Cord stopper

Abstract

A cord stopper (1) comprises: a socket (2) forming an accommodation space and an open section (SA); and a plug (3) to be inserted in an insertion direction into the accommodation space through the open section (SA). The socket (2) comprises: a sidewall section (21) in which are formed a pair of first cord pass-through holes and a pair of second cord pass-through holes, said pairs facing each other across the accommodation space in a cord pass-through direction orthogonal to the insertion direction; and a bottom section (27) facing the accommodation space in the opposite direction of the insertion direction. The plug (3) comprises: a base section (31) facing the outer side of the socket (2) across the open section (SA); a pair of elastic arm sections (32A, 32B) which extend from the base section (31) toward the bottom section (27) at positions spaced from each other in a cord arrangement direction orthogonal to each of the insertion direction and the cord pass-through direction and which bias the base section (31) in the opposite direction of the insertion direction; a partition wall section (33) provided in the base section (31) between the pair of elastic arm sections (32A, 32B); a first cord support section (35) that protrudes from the partition wall section (33) to one side in the cord arrangement direction to form, between itself and the base section (31), a first cord space (SS1) that can connect to the pair of first cord pass-through holes; and a second cord support section (36) that protrudes from the partition wall section (33) to the other side in the cord arrangement direction to form, between itself and the base section (31), a second cord space (SS2) that can connect to the pair of second cord pass-through holes.

Description

Cord stopper

[0001] The present invention relates to a cord stopper.

[0002] Cord stoppers that allow for an adjustable fastening position relative to a string have been known. For example, the cord stopper disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical socket, a plug inserted into the socket, and a spring member disposed between the bottom of the socket and the plug. In this cord stopper, the string passes through through holes provided in the socket and the plug, and is clamped between the plug and the socket, which are biased by the spring member.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 04,453,292

[0004] However, the cord stopper disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires space for arranging the spring member within the socket, making it difficult to reduce the overall size of the cord stopper.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cord stopper that can be easily miniaturized.

[0006] [1] A cord stopper according to one aspect of the present invention includes a socket that defines an accommodation space and an opening, and a plug that is inserted into the accommodation space in an insertion direction through the opening. The socket includes a side wall portion in which a pair of first cord insertion holes and a pair of second cord insertion holes that face each other across the accommodation space in a cord insertion direction that is perpendicular to the insertion direction are formed, and a bottom portion that faces the accommodation space in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The plug includes a base portion that faces the outside of the socket through the opening, and a cord insertion hole that faces a side wall portion that faces a side wall portion that faces the accommodation space in a cord insertion direction that is perpendicular to both the insertion direction and the cord insertion direction. The device comprises a pair of elastic arm portions extending from the base portion toward the bottom portion at positions spaced apart in the arrangement direction and biasing the base portion in the opposite direction to the insertion direction; a partition wall portion provided on the base portion between the pair of elastic arm portions; a first string support portion protruding from the partition wall portion to one side in the string arrangement direction and forming a first string space between the partition wall portion and the base portion that can communicate with the pair of first string insertion holes; and a second string support portion protruding from the partition wall portion to the other side in the string arrangement direction and forming a second string space between the partition wall portion and the base portion that can communicate with the pair of second string insertion holes.

[0007] [2] In this aspect, it is preferable that the first string support portion and the second string support portion are disposed at positions different from the pair of elastic arm portions in the string insertion direction.

[0008] [3] In this aspect, it is preferable that each of the first cord support portion and the second cord support portion has a pair of divided support portions that protrude from the partition wall portion at positions spaced apart from each other in the cord insertion direction.

[0009] [4] In this aspect, it is preferable that the partition wall portion has a slit that opens toward the bottom portion and communicates with the gap between the pair of divided support portions.

[0010] [5] In this aspect, when the base portion is pressed, it is preferable that the pair of elastic arm portions elastically deform toward the gap between the pair of divided support portions in each of the first cord support portion and the second cord support portion.

[0011] [6] In this aspect, it is preferable that the plug further includes a pair of guide protrusions protruding from the partition wall on both sides in the cord insertion direction, and that the side wall of the socket is formed with a groove that accommodates the pair of guide protrusions and guides them along the insertion direction.

[0012] [7] In this aspect, it is preferable that the pair of elastic arm portions are curved so as to approach each other in the string arrangement direction as they move away from the base portion.

