US20220110414A1 - Spool and lacing module provided with same - Google Patents

Spool and lacing module provided with same Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220110414A1
US20220110414A1 US17/497,981 US202117497981A US2022110414A1 US 20220110414 A1 US20220110414 A1 US 20220110414A1 US 202117497981 A US202117497981 A US 202117497981A US 2022110414 A1 US2022110414 A1 US 2022110414A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
trunk
protrusion
disposed
shaft
upper lid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US17/497,981
Inventor
Yoichi Sekii
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Nidec Corp
Original Assignee
Nidec Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nidec Corp filed Critical Nidec Corp
Assigned to NIDEC CORPORATION reassignment NIDEC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SEKII, YOICHI
Publication of US20220110414A1 publication Critical patent/US20220110414A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A43C11/16—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like
    • A43C11/165—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like characterised by a spool, reel or pulley for winding up cables, laces or straps by rotation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/04—Kinds or types
    • B65H75/08—Kinds or types of circular or polygonal cross-section
    • B65H75/14—Kinds or types of circular or polygonal cross-section with two end flanges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
    • B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
    • B65H75/44—Constructional details
    • B65H75/4402—Guiding arrangements to control paying-out and re-storing of the material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
    • B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
    • B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
    • B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
    • B65H75/44—Constructional details
    • B65H75/48—Automatic re-storing devices
    • B65H75/486—Arrangements or adaptations of the spring motor

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a spool and a lacing module provided with the spool.
  • a conventional spool for tightening a shoelace or the like often includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a drum disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate.
  • a groove portion (winding passage) in which a string material is disposed may be provided on the upper surface of the upper plate. With the forward or reverse rotation of the drum, the string material is wound around or unwound around the radially outer surface of the drum.
  • the conventional spool has a problem that the string material is disengaged from the groove portion at the time of being loosened or the like.
  • An exemplary spool of the present disclosure includes a shaft, a trunk portion, and an upper lid portion.
  • the shaft rotates about a central axis extending vertically.
  • the trunk portion has a lower portion connected with the shaft, a radially outer surface wound with the string material, and an upper surface having a groove portion disposed with a string material.
  • the upper lid portion is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion.
  • One of the trunk portion and the upper lid portion has an engagement protrusion portion protruding in an axial direction, and another has a first recess portion recessed in the axial direction and engaged axially with the engagement protrusion portion disposed inside.
  • the upper lid portion covers at least a part of the groove portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a lacing module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from above;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper lid portion of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of the upper lid portion of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spool according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an upper lid portion of the spool according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below;
  • FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the spool according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a spool according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upper lid portion of the spool according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below;
  • FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the spool according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a spool according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • a direction in which a central axis of a shaft of a spool extends is simply referred to as an “axial direction”
  • a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the shaft of the spool as the center is simply referred to as a “radial direction”
  • a direction extending along a circular arc centered on the central axis of the shaft of the spool is simply referred to as a “circumferential direction”.
  • the shapes and positional relations of portions will be described on the assumption that the axial direction is a vertical direction, and the vertical direction in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is the vertical direction of the shaft of the spool.
  • the above definition of the vertical direction is not meant to restrict the orientation of, or positional relationships among parts of, the spool during use.
  • a section parallel to the axial direction is referred to as a “longitudinal section”.
  • parallel used in the specification does not mean parallel in a strict sense, but includes substantially parallel.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view schematically illustrating a configuration of a lacing module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the lacing module 10 is attached to footwear such as an exercise shoe, and can electrically tighten or loosen a shoelace (string material) S of the footwear.
  • the lacing module 10 includes a motor 11 , a spool 20 , a battery 13 , and a housing 14 .
  • the motor 11 is electrically connected to the battery 13 , and rotates about a rotation shaft C by the current supplied from the battery 13 .
  • a gear 12 is connected to the rotation shaft C of the motor 11 and is connected to a shaft 30 of the spool 20 described later via an intermediate gear (not illustrated).
  • the driving of the motor 11 causes the gear 12 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions about the rotation shaft C.
  • the shaft 30 rotates in both forward and reverse directions about a central axis J (see FIG. 2 ) in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 12 .
  • a shoelace S is wound or unwound around the spool 20 by forward and reverse rotation of the shaft 30 .
  • the housing 14 houses the motor 11 , the spool 20 , and the battery 13 therein.
  • outlets 14 a and 14 b are opened, and the shoelace S is drawn out to the outside of the housing 14 through the outlets 14 a and 14 b.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spool 20 as viewed from above
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spool 20 as viewed from below
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the spool 20 before an upper lid portion 50 is attached.
  • the spool 20 includes a shaft 30 , a trunk portion 40 , the upper lid portion 50 , and an elastic member 60 .
  • the shaft 30 has a columnar shape and rotates about the central axis J extending vertically.
  • the trunk portion 40 is formed in a disk shape having a diameter larger than that of the shaft 30 , and the shaft 30 is connected to a lower portion thereof. Further, the shoelace S is wound around the radially outer surface of the trunk portion 40 .
  • the trunk portion 40 includes a groove portion 41 , an upper flange portion 42 , a lower flange portion 45 , an engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 , a housing recess portion (second recess portion) 44 , and a connection recess portion 46 .
  • the groove portion 41 is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 and linearly extends in the radial direction through the central axis J. Both ends of the groove portion 41 in the radial direction are opened, and the shoelace S is disposed in the groove portion 41 .
