Buckle and timepiece

Abstract

The present invention provides a buckle and a timepiece, which can easily adjust the length of a strap, can reduce the number of components, and can reduce costs. The buckle has: an intermediate folding member connected to the strap; a sliding plate having a plurality of groove portions provided along the length direction of the strap; a swing arm having an engaging claw capable of engaging with the groove portions; and a spring biasing the swing arm in a first rotation direction. The intermediate folding member restricts the rotation of the swing arm in a second rotation direction in a state of being housed in the buckle cover, and releases the rotation restriction in a state of being detached from the buckle cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle used for bands such as watch bands and decorative bands, and a watch including the buckle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, among buckles used for watch bands, there is a buckle having a unit for finely adjusting the length of the band (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] The buckle of Patent Document 1 has a button on the back side of the buckle cover for unlocking the locking mechanism of the band length adjustment mechanism. When this button is pressed, the end link connected to the bracelet can move relative to the buckle cover, and thus the length of the bracelet can be adjusted.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-164567

[0005] In the buckle of Patent Document 1, the length of the band is adjusted by operating the button on the back side of the buckle cover, so the button operation is cumbersome. In addition, there are also problems that the number of constituent parts of the buckle increases and the cost becomes high. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The buckle of the present invention is a buckle for connecting a first band and a second band, and is characterized by having: an intermediate folding member connected to the first band; a buckle cover rotatably connected to the intermediate folding member; a sliding plate supported so as to be slidable in the length direction of the first band and the second band relative to the buckle cover and connected to the second band; a swing arm rotatably supported by the buckle cover; and a spring applying a force to the swing arm. The sliding plate has a plurality of groove portions provided along the length direction, the swing arm has an engaging claw capable of engaging with the groove portion of the sliding plate, the swing arm is supported so as to be rotatable in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction, the first rotation direction is the direction in which the engaging claw engages with the groove portion, the second rotation direction is the direction in which the engaging claw disengages from the groove portion, the spring applies a force to the swing arm in the first rotation direction, the intermediate folding member restricts the rotation of the swing arm in the second rotation direction in a state of being housed in the buckle cover, and the intermediate folding member releases the rotation restriction of the swing arm in the second rotation direction in a state of being detached from the buckle cover.

[0007] The watch of the present invention is characterized by including the buckle. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a front view showing a watch of an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2It is a perspective view of a watch buckle showing the state after folding the intermediate folding member of the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a watch buckle showing the state of opening the intermediate folding member of the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the watch buckle of the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of a part of the back side of the watch buckle cover showing the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the sliding plate of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the swing arm of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of the button unit of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the main part of the watch buckle showing the locked state of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 It is a side view of the main part of the watch buckle showing the locked state of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 It is a side view of the main part of the watch buckle showing the unlocked state of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a side view showing the belt length adjustment state of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 It is a side view showing the belt length adjustment state of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 It is a side view showing the belt length adjustment state of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 It is a side view showing the maximum elongation state of the belt of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 It is an enlarged view of the main part of the sliding plate and the swing arm showing a modified example.

[0024] Reference numeral description

[0025] 1: Buckle; 2: Intermediate folding member (middle folding member); 4: Buckle body; 9: Band link; 11: First band; 12: Second band; 20: Middle plate; 21: Hook; 23: Claw portion; 23A: Inclined surface; 30: Outer plate; 40: Buckle cover; 41: Front surface portion; 42: First side wall portion; 43: Second side wall portion; 44: Guide groove; 50: Slide plate; 50B: Slide plate; 51: Plate portion; 53: Groove portion; 53B: Groove portion; 54: Movement restricting portion; 54A: Restricting surface; 60: Swing arm; 60B: Swing arm; 61: Base portion; 62: Arm portion; 63: Engaging claw; 63B: Engaging claw; 64: Restricting piece; 65: Torsion spring; 68: Pin; 70: Button unit; 71: First button; 72: Second button; 80: Locking member; 81: Upper surface portion; 82: Lower surface portion; 83: Guide portion; 84: First side; 85: Second side; 100: Watch; 411: Guide rail portion; 531: First inclined surface; 531B: First inclined surface; 532: Second inclined surface; 532B: Second inclined surface; 631: First vertical surface; 632: Second vertical surface; 633: First inclined surface; 633B: First inclined surface; 634: Second inclined surface; 634B: Second inclined surface; 651: First abutting portion; 652: Coil portion; 653: Second abutting portion; 711: First operating portion; 712: Guide portion; 712A: Guide surface; 712B: Side surface; 721: Second operating portion; 722: Guide portion; 722A: Guide surface; 722B: Side surface; 811: Guide groove; 821: Locking surface; 831: Guide surface; R1: First rotation direction; R2: Second rotation direction. Detailed implementation mode

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the watch 100 as a timepiece includes an outer housing 10, a first band 11, and a second band 12. Lugs 10A are integrally provided in the 6 o'clock direction and the 12 o'clock direction of the outer housing 10, respectively. The first band 11 is connected to the lug 10A in the 6 o'clock direction using a mounting pin, and the second band 12 is connected to the lug 10A in the 12 o'clock direction using a mounting pin.

[0028] The first band 11 and the second band 12 are formed by connecting a plurality of band links 9 using pins (not shown).

[0029] Moreover, the open ends of the first band 11 and the second band 12 are fastened to each other by Figures 2 to 5 the buckle 1 shown.

[0030] The buckle 1 is a three-fold buckle having an intermediate folding member 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the buckle 1 in a state where the intermediate folding member 2 is folded and stored, Figure 3This is a perspective view of the clasp 1 with the middle folding part 2 opened. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the buckle 1. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a part of the back side of the clasp cover 40 by disassembly.

