Band, watch, timepiece, and method for manufacturing a band

Abstract

A band, a watch, a band for a watch, and a manufacturing method of a band are provided. The band integrally includes a base layer formed of a first metal material and formed with a hole portion in which a connecting member is arranged, and a cover layer formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material and laminated on one side of the base layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a link, a watch strap, a clock, and a method for manufacturing the link. Background Technology

[0002] In watch straps, structures connecting multiple metallic links are known. For example, a watch strap may have multiple links arranged and connected to each other along a connecting direction around the arm when worn. Each link has a protrusion at one end and a recess at the other end; the protrusion has a pin hole, and the recess has a pin hole. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-084332 discloses a method where the protrusion of one link is positioned within the recess of another link arranged in the connecting direction, and arranged in the width direction, with a metallic connecting pin passing through the protrusion and recess, thereby rotatably connecting multiple links.

[0003] However, according to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-084332, since the links of the watch strap are a single layer, there is a design problem that is not recommended.

[0004] The problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a well-designed watch strap, watch band, timepiece, and a method for manufacturing the watch strap. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a band is provided that integrally comprises: a base layer formed of a first metallic material and having holes for arranging connecting members; and a cover layer formed of a second metallic material different from the first metallic material and stacked on one side of the base layer. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of the clock according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a part of the watch's strap.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the strap links of the watch.

[0009] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing method of the watch strap. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 4 The watch 1, watch strap 40, and strap link 44 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of watch 1. Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a portion of the watch strap 40. Figure 3It is a sectional view with section 44. Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing method of the link 44, and is a top view showing the covering material produced in the previous process. Furthermore, in each figure, the structure is shown in a simplified manner by appropriately enlarging, reducing, or omitting details. In this embodiment, for example, for watch 1, the side facing the outer surface of the cover 30 is described as the face side, and the other side facing the outer surface of the back cover portion forming the bottom of the watch case 10 is described as the back side. For example, watch 1 is worn in a posture where the outer surface of the back cover portion faces the wrist of the wearer.

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown, the watch 1 includes: a watch case 10 forming the outer contour; a module 20 disposed inside the watch case 10; a cover 30 covering the surface side of the module 20; and a watch strap 40 having a pair of strap members connected to two opposing parts on the outer periphery of the watch case 10.

[0012] The watch case 10 is circular in shape and includes: a housing 11 disposed on the outer periphery of the module 20; a back cover disposed on the back side of the module 20; and an outer casing 13 disposed on the outer periphery of the housing 11.

[0013] The watch case 10 comprises a housing 11 and a back cover, which together form the housing for the configuration module 20. The opening on the surface side of the housing 11 is covered by a cover 30.

[0014] The housing 11 has two opposing locations on its outer periphery, such as the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions, respectively, for mounting strap components 41 and 42. For example, the strap mounting portion 16 has a connecting structure with connecting holes (holes) for connecting to the strap components 41 and 42 via connecting components such as screws, pins, and spring rods. Furthermore, the strap mounting portion 16 can be integrally formed with the watch case 10, or it can be separately formed from the watch case 10 and assembled onto the watch case 10.

[0015] The outer casing 13 is disposed on the outer periphery of the housing 11. The outer casing 13 is fixed to the housing 11 by screws or other connecting components.

[0016] Module 20 includes a display unit for displaying information such as time and date, a movement for operating the display unit, a circuit board housing electronic components such as ICs and antennas, and various other components necessary for the watch's function, such as a battery. For example, the display unit can be a digital display unit with an LCD panel having digital display capabilities, or an analog display unit with a dial and hands. Multiple display units may also be included.

[0017] The cover 30 is a transparent component made of inorganic glass such as SiO2 glass. For example, the cover 30 is a transparent, circular, watch glass plate disposed on the surface side of the module 20, covering the module 20. For example, the cover 30 is supported on the inner periphery of an opening on the surface side of the housing 11. A gasket is sandwiched between the outer periphery of the cover 30 and the inner periphery of the housing 11.

[0018] The watch strap 40 includes a first strap component 41, a second strap component 42, and a buckle and other connecting mechanism 43, which are respectively connected to two opposing parts on the outer periphery of the watch case 10. For example, one end of each strap component 41, 42 is connected to the watch case 10, and the other end is connected to each other through the connecting mechanism 43.

