socket

Abstract

The present invention provides a socket of a substantially one-piece structure in which elastic engaging portions are difficult to be subjected to external force. A socket (1, 1A) is a metal socket capable of engaging with and disengaging from a column portion (60). The socket (1, 1A) includes a circular base portion (10), a peripheral side portion (30) continuously extending from a radially outer end portion of the base portion (10) toward an axial direction, a plurality of elastic engaging portions (20, 20A) continuously extending from the base portion (10), and a cover portion (40) continuously extending from the peripheral side portion (30) toward a radially inner side, the cover portion defining an opening (42) for receiving an engaging projection (62) of the column portion (60) with a radially inner end (41). A portion of each of the plurality of elastic engaging portions (20, 20A) is located radially outward of the radially inner end (41) of the cover portion (40), and other portions of each of the plurality of elastic engaging portions (20, 20A) are located radially inward of the radially inner end (41) of the cover portion (40). The base portion (10), the peripheral side portion (30), the plurality of elastic engaging portions (20, 20A), and the cover portion (40) are formed of a single metal member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to sockets, and more particularly to metal sockets capable of engaging and disengaging with a stud. Background Technology

[0002] Snap buttons consist of a female snap fastener and a male snap post that can engage and disengage. They are commonly used in clothing, bags, and similar items. Metal snap fasteners are typically two-part structures, combining a snap fastener housing and a ring. However, one-piece metal snap fasteners are also known. Specifically, Japanese Patent No. 4989520 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent No. 5959515 (Patent Document 2) disclose one-piece snap fasteners formed by deep drawing a single sheet of metal. In these snap fasteners, a portion of the snap fastener body is cut and bent to form multiple elastic engaging portions (spring portions). These elastic engaging portions are parts that temporarily flex outward in a radial direction when the snap post is engaged or disengaged relative to the snap fastener. Compared to two-part snap fasteners, one-piece metal snap fasteners offer advantages such as reduced material and assembly costs.

[0003] However, in the sockets described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the protruding end of the elastic engaging part is substantially exposed to the outside. Therefore, when storing, transporting, installing on clothing or other fabrics, or using the socket, there is a risk that the elastic engaging part may come into contact with external objects and be subjected to external forces, thereby deforming and becoming flexibly damaged.

[0004] Compared to the sockets in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the socket described in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 59-174015 (Patent Document 3) has a structure where the elastic engaging part is covered by a cover member, making the elastic engaging part less susceptible to external forces. However, since the socket in Patent Document 3 is a two-part structure combining the main body and the cover member, it suffers from increased material and assembly costs compared to a one-piece socket. Furthermore, the two-part structure also presents the risk of the parts disintegrating over time and foreign matter getting trapped in the gaps between the parts.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4989520

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5959515

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 59-174015 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a socket with a substantially one-piece structure in which the elastic engaging part is difficult to be subjected to external forces.

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a metal socket capable of engaging and disengaging with a post, characterized by comprising: a circular bottom; a peripheral portion extending continuously in one direction from the outer radial end of the bottom; a plurality of resilient engaging portions extending continuously from the bottom; and a cover portion extending continuously in the radial direction from the peripheral portion, the cover portion having an opening defined at its inner radial end for receiving the engaging protrusion of the post, a portion of each of the plurality of resilient engaging portions being located radially outer from the inner radial end of the cover portion, and the remaining portions of each of the plurality of resilient engaging portions being located radially inner from the inner radial end of the cover portion.

[0012] According to the present invention, since a portion of each elastic engaging part is located radially outward compared to the inner radial end of the cover, and is substantially covered by the cover, each elastic engaging part is difficult to be subjected to external force. Furthermore, in the present invention, "continuously extending" means that the metal material of one part (e.g., the bottom) extends directly and continuously to form another part (e.g., each elastic engaging part or the peripheral part), and therefore does not mean forming another part by adding another component to one part. Thus, in the present invention, the metal material constituting the bottom and the metal material constituting the peripheral part and each elastic engaging part are continuous and integral; the peripheral part or each elastic engaging part is not formed by adding other components to the bottom. Similarly, the metal material constituting the peripheral part and the metal material constituting the cover are continuous and integral; the cover is not formed by adding other components to the peripheral part. Furthermore, in the present invention, the bottom, the peripheral part, the plurality of elastic engaging parts, and the cover are formed from a single metal component. Therefore, the socket itself is a one-piece structure, and the socket itself is not composed of two or more components.