[0031] in addition, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sliding plate 50, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the swing arm 60, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the button unit 70, Figure 9 1 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the clasp 1 in a locked state. Figure 10 It is a side view of the main part of the clasp 1 showing the locked state.

[0032] In each figure, the X-axis is the axis along the length of the first and second straps 11 and 12, the Y-axis is the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and along the width of the first and second straps 11 and 12, and the Z-axis is the axis perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis. On the X-axis, the direction from the clasp 1 toward the first strap 11 is the X1 direction, and the direction from the clasp 1 toward the second strap 12 is the X2 direction. On the Y-axis, the direction from the width center of the clasp cover 40 toward the first side wall 42 is the Y1 direction, and the direction from the width center of the clasp cover 40 toward the second side wall 43 is the Y2 direction. On the Z-axis, the direction from the intermediate folding member 2 toward the clasp cover 40, i.e., toward the front surface of the clasp 1, is the Z1 direction, and the direction from the clasp cover 40 toward the intermediate folding member 2, i.e., toward the back surface of the clasp 1, is the Z2 direction. For each component, the surface facing the Z1 direction may be referred to as the front surface, and the surface facing the Z2 direction may be referred to as the back surface.

[0033] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the clasp 1 includes a middle folding member 2 and a clasp body 4 .

[0034] The intermediate folder member 2 includes a middle plate 20 and an outer plate 30 .

[0035] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the middle plate 20 is formed as an elongated member along the length direction of the first belt 11, i.e., the X-axis direction, and its end in the X1 direction is rotatably connected to the first belt 11. The end in the X2 direction of the middle plate 20 is rotatably connected to one end of the outer plate 30.

[0036] The middle plate 20 is provided with a hook 21. The hook 21 is provided on the surface of the middle plate 20 near the end connected to the first belt 11. The hook 21 includes a protrusion 22 protruding in the Z1 direction and a claw 23 protruding from the protrusion 22 in the X2 direction. Figure 3 、 Figure 10As shown, the surface side of the claw portion 23 is formed as an inclined surface 23A that slopes downward in the Z2 direction as it faces the X2 direction. A stepped portion 25 with a sunken surface is formed at the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the middle plate 20.

[0037] The end portion of the outer plate 30 in the X1 direction is rotatably connected to the buckle cover 40 via a spring rod 31. As Figure 4 shown, the outer plate 30 includes: a shaft portion 32 through which the spring rod 31 is inserted; a main body portion 33 that extends from the shaft portion 32 along the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the band, and is disposed on the left and right sides of the middle plate 20; and a connecting portion 34 that connects the main body portions 33 and has a concave back surface disposed in the stepped portion 25 of the middle plate 20.

[0038] Therefore, when folding the intermediate folding member 2, the hook 21 of the middle plate 20 is provided to protrude in the Z1 direction from the opening between the main body portions 33 of the outer plate 30. In addition, the portion of the middle plate 20 other than the stepped portion 25 is disposed in the opening portion between the main body portions 33 of the outer plate 30, and the front and back surfaces of the middle plate 20 and the outer plate 30 are configured to be located on substantially the same plane.

[0039] [Structure of the buckle main body]

[0040] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the buckle main body 4 includes a buckle cover 40, a sliding plate 50, a swing arm 60, and a button unit 70.

[0041] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the buckle cover 40 includes: a plate-shaped front surface portion 41 that is curved in an arc shape along the sliding direction of the sliding plate 50, that is, the X1 direction and the X2 direction; and a first side wall portion 42 and a second side wall portion 43 that protrude from the outer edges of the front surface portion 41 in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction toward the back surface side.

[0042] A guide rail portion 411 that is continuous in the X-axis direction is formed on the back surface of the front surface portion 41.

[0043] Guide grooves 44 for guiding the sliding plate 50 to be slidable, and through holes 46 through which the first button 71 and the second button 72 of the button unit 70 are inserted are formed in the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43. The opening on the outer surface side of the through hole 46 is elliptical, and the opening on the inner surface side is a rectangular opening larger than the outer elliptical opening, so as to be formed to match the shapes of the first button 71 and the second button 72.

[0044] Further, formed in the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43 are: a hole 48 in which a spring rod 31 connected to the outer plate 30 is installed; and a through-hole 49 through which a pin 68 is inserted, and the pin 68 serves as a shaft for rotatably mounting the swing arm 60.

[0045] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, a sliding plate 50 is disposed between the buckle cover 40 and the intermediate folding member 2, and is configured to be slidably movable in the length directions of the first band 11 and the second band 12, i.e., the X1 direction and the X2 direction, along the guide groove 44 of the buckle cover 40.

[0046] As Figure 6 shown, the sliding plate 50 includes: a plate portion 51 having left and right ends disposed in the guide groove 44; a connecting portion 52 formed at an end of the plate portion 51; and a groove portion 53 and a movement restricting portion 54 formed on the surface of the plate portion 51. In the sliding plate 50, the end on the X1 direction side where the movement restricting portion 54 is formed is referred to as the front end, and the end on the X2 direction side where the connecting portion 52 is formed is referred to as the rear end. A through-hole 52A is formed in the connecting portion 52 for inserting a connecting pin for connecting the second band 12 therethrough.

[0047] The groove portion 53 is a V-shaped groove in an inverted triangular shape extending in the width direction of the sliding plate 50, i.e., the Y-axis direction, and a plurality of groove portions 53 are continuously provided in the sliding direction of the sliding plate 50, i.e., the X-axis direction. Each groove portion 53 is formed by a first inclined surface 531 and a second inclined surface 532. The first inclined surface 531 is the inclined surface on the side closer to the connecting portion 52, i.e., the X2 direction side, of the groove portion 53, and the second inclined surface 532 is the inclined surface on the side closer to the movement restricting portion 54, i.e., the X1 direction side, of the groove portion 53. The inclination angles of the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 532 with respect to the movement direction of the sliding plate 50 are both 60 degrees, which are the same inclination angles.