  • the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 is partitioned into a first region 40 A and a second region 40 B with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween.
  • the first region 40 A and the second region 40 B are formed in a semicircular shape in top view, and the upper surface of the first region 40 A is disposed axially above the upper surface of the second region 40 B.
  • the upper flange portion 42 protrudes radially outward from the upper end portion of the trunk portion 40 in the first region 40 A.
  • the upper flange portion 42 prevents the shoelace S wound around the radially outer surface of the trunk portion 40 from coming off axially upward.
  • the lower flange portion (flange portion) 45 protrudes radially outward from the lower end portion of the trunk portion 40 .
  • the lower flange portion 45 supports the shoelace S wound around the radially outer surface of the trunk portion 40 , and prevents the shoelace S from coming off axially downward.
  • the housing recess portion 44 is recessed axially downward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40 B.
  • the housing recess portion 44 communicates with the groove portion 41 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the groove portion 41 in top view.
  • the elastic member 60 is disposed inside the housing recess portion 44 .
  • the engagement protrusion portion 43 protrudes axially upward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40 B.
  • the engagement protrusion portion 43 is disposed to face the groove portion 41 in the radial direction with the housing recess portion 44 interposed therebetween.
  • the engagement protrusion portion 43 is formed in a C shape in top view and surrounds an end portion of the housing recess portion.
  • the engagement protrusion portion 43 includes a pair of holding portions 431 .
  • the pair of holding portions 431 is recessed inward from both circumferential end portions of the engagement protrusion portion 43 and is formed in a groove shape extending in the radial direction (the direction orthogonal to the groove portion 41 ). That is, the pair of holding portions 431 is formed on the radially outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion 43 .
  • the pair of holding portions 431 extends in parallel, and both ends in the radial direction are opened. In this embodiment, the pair of holding portions 431 extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the groove portion 41 . Further, an upper surface of a lower wall portion 431 a of the holding portion 431 and the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 are formed to be flush with each other (see FIG. 5 ).
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are a perspective view and a top view of the upper lid portion 50 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 has a semi-disk shape in top view, and is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40 B.
  • the upper lid portion 50 has a through hole (first recess portion) 51 , a pair of protruding portions 52 , and a pressing piece (third protrusion portion) 53 .
  • the through hole 51 penetrates the upper lid portion 50 in the axial direction.
  • a non-penetrating recess portion recessed axially upward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 may be provided.
  • the pair of protruding portions 52 is disposed on the circumferentially inner surface of the through hole 51 and protrudes inward. That is, the pair of protruding portions 52 extending in the radial direction is formed on the inner surface of the through hole 51 .
  • the pair of protruding portions 52 extends in parallel.
  • the protruding portion 52 When the upper lid portion 50 is attached to the trunk portion 40 , the protruding portion 52 is inserted into the holding portion 431 from the open end on the outer peripheral side of the holding portion 431 in a state where the elastic member 60 is compressed. Thus, the protruding portion 52 is slidably held by the holding portion 431 . That is, the holding portion 431 holds the protruding portion 52 slidably in the radial direction. At this time, the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 and the through hole (first recess portion) 51 are engaged in the axial direction.
  • the pressing piece 53 is disposed on the peripheral edge of the through hole 51 and protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 .
  • the pressing piece 53 is disposed inside the housing recess portion 44 .
  • the lower end of the pressing piece 53 is in contact with the bottom surface of the housing recess portion 44 .
  • the pressing piece 53 slides in the extending direction of the housing recess portion 44 .
  • the pressing piece 53 comes into contact with one end of the elastic member 60 and is biased toward the groove portion 41 .
  • the shoelace S is sandwiched between the biased pressing piece 53 and a side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41 and held in the groove portion 41 .
  • the shoelace S can be prevented from coming off from the groove portion 41 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 covers the axially upper side of the groove portion 41 . Therefore, the shoelace S can be further prevented from coming off axially upward of the groove portion 41 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 is easily attached to the trunk portion 40 . Therefore, the number of portions of the spool 20 can be reduced to reduce a manufacturing cost, and an assembly workability can be improved.
  • FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20 .
  • the shaft 30 has a connection portion 31 .
  • the connection portion 31 protrudes radially outward from the upper end portion of the shaft 30 and is formed in an annular shape.
  • the connection recess portion 46 is recessed axially upward from the lower surface of the trunk portion 40 , and the connection portion 31 is disposed inside. At this time, the upper surface of the connection portion 31 comes into contact with the lower surface of the trunk portion 40 via an adhesive.
  • a contact area between the shaft 30 and the trunk portion 40 can be increased to be firmly connected to each other.
  • a contact surface of the shaft 30 with the trunk portion 40 has a larger surface roughness than a non-contact surface of the shaft 30 with the trunk portion 40 . Further, at the upper end portion of the shaft 30 , the surface roughness of the radially outer surface in contact with the connection recess portion 46 is larger than the surface roughness of the upper surface in contact with the connection recess portion 46 .
  • adhesion between the shaft 30 and the trunk portion 40 is improved so that the shaft and the trunk portion can be more firmly connected to each other.
  • the trunk portion 40 and the shaft 30 are connected via an adhesive, but the trunk portion 40 and the shaft 30 may be connected by insert molding without using the adhesive.
  • the material configuring the shaft 30 has a higher rigidity than the material configuring the trunk portion 40 .
  • the shaft 30 is made of a metal member, and the trunk portion 40 is made of a resin member. Thus, a durability and low noise of the shaft 30 can be improved.
