Patent Description:
Various mechanisms for connecting the wire of a tire slip prevention device have been considered, and for example, those disclosed in Patent Literatures <NUM> to <NUM> are known. The connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> has, on one end of the wire, a flange having a projection surface greater than the diameter of the wire and, on the other end of the wire, a receiving portion into which the flange can be inserted. After the flange is inserted into the receiving portion, the flange is rotated in the circumferential direction of the wire to prevent them from becoming disconnected.

The connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> has, on one end of the wire, a connecting head portion having a projection surface greater than the diameter of the wire and, on the other end of the wire, a coupling member capable of accommodating the connecting head portion. The coupling member has an opening into which the connecting head portion is inserted, and an abutting member that secures the connecting head portion. The opening is composed of an insertion hole into which the connecting head portion can be inserted, and a notch that communicates with the insertion hole and into which the wire or only a constricted portion of the rear end of the connecting head portion can be inserted. The abutting member is a lever that presses the connecting head portion inserted into the coupling member from the insertion hole toward the notch.

Similarly to the connection mechanisms disclosed in Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM>, the connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> has a connecting head portion on one end of the wire and a coupling member on the other end of the wire. The connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> includes a lever provided in the coupling member, the lever having a groove through which the wire passes on the front end (pawl) of the lever, and being capable of abutting the pawl against the rear end (narrow part) of the connecting head portion inserted into the coupling member. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a release system for an anti-skid device comprising a closing device. The closing device comprises a hollow body with two opposite openings in longitudinal direction and designed for receiving free ends of a wire of the anti-skid device; the body is further designed to receive two levers arranged to pivot about a pin; each lever has at one end a tooth designed to engage in a groove formed in a connecting head portion arranged on one end of the wire. From Patent Literature <NUM> a connection mechanism for connecting a wire of a tire slip prevention device is known, which comprises a box-like female connecting member having engagement holes and a male connecting member having corresponding projections designed to be releasably inserted into the engagement holes. Further, Patent Literature <NUM> describes a connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device comprising a connecting head portion with a groove on one end of the wire and a coupling member having two pivoting levers at the other end of the wire. Each of the levers has at one end a projection designed for being inserted into the groove of the connecting head portion. Further, from Patent Literature <NUM> a connecting mechanism is known comprising a connecting head portion on one end of the wire and a coupling member having one lever on the other end of the wire. Still further, from Patent Literature <NUM> a connection mechanism is known comprising a single lever designed for fixing a connecting head portion within a housing.

The connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> enables a simple structure and is suitable for achieving a smaller size. However, there is a problem with the reliability of engagement and disengagement, and the connection mechanism may become disengaged when the engaging portion is twisted due to impact or vibration.

The connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> does not become disengaged unless the lever, which is the abutting member, is manipulated. However, there is a problem that the form of the coupling member may be relatively large since it is necessary to insert the connecting head portion into the coupling member and press the connecting head portion toward the notch using the lever to achieve coupling.

The connection mechanism disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> is capable of preventing withdrawal of the connecting head portion by simply inserting the connecting head portion into the coupling member and hooking the pawl of the lever on the rear end of the connecting head portion. However, even in this connection mechanism having such a configuration, it is difficult to achieve a smaller coupling member since it is necessary, for example, to have the manipulable portion of the lever projecting out of the coupling member body to increase the range of movement of the lever.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device that is capable of solving each of the problems above to ensure the reliability of an engaged state and achieve a smaller size.

A connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device according to the present invention to achieve the object above is configured to connect ends of a wire disposed along a longitudinal direction of a tire slip prevention device for vehicles and positioned on at least one of an inner position or an outer position of a tire when mounted on the tire. The connection mechanism includes: a coupling member including one end, a coupling base portion on the one end, another end, and a tubular body on the other end, one end of the wire being engaged with the coupling base portion, the tubular body having an insertion opening; a connecting head portion having a projection surface, another end of the wire being connected to the projection surface, the projection surface being greater than a diameter of the wire and capable of being inserted into the insertion opening; and a clamping means disposed inside the body, the clamping means including pawls configured to clamp a rear end of the connecting head portion inserted from the insertion opening or a constricted portion provided on the connecting head portion, wherein the clamping means is formed by joining a pair of clamping pieces, the clamping pieces including pressing portions, the pawls, and pivots positioned between the pressing portions and the pawls, the pair of clamping pieces being joined at the pivots as an axis, and wherein the body is provided with notched portions on a side surface corresponding to a location position of the pressing portions when the clamping means is contained in the body, the notched portions being recessed in a direction in which a pair of the pressing portions approach each other.