[0048] The movement restricting portion 54 is a protruding portion having a substantially rectangular cross-section that is continuously formed on the X1 direction side of the groove portion 53 and is continuous in the width direction of the sliding plate 50. The movement restricting portion 54 protrudes upward, i.e., toward the surface portion 41 side, from the upper end of the second inclined surface 532 of the groove portion 53. The side surface of the movement restricting portion 54 on the side closer to the second inclined surface 532 becomes a restricting surface 54A perpendicular to the movement direction of the sliding plate 50.

[0049] As Figures 2 to 4As shown, the swing arm 60 is disposed between the surface portion 41 of the watch buckle cover 40 and the sliding plate 50, and is mounted rotatably relative to the watch buckle cover 40 by means of a round bar-shaped pin 68 inserted through the through holes 49 in the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43. In addition, as a structure for fixing the pin 68 to the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43, an annular fixing member or the like can be press-fitted into the gap between the pin 68 and the through hole 49 for fixing, or screw fixing can be performed, as long as the pin 68 as the rotation axis is fixed so as not to come off from the through hole 49.

[0050] As Figure 7 shown, the swing arm 60 includes: a base portion 61 rotatably supported by the pin 68; an arm portion 62 extending from the base portion 61 toward the X2 direction side, i.e., the sliding plate 50 side, and formed with an engaging claw 63; and a restricting piece 64 extending from the base portion 61 toward the X1 direction side.

[0051] The base portion 61 includes a pair of support walls 611 through which the pin 68 is inserted and a connecting wall 612 connecting between the support walls 611. A torsion spring 65 is disposed between the support walls 611. The torsion spring 65 includes: a first abutting portion 651 respectively disposed inside each support wall 611 and abutting against the upper end side of the connecting wall 612; a coil portion 652 through which the pin 68 is inserted; and a second abutting portion 653 protruding toward the button unit 70 side.

[0052] The arm portion 62 extends from the upper portion of the base portion 61, i.e., the surface portion 41 side of the watch buckle cover 40, toward the X2 direction. Therefore, the arm portion 62 is disposed along the surface portion 41.

[0053] The engaging claw 63 includes a first vertical surface 631, a second vertical surface 632, a first inclined surface 633, and a second inclined surface 634. The first vertical surface 631 and the second vertical surface 632 are provided along the Z2 direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the arm portion 62, i.e., the X2 direction, from the front end of the arm portion 62. The first vertical surface 631 is an outer surface facing the connecting portion 52 side of the sliding plate 50, and the second vertical surface 632 is an inner surface facing the movement restricting portion 54 side of the sliding plate 50.

[0054] The first inclined surface 633 is continuously formed with the first vertical surface 631, and the second inclined surface 634 is continuously formed with the second vertical surface 632. The first inclined surface 633 and the second inclined surface 634 are inclined in a direction approaching each other as they face the front end, and constitute a claw portion in a triangular shape when viewed axially from the pin 68 as the rotation axis of the swing arm 60.

[0055] The restricting piece 64 extends from the lower part of the base 61, i.e., the intermediate folding member 2, in the X1 direction. Therefore, the arm portion 62 and the restricting piece 64 are arranged with the pin 68 that serves as the rotation axis of the swing arm 60 therebetween. Thus, when the arm portion 62 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 approaching the slide plate 50, the restricting piece 64 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 away from the intermediate folding member 2. In addition, when the arm portion 62 rotates in the second rotation direction R2 away from the slide plate 50, the restricting piece 64 rotates in the second rotation direction R2 approaching the intermediate folding member 2.

[0056] As Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 8 shown, the button unit 70 includes a first button 71, a second button 72, and a locking member 80.

[0057] The first button 71 and the second button 72 protrude from the through holes 46 of the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43 and are arranged to be movable in the Y-axis direction.

[0058] As Figure 8 shown, the first button 71 includes: a bottom plate 710; a first operation portion 711 protruding from the bottom plate 710 in the Y1 direction; and a guiding portion 712 protruding from the bottom plate 710 in the Y2 direction. The first operation portion 711 is inserted through the through hole 46 of the first side wall portion 42 and protrudes to the outside of the watch buckle cover 40. The bottom plate 710 is disposed at the opening on the inner surface side of the through hole 46 of the first side wall portion 42 and restricts the movement of the first button 71 in the Y1 direction by abutting against the wall around the elliptical opening.

[0059] The guiding portion 712 is formed in a flat plate shape and has two side surfaces, namely a guiding surface 712A and a side surface 712B. The guiding surface 712A is the side surface on the X2 direction side, i.e., the base 61 side of the swing arm 60, and inclines in the X1 direction away from the base 61, i.e., the direction approaching the other side surface 712B, as it faces the Y2 direction.

[0060] The second button 72, similarly to the first button 71, includes: a bottom plate 720; a second operation portion 721 protruding from the bottom plate 720 in the Y2 direction; and a guiding portion 722 protruding from the bottom plate 720 in the Y1 direction. The second operation portion 721 is inserted through the through hole 46 of the second side wall portion 43 and protrudes to the outside of the watch buckle cover 40, and the bottom plate 720 is disposed at the opening on the inner surface side of the through hole 46 of the second side wall portion 43 and restricts the movement of the second button 72 in the Y2 direction.