  • the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 , and the through hole (first recess portion) 51 is disposed in the upper lid portion 50 .
  • the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 protruding axially downward may be disposed on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 , and a non-penetrating recess portion (first recess portion) recessed axially downward may be provided on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 .
  • the pair of holding portions 431 is disposed on the circumferential outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion 43
  • the pair of protruding portions 52 is disposed on the circumferential inner surface of the through hole 51 .
  • the pair of holding portions 431 may be disposed on the circumferential inner surface of the through hole 51
  • the pair of protruding portions 52 may be disposed on the circumferential outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion 43 .
  • the housing recess portion 44 and the pressing piece 53 may be omitted.
  • the elastic member 60 can be disposed between the radially outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 and the radially inner surface of the through hole (first recess portion) 51 .
  • the structure of the spool 20 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spool 20 according to the second embodiment as viewed from above, and illustrates a state before the upper lid portion 50 is attached.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper lid portion 50 as viewed from below, and
  • FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20 .
  • the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a structure for attaching the trunk portion 40 and the upper lid portion 50 . Other portions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the trunk portion 40 includes the groove portion 41 , the upper flange portion 42 , the lower flange portion 45 , and a trunk recess portion (first recess portion) 243 .
  • the trunk recess portion 243 is recessed axially downward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40 B.
  • the trunk recess portion 243 communicates with the groove portion 41 and is formed in a rectangular shape in top view.
  • the trunk recess portion 243 has an engagement recess portion 243 a (see FIG. 11 ).
  • the engagement recess portion 243 a faces the groove portion 41 in the radial direction and is recessed radially outward from the radially inner surface of the trunk recess portion 243 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 includes an engagement claw (first protrusion portion) 254 , a positioning protrusion portion 255 , and a support projection portion 256 .
  • first protrusion portion first protrusion portion
  • positioning protrusion portion 255 positioning protrusion portion 255
  • support projection portion 256 support projection portion
  • the engagement claw 254 is a snap-fit type, protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 , and has a projection portion 254 a.
  • the projection portion 254 a protrudes radially outward from the tip of the engagement claw 254 .
  • the positioning protrusion portion 255 protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 and is disposed inside the trunk recess portion 243 .
  • the lower end of the positioning protrusion portion 255 is in contact with the bottom surface of the trunk recess portion 243 and supports the upper lid portion 50 in the axial direction.
  • the support projection portion 256 protrudes radially from the end surface on the inner peripheral side of the upper lid portion 50 .
  • the support projection portion 256 is in contact with the side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41 .
  • the engagement claw 254 and the positioning protrusion portion 255 are inserted into the trunk recess portion 243 while the support projection portion 256 is brought into contact with the side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41 .
  • the engagement claw 254 is elastically deformed and slides on the radially inner surface of the trunk recess portion 243 , and the projection portion 254 a is disposed inside the engagement recess portion 243 a.
  • the engagement recess portion 243 a is engaged with the projection portion 254 a.
  • the engagement claw 254 (first protrusion portion) and the trunk recess portion (first recess portion) 243 are engaged in the axial direction.
  • the shoelace S is surrounded by the side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41 , the positioning protrusion portion 255 , and the support projection portion 256 , and is held in the groove portion 41 (see FIG. 11 ).
  • the upper lid portion 50 covers at least a part of the axially upper side of the groove portion 41 . Therefore, the upper lid portion 50 can prevent the shoelace S from coming off axially upward of the groove portion 41 .
  • the same advantageous effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • the engagement claw (first protrusion portion) 254 is disposed on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50
  • the trunk recess portion (first recess portion) 243 is disposed on the trunk portion 40
  • an engagement claw (first protrusion portion) 254 protruding axially upward may be disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40
  • a recess portion (first recess portion) recessed axially upward may be provided on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 .
  • the engagement recess portion 243 a may be provided at the tip of the engagement claw 254 , and the projection portion 254 a to be engaged with the engagement recess portion may be provided on the radially inner surface of the trunk recess portion 243 .
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the spool 20 according to the third embodiment as viewed from above, and illustrates a state before the upper lid portion 50 is attached.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the upper lid portion 50 as viewed from below, and
  • FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20 .
  • the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a structure for attaching the trunk portion 40 and the upper lid portion 50 . Other portions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the trunk portion 40 includes the groove portion 41 , the lower flange portion 45 , a pair of trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b, and the connection recess portion 46 .
  • the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 is disposed such that the first region 40 A and the second region 40 B are positioned to have the same axial height.
  • the trunk protrusion portion 343 a and the trunk protrusion portion 343 b face each other in the radial direction with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween. That is, the pair of the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 , and is provided to face each other in the radial direction with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween.
  • the trunk protrusion portion 343 a protrudes axially upward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the first region 40 A.
  • the trunk protrusion portion 343 b protrudes axially upward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40 B.
  • the trunk protrusion portion 343 a and 343 b have flange portions 344 a and 344 b protruding radially outward from the axial tips, respectively.
  • the flange portions 344 a and 344 b have curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b and flat surface portions 346 a and 346 b, respectively.
  • the curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b protrude radially opposite to the groove portion 41 , and are formed to protrude radially outward.
  • the flat surface portions 346 a and 346 b are disposed on both side portions of the curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b, and are formed in a planar shape.