[0013] In this invention, the socket is made of metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, and stainless steel.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of resilient engaging portions include a base connected to the bottom, and a bulge extending from the base in one direction along the axial direction and bulging inward in the radial direction. The bulge includes an engaging end located most radially inward within the bulge, and a tip on the opposite side of the base. Each of the plurality of resilient engaging portions includes the tip in a portion thereof, and the remaining portions of each of the plurality of resilient engaging portions include the engaging end. In this embodiment, the tip of each resilient engaging portion is located radially outward compared to the radially inward end of the cover and is substantially covered by the cover. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or eliminate situations where the tip of each resilient engaging portion is subjected to external forces from external objects or the like.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of resilient engaging portions includes the aforementioned base portion. In this embodiment, the base portion of each resilient engaging portion is located radially outward compared to the inner end of the cover portion and is substantially covered by the cover portion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or eliminate situations where the base portion of each resilient engaging portion is subjected to external forces from external objects or the like.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base of the plurality of elastic engaging portions includes a thin-walled portion formed by partially compressing the thickness. By machining a thin-walled portion at the base of each elastic engaging portion, the metal material of the base hardens in the thin-walled portion, thereby increasing the strength of the base and thus maintaining the flexibility of each elastic engaging portion in the medium to long term.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of resilient engaging portions are formed by partially cutting and bending the bottom, and the bottom includes a cut portion corresponding to each of the plurality of resilient engaging portions. In another embodiment, the bottom includes ribs, each rib being disposed between two adjacent cut portions in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the ribs can compensate for the reduction in bottom strength caused by the presence of the cut portions. Furthermore, when the socket is installed on the fabric, the ribs engage with the fabric, thus reducing or eliminating the possibility of the socket rotating relative to the axis of the mounting member in the medium to long term.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] In this invention, since a portion of each elastic engaging part is located radially outward compared to the inner end of the cover in the radial direction, and is substantially covered by the cover, each elastic engaging part is less susceptible to external forces. Furthermore, the metal material constituting the bottom is continuous and integral with the metal materials constituting the peripheral portion and each elastic engaging part; similarly, the metal material constituting the peripheral portion is continuous and integral with the metal material constituting the cover. Therefore, the socket itself is a one-piece structure formed from a single metal component, comprising the bottom, peripheral portion, multiple elastic engaging parts, and cover. This reduces material and assembly costs compared to a two-component socket structure, and reduces or eliminates the risk of flexural damage to the elastic engaging parts. Additionally, there is no risk of components disintegrating over time or foreign matter getting into the gaps between components, as is present in a two-component socket structure. In this invention, the one-piece structure including the cover is particularly advantageous because it protects each elastic engaging part from external forces and prevents the cover from easily separating from the peripheral portion due to external forces. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a top view of the socket according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the socket.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side view of the socket.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The AA line section of the socket is shown in the view.

[0024] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a socket cut across the AA line.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a socket being installed onto fabric such as clothing using mounting components.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the column (male fastener) is installed onto the fabric using mounting components.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection between the socket and the column.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a bottom view showing a modified example of the socket according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9The socket and Figure 4 The same section is shown in the view.

[0030] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The socket and Figure 5 The same sectional 3D view.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a top view of the socket according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A bottom view of the socket.

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The BB line section of the socket is shown in the view.