[0061] The guiding portion 722 is formed in a flat plate shape in the same way as the guiding portion 712, and also as Figure 4As shown, it has a guiding surface 722A and a side surface 722B. The guiding surface 722A is the same as the guiding surface 712A, and as it faces the Y1 direction, it inclines towards the X1 direction, that is, towards the direction approaching the other side surface 722B.

[0062] As Figure 8 shown, the locking member 80 includes: an upper surface portion 81 provided on the surface portion 41 side; a lower surface portion 82 provided on the intermediate folding member 2 side; and a guiding portion 83 provided between the upper surface portion 81 and the lower surface portion 82.

[0063] A guiding groove 811 formed along the X-axis direction is formed on the surface of the upper surface portion 81. The locking member 80 slides and moves in the X-axis direction by means of the guide rail portion 411 on the back surface of the surface portion 41 and the guiding groove 811.

[0064] Also as Figure 10 shown, the first side surface 84 on the X2 direction side of the locking member 80 is a flat plane for the second abutting portion 653 of the torsion spring 65 to abut. The first abutting portion 651 of the torsion spring 65 abuts on the upper end side of the connecting wall 612 of the swing arm 60, that is, at a position closer to the Z1 direction than the pin 68 serving as the rotation axis, and the second abutting portion 653 abuts on the first side surface 84 of the locking member 80. Therefore, the torsion spring 65 applies a force to the swing arm 60 in the first rotation direction R1 and applies a force to the locking member 80 in the X1 direction.

[0065] The second side surface 85 on the X1 direction side of the lower surface portion 82 is formed as an inclined surface that inclines in a manner of protruding towards the X1 direction as it faces the Z1 direction. Moreover, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the surface of the lower surface portion 82 becomes the locking surface 821 of the locking hook 21.

[0066] The guiding portion 83 includes a pair of guiding surfaces 831 that incline towards the direction of approaching each other as it faces the X1 direction. The guiding surfaces 712A, 722A of the first button 71 and the second button 72 abut on the respective guiding surfaces 831. In addition, the guiding portions 712, 722 are arranged between the upper surface portion 81 and the lower surface portion 82, so that the movement in the Z-axis direction is restricted.

[0067] The locking member 80 is applied with a force in the X1 direction by the torsion spring 65, and the guiding surfaces 831 abut on the guiding surfaces 712A, 722A, so that the first button 71 and the second button 72 are applied with forces in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction of separating from each other. Furthermore, it is maintained in a state where the substrate 710, 720 abuts on the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43, that is, a state where the first operation portion 711 and the second operation portion 721 protrude from the watch buckle cover 40. In this case, the locking member 80 moves to a locking position where the claw portion 23 of the hook 21 can be locked by the locking surface 821.

[0068] On the other hand, when the user presses the first button 71 and the second button 72 in the direction of approaching each other, the guide surfaces 712A and 722A of the guide portions 712 and 722 abut against the guide surface 831, so that the locking member 80 moves in the X2 direction against the acting force of the torsion spring 65, and the locking of the locking surface 821 to the hook 21 is released. In this case, the locking member 80 moves to the release position where the locking of the hook 21 is released.

[0069] [Method for attaching and detaching a watch]

[0070] Next, a method for wearing the watch 100 on the user's wrist will be described.

[0071] As Figure 3 shown, in the state where the locking of the watch buckle 1 is released and the intermediate folding member 2 is opened, the wrist is passed through the first band 11 and the second band 12, and while folding the intermediate folding member 2, the watch buckle cover 40 is pressed toward the intermediate folding member 2 side. Thus, the hook 21 of the middle plate 20 abuts against the locking member 80 through the opening of the outer plate 30. At this time, the inclined surface 23A of the hook 21 abuts against the inclined second side surface 85 of the locking member 80, and by the action of each inclined surface, the locking member 80 moves in the X2 direction, and the claw portion 23 passes over the lower surface portion 82. Then, the locking member 80 moves back in the X1 direction under the acting force of the torsion spring 65, and the claw portion 23 abuts against the locking surface 821 and is locked. Thus, the intermediate folding member 2 is received in the watch buckle cover 40, and the watch 100 is worn on the user's wrist. In this state, the surface of the intermediate folding member 2 abuts against the restricting piece 64 of the swing arm 60. Therefore, the rotation of the swing arm 60 toward the second rotation direction R2 side is restricted, and the state where the engaging claw 63 is engaged with the groove portion 53 is maintained, and the band length is also fixed.

[0072] Next, a method for removing the watch 100 from the wrist will be described.

[0073] When the user presses the first button 71 and the second button 72, the guide surfaces 712A and 722A press the guide surface 831, so that the locking member 80 moves in the X2 direction, and the locking of the locking surface 821 to the hook 21 is released.

[0074] Thereby, as Figure 11 shown, the middle plate 20 and the outer plate 30 of the intermediate folding member 2 that are folded and stored in the watch buckle cover 40 can be opened, and the watch 100 can be removed from the wrist.

[0075] [Method for adjusting the band length]

[0076] Next, a method for adjusting the band length will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 .

[0077] With the middle plate 20 and the outer plate 30 of the middle folding member 2 open, since the middle folding member 2 is not in contact with the restricting piece 64 of the swing arm 60, the swing arm 60 is also allowed to rotate in the second rotation direction R2. In this state, the second belt 12 connected to the sliding plate 50 is moved relative to the buckle cover 40 in the X1 direction or the X2 direction. Then, the first inclined surface 531 or the second inclined surface 532 of the groove portion 53 of the sliding plate 50 abuts against the first inclined surface 633 or the second inclined surface 634 of the engaging claw 63, so that the swing arm 60 rotates in the second rotation direction R2 against the force of the torsion spring 65. Then, when the front end of the engaging claw 63 exceeds the vertex between the groove portions 53 of the sliding plate 50, as the sliding plate 50 moves, the swing arm 60 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 by the force of the torsion spring 65 and engages with the adjacent groove portion 53.