  • the upper lid portion 50 has a disk shape, and the diameter of the upper lid portion 50 is larger than the diameter of the trunk portion 40 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 has a through hole (first recess portion) 351 and a pair of bridge pieces 352 .
  • the through hole 351 penetrates the upper lid portion 50 in the axial direction.
  • a non-penetrating recess portion recessed axially upward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 may be provided.
  • the through hole 351 has a pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b.
  • the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is disposed on the radially inner surface of the through hole 351 , protrudes radially inward, and faces each other in the radial direction (see FIG. 14 ).
  • the engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b are sandwiched between the pair of bridge pieces 352 in the circumferential direction and formed in a planar shape.
  • the pair of bridge pieces 352 protrude radially from the inner surface of the through hole 351 .
  • the pair of bridge pieces 352 is formed by bridging one engagement piece 351 a and the other engagement piece 351 b.
  • each of the pair of bridge pieces 352 is formed in an arc shape protruding radially outward.
  • the diameter of the inner peripheral edge of the through hole 351 surrounded by the pair of bridge pieces 352 and the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the flange portions 344 a and 344 b.
  • each of the pair of bridge pieces 352 has a lid projection portion 352 a protruding axially downward from the lower surface.
  • the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b and the flat surface portions 346 a and 346 b are aligned in the circumferential direction, and the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b are inserted into the through holes 351 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 is rotated in the circumferential direction.
  • the radially inner surfaces of the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b slide on the radially outer surfaces of the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b and move in the circumferential direction.
  • the lid projection portion 352 a is fitted into the groove portion 41 .
  • the upper lid portion 50 is locked to the trunk portion 40 in the circumferential direction.
  • the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is axially sandwiched between the flange portions 344 a and 344 b and the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b. That is, the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is in contact with the flange portions 344 a and 344 b in the axial direction with the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b interposed therebetween. At this time, the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b and the through hole (first recess portion) 351 are engaged with each other in the axial direction.
  • the upper lid portion 50 covers the axially upper side of the groove portion 41 . Therefore, the upper lid portion 50 can prevent the shoelace S from coming off axially upward of the groove portion 41 . Thus, the same advantageous effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • the pair of trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 , and the through hole 351 is disposed in the upper lid portion 50 .
  • the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b protruding downward in the axial direction may be disposed on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 , and a non-penetrating recess portion (first recess portion) recessed axially downward may be provided on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 .
  • first protrusion portion 343 a and 343 b are provided, only one of the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b may be provided.
  • the upper lid portion 50 can be attached to the trunk portion 40 by either one of the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b.
  • the pair of bridge pieces 352 is formed by bridging one engagement piece 351 a and the other engagement piece 351 b, only one end of the bridge piece 352 may be connected to the engagement piece 351 a.
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20 according to the fourth embodiment.
  • the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a structure for connecting the spool 20 and the shaft 30 .
  • Other portions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the trunk portion 40 has a pile portion 49 .
  • the pile portion 49 protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the trunk portion 40 .
  • the shaft 30 has an insertion hole 32 .
  • the insertion hole 32 is recessed in the axial direction from the upper surface of the shaft 30 , and the pile portion 49 is disposed inside.
  • the shaft 30 and the trunk portion 40 can be more firmly connected.
  • the upper lid portion 50 is formed in a semi-disk shape in top view, but may be formed in a disk shape without the upper flange portion 42 .
  • the present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a spool mounted on a lacing module.

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  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

A spool includes a shaft, a trunk portion, and an upper lid portion. The shaft rotates around a central axis extending vertically. The trunk portion has a lower portion connected with the shaft, a radially outer surface wound with a string material, and an upper surface having a groove portion disposed with the string material. The upper lid portion is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion. One of the trunk portion and the upper lid portion has an engagement protrusion portion protruding in an axial direction, and the other has a first recess portion which is recessed in the axial direction and engaged axially with the engagement protrusion portion disposed inside. The upper lid portion covers at least a part of the groove portion.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-173571 filed on Oct. 14, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present disclosure relates to a spool and a lacing module provided with the spool.
    • BACKGROUND
  • A conventional spool for tightening a shoelace or the like often includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a drum disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. A groove portion (winding passage) in which a string material is disposed may be provided on the upper surface of the upper plate. With the forward or reverse rotation of the drum, the string material is wound around or unwound around the radially outer surface of the drum.
  • However, the conventional spool has a problem that the string material is disengaged from the groove portion at the time of being loosened or the like.
    • SUMMARY
  • An exemplary spool of the present disclosure includes a shaft, a trunk portion, and an upper lid portion. The shaft rotates about a central axis extending vertically. The trunk portion has a lower portion connected with the shaft, a radially outer surface wound with the string material, and an upper surface having a groove portion disposed with a string material. The upper lid portion is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion. One of the trunk portion and the upper lid portion has an engagement protrusion portion protruding in an axial direction, and another has a first recess portion recessed in the axial direction and engaged axially with the engagement protrusion portion disposed inside. The upper lid portion covers at least a part of the groove portion.