[0019] Each belt component 41, 42 includes a plurality of belt segments 44 arranged along the connection direction and rotatably connected to each other, a connecting pin 45, a buffer component 46, a segment cover 47, and a fastening part 48. In each belt component 41, 42, the plurality of belt segments 44 are rotatably connected by connecting pins 45 and arranged in the connection direction.

[0020] The connecting mechanism 43 connects a pair of strap components 41 and 42. For example, the connecting mechanism 43 is a buckle component that can change the connection length by manually overlapping or unfolding multiple components, switching between a fastened state and a deactivated state. As for the connecting mechanism 43, when multiple components are unfolded, the connection length between strap components 41 and 42 extends, resulting in a deactivated state where an arm can be inserted or removed. When multiple components are folded and locked, the connection length between strap components 41 and 42 decreases, resulting in a locked state that prevents the strap from slipping off the arm being worn.

[0021] In addition, the connecting mechanism 43 may also be configured to have multiple components that are connected to and separable from the belt member 41 side and the belt member 42 side respectively, so as to connect the belt member 41 and the belt member 42 separately.

[0022] Multiple belt links 44 each have a predetermined length in both the width direction and the connection direction. For example, the belt links 44 are formed with curved surfaces at both ends in the connection direction, with the outer surfaces of the ends bent in an arc shape. For example, the multiple belt links 44 may have the same structure or may have some different shapes. For example, the belt links 44 provided at the ends of each belt member 41, 42 are connected to the adjacent connection mechanism portion 43 or belt mounting portion 16 in the connection direction, and the other belt links 44 in the belt members 41, 42 other than the ends are connected to the other adjacent belt links 44.

[0023] The plurality of belt links 44 have a connecting structure that connects to adjacent belt links 44, connecting mechanism portions 43, or belt mounting portions 16. As an example, the plurality of belt links 44 have a first protrusion 44a protruding towards one end at the center of the width direction at one end in the connecting direction, and second protrusions 44b protruding towards the other end at both ends in the width direction at the other end in the connecting direction. The first protrusions 44a and the second protrusions 44b are arranged at different positions in the width direction.

[0024] As an example, in the connection direction, a plurality of adjacent bands 44 are provided with a central protrusion 44a on one end side of the recess 44c between the second protrusions 44b formed at both ends on the other end side.

[0025] The first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b, respectively formed on one end and the other end, each have a first pin hole 44d and a second pin hole 44e, respectively. The pin holes 44d and 44e are through holes through which the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b pass in a width direction orthogonal to or intersecting with the connecting direction. For example, the inner diameter of the first pin hole 44d of the central first protrusion 44a is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the second pin holes 44e of the second protrusions 44b at both ends.

[0026] Furthermore, a fastening hole 44f is formed between the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b of the belt joint 44, serving as a hole for accommodating the fastening part 48. The fastening hole 44f is a through hole that extends through the belt joint 44 in the width direction.

[0027] For example, in a plurality of links 44 connected in the connecting direction, the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b of the other links 44 connected in the connecting direction are arranged in the width direction. That is, in one of the adjacent pairs of links 44, the recess 44c formed between a pair of second protrusions 44b on both sides of the width direction is provided with the first protrusion 44a of the other link 44, so that the second protrusion 44b of one link and the first protrusion 44a of the other link 44 are arranged in the width direction.

[0028] A first pin hole 44d of a first protrusion 44a of a pair of links 44 and a second pin hole 44e of a pair of second protrusions 44b of another link 44 are continuous in the width direction. A connecting pin 45 is configured through the continuous pin holes 44d, 44e, so that the plurality of links 44 are rotatably connected to each other.

[0029] In addition, in the multiple belt segments 44 provided in each belt component 41, 42, for example, the belt segment 44 located at the end in the connecting direction, the first protrusion 44a or the second protrusion 44b is connected to the belt mounting portion 16 or the connecting mechanism portion 43 via a connecting member provided in the pin holes 44d, 44e.

[0030] The band 44 is a multilayer structure having multiple layers 51, 52 made of different materials stacked together. For example, the band 44 is a double-layer structure having a base layer 51 made of a first metallic material and a capping layer 52 made of a second metallic material.