[0078] For example, as Figure 12 shown, when the second belt 12 and the sliding plate 50 are moved in the direction of being pulled out from the buckle cover 40, the second inclined surface 532 of the sliding plate 50 abuts against the second inclined surface 634 of the engaging claw 63. Since the second inclined surface 532 and the second inclined surface 634 are inclined with respect to the X2 direction, the engaging claw 63 moves in the Z1 direction and the swing arm 60 rotates in the second rotation direction R2. At this time, the swing arm 60 is urged in the first rotation direction R1 by the force of the torsion spring 65, so as Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the engaging claw 63 moves while abutting against the second inclined surface 532.

[0079] Then, after the engaging claw 63 reaches the vertex of the second inclined surface 532, when the sliding plate 50 is further moved in the X2 direction, the swing arm 60 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 by the force of the torsion spring 65, and the engaging claw 63 moves while abutting against the first inclined surface 531. Then, as Figure 14 shown, the engaging claw 63 engages with the groove portion 53 of the sliding plate 50, whereby the position of the sliding plate 50 can be moved by one level. By repeating such movements, the position of the sliding plate 50 can be adjusted according to the number of groove portions 53. In Figures 12 to 14 , since nine groove portions 53 are formed, it can be adjusted to nine levels of positions. And, as described above, if the hook 21 is fixed to the locking member 80 and the middle folding member 2 is housed in the buckle cover 40, the rotation of the swing arm 60 in the second rotation direction R2 is restricted by the middle folding member 2, and the movement of the sliding plate 50, that is, the adjustment of the belt length, can also be restricted.

[0080] In addition, as Figure 15As shown, in a state where the engaging claw 63 is engaged with the groove portion 53 adjacent to the movement restricting portion 54, the second vertical surface 632 of the engaging claw 63 abuts against the restricting surface 54A of the movement restricting portion 54. Therefore, the movement of the sliding plate 50 in the X2 direction is restricted. Therefore, when the sliding plate 50 is moved in the X2 direction to increase the belt length, Figure 15 The state where the engaging claw 63 shown abuts against the movement restricting portion 54 is the maximum elongation state where the belt length is maximally extended, and the further movement of the sliding plate 50 in the X2 direction is restricted.

[0081] In addition, when the sliding plate 50 is installed on the buckle cover 40 or removed from the buckle cover 40 due to maintenance or the like, as long as the restricting piece 64 of the swing arm 60 is moved in the second rotation direction R2 by using a jig or the like, the swing arm 60 can be rotated to a position where the front end of the engaging claw 63 crosses over the movement restricting portion 54.

[0082] [Function and Effect of Embodiment]

[0083] Since the buckle 1 releases the rotation restriction of the swing arm 60 in the second rotation direction R2 by making the intermediate folding member 2 in a state of being detached from the buckle cover 40, the engaging claw 63 of the swing arm 60 can be detached from the groove portion 53 of the sliding plate 50 to release the engagement. The first inclined surface 531, the second inclined surface 532 of the groove portion 53 and the first inclined surface 633, the second inclined surface 634 of the engaging claw 63 are inclined with respect to the sliding movement direction. Therefore, when the sliding plate 50 is slid by pressing or pulling the second belt 12 toward the buckle cover 40 side, the swing arm 60 can be rotated in the second rotation direction R2 against the acting force of the torsion spring 65. Therefore, without performing a button operation, the belt length can be easily adjusted only by moving the sliding plate 50.

[0084] Moreover, in a state where the intermediate folding member 2 is folded and stored in the buckle cover 40, by the intermediate folding member 2 abutting against the restricting piece 64, the rotation of the swing arm 60 in the second rotation direction R2 can be restricted, and the state where the engaging claw 63 is engaged with the groove portion 53 can be maintained. Therefore, a state where the sliding plate 50 cannot be slid, that is, a state where the belt length cannot be adjusted, can be achieved, and an accidental increase or decrease in the belt length can be reliably prevented.

[0085] In addition, since the number of components constituting the buckle 1 is small, the assembly of the buckle 1 is easy and the cost can also be reduced. In addition, the belt length can be adjusted in multiple stages at intervals corresponding to the number of groove portions 53, and it can fit the user's wrist.

[0086] By providing the restricting piece 64 on the swing arm 60 and bringing the intermediate folding member 2 into contact with the restricting piece 64, the rotation of the swing arm 60 in the second rotation direction R2 can be restricted. Therefore, the increase or decrease in the belt length can be reliably prevented with a simple structure. In particular, since the restricting piece 64 can ensure a relatively large area, the contact area when contacting the intermediate folding member 2 can also be increased, and the restricting piece 64 can reliably contact the intermediate folding member 2 to reliably restrict the rotation of the swing arm 60.

[0087] In addition, the restricting piece 64 is arranged on the back side of the torsion spring 65 and the locking member 80, so that these components can be hidden. Therefore, when observing the back side of the watch buckle 1, the appearance can be made simple, and the design property can be improved. Also, when observing the back side of the watch buckle 1, the engaging claw 63 of the swing arm 60 is blocked by the sliding plate 50, and the groove portion 53 of the sliding plate 50 does not expose to the back side of the watch buckle 1. Therefore, in this regard, the appearance of the back side of the watch buckle 1 can also be made simple, and the design property can be improved.