  • The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a lacing module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from above;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper lid portion of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 7 is a top view of the upper lid portion of the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the spool according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spool according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an upper lid portion of the spool according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below;
  • FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the spool according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a spool according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upper lid portion of the spool according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below;
  • FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the spool according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a spool according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the specification, a direction in which a central axis of a shaft of a spool extends is simply referred to as an “axial direction”, a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the shaft of the spool as the center is simply referred to as a “radial direction”, and a direction extending along a circular arc centered on the central axis of the shaft of the spool is simply referred to as a “circumferential direction”. Further, in this specification, for the sake of convenience of the description, the shapes and positional relations of portions will be described on the assumption that the axial direction is a vertical direction, and the vertical direction in FIG. 3 is the vertical direction of the shaft of the spool. Incidentally, the above definition of the vertical direction is not meant to restrict the orientation of, or positional relationships among parts of, the spool during use. Further, in the specification, a section parallel to the axial direction is referred to as a “longitudinal section”. Further, the term “parallel” used in the specification does not mean parallel in a strict sense, but includes substantially parallel.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view schematically illustrating a configuration of a lacing module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The lacing module 10 is attached to footwear such as an exercise shoe, and can electrically tighten or loosen a shoelace (string material) S of the footwear.
  • The lacing module 10 includes a motor 11, a spool 20, a battery 13, and a housing 14. The motor 11 is electrically connected to the battery 13, and rotates about a rotation shaft C by the current supplied from the battery 13.
  • A gear 12 is connected to the rotation shaft C of the motor 11 and is connected to a shaft 30 of the spool 20 described later via an intermediate gear (not illustrated). The driving of the motor 11 causes the gear 12 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions about the rotation shaft C. The shaft 30 rotates in both forward and reverse directions about a central axis J (see FIG. 2) in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 12. A shoelace S is wound or unwound around the spool 20 by forward and reverse rotation of the shaft 30.
  • The housing 14 houses the motor 11, the spool 20, and the battery 13 therein. In the housing 14, outlets 14 a and 14 b are opened, and the shoelace S is drawn out to the outside of the housing 14 through the outlets 14 a and 14 b.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spool 20 as viewed from above, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spool 20 as viewed from below. Further, FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the spool 20 before an upper lid portion 50 is attached. The spool 20 includes a shaft 30, a trunk portion 40, the upper lid portion 50, and an elastic member 60. The shaft 30 has a columnar shape and rotates about the central axis J extending vertically.
  • The trunk portion 40 is formed in a disk shape having a diameter larger than that of the shaft 30, and the shaft 30 is connected to a lower portion thereof. Further, the shoelace S is wound around the radially outer surface of the trunk portion 40.
  • The trunk portion 40 includes a groove portion 41, an upper flange portion 42, a lower flange portion 45, an engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43, a housing recess portion (second recess portion) 44, and a connection recess portion 46.
  • The groove portion 41 is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 and linearly extends in the radial direction through the central axis J. Both ends of the groove portion 41 in the radial direction are opened, and the shoelace S is disposed in the groove portion 41.
  • The upper surface of the trunk portion 40 is partitioned into a first region 40A and a second region 40B with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween. The first region 40A and the second region 40B are formed in a semicircular shape in top view, and the upper surface of the first region 40A is disposed axially above the upper surface of the second region 40B.
  • The upper flange portion 42 protrudes radially outward from the upper end portion of the trunk portion 40 in the first region 40A. The upper flange portion 42 prevents the shoelace S wound around the radially outer surface of the trunk portion 40 from coming off axially upward.
  • The lower flange portion (flange portion) 45 protrudes radially outward from the lower end portion of the trunk portion 40. The lower flange portion 45 supports the shoelace S wound around the radially outer surface of the trunk portion 40, and prevents the shoelace S from coming off axially downward.
  • The housing recess portion 44 is recessed axially downward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40B. The housing recess portion 44 communicates with the groove portion 41 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the groove portion 41 in top view. The elastic member 60 is disposed inside the housing recess portion 44.
  • The engagement protrusion portion 43 protrudes axially upward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40B. The engagement protrusion portion 43 is disposed to face the groove portion 41 in the radial direction with the housing recess portion 44 interposed therebetween. The engagement protrusion portion 43 is formed in a C shape in top view and surrounds an end portion of the housing recess portion.
  • The engagement protrusion portion 43 includes a pair of holding portions 431. The pair of holding portions 431 is recessed inward from both circumferential end portions of the engagement protrusion portion 43 and is formed in a groove shape extending in the radial direction (the direction orthogonal to the groove portion 41). That is, the pair of holding portions 431 is formed on the radially outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion 43. The pair of holding portions 431 extends in parallel, and both ends in the radial direction are opened. In this embodiment, the pair of holding portions 431 extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the groove portion 41. Further, an upper surface of a lower wall portion 431 a of the holding portion 431 and the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 are formed to be flush with each other (see FIG. 5).
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are a perspective view and a top view of the upper lid portion 50. The upper lid portion 50 has a semi-disk shape in top view, and is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40B. The upper lid portion 50 has a through hole (first recess portion) 51, a pair of protruding portions 52, and a pressing piece (third protrusion portion) 53. The through hole 51 penetrates the upper lid portion 50 in the axial direction. Incidentally, instead of the through hole 51, a non-penetrating recess portion recessed axially upward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 may be provided.
  • The pair of protruding portions 52 is disposed on the circumferentially inner surface of the through hole 51 and protrudes inward. That is, the pair of protruding portions 52 extending in the radial direction is formed on the inner surface of the through hole 51. The pair of protruding portions 52 extends in parallel.
  • When the upper lid portion 50 is attached to the trunk portion 40, the protruding portion 52 is inserted into the holding portion 431 from the open end on the outer peripheral side of the holding portion 431 in a state where the elastic member 60 is compressed. Thus, the protruding portion 52 is slidably held by the holding portion 431. That is, the holding portion 431 holds the protruding portion 52 slidably in the radial direction. At this time, the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 and the through hole (first recess portion) 51 are engaged in the axial direction.