[0013] [8] In this aspect, it is preferable that the tip ends of the pair of elastic arms move on the bottom so as to approach each other in the string arrangement direction in response to pressure from the base.

[0014] [9] In this aspect, it is preferable that the bottom portion has a pair of inclined surfaces that abut the tip portions of the pair of elastic arm portions, and that the pair of inclined surfaces are inclined in the insertion direction and the string arrangement direction so that they are positioned more inward in the string arrangement direction as they approach the insertion direction.

[0015]

[10] In this aspect, each of the pair of elastic arm portions comprises a first extension portion extending from the base portion along the insertion direction, and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion toward the bottom portion and curved so as to approach each other in the string arrangement direction as they move away from the base portion, and it is preferable that the dimension of the second extension portion is smaller than the dimension of the first extension portion in at least one of the string arrangement direction and the string insertion direction.

[0016] 7 is a side view showing the cord stopper of the present embodiment in a locked state; a side view showing the cord stopper of the present embodiment in an released state; a plan view showing the cord stopper of the present embodiment; a side view showing the socket of the present embodiment; a plan view showing the socket of the present embodiment; a cross-sectional view of the socket of FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI; a side view of the plug of the present embodiment; a side view of the plug of FIG. 7 as viewed from the direction of arrow VIII; a perspective view of the plug of the present embodiment; a cross-sectional view showing the cord stopper of the present embodiment in a locked state; a cross-sectional view showing the cord stopper of the present embodiment in an released state.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a cord stopper 1 according to this embodiment includes a socket 2 and a plug 3 movably housed in the socket 2. The cord stopper 1 is configured to be fastened to two positions on a string 9, and can be switched between a locked state (see FIG. 1) in which the cord stopper 1 is fastened to any position on the string 9, and an open state (see FIG. 2) in which the cord stopper 1 is movable along the length of the string 9. The specific type of string 9 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be a regular string, a braided string, or a rubber string. The cross-sectional shape of the string 9 is also not particularly limited, and may be circular as shown in the example, or may be rectangular or another shape.

[0018] In the following description, the direction in which the plug 3 moves relative to the socket 2 is referred to as the Z direction, the direction in which the cord 9 is inserted through the cord stopper 1 (cord insertion direction) is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Y and Z directions (cord arrangement direction) is referred to as the X direction. It is assumed that the plug 3 is inserted into the socket 2 in the +Z direction. Furthermore, within the X direction, the direction toward the center of the cord stopper 1 is referred to as the inward X direction, and the direction toward the outside of the cord stopper 1 is referred to as the outward X direction. The same applies to the Y direction.

[0019] [Socket Configuration] The configuration of the socket 2 will be described with further reference to Figures 4 to 6. The socket 2 is molded from synthetic resin or the like. The socket 2 is configured as a cylinder that is open on the +Z side, and forms an accommodation space RS that accommodates the plug 3 and an opening SA that communicates with the accommodation space RS. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the socket 2 includes a sidewall portion 21 that surrounds the accommodation space RS and is disposed along the Z direction, and a bottom portion 27 that faces the accommodation space RS in the +Z direction.

[0020] The side wall portion 21 has a pair of first wall portions 23A, 23B facing each other in the Y direction across the storage space RS, and a pair of second wall portions 24A, 24B facing each other in the X direction across the storage space RS. In this embodiment, the first wall portions 23A, 23B and the second wall portions 24A, 24B together form an outer peripheral surface 22 that is circular when viewed in the Z direction in FIG. 5 and surround the storage space RS. The inner surfaces of the first wall portions 23A, 23B facing the storage space RS are flat surfaces extending along the X and Z directions, while the inner surfaces of the second wall portions 24A, 24B facing the storage space RS are arc-shaped along the outer peripheral surface 22. A groove portion 231 that opens into the storage space RS and extends along the Z direction is formed in the center of the inner surfaces of the first wall portions 23A, 23B in the X direction.

[0021] The side walls 21 are arranged side by side in the X direction to sandwich the groove 231 of the first wall 23A, and each have a first cord insertion hole 25A and a second cord insertion hole 26A that penetrate the first wall 23A in the Y direction (see FIG. 4). Similarly, the side walls 21 are arranged side by side in the X direction to sandwich the groove 231 of the first wall 23B, and each have a first cord insertion hole 25B and a second cord insertion hole 26B that penetrate the first wall 23B in the Y direction (see FIG. 6). The first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B form a pair facing each other in the Y direction across the storage space RS, and the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B form a pair facing each other in the Y direction across the storage space RS.