Having such characteristics facilitates manipulation of the pressing portions even if the clamping means is formed to be completely contained inside an outer shape of the body.

In the connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above, the clamping means may be provided with a biasing means configured to generate a biasing force in a direction in which a pair of the pawls approach each other. Having such a characteristic enables the good property of preventing withdrawal to be maintained after the connecting head portion is clamped by the pawls.

In the connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above, the biasing means may be disposed between the pivot and the pawl. Having such a characteristic prevents the biasing means from interfering with the pressing portions when manipulating the pressing portions. There is thus a high degree of flexibility in the form of the biasing means.

In the connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above, the biasing means may be disposed between the pivot and the pressing portion. Having such a characteristic enables the distance between the pivot and the pawl to be reduced. The body can thus be made shorter, and the connection mechanism can be made more compact.

In the connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above, one end of the wire may be provided with an engaging head portion having a projection surface greater than the diameter of the wire, and the body may accommodate the engaging head portion therein and the coupling base portion may include an opening greater than the diameter of the wire and smaller than the projection surface of the engaging head portion. Having such characteristics enables the body to rotate in a radial direction with respect to an axial direction of the wire.

In the connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above, engagement of one end of the wire with the body may be formed by a support pin supporting the clamping means. Having such a characteristic enables the body to be shorter and the connection mechanism to be made more compact.

In the connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above, it is desired that the clamping means includes, between the pivot and a front end of the pawl, a projection preventing the front end from moving inward into the body. Having such a characteristic enables the location position of the clamping means to be stabilized even when the connecting head portion is not inserted in the body.

The connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device having the characteristics above is capable of ensuring the reliability of an engaged state and achieving a smaller size.

Embodiments of a connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As illustrated in <FIG>, the connection mechanism of the embodiments shown below will be described based on being provided to connect both ends (one end and the other end) of a wire <NUM> disposed on an inner position of a tire <NUM> and provided on an end in a width direction of a tire slip prevention device <NUM> for vehicles along a longitudinal direction, with the tire slip prevention device <NUM> covering an outer circumference of the tire <NUM> along a circumferential direction. The embodiments shown below are also a part of suitable embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and are considered as a part of the present invention even when alterations are made to a part of the configuration as long as the effects thereof are produced.

A connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device according to a first embodiment (hereinafter, simply referred to as a connection mechanism <NUM>) will now be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of the connection mechanism according to the first embodiment, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view thereof. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the connection mechanism according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a clamping means, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating pawls when the clamping means is closed viewed from a front end. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a configuration of a connecting head portion, and <FIG> is a front view illustrating the configuration of the connecting head portion (configuration of <FIG> viewed from the right).

The connection mechanism <NUM> according to this embodiment basically includes a coupling member <NUM> and a connecting head portion <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> is an element with which one end of the wire <NUM> that is to be connected is engaged and which holds the connecting head portion <NUM> described further below with the connecting head portion <NUM> inserted therein. The coupling member <NUM> basically includes a body <NUM>, a clamping means <NUM>, and a biasing means <NUM>. The body <NUM> is composed of a tubular body, and includes a coupling base portion 14a on one end and an insertion opening 14b on the other end in a longitudinal direction, and a clamping means disposing opening 14c on a side surface. The shape of the projection surface of the tubular body may be polygonal such as triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal, or may be elliptical, but the form of the body <NUM> in this embodiment is cylindrical. Having such a form prevents the body <NUM> from catching onto members disposed therearound and enables a smaller size. The members constituting the body <NUM> may be made of a metal material or a resin material as long as it is a material capable of withstanding tensile load, impact, and the like when the tire slip prevention device <NUM> is used attached to the tire <NUM>, but when a material with low weather resistance is used, it is desirable, for example, to provide a protective coating.