[0034] Figure 15 It is along Figure 12 A 3D view of a socket cut across a BB wire. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are top, bottom, and side views of the socket (female buckle) 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The AA line section of socket 1 is shown in the view. Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A perspective view of socket 1 cut along line AA. In the following description of socket 1 (1A, 101), unless otherwise specified, the vertical direction is set based on... Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 14 The orientation of the paper. Socket 1 is a one-piece structure formed by deep drawing and other processes on a metal plate, and is not composed of two or more parts. Socket 1 has: a circular plate-shaped bottom 10; five elastic engaging portions 20 extending continuously upward from the bottom 10 (for example); a peripheral portion 30 extending continuously upward from the outer radial end of the bottom 10; and a cover portion 40 extending continuously upward and radially inward from the peripheral portion 30 in a curved manner. Each elastic engaging portion 20 is formed by partially cutting open the bottom 10 and bending it upward. The space (2) on the bottom 10 of socket 1 and on the radially inward side of each elastic engaging portion 20 is used to hold... Figure 7 and Figure 8The engaging protrusion 62 of the pillar 60 shown is detachably retracted into the engaging space 2. The peripheral portion 30 extends upward from the outer radial end of the bottom 10, substantially parallel to the axis of the socket 1. In this specification, the axial direction of the socket 1 is substantially synonymous with the vertical direction. The cover portion 40, by virtue of its inner radial end 41, defines a space for engaging the pillar 60 (see reference 1). Figure 7 The engaging protrusion 62 of the socket 1 is received into the engaging space 2 of the socket 1 through the opening 42.

[0036] The bottom 10 has a circular bottom opening 11 in the center. The bottom opening 11 is used for attaching the socket 1 to the fabric f1 of clothing, etc. (see reference). Figure 6 (etc.) 50 installation components (refer to) Figure 6 The shaft portion 52 (etc.) passes through. The bottom opening 11 is smaller than the upper opening 42. Around the bottom opening 11 in the bottom 10, there is a downwardly recessed annular recess 12 and an annular raised portion 13 adjacent to the radially inner side of the annular recess 12 and rising upward. The bottom opening 11 is defined at the radially inner end of the annular raised portion 13. The annular raised portion 13 has a stepped portion 13a with a slightly reduced diameter in the vertical direction at its middle portion.

[0037] In the region of the bottom 10 that is radially outer of the annular recess 12, there are five cut-out portions 14 at 72-degree intervals along the circumferential direction, corresponding to each elastic engaging portion 20. Each cut-out portion 14 is an opening that penetrates the bottom 10 vertically. Each cut-out portion 14 is defined by a generally semi-oblong cut edge 14a separated from the elastic engaging portion 20, and a connecting end edge 14b connecting to the elastic engaging portion 20 between the two radially outer ends of the cut edge 14a. The connecting end edge 14b is located radially inner compared to the radially outer ends of the bottom 10. Each elastic engaging portion 20 is bent upward from the connecting end edge 14b of each cut-out portion 14 to approximately 90 degrees, standing upright relative to the bottom 10. The connecting end edge 14b of each cut-out portion 14 is also the base end edge 14b of each elastic engaging portion 20.

[0038] Reference Figure 2The cutting edge 14a is composed of two straight edges 14ab extending in a generally parallel, straight line from both ends of the connecting end edge 14b toward the radially inward direction, and a semi-circular edge 14aa protruding further in a generally semi-circular shape from the radially inward ends of the two straight edges 14ab toward the radially inward direction. The midpoint of the semi-circular edge 14aa is the end of the cutting edge 14a that is closest to the radially inward direction. The radially inward end of the cutting edge 14a and its vicinity, i.e., the midpoint of the semi-circular edge 14aa and its vicinity, slightly enter the region of the annular recess 12 in the bottom 10. Except for the radially inward end in the region entering the annular recess 12, the cut portion 14 is formed in the main region of the bottom 10 that is raised upward relative to the annular recess 12 (the region of the bottom 10 excluding the annular recess 12, the annular bulge 13, and the rib 15 described later). Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces of the layer difference portion 13a of the annular ridge portion 13 are at the same level as the upper and lower surfaces of the main region of the bottom 10, and the upper end of the annular ridge portion 13 protrudes slightly upward compared to the main region of the bottom 10.