[0022] The first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B and the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B have the same shape in this embodiment as long as they have a hole shape that allows the insertion of the cord 9. Note that recesses 252, 262 that penetrate the hole edges 251, 261 of the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B and the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B in the Y direction and open in the +Z direction are formed in the hole edges 251, 261, respectively.

[0023] The bottom 27 is connected to the -Z side end of the sidewall 21. The bottom 27 has an inner surface facing the +Z direction relative to the storage space RS, that is, a bottom surface 271 extending along the X and Y directions, and a pair of inclined surfaces 28A, 28B inclined relative to the bottom surface 271 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The pair of inclined surfaces 28A, 28B are inclined relative to both the X and Z directions so that the closer they are to the X-direction center, the more they are positioned in the -Z direction. Each inclined surface 28A, 28B also has an outer inclined portion 281 extending continuously from the inner surface of the second wall 24A, 24B, and an inner inclined portion 282 extending from the outer inclined portion 281 toward the X-direction center of the bottom surface 271. The inclination angle α1 of the outer inclined portion 281 relative to the X direction is greater than the inclination angle α2 of the inner inclined portion 282 relative to the X direction.

[0024] [Configuration of plug 3] The configuration of the plug 3 will be described with further reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figures 7 to 9 show the shape of the plug 3 before it is inserted into the socket 2, and after it is inserted into the socket 2, part of the plug 3 (a pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B, described later) has a curved shape compared to the state shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0025] The plug 3 is integrally molded from an elastic material such as synthetic resin. In particular, the plug 3 is preferably molded from a bending-resistant resin such as POM resin (polyacetal resin). As shown in FIG. 7 , the plug 3 primarily includes a base portion 31, a pair of elastic arms 32A and 32B that bias the base portion 31 in the +Z direction, a partition wall 33 that divides the space between the pair of elastic arms 32A and 32B in the X direction, a pair of guide protrusions 34A and 34B that guide the insertion of the plug 3, a first string support portion 35 that forms a first string space SS1 between itself and the base portion 31, a second string support portion 36 that forms a second string space SS2 between itself and the base portion 31, and a plurality of locking protrusions 37A to 37D that prevent the plug 3 from coming off.

[0026] The base portion 31 has a plate shape arranged along the X and Y directions, and has a pressing surface 311 that faces the outside of the socket 2 through the opening SA. When viewed in the Z direction, the base portion 31 has a shape that can be fitted into the opening SA of the socket 2 (see FIG. 3).

[0027] The pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B are spaced apart from each other in the X direction and extend in the −Z direction from the base portion 31. Specifically, each of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B includes a first extension portion 321 extending in the −Z direction from the base portion 31, a second extension portion 322 continuing from the first extension portion 321, and a stopper portion 323 protruding laterally from a tip portion 320 which is the extending tip of the second extension portion 322.

[0028] In this embodiment, the elastic arm portion 32A is connected to the +X side end of the base portion 31, and the elastic arm portion 32B is connected to the −X side end of the base portion 31. Before the plug 3 is inserted into the socket 2, the second extension portions 322 of the elastic arm portions 32A and 32B extend along the Z direction, and the stopper portions 323 protrude inward in the X direction from the tip portions 320.

[0029] The X-direction dimension of the first extension portion 321 is larger than the X-direction dimension of the second extension portion 322 (see FIG. 7), and the Y-direction dimension of the first extension portion 321 is larger than the Y-direction dimension of the second extension portion 322 (see FIG. 8). The first extension portion 321 has an outer surface 321S located further outward in the X-direction than the second extension portion 322, and this outer surface 321S has a shape that follows the edge of the opening SA of the socket 2, i.e., an arc shape that follows the second wall portions 24A and 24B.

[0030] The partition wall 33 has a plate shape arranged along the Y and Z directions and is provided on the base 31 between the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B. This partition wall 33 divides the space between the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B in the X direction, thereby forming a boundary between a first string space SS1 and a second string space SS2 (described below). Note that the X-direction dimension of the gap between each elastic arm 32A, 32B and the partition wall 33 (dimension W2 illustrated in FIG. 7) is preferably equal to the maximum X-direction dimension of each of the first string insertion holes 25A, 25B and the second string insertion holes 26A, 26B (dimension W1 illustrated in FIG. 4).