[0088] A hook 21 is provided on the intermediate folding member 2, and a locking member 80 is provided that moves between a locking position for locking the hook 21 and a releasing position for releasing the locking. Therefore, by moving the locking member 80, the state in which the intermediate folding member 2 is folded and stored in the watch buckle cover 40 and locked, and the state in which the intermediate folding member 2 is removed from the watch buckle cover 40 and unlocked can be reliably achieved. In addition, since the locking and unlocking of the hook 21 are performed by the movement of the locking member 80, the durability can be improved compared to the case where the side wall portion of the watch buckle cover is deformed for locking and unlocking.

[0089] One torsion spring 65 serves both as a spring that biases the swing arm 60 in the first rotation direction R1 and as a spring that biases the locking member 80 to the locking position. Moreover, by moving the locking member 80 to the locking position, the first button 71 and the second button 72 are biased in a direction away from each other. Therefore, compared with the case where different springs are used to bias each component respectively, the number of components can be reduced, the assembly is easy, and the cost can be lowered.

[0090] The shape of the engaging claw 63 is set to a triangular shape, and the shape of the groove portion 53 is set to an inverted triangular shape, i.e., a V-groove shape, into which the engaging claw 63 can engage. Therefore, the contact surfaces of the engaging claw 63 with the groove portion 53, namely the first inclined surface 531, the second inclined surface 532, the first inclined surface 633, and the second inclined surface 634, can be inclined with respect to the sliding direction of the sliding plate 50. Therefore, even when the engaging claw 63 is urged by the torsion spring 65, when the sliding plate 50 is moved in the X1 direction or the X2 direction, the engaging claw 63 can easily move along the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 532 of the groove portion 53. Therefore, the sliding plate ⑤ can be easily slid. In addition, the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 532 are the same angle, and the first inclined surface 633 and the second inclined surface 634 also correspond to the same angle. Therefore, when the sliding plate 50 is moved in the X1 direction and the X2 direction, it can be moved with the same degree of force. Therefore, the user can operate to shorten the length of the belt and stretch the length of the belt with the same degree of force, and the operability during belt length adjustment can be improved.

[0091] Since the guide groove 44 is formed in the buckle cover 40 and the plate portion 51 of the sliding plate 50 is inserted into the guide groove 44, the sliding plate 50 does not shake and moves stably. Therefore, the adjustment of the belt length can also be performed stably and smoothly. In addition, the guide groove 44 is formed only up to the middle position of the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43 in the X1 direction. Therefore, the movement of the sliding plate 50 in the X1 direction can be restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sliding plate 50 from colliding with the swing arm 60 or the like and being damaged.

[0092] Since the movement restricting portion 54 is provided on the sliding plate 50, the movement of the sliding plate 50 in the X2 direction can be restricted. Therefore, when the sliding plate 50 is pulled out to adjust the belt length, it is possible to prevent the engaging claw 63 of the swing arm 60 from disengaging from the sliding plate 50 and the sliding plate 50 from disengaging from the buckle cover 40.

[0093] [Modification Example]

[0094] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0095] For example, as Figure 16 shown, the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 531B and the second inclined surface 532B of the groove portion 53B constituting the sliding plate 50B with respect to the sliding direction may be set to different angles. For example, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 531B is 40 degrees, and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 532B is 60 degrees. In this case, the first inclined surface 633B and the second inclined surface 634B of the engaging claw 63B of the swing arm 60B are configured to be able to abut against the first inclined surface 531B and the second inclined surface 532B.

[0096] When the slide plate 50B is moved in the X1 direction to shorten the length of the belt, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 531B that contacts the first inclined surface 633B of the engaging claw 63B is set as θ1. When the slide plate 50B is moved in the X2 direction to lengthen the length of the belt, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 532B that contacts the second inclined surface 634B of the engaging claw 63B is set as θ2. Since the inclination angle θ1 is smaller than the inclination angle θ2, the slide plate 50B can be moved more easily when shortening the length of the belt than when lengthening the length of the belt.

[0097] In addition, the magnitude relationship of the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces of the groove portion 53 may also be Figure 16 opposite to the case of

[0098] As a structure for restricting the rotation of the swing arm 60 in the second rotation direction R2, it is not limited to the structure of providing the restricting piece 64 that abuts against the intermediate folding member 2.

[0099] For example, a tab is provided on the intermediate folding member 2, and when the intermediate folding member 2 is housed in the watch buckle cover 40, the tab abuts against the connecting wall 612 to restrict the rotation toward the second rotation direction R2 side. Therefore, a structure that can restrict the rotation without providing the restricting piece 64 of the swing arm 60 can also be adopted.

[0100] In addition, the positional relationship between the swing arm 60 and the slide plate 50 in the Z-axis direction may be reversed. The groove portion 53 of the slide plate 50 is formed in the Z2 direction, and the engaging claw 63 of the swing arm 60 protrudes in the Z1 direction. Moreover, it may be configured that: when the front end of the swing arm 60 moves in the Z1 direction, the engaging claw 63 engages with the groove portion 53, and when the front end of the swing arm 60 moves in the Z2 direction, the engaging claw 63 disengages from the groove portion 53. In this case, by housing the intermediate folding member 2 in the watch buckle cover 40 and bringing the intermediate folding member 2 into contact with the arm portion 62 of the swing arm 60, the rotation of the swing arm 60 can be restricted.

[0101] As a structure for locking the intermediate folding member 2, it is not limited to the structure of using the hook 21 having the claw portion 23 and the locking member 80 that slides and moves. For example, a structure may also be adopted in which a locking pin is provided on the intermediate folding member 2, the locking pin has an umbrella portion with a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion at the end of the shaft portion, and the locking pin is locked or unlocked by a button unit provided on the watch buckle cover 40. That is, any structure that can lock the intermediate folding member 2 in the state of being housed in the watch buckle cover 40 is acceptable.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the rotational force for the swing arm 60 and the force for moving the locking member 80 to the locking position are applied by means of the torsion spring 65, but they may be applied by independent springs respectively. Further, a spring for moving the locking member 80 to the locking position and a spring for biasing the first button 71 and the second button 72 in a direction away from each other may be provided separately.