  • The pressing piece 53 is disposed on the peripheral edge of the through hole 51 and protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50. The pressing piece 53 is disposed inside the housing recess portion 44. The lower end of the pressing piece 53 is in contact with the bottom surface of the housing recess portion 44. Further, the pressing piece 53 slides in the extending direction of the housing recess portion 44. Further, the pressing piece 53 comes into contact with one end of the elastic member 60 and is biased toward the groove portion 41. Thus, the shoelace S is sandwiched between the biased pressing piece 53 and a side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41 and held in the groove portion 41. Thus, the shoelace S can be prevented from coming off from the groove portion 41. Further, the upper lid portion 50 covers the axially upper side of the groove portion 41. Therefore, the shoelace S can be further prevented from coming off axially upward of the groove portion 41.
  • The upper lid portion 50 is easily attached to the trunk portion 40. Therefore, the number of portions of the spool 20 can be reduced to reduce a manufacturing cost, and an assembly workability can be improved.
  • FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20. The shaft 30 has a connection portion 31. The connection portion 31 protrudes radially outward from the upper end portion of the shaft 30 and is formed in an annular shape. The connection recess portion 46 is recessed axially upward from the lower surface of the trunk portion 40, and the connection portion 31 is disposed inside. At this time, the upper surface of the connection portion 31 comes into contact with the lower surface of the trunk portion 40 via an adhesive. By providing the connection portion 31, a contact area between the shaft 30 and the trunk portion 40 can be increased to be firmly connected to each other.
  • A contact surface of the shaft 30 with the trunk portion 40 has a larger surface roughness than a non-contact surface of the shaft 30 with the trunk portion 40. Further, at the upper end portion of the shaft 30, the surface roughness of the radially outer surface in contact with the connection recess portion 46 is larger than the surface roughness of the upper surface in contact with the connection recess portion 46. Thus, adhesion between the shaft 30 and the trunk portion 40 is improved so that the shaft and the trunk portion can be more firmly connected to each other. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the trunk portion 40 and the shaft 30 are connected via an adhesive, but the trunk portion 40 and the shaft 30 may be connected by insert molding without using the adhesive.
  • The material configuring the shaft 30 has a higher rigidity than the material configuring the trunk portion 40. In this embodiment, the shaft 30 is made of a metal member, and the trunk portion 40 is made of a resin member. Thus, a durability and low noise of the shaft 30 can be improved.
  • Incidentally, in this embodiment, the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40, and the through hole (first recess portion) 51 is disposed in the upper lid portion 50. However, the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 protruding axially downward may be disposed on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50, and a non-penetrating recess portion (first recess portion) recessed axially downward may be provided on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40.
  • The pair of holding portions 431 is disposed on the circumferential outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion 43, and the pair of protruding portions 52 is disposed on the circumferential inner surface of the through hole 51. However, the pair of holding portions 431 may be disposed on the circumferential inner surface of the through hole 51, and the pair of protruding portions 52 may be disposed on the circumferential outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion 43.
  • The housing recess portion 44 and the pressing piece 53 may be omitted. In this case, the elastic member 60 can be disposed between the radially outer surface of the engagement protrusion portion (first protrusion portion) 43 and the radially inner surface of the through hole (first recess portion) 51. Thus, the structure of the spool 20 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.
  • Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spool 20 according to the second embodiment as viewed from above, and illustrates a state before the upper lid portion 50 is attached. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper lid portion 50 as viewed from below, and FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20. For convenience of explanation, the same portions as those in the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a structure for attaching the trunk portion 40 and the upper lid portion 50. Other portions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • The trunk portion 40 includes the groove portion 41, the upper flange portion 42, the lower flange portion 45, and a trunk recess portion (first recess portion) 243. The trunk recess portion 243 is recessed axially downward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40B. The trunk recess portion 243 communicates with the groove portion 41 and is formed in a rectangular shape in top view.
  • The trunk recess portion 243 has an engagement recess portion 243 a (see FIG. 11). The engagement recess portion 243 a faces the groove portion 41 in the radial direction and is recessed radially outward from the radially inner surface of the trunk recess portion 243.
  • The upper lid portion 50 includes an engagement claw (first protrusion portion) 254, a positioning protrusion portion 255, and a support projection portion 256. When the upper lid portion 50 is attached to the trunk portion 40, the support projection portion 256, the positioning protrusion portion 255, and the engagement claw 254 are disposed at positions away from the groove portion 41 in this order.
  • The engagement claw 254 is a snap-fit type, protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50, and has a projection portion 254 a. The projection portion 254 a protrudes radially outward from the tip of the engagement claw 254.
  • The positioning protrusion portion 255 protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 and is disposed inside the trunk recess portion 243. The lower end of the positioning protrusion portion 255 is in contact with the bottom surface of the trunk recess portion 243 and supports the upper lid portion 50 in the axial direction. By providing the positioning protrusion portion 255, the upper lid portion 50 can be easily attached to the trunk portion 40.
  • The support projection portion 256 protrudes radially from the end surface on the inner peripheral side of the upper lid portion 50. The support projection portion 256 is in contact with the side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41.