[0039] In the area between two adjacent circumferentially circumferentially cut portions 14 in the bottom 10, there are elongated, downwardly recessed ribs 15 in the radial direction. Each rib 15 can also be described as protruding towards the lower surface of the bottom 10. The inner radial end of each rib 15 is connected to an annular recess 12. The outer radial end of each rib 15 is located at approximately the same radial position as the connecting end edge 14b of each cut portion 14. The degree to which each rib 15 is recessed downward from the main area of ​​the bottom 10 is the same as the degree of recess in the annular recess 12. The ribs 15 compensate for the reduction in strength of the bottom 10 caused by the presence of the cut portions 14.

[0040] Each resilient engaging portion 20 includes: a base portion 20a extending upward from a base end edge (connecting end edge) 14b; and a bulge portion 20b extending upward from the base portion 20a in a radially inward manner, forming a generally C-shaped cross-section. The base portion 20a bends radially inward and upward from its lower end edge 14b, and the upward bulge portion 20b extends in a straight cross-section. Furthermore, the circumferential width of the bulge portion 20b gradually decreases from its lower end toward its upper end (top) 20d. The upper end 20d of the resilient engaging portion 20 approaches the cover portion 40 but does not contact it. The bulge portion 20b includes the engaging end 20c, which is the innermost end in the radial direction within the resilient engaging portion 20.

[0041] Figure 4 The reference numeral L shown in the figure is an imaginary line passing through the inner end 41 of the cover 40 in the radial direction and along the vertical direction (in... Figure 4 (Only shown on the left). The imaginary line L is parallel to the axis of socket 1. Figure 4 The imaginary line L in Figure 2The imaginary line L is represented as a circle. Figure 2 The imaginary line L aligns with the upper opening 42. The imaginary line L can be said to represent the area covered by the cover 40 of the elastic engaging portion 20. In the socket 1 of the first embodiment, the upper and lower ends of the base 20a and the protrusion 20b of the elastic engaging portion 20 in its initial state are located radially outward compared to the imaginary line L. These portions are the "part" of the elastic engaging portion 20 located radially outward compared to the radially inner end 41 of the cover 40, as described in the claims. Furthermore, the middle portion of the protrusion 20b in the vertical direction, including the engaging end 20c, is located radially inward compared to the imaginary line L. These portions are the "other portions" of the elastic engaging portion 20 located radially inward compared to the radially inner end 41 of the cover 40, as described in the claims. Since the cover 40 covers the elastic engaging portion 20 except for the middle portion of the protrusion 20b in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce or eliminate situations where the elastic engaging portion 20 comes into contact with external objects or the like and is subjected to external forces. Furthermore, the socket 1, especially the one-piece structure including the cover 40, can protect each elastic engaging part 20 from external force by the cover 40, and will not cause the cover 40, which is easily separated from the peripheral part 30 by external force, which is very beneficial.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the socket 1 is installed onto fabric f1, such as clothing, via the mounting member 50. The mounting member 50 has a generally circular plate-shaped base portion 51 and a cylindrical shaft portion 52 protruding concentrically from the base portion 51. The shaft portion 52 is... Figure 6 The mounting member 50 is shown in a rolled-edge state. The mounting member 50 consists of a main body 50A and a cap 50B. The main body 50A comprises a shaft portion 52 and a base core portion 51a. The cap 50B is assembled relative to the radially outer end of the base core portion 51a of the main body 50A, and the cap 50B and the base core portion 51a constitute a base portion 51. When the socket 1 is mounted on the fabric f1, the mounting member 50 is placed on a support mold below a snap-on mounting machine (not shown), the upper die holds the socket 1, and the fabric f1 is positioned between the mounting member 50 and the socket 1. Then, the die is lowered. As a result, the shaft portion 52 of the mounting member 50 passes upward through the fabric f1, then upward through the bottom opening 11 of the socket 1, and is rolled edge by the die. The end of the rolled-edge shaft portion 52 receives the layer difference portion 13a of the annular protrusion 13 of the socket 1. In this way, the socket 1 is mounted on the fabric f1. With the socket 1 installed on the fabric f1, the rib 15 bites into the fabric f1, thus reducing or eliminating the situation where the socket 1 rotates relative to the shaft 52 of the mounting member 50 in the medium to long term.