[0031] The pair of guide protrusions 34A, 34B protrude from the partition wall 33 on both sides in the Y direction so as to form a plate shape together with the partition wall 33 (see FIG. 8). Specifically, the guide protrusion 34A protrudes from the partition wall 33 in the +Y direction and is located on the +Y side of the base 31. Similarly, the guide protrusion 34B protrudes from the partition wall 33 in the -Y direction and is located on the -Y side of the base 31. Furthermore, the guide protrusions 34A, 34B, together with the partition wall 33, extend in the Z direction from a position adjacent to the base 31 to the -Z side ends of the first cord support part 35 and the second cord support part 36.

[0032] The first cord support portion 35 has a pair of divided support portions 351, 352 that protrude from the partition wall portion 33 in the +X direction and are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction (see FIG. 9 ). The protruding height of the divided support portions 351, 352 from the partition wall portion 33, i.e., the X-direction dimension of the divided support portions 351, 352 (dimension W3 shown in FIG. 7 ), is preferably greater than half but less than the maximum X-direction dimension of the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B (dimension W1 shown in FIG. 4 ), for example, approximately three-quarters. Furthermore, the Y-direction dimension of the gap G1 between the divided support portions 351, 352 (dimension D1 in FIG. 8 ) is preferably equal to or greater than the Y-direction dimension of the second extension portion 322 of the elastic arm portion 32A (dimension D2 in FIG. 8 ).

[0033] As shown in Fig. 7, the divided support portions 351, 352 are disposed with a gap in the Z direction between them and the base portion 31, and together with the partition wall portion 33 and the elastic arm portion 32A, form a first string space SS1. The first string space SS1 is a space that can communicate with the first string insertion holes 25A, 25B in the Y direction, and the string 9 can be inserted therethrough in the Y direction. The Z direction dimension of the gap between the divided support portions 351, 352 and the base portion 31, i.e., the Z direction dimension of the first string space SS1 (dimension H2 illustrated in Fig. 7), is preferably equal to the maximum Z direction dimension of the first string insertion holes 25A, 25B (dimension H1 illustrated in Fig. 4).

[0034] The second string support portion 36 has a configuration similar to that of the first string support portion 35, except that the orientation in the X direction is opposite. That is, the second string support portion 36 has a pair of divided support portions 361, 362 that protrude from the partition wall portion 33 in the -X direction and are spaced apart in the Y direction. The divided support portions 361, 362, together with the partition wall portion 33 and the elastic arm portion 32B, form a second string space SS2 that communicates with the second string insertion holes 26A, 26B in the Y direction. Note that the partition wall portion 33 has slits SL cut in the +Z direction so as to communicate with the gap G1 between the divided support portions 351, 352 and the gap G2 between the divided support portions 361, 362 (see FIG. 9 ).

[0035] The locking protrusion 37A protrudes in the +Y direction from the divided support portion 351 of the first cord support portion 35, and the locking protrusion 37B protrudes in the -Y direction from the divided support portion 352 of the first cord support portion 35. The locking protrusion 37C protrudes in the +Y direction from the divided support portion 361 of the second cord support portion 36, and the locking protrusion 37D protrudes in the -Y direction from the divided support portion 362 of the second cord support portion 36. These locking protrusions 37A to 37D are disposed in the corresponding holes of either the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B or the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B, and can engage with the hole edge portions 251, 261 or the recesses 252, 262 of the holes in the Z direction (see, for example, FIG. 2).

[0036] [Assembling the Cord Stopper] An example of assembling the cord stopper 1 will be described. First, the worker inserts the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B of the plug 3 into the housing space RS of the socket 2. At this time, the pair of guide protrusions 34A, 34B of the plug 3 are inserted into the respective grooves 231 of the pair of first wall portions 23A, 23B of the socket 2. Then, the worker applies pressure to the base portion 31 in the -Z direction to insert the entire plug 3 into the housing space RS of the socket 2. In this way, the cord stopper 1 is assembled.