  • When the upper lid portion 50 is attached to the trunk portion 40, the engagement claw 254 and the positioning protrusion portion 255 are inserted into the trunk recess portion 243 while the support projection portion 256 is brought into contact with the side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41. At this time, the engagement claw 254 is elastically deformed and slides on the radially inner surface of the trunk recess portion 243, and the projection portion 254 a is disposed inside the engagement recess portion 243 a. At this time, the engagement recess portion 243 a is engaged with the projection portion 254 a. Thus, the engagement claw 254 (first protrusion portion) and the trunk recess portion (first recess portion) 243 are engaged in the axial direction. Further, the shoelace S is surrounded by the side wall 41 a of the groove portion 41, the positioning protrusion portion 255, and the support projection portion 256, and is held in the groove portion 41 (see FIG. 11). Further, the upper lid portion 50 covers at least a part of the axially upper side of the groove portion 41. Therefore, the upper lid portion 50 can prevent the shoelace S from coming off axially upward of the groove portion 41. Thus, the same advantageous effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • Incidentally, in this embodiment, the engagement claw (first protrusion portion) 254 is disposed on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50, and the trunk recess portion (first recess portion) 243 is disposed on the trunk portion 40. However, an engagement claw (first protrusion portion) 254 protruding axially upward may be disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40, and a recess portion (first recess portion) recessed axially upward may be provided on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50.
  • The engagement recess portion 243 a may be provided at the tip of the engagement claw 254, and the projection portion 254 a to be engaged with the engagement recess portion may be provided on the radially inner surface of the trunk recess portion 243.
  • Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the spool 20 according to the third embodiment as viewed from above, and illustrates a state before the upper lid portion 50 is attached. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the upper lid portion 50 as viewed from below, and FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20. For convenience of explanation, the same portions as those in the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a structure for attaching the trunk portion 40 and the upper lid portion 50. Other portions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • The trunk portion 40 includes the groove portion 41, the lower flange portion 45, a pair of trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b, and the connection recess portion 46. The upper surface of the trunk portion 40 is disposed such that the first region 40A and the second region 40B are positioned to have the same axial height.
  • The trunk protrusion portion 343 a and the trunk protrusion portion 343 b face each other in the radial direction with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween. That is, the pair of the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40, and is provided to face each other in the radial direction with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween. The trunk protrusion portion 343 a protrudes axially upward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the first region 40A. The trunk protrusion portion 343 b protrudes axially upward from the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the second region 40B.
  • The trunk protrusion portion 343 a and 343 b have flange portions 344 a and 344 b protruding radially outward from the axial tips, respectively. The flange portions 344 a and 344 b have curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b and flat surface portions 346 a and 346 b, respectively. The curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b protrude radially opposite to the groove portion 41, and are formed to protrude radially outward. The flat surface portions 346 a and 346 b are disposed on both side portions of the curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b, and are formed in a planar shape.
  • The upper lid portion 50 has a disk shape, and the diameter of the upper lid portion 50 is larger than the diameter of the trunk portion 40. The upper lid portion 50 has a through hole (first recess portion) 351 and a pair of bridge pieces 352. The through hole 351 penetrates the upper lid portion 50 in the axial direction. Incidentally, instead of the through hole 351, a non-penetrating recess portion recessed axially upward from the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50 may be provided.
  • The through hole 351 has a pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b. The pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is disposed on the radially inner surface of the through hole 351, protrudes radially inward, and faces each other in the radial direction (see FIG. 14). The engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b are sandwiched between the pair of bridge pieces 352 in the circumferential direction and formed in a planar shape. The pair of bridge pieces 352 protrude radially from the inner surface of the through hole 351. Specifically, the pair of bridge pieces 352 is formed by bridging one engagement piece 351 a and the other engagement piece 351 b. That is, one end of the bridge piece 352 is connected to one engagement piece 351 a, and the other end of the bridge piece 352 is connected to the other engagement piece 351 b. Further, each of the pair of bridge pieces 352 is formed in an arc shape protruding radially outward. At this time, the diameter of the inner peripheral edge of the through hole 351 surrounded by the pair of bridge pieces 352 and the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer peripheral edge of the flange portions 344 a and 344 b. Further, each of the pair of bridge pieces 352 has a lid projection portion 352 a protruding axially downward from the lower surface.
  • When the upper lid portion 50 is attached to the trunk portion 40, the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b and the flat surface portions 346 a and 346 b are aligned in the circumferential direction, and the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b are inserted into the through holes 351.
  • Next, the upper lid portion 50 is rotated in the circumferential direction. Thus, the radially inner surfaces of the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b slide on the radially outer surfaces of the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b and move in the circumferential direction. Thereafter, the lid projection portion 352 a is fitted into the groove portion 41. At this time, the upper lid portion 50 is locked to the trunk portion 40 in the circumferential direction.
  • The pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is axially sandwiched between the flange portions 344 a and 344 b and the upper surface of the trunk portion 40 in the curved surface portions 345 a and 345 b. That is, the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b is in contact with the flange portions 344 a and 344 b in the axial direction with the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b interposed therebetween. At this time, the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b and the through hole (first recess portion) 351 are engaged with each other in the axial direction. Further, the upper lid portion 50 covers the axially upper side of the groove portion 41. Therefore, the upper lid portion 50 can prevent the shoelace S from coming off axially upward of the groove portion 41. Thus, the same advantageous effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • When the pair of trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b facing each other in the radial direction with the groove portion 41 interposed therebetween is sandwiched by the pair of engagement pieces 351 a and 351 b, the barycentric axis of the spool 20 can be easily aligned with the central axis J.