[0043] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the post (male buckle) 60, capable of engaging and disengaging with respect to the socket 1, is installed onto the fabric f2 via the mounting member 70. The post 60 is machined from a single sheet of metal and includes a base 61 and an annular engaging protrusion 62 protruding from the base 61. The mounting member 70 includes a circular base 71 and a cylindrical shaft 72 protruding from the base 71. The shaft 72... Figure 7 The image is shown with the edges rolled up. The base portion 61 of the column portion 60 has a bottom opening 63 for the shaft portion 72 of the mounting member 70 to pass through. The engaging protrusion 62 includes a large-diameter portion 62a whose outer diameter widens near the protruding end, and a tapering portion 62b whose outer diameter narrows from the large-diameter portion 62a toward the base portion 61. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 62a is set to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 42 of the socket 1, and slightly larger than the diameter of the circle connecting the engaging ends 20c of the resilient engaging portions 20, i.e., the engaging end diameter. The outer diameter of the tapering portion 62b is approximately the same as the engaging end diameter of the socket 1.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the socket 1 and the column 60. Figure 8 The column 60 and Figure 7 Shown upside down. When connecting the socket 1 and the post 60, the engaging protrusion 62 of the post 60 is inserted into the engaging space 2 through the opening 42 of the socket 1. At this time, the large diameter portion 62a of the engaging protrusion 62 of the post 60 contacts the engaging ends 20c of each elastic engaging portion 20 of the socket 1, causing each elastic engaging portion 20 to temporarily flex outward in the radial direction. Then, once the large diameter portion 62a passes the engaging end 20c, each elastic engaging portion 20 returns to its initial position or near it in the radial direction. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, the socket 1 and the post 60 are connected. In this connected state, the protruding portions 20b of each elastic engaging portion 20 of the socket 1 are in contact with or close to the tapered portions 62b of the engaging protrusions 62 of the post 60.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of socket 1A, a modified example of socket 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 10 It is a 1A socket, and Figure 4 The same section is shown in the view. Figure 11 It is a 1A socket, and Figure 5The same sectional perspective view. The socket 1A is substantially the same structure as the socket 1 described above, except that it has a recessed portion 21 as a thin-walled portion at the base 20Aa of each of the five resilient engaging portions 20A, as described below. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for structures other than the resilient engaging portions 20A, and their descriptions are omitted; the points already described for socket 1 also apply to socket 1A. Each resilient engaging portion 20A of socket 1A has a base 20Aa and a bulge portion 20Ab that is bent from the base 20Aa upwards in a radially inward direction, forming a roughly C-shaped cross-section. The bulge portion 20Ab is contained at the end of the resilient engaging portion 20A that is closest to the radially inward direction, namely the engaging end 20Ac. At the base 20Aa of each resilient engaging portion 20A, there is a recessed portion 21 that is recessed from the base 20Aa towards the radially inward direction and towards the radially outward direction. The recessed portion (thin-walled portion) 21 is a portion formed by stamping the base 20Aa and a portion of the bottom 10 adjacent to the base 20Aa, causing local compression of the thickness along the radial direction. The recessed portion 21 is an elongated oval shape that extends from near the connecting end edge (base end edge 14b) of the bottom 10 through the base end edge 14b of the base 20Aa to a position slightly above the middle in the vertical direction of the base 20Aa. In addition, the recessed portion 21 is located at the center in the width direction of the base 20Aa, and the width of the recessed portion 21 (the length along the circumferential direction of the socket 1) is about 1 / 3 of the width of the base 20Aa. By machining a recessed portion 21 in the base 20Aa of each elastic engagement portion 20A, especially in the range from its base edge 14b to the bottom 10 near the base edge 14b, the metal material of the recessed portion 21 is hardened, which can improve the strength of the region including the base edge 14b, which is the center of the elastic engagement portion 20A flexing in and outward in the radial direction. As a result, the flexibility of each elastic engagement portion 20A can be maintained in the medium to long term.