The coupling base portion 14a is configured to be engageable with one end of the wire <NUM>. In the forms illustrated in <FIG>, a press-fitting hole 14a2 is provided on a side surface in the vicinity of an opening 14a1 provided on one end. A rivet fitting (so-called eye end <NUM>) that has a through hole 20a provided on an engaging end is provided on one end of the wire <NUM> that is to be engaged with the coupling base portion 14a. In such a configuration, the eye end <NUM> is inserted inside the body <NUM> from the opening 14a1 of the coupling base portion 14a, and a retaining pin 14a3 is disposed so as to pass through both the press-fitting hole 14a2 formed on the side surface and the through hole 20a of the eye end <NUM>, so that the one end of the wire <NUM> engages with the coupling member <NUM>.

The insertion opening 14b is an opening that has a projection surface capable of having the connecting head portion <NUM> described further below inserted thereinto. In this embodiment, the shape of an open end of the tubular body that forms the body <NUM> is the insertion opening 14b.

The clamping means disposing opening 14c is an opening for disposing the clamping means <NUM> described further below. Although the specific configuration thereof is not limited, in this embodiment, the clamping means disposing opening 14c includes a long hole 14c1 and notched portions 14c2, and a pair of the clamping means disposing opening 14c are disposed on opposite positions on the side surface of the body <NUM>. In the coupling member <NUM> according to this embodiment, the long hole 14c1 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the body <NUM>, and the entirety (outer shape) of clamping pieces 16a constituting the clamping means <NUM> can be fitted therein. This is because such a configuration prevents the clamping means <NUM> from protruding outside the body <NUM> when the clamping means <NUM> is disposed in the coupling member <NUM>, and enables a smaller size to be achieved. Additionally, the notched portions 14c2 are formed by providing notches on a pair of long sides forming the long hole 14c1, and are provided more toward the coupling base portion 14a than a center portion in a longitudinal direction of the long hole 14c1. Providing the notched portions 14c2 having such a configuration on the clamping means disposing opening 14c improves the manipulability of pressing portions 16a3 that constitute the clamping means <NUM> when the clamping means <NUM> is disposed in the body <NUM>. The notched portions 14c2 are not essential elements when providing the clamping means disposing opening 14c. Thus, the notched portions 14c2 need not be provided so as to continue from the long hole 14c1 as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> as long as the manipulability of the pressing portions 16a3 of the clamping pieces 16a can be improved.

Additionally, a press-fitting hole 14c3 for disposing a support pin 14c4 that supports the clamping means <NUM> is provided on the side surface of the body <NUM> between the pair of the clamping means disposing openings 14c. In this embodiment, the press-fitting hole 14c3 is provided on a portion of the side surface slightly closer to the notched portions 14c2 with the center of the longitudinal direction of the long hole 14c1 as the reference point.

The clamping means <NUM> is an element that clamps the connecting head portion <NUM> inserted from the insertion opening 14b inside the body <NUM> to prevent withdrawal of the other end of the wire <NUM> and maintain the connected state of the wire <NUM>. The clamping means <NUM> is composed of a pair of the clamping pieces 16a. Each clamping piece 16a is basically a plate piece that is substantially rectangular, and is provided with a pivot 16a1, a pawl 16a2, and the pressing portion 16a3. The pivot 16a1 is provided in the vicinity of a center portion in a longitudinal direction of the plate piece. The pivot 16a1 in the form illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is a projection projecting in a thickness direction of the plate piece, and has a through hole 16a1a provided along a width direction of the plate piece. The pair of the clamping pieces 16a are disposed facing each other such that the through holes 16a1a are aligned, and the pivots 16a1 are secured by the support pin 14c4, so that the clamping pieces 16a can be rotated about the pivots 16a1.