[0037] When the plug 3 is inserted into the housing space RS of the socket 2, the base portion 31 moves in the -Z direction, and the locking protrusions 37A to 37D of the plug 3 climb over the edge of the opening SA of the socket 2 and are positioned in the corresponding hole of either the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B or the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B. This allows the locking protrusions 37A to 37D of the plug 3 to engage with the hole edge portions 251, 261 of the socket 2 in the +Z direction, restricting the range of movement of the base portion 31 in the +Z direction. In other words, the locking protrusions 37A to 37D function to prevent the plug 3 from coming off.

[0038] Furthermore, when the plug 3 is inserted into the housing space RS of the socket 2, the base portion 31 moves in the −Z direction, and accordingly, the tip portions 320 of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B move along the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B. At this time, the portions of the second extension portions 322 of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B adjacent to the first extension portion 321 (hereinafter, bent portions 322S) elastically deform so as to bend along the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B, and plastically deform by an amount equal to the external force exceeding the yield point (see FIG. 11 ).

[0039] Thereafter, when the pressure on base portion 31 in the -Z direction is released, the plastic deformation of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B is maintained, but the elastic deformation of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B returns to their original state. At this time, elastic arm portions 32A, 32B press against inclined surfaces 28A, 28B of socket 2, and the reaction force from inclined surfaces 28A, 28B urges base portion 31 in the +Z direction. As a result, base portion 31 moves in the +Z direction and is exposed from the housing space RS of socket 2.

[0040] After the cord stopper 1 is assembled as described above, the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B are curved so that they approach each other in the X direction as they move away from the base portion 31, and have elasticity based on this state.

[0041] [Operation of the Cord Stopper] The operation of the cord stopper 1 will be described with further reference to Figures 10 and 11. When positioning the cord stopper 1 relative to the string 9, the operator applies pressure in the -Z direction to the pressing surface 311 of the plug 3 and inserts the entire plug 3 into the accommodation space RS of the socket 2. This switches the cord stopper 1 from the locked state (see Figures 1 and 10) to the released state (see Figures 2 and 11).

[0042] When the cord stopper 1 transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state, the base portion 31 moves in the −Z direction, and the tip portions 320 of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B move inward in the X direction along the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B. This causes the bent portions 322S of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B to elastically deform along the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B. Then, the first cord support portion 35 and the second cord support portion 36 abut against the bottom surface 271 of the socket 2, and the stopper portions 323 of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B abut against the partition wall portion 33, thereby restricting movement of the base portion 31 in the −Z direction.

[0043] When the cord stopper 1 is in the open state, most of the second extension portion 322 of the elastic arm portion 32A is disposed in the gap G1 of the first cord support portion 35, and the tip portion 320 of the elastic arm portion 32A is disposed in the slit SL of the partition wall portion 33. Similarly, most of the second extension portion 322 of the elastic arm portion 32B is disposed in the gap G2 of the second cord support portion 36, and the tip portion 320 of the elastic arm portion 32B is disposed in the slit SL of the partition wall portion 33.

[0044] Furthermore, when the cord stopper 1 is in the open state, almost all of the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B are arranged to overlap the first cord space SS1 in the Y direction, and almost all of the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B are arranged to overlap the second cord space SS2 in the Y direction. Therefore, the first cord portion 91, which is a part of the cord 9, is inserted through the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B via the first cord space SS1 and can move in the Y direction without being interfered with by the plug 3. Similarly, the second cord portion 92, which is another part of the cord 9, is inserted through the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B via the second cord space SS2 and can move in the Y direction without being interfered with by the plug 3.

[0045] After determining the position of the cord stopper 1 relative to the string 9, the operator releases the pressure on the pressing surface 311 of the plug 3. This switches the cord stopper 1 from the open state (see FIGS. 2 and 11) to the locked state (see FIGS. 1 and 10).

[0046] When the cord stopper 1 transitions from the open state to the locked state, the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B press against the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B of the socket 2 with their own elastic force, and the reaction force from the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B urges the base portion 31 in the +Z direction. As a result, the base portion 31 moves in the +Z direction together with the first cord support portion 35 and the second cord support portion 36.

[0047] When the cord stopper 1 is in the locked state, the first cord space SS1 is displaced in the Z direction relative to the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B, and the first cord support portion 35 holds the first cord portion 91 between itself and the hole edge 251 of the first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B. Similarly, the second cord space SS2 is displaced in the Z direction relative to the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B, and the second cord support portion 36 holds the second cord portion 92 between itself and the hole edge 261 of the second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B. This fastens the cord stopper 1 to each of the first and second cord portions 91, 92.