  • Incidentally, in this embodiment, the pair of trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40, and the through hole 351 is disposed in the upper lid portion 50. However, the trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b protruding downward in the axial direction may be disposed on the lower surface of the upper lid portion 50, and a non-penetrating recess portion (first recess portion) recessed axially downward may be provided on the upper surface of the trunk portion 40.
  • Although the pair of trunk protrusion portions (first protrusion portion) 343 a and 343 b is provided, only one of the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b may be provided. The upper lid portion 50 can be attached to the trunk portion 40 by either one of the trunk protrusion portions 343 a and 343 b.
  • Although the pair of bridge pieces 352 is formed by bridging one engagement piece 351 a and the other engagement piece 351 b, only one end of the bridge piece 352 may be connected to the engagement piece 351 a.
  • Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spool 20 according to the fourth embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the same portions as those in the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a structure for connecting the spool 20 and the shaft 30. Other portions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • The trunk portion 40 has a pile portion 49. The pile portion 49 protrudes axially downward from the lower surface of the trunk portion 40. The shaft 30 has an insertion hole 32. The insertion hole 32 is recessed in the axial direction from the upper surface of the shaft 30, and the pile portion 49 is disposed inside. Thus, the shaft 30 and the trunk portion 40 can be more firmly connected.
  • In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the upper lid portion 50 is formed in a semi-disk shape in top view, but may be formed in a disk shape without the upper flange portion 42.
  • The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a spool mounted on a lacing module.
  • Features of the above-described preferred embodiments and the modifications thereof may be combined appropriately as long as no conflict arises.
  • While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:
1. A spool comprising:
a shaft which rotates about a central axis extending vertically;
a trunk portion which has an upper surface having a groove portion disposed with a string material, a lower portion connected with the shaft, and a radially outer surface wound with the string material; and
an upper lid portion which is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion, wherein
one of the trunk portion and the upper lid portion has a first protrusion portion protruding in an axial direction, and another has a first recess portion recessed in the axial direction and engaged axially with the first protrusion portion, and
the upper lid portion covers at least a part of the groove portion.
2. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
one of an outer surface of the first protrusion portion and an inner surface of the first recess portion is formed with a pair of protruding portions extending in a radial direction, and another is formed with a holding portion which holds the protruding portion slidably in the radial direction.
3. The spool according to claim 1, further comprising:
an elastic member which is disposed between an outer surface of the first protrusion portion and an inner surface of the first recess portion and biases the upper lid portion toward the groove portion.
4. The spool according to claim 3, wherein
the first protrusion portion is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion,
the trunk portion has a second recess portion adjacent to the first protrusion portion and recessed axially downward from the upper surface,
the elastic member is disposed inside the second recess portion, and
the upper lid portion has a third protrusion portion which protrudes axially downward from the lower surface, is disposed inside the second recess portion, and is in contact with one end of the elastic member.
5. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
the first protrusion portion has a projection portion protruding radially outward from a tip, and
the first recess portion has an engagement recess portion which is recessed radially from an inner surface and is engaged with the projection portion.
6. The spool according to claim 5, wherein
the first protrusion portion is disposed on a lower surface of the upper lid portion, and
the upper lid portion has a positioning protrusion portion which protrudes axially downward from the lower surface and is disposed inside the first recess portion.
7. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
the first protrusion portion has a flange portion protruding radially outward from a tip on a radially outer surface,
the first recess portion has a pair of engagement pieces which is disposed on a radially inner surface and faces each other in a radial direction, and
the pair of engagement pieces is in contact with the flange portion in the axial direction with the first protrusion portion interposed therebetween.
8. The spool according to claim 7, wherein
a pair of the first protrusion portions is disposed on the upper surface of the trunk portion and is provided to face each other in the radial direction with the groove portion interposed therebetween.
9. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
the trunk portion has an annular flange portion protruding radially outward from a lower end portion.
10. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
a material configuring the shaft has a higher rigidity than a material configuring the trunk portion.
11. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
the shaft has an annular connection portion protruding radially outward from an upper end portion, and
an upper surface of the connection portion is in contact with a lower surface of the trunk portion.
12. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
a contact surface of the shaft with the trunk portion has a larger surface roughness than a non-contact surface of the shaft with the trunk portion.
13. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
the trunk portion has a connection recess portion which is recessed axially upward from a lower surface and disposed with an upper end portion of the shaft, and
in an upper end of the shaft, a surface roughness of a radially outer surface in contact with the connection recess portion is larger than a surface roughness of an upper surface in contact with the connection recess portion.
14. The spool according to claim 1, wherein
the trunk portion has a pile portion which protrudes axially downward from a lower surface, and
the shaft has an insertion hole which is recessed axially downward from an upper surface and in which the pile portion is disposed.
15. A lacing module comprising:
the spool according to claim 1.
US17/497,981 2020-10-14 2021-10-11 Spool and lacing module provided with same Abandoned US20220110414A1 (en)

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US20190335859A1 (en) * 2016-12-09 2019-11-07 Adamant Namiki Precision Jewel Co., Ltd. Winding device
US20220104586A1 (en) * 2016-03-15 2022-04-07 Nike, Inc. Modular spool for automated footwear platform
US20220110417A1 (en) * 2020-10-14 2022-04-14 Nidec Corporation Spool and lacing module provided with same
US20220175090A1 (en) * 2020-12-08 2022-06-09 Nidec Corporation Lacing module

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