The pawl 16a2 is provided on an end (hereinafter, front end) of the clamping piece 16a disposed toward the insertion opening 14b. The pawl 16a2 is a projection formed projecting in the thickness direction of the plate piece, in the same direction as the pivot 16a1. As illustrated in <FIG>, the pawl 16a2 is shown to have an inclined portion 16a2a and a reverse portion 16a2b when viewed from the side. The inclined portion 16a2a is formed in an arc along a projection direction from the front end toward a rear end. Such a configuration causes the pawl 16a2 to be pushed up in a direction away from the center of the coupling member <NUM> (direction indicated by the arrow B in <FIG>) when a force in a direction along a longitudinal direction of the coupling member <NUM> (direction indicated by the arrow A in <FIG>) is applied to the inclined portion 16a2a. The reverse portion 16a2b is a side forming a rear end of the pawl 16a2, and is perpendicular to the plate piece forming the clamping piece 16a or inclined slightly toward the rear end with the plate piece as a reference point. Such a configuration enables a member engaged with the reverse portion 16a2b to be held so as to prevent withdrawal thereof.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the clamping piece 16a according to this embodiment is provided with a notch 16a2c on a front end of the pawl 16a2 when the pawl 16a2 is viewed from the front. Such a configuration enables the wire <NUM> extending from a rear end of the connecting head portion <NUM> to be avoided when the connecting head portion <NUM> is inserted. The pair of the pawls 16a2 can thus be completely closed with the connecting head portion <NUM> inserted between the pair of the clamping pieces 16a. The clamping pieces 16a according to this embodiment have an arched external shape when viewed from the front to match the external shape of the body <NUM>. Such a form prevents the clamping means <NUM> from protruding outside the body <NUM>, and enables the coupling member <NUM> to have a compact configuration.

The pressing portion 16a3 is a portion positioned on an opposite side of the pivot 16a1 from the pawl 16a2 in the clamping piece 16a. The force applied to the pressing portion 16a3 acts on the pawl 16a2 via the pivot 16a1 as a force acting in an opposite direction by the principle of leverage. Thus, when the pressing portion 16a3 of the clamping piece 16a that is secured to the body <NUM> is pressed such that the pressing portion 16a3 is pushed into the body <NUM>, this acts on the pawl 16a2 as a force in a direction so as to separate the pawl 16a2 from the body <NUM>. Consequently, when the pressing portions 16a3 of the pair of the clamping pieces 16a are pressed so as to be pinched, each clamping piece 16a rotates about the pivot 16a1 and the pair of the pawls 16a2 move in a direction to open.

Although the relationship between the distance between the pressing portion 16a3 (rear end) and the pivot 16a1 and the distance between the pivot 16a1 and the pawl 16a2 (front end) is not limited, the distance between the pressing portion 16a3 and the pivot 16a1 being shorter than the distance between the pivot 16a1 and the pawl 16a2 enables the pawls 16a2 to be spread wider relative to the amount of depression of the pressing portions 16a3. Additionally, the members constituting the clamping means <NUM> may be made of a metal material or a resin material, similarly to the body <NUM>, as long as the strength in use is maintained.

In this embodiment, a spring as the biasing means <NUM> is provided between the pair of the clamping pieces 16a. The spring may be any spring that generates a biasing force in the direction to close the pawls 16a2. In the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a helical torsion spring is employed as the biasing means <NUM> which is disposed between the pivot 16a1 and the front end (pawl 16a2).

The connecting head portion <NUM> is an element that is provided on the other end of the wire <NUM> to be connected, and inserted into the insertion opening 14b of the coupling member <NUM>. The connecting head portion <NUM> has a projection surface greater than a diameter of the wire <NUM> and capable of being inserted into the opening of the insertion opening 14b when viewed in an axial direction of the wire <NUM> (see <FIG>). Additionally, an inclined surface 22a that has a projection surface smaller at a front end compared to a rear end (wire projecting side) is provided on a side surface of the connecting head portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the form of the projection surface of the connecting head portion <NUM> is circular, and the total form is configured as a circular truncated cone. Thus, at least a diameter of the larger circle is greater than the diameter of the wire, and capable of being inserted into the opening of the insertion opening 14b. Although in the form illustrated in <FIG>, a rear end surface 22b of the connecting head portion <NUM> is a flat surface, it may be in the form of an arrowhead with an inclined surface extending from an outer circumference toward the center (where the wire <NUM> is disposed) and toward the front end.

