is difficult to pass the second strap portion because the gap between the first strap portion 10 and the first binding target 8 is mall.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims and intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0073] For example, the configuration of the attachment portion 13 of the first binding band 1 may be changed according to the configuration of the fixation target 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the attachment portion 13 may include a protruding portion 13b. The protruding portion 13b is fitted into an insertion hole 92 of the fixation target 9. The protruding portion 13b includes a shaft portion and a head portion provided at the tip end of the shaft portion. When the protruding portion 13b is inserted into the insertion hole 92, the head portion of the protruding portion 13b catches on the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 92, preventing the attachment portion 13 from coming off the insertion hole 92.

[0074] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A binding structure comprising:a first binding target;a first binding band that binds the first binding target and attaches the first binding target to a fixation target; anda second binding band that uses a specific part of the first binding band as a second binding target,wherein the first binding band includes:a first strap portion wound around the first binding target; anda first head portion provided at a first end of the first strap portion,the first head portion includes:a first lock portion that holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target; andan attachment portion that attaches the first lock portion to the fixation target,the second binding band includes:a second strap portion that binds the first strap portion and the first head portion together as the second binding target; anda second lock portion provided at a first end of the second strap portion, andwherein the second lock portion holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion at a second length suitable for binding the second binding target, such that the first lock portion holds the first length.

2. The binding structure according to claim 1, wherein the first strap portion has serrations formed by a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel along a length of the first strap portion,wherein the first lock portion includes:a first annular portion through which the first strap portion is inserted; anda first pawl portion that engages with the serrations inside the first annular portion, andthe first pawl portion permits the first strap portion to be inserted through the first annular portion in one direction but restricts the first strap portion from being inserted through the first annular portion in an opposite direction.

3. The binding structure according to claim 2, wherein the first binding band is attached to the fixation target such that the first pawl portion is not positioned below and the serrations are not positioned above.

4. The binding structure according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a tubular portion into which a protruding portion of the fixation target is fitted.

5. The binding structure according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a protruding portion that is fitted into an insertion hole of the fixation target.

6. The binding structure according to claim 1, wherein the first binding target is a wire harness or a hose.

7. The binding structure according to claim 6, wherein the fixation target is a structural member of a vehicle.

8. A binding method comprising:a step of preparing a first binding band that binds a first binding target and attaches the first binding target to a fixation target, and a second binding band that uses a specific part of the first binding band as a second binding target;a first preliminary step of loosely winding the first binding band around the first binding target;a second preliminary step of binding the specific part of the first binding band with the second binding band after the first preliminary step; anda binding step of binding the first binding target with the first binding band after the second preliminary step,wherein the first binding band includes:a first strap portion wound around the first binding target; anda first head portion provided at a first end of the first strap portion,the first head portion includes:a first lock portion that holds an intermediate part of the first strap portion at a first length suitable for binding the first binding target; andan attachment portion that attaches the first lock portion to the fixation target,the second binding band includes:a second strap portion that binds the first strap portion and the first head portion together as the second binding target; anda second lock portion provided at a first end of the second strap portion,the second lock portion holds an intermediate part of the second strap portion at a second length suitable for binding the second binding target,the first preliminary step, the first strap portion is wound around the first binding target so as to form a gap between the first strap portion and the first binding target,in the second preliminary step, the second strap portion is passed through the gap and wound around the first head portion so as to bind the first strap portion and the first head portion with the second strap portion, andin the binding step, the first strap portion is tightened such that the first lock portion holds the first length.

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