[0048] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the cord stopper 1 of this embodiment includes the socket 2 that defines the storage space RS and the opening SA, and the plug 3 that is inserted into the storage space RS in the insertion direction (-Z direction) through the opening SA. The socket 2 includes a side wall portion 21 in which a pair of first cord insertion holes 25A, 25B and a pair of second cord insertion holes 26A, 26B that face each other across the storage space RS in the cord insertion direction (Y direction) that is perpendicular to the insertion direction, and a bottom portion 27 that faces the storage space RS in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (+Z direction). The plug 3 includes a base portion 31 that faces the outside of the socket 2 through the opening SA, and a plug 3 that faces the storage space RS in the cord arrangement direction (+Z direction) that is perpendicular to both the insertion direction and the cord insertion direction. a pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B extending from the base portion 31 toward the bottom portion 27 at positions spaced apart from each other in the +Y direction and biasing the base portion 31 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction; a partition wall portion 33 provided on the base portion 31 between the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B; a first string support portion 35 protruding from the partition wall portion 33 to one side in the string arrangement direction (+Y direction) and forming, between the partition wall portion 33 and the base portion 31, a first string space SS1 that communicates with the pair of first string insertion holes 25A, 25B; and a second string support portion 36 protruding from the partition wall portion 33 to the other side in the string arrangement direction (-Y direction) and forming, between the partition wall portion 33 and the base portion 31, a second string space SS2 that communicates with the pair of second string insertion holes 26A, 26B.

[0049] In this configuration, the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B bias the base portion 31, allowing the first cord support portion 35 to clamp the first cord portion 91 between itself and the hole edge 251 of the first cord insertion hole 25A, 25B, and the second cord support portion 36 to clamp the second cord portion 92 between itself and the hole edge 261 of the second cord insertion hole 26A, 26B. Therefore, the cord stopper 1 of this embodiment does not require a conventional spring member for biasing the plug 3, and therefore does not need to secure space for a spring member within the socket 2. Furthermore, in the cord stopper 1 of this embodiment, the elastic arms 32A, 32B are configured as part of the plug 3, and therefore can be configured smaller than conventional spring members. Therefore, this embodiment makes it easy to reduce the overall size of the cord stopper 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first cord support portion 35 and the second cord support portion 36 are positioned at different positions in the cord insertion direction (Y direction) from the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B. With this configuration, when the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B elastically deform, they can be prevented from interfering with the first cord support portion 35 or the second cord support portion 36. This reduces the space required in the socket 2 in the Z direction to avoid interference, and allows the cord stopper 1 to be suitably miniaturized in the Z direction.

[0051] In this embodiment, each of the first cord support portion 35 and the second cord support portion 36 has a pair of divided support portions 351, 352 (or 361, 362) that protrude from the partition wall portion 33 at positions spaced apart from each other in the cord insertion direction (Y direction). With this configuration, each of the first cord support portion 35 and the second cord support portion 36 stably supports the cord 9, while preferably preventing the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B from interfering with the first cord support portion 35 or the second cord support portion 36.

[0052] In this embodiment, the partition wall portion 33 has a slit SL that opens toward the bottom portion 27 and communicates with the gaps G1, G2 between the pair of divided support portions 351, 352, 361, 362. With this configuration, it is also possible to prevent the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B from interfering with the partition wall portion 33.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the base portion 31 is pressed, the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B elastically deform toward the gap G1 between the pair of divided support portions 351, 352 in the first cord support portion 35 (or the gap G2 between the pair of divided support portions 361, 362 in the second cord support portion 36). This configuration makes it possible to reduce the space required for the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B while preventing the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B from interfering with the first cord support portion 35 or the second cord support portion 36. This allows the cord stopper 1 to be suitably miniaturized.

[0054] In this embodiment, the plug 3 further includes a pair of guide protrusions 34A, 34B protruding from the partition wall 33 on both sides in the cord insertion direction (Y direction), and a groove 231 is formed in the side wall 21 of the socket 2 to accommodate the pair of guide protrusions 34A, 34B and guide them along the insertion direction (+Z direction). With this configuration, when pressure is applied to the base portion, the pair of guide protrusions 34A, 34B guided by the respective grooves 231 stabilize the position of the plug 3. This allows for balanced elastic deformation of each of the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B, enabling the cord stopper 1 to be stably switched from the locked state to the released state. Furthermore, the cord stopper 1 can be conveniently assembled.