Providing the inclined surface 22a on the front end of the connecting head portion <NUM> enables the inclined surface 22a to abut against the inclined portions 16a2a provided on the pawls 16a2 of the clamping means <NUM> when the connecting head portion <NUM> is inserted into the coupling member <NUM> to assist opening of the pawls 16a2 by the pressing force. Additionally, the rear end surface 22b of the connecting head portion <NUM> being a flat surface or in the form of an arrowhead facilitates catching of the pawls 16a2 of the clamping means <NUM> thereon, and enables the engaged state to be maintained. The constituting members of the connecting head portion <NUM> may also be made of a metal material or a resin material, similarly to the body <NUM> and the clamping means <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> described above, as long as the strength in use is maintained. Connection (securing) to the wire <NUM> may be made by pressure bonding or the like when made of a metal material and by welding or the like when made of a resin material, but other existing securing methods such as screw fastening using a set screw or the like may also be employed.

The connecting movement and disconnecting movement of the ends of the wire <NUM> by the connection mechanism <NUM> having the configuration described above will next be described with reference to <FIG>. As described above, the connection mechanism <NUM> has the coupling member <NUM> on one end of the wire <NUM> which is disposed on the inner position of the tire <NUM> and on the end in the width direction of the tire slip prevention device <NUM> for vehicles along the longitudinal direction, and has the connecting head portion <NUM> on the other end, with the tire slip prevention device <NUM> covering the outer circumference of the tire <NUM> along the circumferential direction.

Firstly, with the one end of the wire <NUM> or the coupling member <NUM> supported, the other end of the wire <NUM> is held and the connecting head portion <NUM> is inserted into the insertion opening 14b of the coupling member <NUM> (see <FIG>). After the inclined surface 22a of the connecting head portion <NUM> comes into contact with the inclined portions 16a2a of the pawls 16a2 inside the body <NUM>, a force is applied so as to further push in the connecting head portion <NUM> so that the pawls 16a2 of the clamping means <NUM> open and the connecting head portion <NUM> enters between the pair of the clamping pieces 16a (see <FIG>). After the pawls 16a2 are opened, the connecting head portion <NUM> is pushed in further so that the pawls 16a2 pass over the connecting head portion <NUM>. The pawls 16a2 that have passed over the connecting head portion <NUM> fall into the rear end of the connecting head portion <NUM> so as to close by the biasing force of the biasing means <NUM>. Accordingly, withdrawal of the connecting head portion <NUM>, that is, the other end of the wire <NUM> is prevented, and the connection of the one end to the other end of the wire <NUM> is completed (see <FIG>).

The disconnection will next be described. For disconnection, the pressing portions 16a3 of the clamping means <NUM> are pushed down so as to be pinched. This movement causes a force in an opening direction to act on the pawls 16a2 so that the pawls 16a2 open. By pulling the connecting head portion <NUM> out of the coupling member <NUM> with the pawls 16a2 open, the disconnection is completed (see <FIG>).

The connection mechanism <NUM> described above is capable of preventing withdrawal by the pawls 16a2 of the clamping means <NUM> being caught on the rear end surface 22b of the connecting head portion <NUM>. The reliability of the connected state is thus ensured. Additionally, a smaller size is achieved by forming the coupling member <NUM> as a tubular body that is slightly larger than the connecting head portion <NUM> and accommodating the entire mechanism inside the tubular body.

Additionally, to connect, the connecting head portion <NUM> is linearly inserted into the coupling member <NUM>, and to disconnect, the pressing portions 16a3 are pushed down so as to be pinched. Thus, the movements for connecting and disconnecting the ends of the wire <NUM> are simplified.

Furthermore, in the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the embodiment above, the pawls 16a2 that engage with the connecting head portion <NUM> is provided as a pair so that the clamping pieces 16a open in opposite directions. Thus, an opening through which the connecting head portion <NUM> can be inserted and removed is ensured even if the movement of each of the clamping pieces 16a is small.

Additionally, in the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the embodiment above, withdrawal of the connecting head portion <NUM> can be prevented even if the pawl 16a2 of one of the clamping pieces 16a is opened by a force being unexpectedly applied to the pressing portion 16a3 of only one of the clamping pieces 16a, if the pawl 16a2 of the other clamping piece 16a is closed.