[0046] Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are top and bottom views of the socket 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The BB line section of socket 101 is shown in the view. Figure 15 It is along Figure 12A perspective view of a socket 101 cut along a BB line. The socket 101 is a one-piece structure formed by deep drawing or other processes on a single sheet of metal. The socket 101 includes: a bottom 110; six resilient engaging portions 120 extending continuously from the bottom 110; a peripheral portion 130 extending continuously upward from the outer radial end of the bottom 110; and a cover portion 140 extending continuously inward in the radial direction from the upper end of the peripheral portion 130. Each resilient engaging portion 120 is formed by partially cutting open the bottom 110, bending it inward in the radial direction, and raising it upward. The space (102) on the bottom 110 of the socket 101 and inward in the radial direction of each resilient engaging portion 120 is used to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The engaging protrusion 62 of the pillar 60 shown is detachably retracted into the engaging space 102. The peripheral portion 130 extends upward from the outer radial end of the bottom 110, substantially parallel to the axis of the socket 101. The cover portion 140, by virtue of its inner radial end 141, defines a space for the pillar 60 (see reference 101) to be retracted. Figure 7 The engaging protrusion 62 of the socket 101 is inserted into the engaging space 102 of the socket 101 through the opening 142.

[0047] The bottom 110 includes: a generally horizontal central bottom 111 having a bottom opening 113; and a peripheral bottom 112 connecting the outer radial end of the central bottom 111 to the lower end of the peripheral side portion 130. A downwardly recessed annular recess 115 is provided between the bottom opening 113 in the central bottom 111 and the outer radial end of the central bottom 111.

[0048] The peripheral bottom 112 has: an inclined portion 112a that slopes upward from its radially inner end outward in a radial direction; a curved portion 112b that bends upward from the upper end of the inclined portion 112a; and a peripheral end portion 112c that extends radially outward from the radially outer end of the curved portion 112b and connects to the lower end of the peripheral side portion 130. In the inclined portion 112a and the curved portion 112b in the peripheral bottom 112, there are six cut portions 114 at 60-degree intervals along the circumferential direction, corresponding to each elastic engaging portion 120. Each cut portion 114 is an opening that penetrates the peripheral bottom 112 vertically. Each cut portion 114 is defined by a generally U-shaped cutting edge 114a separating from the elastic engaging portion 120, and a connecting end edge 114b connecting to the elastic engaging portion 120 between the two radially inner ends of the cutting edge 114a. The connecting end edge 114b is located at the boundary between the central bottom 111 and the surrounding bottom 112. Each elastic engaging portion 120 bends inward in the radial direction from the connecting end edge 114b of each cut portion 114, and protrudes inward in the radial direction and upward relative to the surrounding bottom 112. The connecting end edge 114b of each cut portion 114 is also the base end edge 114b of each elastic engaging portion 120. (Refer to...) Figure 13The cutting edge 114a is composed of two side edges 114ab that extend in a straight line in a generally parallel direction from both ends of the connecting end edge 114b outward in the radial direction, and a peripheral edge 114aa that connects the two side edges 114ab in the radial direction outward along the generally circumferential direction.

[0049] Each resilient engaging portion 120 includes: a base 120a extending upward from a base end edge (connecting end edge) 114b; and a bulge 120b extending upward from the base 120a in a radially inward manner, forming a generally C-shaped cross-section. The base 120a extends upward from the base end edge 114b toward the bulge 120b at its lower end, inclined radially outward, with a generally straight cross-section. The circumferential width of each resilient engaging portion 120 is approximately constant from the base end edge 114b to the upper end (top of the bulge 120b) 120d. The upper end 120d of the resilient engaging portion 120 approaches the cover portion 140 but does not contact it. The bulge 120b includes the innermost radially inward end of the bulge 120b, namely the engaging end 120c.