[0103] The shapes of the engaging claws 63 of the swing arm 60 and the groove portion 53 of the sliding plate 50 are not limited to a triangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the engaging claws and the groove portion may have an arc-shaped cross-sectional shape. Further, any structure may be used as long as it can lock the movement of the sliding plate in a state where the engaging claws are engaged with the groove portion and can rotate the swing arm by the movement of the sliding plate in a state where the second rotational direction R2 of the swing arm is not restricted.

[0104] Further, the sliding plate 50 is not limited to being guided by the guide groove 44 of the watch buckle cover 40. For example, a groove may be formed on the side surface of the sliding plate 50, and convex guide portions inserted into the groove of the sliding plate 50 may be formed on the inner surfaces of the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43. Further, the sliding plate 50 is not limited to having the movement restricting portion 54 on the front end side.

[0105] The watch buckle 1 is not limited to a watch strap, and for example, it can also be used for jewelry straps such as bracelets and necklaces.

[0106] [Summary of the Invention]

[0107] The watch buckle of the present invention is a watch buckle for connecting a first band and a second band, and is characterized by including: an intermediate folding member connected to the first band; a watch buckle cover rotatably connected to the intermediate folding member; a sliding plate supported so as to be slidable in the length directions of the first band and the second band with respect to the watch buckle cover and connected to the second band; a swing arm rotatably supported by the watch buckle cover; and a spring biasing the swing arm. The sliding plate has a plurality of groove portions provided along the length direction, the swing arm has engaging claws that can be engaged with the groove portions of the sliding plate, the swing arm is supported so as to be rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction, the first rotational direction is the direction in which the engaging claws are engaged with the groove portions, the second rotational direction is the direction in which the engaging claws are disengaged from the groove portions, the spring biases the swing arm in the first rotational direction, the intermediate folding member restricts the rotation of the swing arm in the second rotational direction in a state of being housed in the watch buckle cover, and the intermediate folding member releases the rotation restriction of the swing arm in the second rotational direction in a state of being detached from the watch buckle cover.

[0108] In the buckle according to the present invention, if the middle folding member is detached from the buckle cover to release the rotation restriction of the swing arm in the second rotation direction, the engaging claw of the swing arm can be separated from the groove portion of the sliding plate. Therefore, for example, by forming at least one of the engaging claw and the groove portion into an inclined surface or the like, when the sliding plate is slid, the swing arm can be rotated in the second rotation direction against the acting force of the spring. Therefore, without performing a button operation, the length of the band can be easily adjusted only by moving the sliding plate.

[0109] Moreover, in a state where the middle folding member is folded and stored in the buckle cover, the rotation of the swing arm in the second rotation direction can be restricted, and the state where the engaging claw is engaged with the groove portion can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to make a state where the sliding plate cannot slide, that is, a state where the length of the band cannot be adjusted, and it is possible to reliably prevent the length of the band from unexpectedly increasing or decreasing.

[0110] Since the number of components constituting the buckle is small, assembly is easy and the cost can also be reduced. In addition, the length of the band can be adjusted in multiple stages at intervals of the groove portions corresponding to the number of the groove portions, and the length of the band can be easily adjusted to fit the user's wrist or the like.

[0111] In the buckle according to the present invention, preferably, the swing arm includes: a base portion rotatably supported by the buckle cover; an arm portion extending from the base portion toward the sliding plate side and formed with the engaging claw; and a restricting piece extending from the base portion to the side opposite to the arm portion, and the rotation of the swing arm in the second rotation direction is restricted by the restricting piece abutting against the middle folding member stored in the buckle cover.

[0112] In the buckle according to the present invention, a restricting piece is provided on the swing arm, and the middle folding member abuts against the restricting piece to restrict the rotation of the swing arm in the second rotation direction. Therefore, the rotation of the swing arm can be reliably restricted with a simple structure.

[0113] In the buckle according to the present invention, preferably, the buckle includes a button unit having: a locking member biased by the spring; and a first button and a second button protruding from the buckle cover, a hook is provided on the middle folding member, when the locking member is biased by the spring, the locking member biases in a direction to separate the first button and the second button from each other, and moves to a locking position where the hook is locked, and when the first button and the second button are pressed, the locking member moves to a release position to release the locking of the hook against the acting force of the spring.

[0114] In the buckle according to the present invention, since a hook is provided on the intermediate folding member and a locking member is provided to move between a locking position for locking the hook and a releasing position for releasing the locking, it is possible to reliably achieve the locked state and the released state in which the intermediate folding member is stored in the buckle cover. Moreover, since the locking member moves to lock and release the hook, for example, compared with the case where the side wall portion of the buckle cover is deformed to lock and release, the durability can be improved.

[0115] In addition, one spring serves both as a spring for biasing the swing arm in the first rotation direction and a spring for biasing the locking member toward the locking position. Moreover, by moving the locking member toward the locking position, the first button and the second button are biased in a direction away from each other. Therefore, compared with the case where different springs are used for biasing respectively, the number of components can be reduced, the assembly is easy, and the cost can be lowered.

[0116] In the buckle of the present invention, preferably, when viewed axially from the side of the swing arm rotation axis, the engaging claw of the swing arm has a triangular shape, and the groove portion of the sliding plate has an inverted triangular shape into which the engaging claw can engage.