That is, disconnection of the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the embodiment above is made possible by the intentional manual effort of pinching the pair of the pressing portions 16a3, and high security is ensured in that disconnection does not occur due to an unintentional action such as one of the pressing portions 16a3 receiving a pressing force.

A connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device according to a second embodiment will next be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Most of the configurations of a connection mechanism 10A according to this embodiment are the same as those of the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment described above. Thus, the same reference signs are given to the places having the same function in the drawings, and detailed description will be omitted.

The difference between the connection mechanism 10A according to this embodiment and the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment is in the engaged state of one end of the wire <NUM> and the coupling member <NUM>. Specifically, in the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment, the eye end <NUM> is provided on one end of the wire <NUM> and inserted into the coupling base portion 14a, and the engagement is formed by the retaining pin 14a3.

However, in the connection mechanism 10A according to this embodiment, the eye end <NUM> is inserted further inward than the first embodiment, so that the engagement of the eye end <NUM> is formed by the support pin 14c4 that supports the clamping means <NUM>. Such a configuration eliminates the need to provide the press-fitting hole 14a2 for disposing the retaining pin 14a3 in the coupling base portion 14a of the body <NUM>. Thus, the body <NUM> can be made shorter, and the connection mechanism 10A can be made smaller.

The connection mechanism 10A having such a configuration is also capable of obtaining the same effects as those of the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment. That is, the reliability of the connected state is ensured. A smaller size is also achieved. Additionally, the movements for connecting and disconnecting the ends of the wire <NUM> are simplified. Furthermore, an opening through which the connecting head portion <NUM> can be inserted and removed is ensured even if the movement of each of the clamping pieces 16a is small.

A connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device according to a third embodiment will next be described with reference to <FIG>. Most of the configurations of a connection mechanism 10B according to this embodiment are the same as those of the connection mechanisms <NUM>, 10A according to the first and second embodiments described above. Thus, the same reference signs are given to the places having the same function in the drawings, and detailed description will be omitted.

In a case in which the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment is the basis, the difference between the connection mechanism 10B according to this embodiment and the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment is in the engaged state of one end of the wire <NUM> and the coupling member <NUM>. Specifically, in the connection mechanism <NUM> according to the first embodiment, the eye end <NUM> is provided on one end of the wire <NUM> and inserted into the coupling base portion 14a, and the engagement is formed by the retaining pin 14a3.

However, in the connection mechanism 10B according to this embodiment, an engaging head portion <NUM> is provided on one end of the wire <NUM>, and the engagement with the coupling member <NUM> is made through the engaging head portion <NUM>. The engaging head portion <NUM> has a projection surface that is greater than the diameter of the wire <NUM> and the opening 14a1 provided on the coupling base portion 14a and capable of being accommodated inside the body <NUM> forming the coupling member <NUM> when viewed in the axial direction of the wire <NUM>.

Such a configuration prevents withdrawal of the engaging head portion <NUM> by the coupling base portion 14a, and enables the engaging head portion <NUM> to rotate with respect to the body <NUM> in a radial direction relative to the axial direction. Thus, in a case in which one end of the wire <NUM> is a reference point, the coupling member <NUM> can be rotated in the radial direction, and the manipulability and the like of the pressing portions 16a3 of the clamping means <NUM> can be improved.

Similarly to the connecting head portion <NUM>, the engaging head portion <NUM> is connected and made by methods such as pressure bonding of metal members or welding of resin members. In a case in which the body <NUM> is made of metal, one end having the engaging head portion <NUM> is inserted into the coupling base portion 14a which is then subjected to a drawing process or the like to narrow the opening 14a1. In a case in which the opening 14a1 is formed smaller than the projection surface of the engaging head portion <NUM> in advance such as by making the body <NUM> from resin, one end of the wire <NUM> that is not engaged with the engaging head portion <NUM> is inserted into the body <NUM> and projected from the insertion opening 14b. The one end of the wire <NUM> projected from the insertion opening 14b is then provided with the engaging head portion <NUM> and accommodated inside the body <NUM>.