[0050] Figure 14 The reference numeral L' shown is an imaginary line passing through the inner end 141 of the cover 140 in the radial direction and along the vertical direction (in... Figure 14 (Only shown on the left). Figure 14 The imaginary line L' in Figure 13 The imaginary line L' is represented as a circle. The imaginary line L' can be said to represent the area covered by the cover 140 over the elastic engaging portion 120. In the socket 101 of the second embodiment, a portion of the elastic engaging portion 120 in its initial state is located radially outward compared to the imaginary line L', while the remaining portion is located radially inward compared to the imaginary line L'. More specifically, the upper end portion of the bulge 120b, including the tip 120d, the radially outward portion of the lower half of the bulge 120b, and the radially outward portion of the base 120a excluding the lower end portion, are located radially outward compared to the imaginary line L'. Furthermore, the radially inward portion of the bulge 120b, including the engaging end 120c, and the radially inward portion of the base 120a, including the lower end portion, are located radially inward compared to the imaginary line L'. Since the cover 140 covers a portion of the elastic engaging portion 120, it is possible to reduce or eliminate situations where the elastic engaging portion 120 comes into contact with external objects or the like and is subjected to external forces.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0052] 1, 1A, 101 column section

[0053] 2. 102 card space

[0054] 10, 110 bottom

[0055] 14, 114 cut sections

[0056] 15th rib

[0057] 20, 20A, 120 Flexible Engaging Part

[0058] 20a, 20Aa, 120a base

[0059] 20b, 20Ab, 120b bulge sections

[0060] 20c, 20Ac, 120c card terminals

[0061] The top of the bulge of 20d, 20Ad, and 120d

[0062] 21. Recessed area (thin-walled area)

[0063] 30, 130 oz side

[0064] 40 and 140 cover

[0065] 41, 141 inner ends in the radial direction of the cover

[0066] 42, 142 opening

Claims

1. A socket (1, 1A, 101) of metal that can be engaged with and disengaged from a post portion (60), characterized by: a circular base portion (10, 110); a peripheral side portion (30, 130) that extends continuously from a radially outer end portion of the base portion (10, 110) toward an axial direction; a plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) that extend continuously from the base portion (10, 110); and a cover portion (40, 140) that extends continuously from the peripheral side portion (30, 130) toward a radially inner side, the cover portion (40, 140) defining an opening (42, 142) for receiving an engagement protrusion (62) of the post portion (60) with a radially inner end (41, 141), a portion of each of the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) is located radially outward of the radially inner end (41, 141) of the cover portion (40, 140), and other portions of each of the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) are located radially inward of the radially inner end (41, 141) of the cover portion (40, 140), the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) each include a base portion (20a, 20Aa, 120a) that is continuous with the base portion (10, 110), the portion of each of the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) includes the base portion (20a, 20Aa).

2. The socket according to claim 1, wherein the base portion (10, 110), the peripheral side portion (30, 130), the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120), and the cover portion (40, 140) are formed from a single metal member.

3. The socket according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) each include a bulging portion (20b, 20Ab, 120b) that extends toward the axial direction and bulges radially inward from the base portion (20a, 20Aa, 120a), the bulging portion (20b, 20Ab, 120b) includes an engagement end (20c, 20Ac, 120c) that is located most radially inward in the bulging portion (20b, 20Ab, 120b), and a top end (20d, 20Ad, 120d) that is an end on the opposite side of the base portion (20a, 20Aa, 120a), the portion of each of the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) includes the top end (20d, 20Ad, 120d), the other portions of each of the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20, 20A, 120) include the engagement end (20c, 20Ac, 120c).

4. The socket according to claim 1, wherein the base portion (20Aa) of the plurality of elastic engagement portions (20A) includes a thin-walled portion (21) in which the thickness is locally compressed. ​ 5. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The plurality of elastic engaging portions (20, 20A, 120) are formed by partially cutting and bending the bottom portion (10, 110), the bottom portion (10, 110) including cut portions (14, 114) each corresponding to the plurality of elastic engaging portions (20, 20A, 120).

6. The socket according to claim 5, wherein The bottom portion (10) includes a rib portion (15) provided between two of the cut portions (14) adjacent in the circumferential direction, respectively.

Images