[0117] In the buckle according to the present invention, the shape of the engaging claw is set to a triangular shape, and the shape of the groove portion is set to an inverted triangular shape into which the engaging claw can engage. Therefore, the contact surface between the engaging claw and the groove portion can be inclined with respect to the sliding direction of the sliding plate. Thus, even if the engaging claw is biased by a spring and the sliding plate is moved in either the direction of pressing into the buckle cover or the direction of pulling out from the buckle cover, the engaging claw can easily move along the inclined surface of the groove portion. Therefore, without restricting the rotation of the swing arm, it is possible to easily slide the sliding plate to adjust the belt length.

[0118] In the buckle of the present invention, preferably, the groove portion of the sliding plate includes: a first inclined surface that contacts the engaging claw when the sliding plate is moved in a direction approaching the rotation axis of the swing arm; and a second inclined surface that contacts the engaging claw when the sliding plate is moved in a direction away from the rotation axis of the swing arm, and the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the moving direction of the sliding plate is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the moving direction of the sliding plate.

[0119] In the buckle according to the present invention, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the moving direction of the sliding plate is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the moving direction of the sliding plate. Therefore, when the sliding plate is moved in a direction approaching the rotation axis of the swing arm, that is, when the length of the belt is shortened, the sliding plate can be moved more easily compared with the case where the sliding plate is moved in the opposite direction, that is, when the length of the belt is extended.

[0120] In the buckle of the present invention, preferably, the buckle cover has a surface portion, a first side wall portion, and a second side wall portion. Guide grooves extending along the length direction are formed on the inner side surfaces of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion. The sliding plate has a plate portion inserted into the guide grooves.

[0121] In the buckle according to the present invention, by inserting the plate portion of the sliding plate into the guide grooves, the sliding plate moves stably, so that the adjustment of the length of the strap can also be carried out stably and smoothly. In addition, since the movement range of the sliding plate can be set by the guide grooves, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of damage to each component caused by the sliding plate colliding with other components.

[0122] In the buckle of the present invention, preferably, the sliding plate is provided with a movement restricting portion continuously provided with the groove portion. The movement restricting portion has a restricting surface perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding plate and protruding beyond the groove portion. The engaging claw has a vertical surface abutting against the restricting surface.

[0123] In the buckle according to the present invention, the vertical surface of the engaging claw of the swing arm abuts against the restricting surface, thereby being able to restrict the movement of the sliding plate. Therefore, when adjusting the length of the strap by moving the sliding plate, it is possible to prevent the engaging claw of the swing arm from disengaging from the sliding plate.

[0124] The clock of the present invention is characterized by including the aforementioned buckle.

[0125] In the clock according to the present invention, since it includes the aforementioned buckle, it has the effects as described above, can easily perform the operation of adjusting the strap length, and can be applied to various clocks.

Claims

1. A watch buckle that connects a first strap and a second strap, characterized in that the watch buckle has: an intermediate folding member connected to the first strap; a watch buckle cover rotatably connected to the intermediate folding member; a sliding plate supported to be slidable in the length direction of the first strap and the second strap relative to the watch buckle cover and connected to the second strap; a swing arm rotatably supported by the watch buckle cover; and a spring that applies a force to the swing arm, the sliding plate has a plurality of groove portions provided along the length direction, the swing arm has an engaging claw that can engage with the groove portion of the sliding plate, the swing arm is supported to be rotatable in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction, the first rotation direction is the direction in which the engaging claw engages with the groove portion, and the second rotation direction is the direction in which the engaging claw disengages from the groove portion, the spring applies a force to the swing arm in the first rotation direction, the intermediate folding member restricts the swing arm from rotating in the second rotation direction in a state where it is housed in the watch buckle cover, and releases the rotation restriction of the swing arm in the second rotation direction in a state where it is detached from the watch buckle cover.

2. The watch buckle according to claim 1, characterized in that the swing arm includes: a base portion rotatably supported by the watch buckle cover; an arm portion extending from the base portion toward the sliding plate side and formed with the engaging claw; and a restricting piece extending from the base portion to the side opposite to the arm portion, the rotation of the swing arm in the second rotation direction is restricted by the restricting piece abutting against the intermediate folding member housed in the watch buckle cover.

3. The watch buckle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the watch buckle includes a button unit having: a locking member urged by the spring; and a first button and a second button protruding from the watch buckle cover, the intermediate folding member is provided with a hook, when the locking member is urged by the spring, the locking member applies a force in a direction to separate the first button and the second button, and moves to a locking position where the hook is locked, when the first button and the second button are pressed, the locking member moves to a release position to release the locking of the hook against the force of the spring.

4. The watch buckle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when viewed axially from the side of the swing arm's rotation axis, the engaging claw of the swing arm is triangular in shape, the groove portion of the sliding plate is an inverted triangular shape that the engaging claw can engage with.

5. The watch buckle according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove portion of the sliding plate has: a first inclined surface that contacts the engaging claw when the sliding plate is moved in a direction approaching the rotation axis of the swing arm; and a second inclined surface that contacts the engaging claw when the sliding plate is moved in a direction away from the rotation axis of the swing arm, The inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the moving direction of the sliding plate is smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the moving direction of the sliding plate.

6. The watch buckle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the watch buckle cover has a surface portion, a first side wall portion, and a second side wall portion, guide grooves extending along the length direction are formed on the inner side surfaces of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion, the sliding plate has a plate portion inserted into the guide grooves.

7. The watch buckle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sliding plate is provided with a movement restricting portion continuously provided with the groove portion, the movement restricting portion has a restricting surface perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding plate and protruding beyond the groove portion, and the engaging claw has a vertical surface abutting against the restricting surface.

8. A clock, characterized in that, The timepiece includes the watch buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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