The connection mechanism having such a configuration is also capable of obtaining the same effects as those of the connection mechanisms <NUM>, 10A according to the first and second embodiments. That is, the reliability of the connected state is ensured. A smaller size is also achieved. Additionally, the movements for connecting and disconnecting the ends of the wire <NUM> are simplified. Furthermore, an opening through which the connecting head portion <NUM> can be inserted and removed is ensured even if the movement of each of the clamping pieces 16a is small.

A connection mechanism for a tire slip prevention device according to a fourth embodiment will next be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Most of the configurations of a connection mechanism 10C according to this embodiment are the same as those of the connection mechanisms <NUM>, 10A, 10B according to the first to third embodiments described above. Thus, the same reference signs are given to the places having the same function in the drawings, and detailed description will be omitted.

In a case in which the connection mechanism 10B according to the third embodiment is the basis, the difference between the connection mechanism 10C according to this embodiment and the connection mechanism 10B according to the third embodiment is in the form and location position of the spring as the biasing means <NUM>. Specifically, in the connection mechanism 10B according to the third embodiment, the biasing means <NUM> is a helical torsion spring that is disposed between the pivot 16a1 and the pawl 16a2.

However, in the connection mechanism 10C according to this embodiment, the spring as the biasing means <NUM> is a coil spring that is disposed between the pivot 16a1 and the pressing portion 16a3. Employing a coil spring that generates a biasing force in a direction of extension enables a reaction force to be obtained against a compressive force. The biasing means <NUM> can thus be disposed between the pivot 16a1 and the pressing portion 16a3. Consequently, the distance between the pivot 16a1 and the pawl 16a2 can be reduced, and the connection mechanism 10C can be made smaller. In the case in which such a configuration is employed, a stopper 16a6 that prevents the connecting head portion <NUM> from coming into contact with the pivot 16a1 (the biasing means <NUM> when applied to the connection mechanisms <NUM>, 10A, 10B according to the first to third embodiments) may be provided between the pivot 16a1 and the pawl 16a2.

The connection mechanism 10C having such a configuration is also capable of obtaining the same effects as those of the connection mechanisms <NUM>, 10A, 10B according to the first to third embodiments. That is, the reliability of the connected state is ensured. A smaller size is also achieved. Additionally, the movements for connecting and disconnecting the ends of the wire <NUM> are simplified. Furthermore, an opening through which the connecting head portion <NUM> can be inserted and removed is ensured even if the movement of each of the clamping pieces 16a is small.

In the embodiments described above, a coil spring (including a helical torsion spring) is employed for the spring as the biasing means <NUM>. However, the form of the biasing means <NUM> is not limited as long as a biasing force can be generated in a desired direction. Thus, a leaf spring such as illustrated in <FIG> may be employed as the biasing means <NUM>.

In the embodiments described above, the support of the clamping means <NUM> to the body <NUM> in the coupling member <NUM> is provided only by the support pin 14c4. There is no problem with the configuration of the connection mechanism <NUM> (10A to 10C) having such a configuration. However, in the case in which the clamping means <NUM> is supported by only one pin, the location position of the clamping means <NUM> may be unstable when the connecting head portion <NUM> is not inserted.

Thus, as illustrated in detail in <FIG>, a projection 16a4 may be provided on at least a portion between the pivot 16a1 and the front end (pawl 16a2), and a recess 14c5 that accommodates the projection 16a4 may be provided in the body <NUM>. A thickness of the projection 16a4 is smaller than a thickness of the member forming an outer shell of the body <NUM>, and the recess 14c5 provided in the body <NUM> is formed having a base plate in a thickness direction. Such a configuration enables each of the clamping pieces 16a constituting the clamping means <NUM> to be supported by at least the two points of the support pin 14c4 and the base plate of the recess 14c5 even when the connecting head portion <NUM> is not inserted, so that the location position can be stabilized.