[0055] In this embodiment, the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B are curved so that they approach each other in the string arrangement direction (X direction) as they move away from the base portion 31. With this configuration, the space required for the elastic arms 32A, 32B can be reduced, and the cord stopper 1 can be made smaller in size.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the base portion 31 is pressed, the tip portions 320 of the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B move toward each other in the string arrangement direction (X direction) on the bottom portion 27. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately ensure the amount of movement of the base portion 31 in the Z direction that accompanies the elastic deformation of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B while keeping the space for the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B small.

[0057] In this embodiment, the bottom 27 has a pair of inclined surfaces 28A, 28B that abut against the tip ends 320 of the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B, and the pair of inclined surfaces 28A, 28B are inclined in the insertion direction (-Z direction) and the string arrangement direction so that they are positioned more inward in the string arrangement direction (X direction) as they move toward the insertion direction (-Z direction). In this configuration, the tip ends 320 of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B are guided by the inclined surfaces 28A, 28B, allowing the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B to elastically deform stably.

[0058] In this embodiment, each of the pair of elastic arms 32A, 32B includes a first extension portion 321 extending from the base portion 31 along the insertion direction (+Z direction), and a second extension portion 322 extending from the first extension portion 321 toward the bottom portion 27 and curving so as to approach each other in the string arrangement direction (X direction) the further away from the base portion 31 it is, wherein the dimension of the second extension portion 322 is smaller than the dimension of the first extension portion 321 in at least one of the string arrangement direction and the string insertion direction. With this configuration, the elastic arms 32A, 32B can be elastically deformed in an appropriate manner while maintaining the overall strength of the plug 3.

[0059] In each of the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B of this embodiment, the second extension portion 322 has an outer surface 321S located further outward in the string arrangement direction than the first extension portion 321, and this outer surface 321S has a shape that follows the edge of the opening SA of the socket 2. In this configuration, the outer surface 321S functions as a guide when the plug 3 is inserted into the socket 2, and can stabilize the posture of the plug 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B include stopper portions 323 that protrude laterally from the tip portions 320, and the stopper portions 323 are arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the base portion 31 when the pair of elastic arm portions 32A, 32B are pressed by the base portion 31. This configuration prevents the base portion 31 from being pressed excessively, and improves the strength of the cord stopper 1.

[0061] [Modifications] In the above embodiment, the specific shape of the socket 2 can be changed as desired. For example, the socket 2 in the above embodiment is not limited to a circular outer shape and may have other outer shapes, such as a rectangular shape. Furthermore, in the side wall portion 21 of the socket 2, the first string insertion holes 25A, 25B and the second string insertion holes 26A, 26B do not need to be strictly aligned in the X direction; some misalignment is acceptable. Furthermore, although the bottom portion 27 of the socket 2 has inclined surfaces 28A, 28B, it may have other shapes, such as a flat surface.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the specific shape of the plug 3 can be changed as desired. For example, the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B may have other spring shapes as long as they have the elasticity to bias the base portion 31. Furthermore, the tip portions 320 of the elastic arm portions 32A, 32B may be fixed to the bottom portion 27 of the socket 2.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the first string support portion 35 and the second string support portion 36 have gaps G1 and G2 to avoid interference with the elastic arm portions 32A and 32B, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the elastic arm portions 32A and 32B may be curved so as to pass on the −Z side of the first string support portion 35 and the second string support portion 36.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the plug 3 has a pair of guide protrusions 34A, 34B provided on the partition wall 33, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plug 3 may have one or more guide protrusions provided in a location other than the partition wall 33, or may not have the guide protrusions 34A, 34B. Similarly, the groove 231 in the side wall 21 of the socket 2 may or may not be provided in another location.