Additionally, a reaction force receiving portion 16a2d as illustrated in <FIG> may be provided on a front end of the inclined portion 16a2a forming the pawl 16a2. The reaction force receiving portion 16a2d is an inclined surface from an inner circumference toward an outer circumference of the inclined portion 16a2a of the pawl 16a2 having an angle of inclination θ toward a rear end of the clamping piece 16a. By providing the reaction force receiving portion 16a2d having such a configuration, the reaction force receiving portion 16a2d abuts against a short side of the long hole 14c1 in the body <NUM> when a force in a direction indicated by the arrow C is applied to the connecting head portion <NUM> so that the clamping piece 16a is pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow C. Thus, load on the support pin 14c4 and the pawl 16a2 is reduced, and the effect of preventing withdrawal of the connecting head portion <NUM> is improved by the pawl 16a2 receiving a force that pushes the pawl 16a2 inward into the body <NUM> by the action of the angle of inclination θ.

The element for positioning the clamping means <NUM> need not necessarily be the projection 16a4, and it is only required that there is a point or surface at which the clamping piece 16a comes into contact with the body <NUM> when a force that causes the pawl 16a2 to move inward into the body <NUM> is applied to the pawl 16a2. For example, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, an abutting surface 16a5 is provided in the vicinity of the pivot 16a1 of the clamping piece 16a toward the pressing portion 16a3. Additionally, a projection having a receiving surface 14c6 is formed on the body <NUM> so as to reduce a width of the clamping means disposing opening 14c in the vicinity of the pivot 16a1 of the clamping piece 16a (an image of the relationship between the abutting surface 16a5 and the receiving surface 14c6 is illustrated in the frame drawn in dashed lines in <FIG>).

In the embodiments above, the insertion opening 14b and the clamping means disposing opening 14c are separate openings, and a portion of the body <NUM> is interposed therebetween. However, in the connection mechanism <NUM> (10A to 10C) according to the present invention, the insertion opening 14b and the clamping means disposing opening 14c may communicate with each other as illustrated in <FIG>. A portion of the body <NUM> positioned more toward the front end than the pawl 16a2 of the clamping means <NUM> does not function as a strength member to suppress opening of the pawl 16a2 or to prevent withdrawal of the connecting head portion <NUM>. Thus, the front end of the body <NUM> may be shortened so that the insertion opening 14b and the clamping means disposing opening 14c communicate with each other. Such a configuration enables the total length of the coupling member <NUM> to be reduced, and the connection mechanism <NUM> (10A to 10C) to be made smaller.

The connecting head portion <NUM> in the embodiments above have been described as having a circular truncated cone shape. However, as illustrated in <FIG>, a constricted portion 22c may be provided on a side wall so that the pawl 16a2 can catch on the constricted portion 22c.

Claim 1:
A connection mechanism (<NUM>, 10A-10C) for a tire slip prevention device (<NUM>) configured to connect ends of a wire (<NUM>) disposed along a longitudinal direction of a tire slip prevention device (<NUM>) for vehicles and positioned on at least one of an inner position or an outer position of a tire (<NUM>) when mounted on the tire (<NUM>), the connection mechanism (<NUM>, 10A-10C) comprising:
a coupling member (<NUM>) including one end, a coupling base portion (14a) on the one end, another end, and a tubular body (<NUM>) on the other end, one end of the wire (<NUM>) being engaged with the coupling base portion (14a), the tubular body (<NUM>) having an insertion opening (14b);
a connecting head portion (<NUM>) having a projection surface, another end of the wire (<NUM>) being connected to the projection surface, the projection surface being greater than a diameter of the wire (<NUM>) and capable of being inserted into the insertion opening (14b); and
a clamping means (<NUM>) disposed inside the body (<NUM>), the clamping means (<NUM>) including pawls (16a2) configured to clamp a rear end of the connecting head portion (<NUM>) inserted from the insertion opening (14b) or a constricted portion provided on the connecting head portion (<NUM>),
wherein the clamping means (<NUM>) is formed by joining a pair of clamping pieces (16a), the clamping pieces (16a) including pressing portions (16a3), the pawls (16a2), and pivots (16a1) positioned between the pressing portions (16a3) and the pawls (16a2), the pair of clamping pieces (16a) being joined at the pivots (16a1) as an axis, and
wherein the body (<NUM>) is provided with notched portions (14c2) on a side surface corresponding to a location position of the pressing portions (16a3) when the clamping means (<NUM>) is contained in the body (<NUM>), the notched portions (14c2) being recessed in a direction in which a pair of the pressing portions (16a3) approaches each other.