[0065] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...cord stopper, 2...socket, 21...side wall portion, 22...outer circumferential surface, 231...groove portion, 23A, 23B...first wall portion, 24A, 24B...second wall portion, 25A, 25B...first cord insertion hole, 251...hole edge portion, 252...recessed portion, 26A, 26B...second cord insertion hole, 261...hole edge portion, 262...recessed portion, 27...bottom portion, 271...bottom surface, 28A, 28B...inclined surface, 281...outer inclined portion, 282...inner inclined portion, 3...plug, 31...base portion, 311...pressing surface, 320...tip portion, 321...first extension portion, 321S...outer surface, 322...second extension portion, 322S...bending portion, 323...stopper portion, 32A, 32B...elastic arm portion, 33...partition wall portion, 34A, 34B...guide protrusion portion, 35...first cord support portion, 351, 352...divided support portion, 36...second cord support portion, 361, 362...divided support portion, 37A to 37D...locking protrusion portion, 9...cord, 91...first cord portion, 92...second cord portion, G1...gap, G2...gap, RS...storage space, SA...opening, SL...slit, SS1...first cord space, SS2...second cord space.

Claims

1. A socket (2) that forms a storage space (RS) and an opening (SA), and a plug (3) that is inserted into the storage space (RS) in an insertion direction through the opening (SA), wherein the socket (2) has a side wall portion (21) in which a pair of first string insertion holes (25A, 25B) and a pair of second string insertion holes (26A, 26B) that face each other across the storage space (RS) in a string insertion direction that is perpendicular to the insertion direction, and a bottom portion (27) that faces the storage space (RS) along the insertion direction, and the plug (3) has a base portion (31) that faces the outside of the socket (2) through the opening (SA), and a pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B) extending from the base portion (31) toward the bottom portion (27) at positions spaced apart from each other in a string arrangement direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the string insertion direction, and biasing the base portion (31) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction; a partition wall portion (33) provided on the base portion (31) between the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B); and a first string support portion (35) protruding from the partition wall portion (33) to one side in the string arrangement direction, and forming a first string space (SS1) between the partition wall portion (33) and the base portion (31) that can communicate with the pair of first string insertion holes (25A, 25B); a second cord support portion (36) that protrudes from the partition wall portion (33) to the other side in the cord arrangement direction and forms a second cord space (SS2) between the partition wall portion (33) and the base portion (31) that can communicate with the pair of second cord insertion holes (26A, 26B).

2. A cord stopper as described in claim 1, wherein the first cord support portion (35) and the second cord support portion (36) are positioned at different positions in the cord insertion direction from the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B).

3. A cord stopper as described in claim 2, wherein each of the first cord support portion (35) and the second cord support portion (36) has a pair of split support portions (351, 352, 361, 362) protruding from the partition wall portion (33) at positions spaced apart from each other in the cord insertion direction.

4. A cord stopper as described in claim 3, wherein the partition wall portion (33) has a slit (SL) that opens toward the bottom portion (27) and communicates with the gap (G1, G2) between the pair of divided support portions (351, 352, 361, 362).

5. A cord stopper as described in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein when the base portion (31) is pressed, the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B) elastically deform toward the gaps (G1, G2) between the pair of split support portions (351, 352, 361, 362) in each of the first cord support portion (35) and the second cord support portion (36).

6. A cord stopper as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plug (3) further comprises a pair of guide protrusions (34A, 34B) protruding from the partition wall (33) on both sides in the cord insertion direction, and the side wall (21) of the socket (2) is formed with a groove (231) that accommodates the pair of guide protrusions (34A, 34B) and guides them along the insertion direction.

7. A cord stopper as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B) are curved so as to approach each other in the cord arrangement direction as they move away from the base portion (31).

8. A cord stopper as described in claim 7, wherein when the base portion (31) is pressed, the tip portions (320) of the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B) move on the bottom portion (27) so as to approach each other in the string arrangement direction.

9. A cord stopper as described in claim 8, wherein the bottom portion (27) has a pair of inclined surfaces (28A, 28B) that abut against the tip portions (320) of the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B), and the pair of inclined surfaces (28A, 28B) are inclined in the insertion direction and the cord arrangement direction so that the more they move toward the insertion direction, the more they are positioned inward in the cord arrangement direction.

10. A cord stopper as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the pair of elastic arm portions (32A, 32B) comprises a first extension portion (321) extending from the base portion (31) along the insertion direction, and a second extension portion (322) extending from the first extension portion (321) towards the bottom portion (27) and curving so as to approach each other in the cord arrangement direction the further away from the base portion (31), and wherein the dimension of the second extension portion (322) is smaller than the dimension of the first extension portion (321) in at least one of the cord arrangement direction and the cord insertion direction.

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