[0031] The base layer 51 forms the inner surface that faces and contacts the skin when worn. The base layer 51 comprises a first metallic material. The first metallic material is, for example, Ti. The base layer 51 is preferably formed of pure titanium. For example, Ti has a density of 4.43 g / cm³. 3 The base layer 51 is made of a material with a lower density and higher specific gravity than the cover layer 52. Pin holes 44d, 44e, and fastening holes 44f are formed in the base layer 51. Furthermore, various holes for connection to the belt mounting portion 16 or the connecting mechanism portion 43 are also formed in the base layer 51 in the belt link 44 located at the end. In other words, the area in the belt link 44 where pin holes 44d, 44e, fastening holes 44f, and connection holes are provided is formed by the base layer 51. For example, the thickness of the base layer 51 along the lamination direction is greater than half the thickness of the belt link 44. That is, the boundary between the base layer 51 and the cover layer 52 is located at a position closer to the surface than the center in the thickness direction of the belt link 44. For example, the boundary between the base layer 51 and the cover layer 52, i.e., the surface of the base layer 51 opposite the cover layer 52, is a smooth surface.

[0032] A cover layer 52 is stacked on the surface side of the base layer 51. The cover layer 52 contains a second metallic material and forms the outer surface that is positioned on the surface side, i.e., the side opposite to the wrist, when worn. The cover layer 52 is configured to have a higher hardness than the base layer 51. For example, the Vickers hardness of the second metallic material constituting the cover layer 52 is higher than that of the first metallic material constituting the base layer 51. Furthermore, the second metallic material has a higher density and specific gravity than the first metallic material. The second metallic material is, for example, Cobarion (a registered trademark), cobalt mixed with chromium and molybdenum, with a density of 8.4 g / cm³. 3 For example, the thickness of the cover layer 52 is less than half the thickness of the band 44; as an example, it is set to be more than 1 / 10 and less than 1 / 2.

[0033] The buffer member 46 is formed into a tube shape from a flexible, soft, rigid resin material such as silicone rubber. The buffer member 46 is respectively disposed at both ends of the plurality of belt joints 44 in the width direction. That is, a buffer member 46 is clamped onto the outer periphery of both ends of a connecting pin 45. The buffer member 46 is configured as a cylinder with a bore 46d along the axial direction. The buffer member 46 has a large-diameter portion 46a disposed on one side and a small-diameter portion 46b disposed on the other side, with a stepped portion 46c formed between the large-diameter portion 46a and the small-diameter portion 46b. The axial direction of the buffer member 46 is arranged along the width direction of the belt joint 44. The large-diameter portion 46a is disposed in the pin holes 44e of the second protrusions 44b on both sides, the small-diameter portion 46b is disposed at the end of the pin hole 44d of the central protrusion 44a, and the stepped portion 46c is engaged with the periphery of the pin hole 44d of the protrusion 44a. That is, the buffer member 46 is clamped between the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b of a pair of adjacent bands 44 in the width direction, restricting the position of the first protrusion 44a and the second protrusion 44b.

[0034] At both ends of the belt link 44 connected by the insertion of the connecting pin 45, there are section covers 47 in the width direction. The section cover 47 has a recessed countersunk portion 47a that houses the connecting pin 45 and the buffer member 46 protruding from the belt link 44 in the width direction, and covers the ends of the belt link 44 and the ends of the connecting pin 45 and the buffer member 46. In addition, the outer surface of the section cover 47 at both ends in the width direction has a step 47c for locking the head of the fastening part 48, and has a cover fastening hole 47b through which the shaft portion of the fastening part 48 passes. Through the fastening part 48, the section covers 47 at both ends clamp the belt link 44 and are fastened.

[0035] The fastening part 48 has an externally threaded part 48a disposed on one side of the width direction and an internally threaded part 48b disposed on the other side of the width direction. For example, the externally threaded part 48a and the internally threaded part 48b each have a shaft portion extending in the width direction and forming threads, and a head provided at the end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion of the externally threaded part 48a is threadedly engaged with the shaft portion of the internally threaded part 48b. The heads of the externally threaded part 48a and the internally threaded part 48b are respectively locked into the step 47c formed in the cover fastening hole 47b of the section cover 47, and the shaft portions are threadedly engaged with each other, thereby the fastening part 48 fastens a pair of section covers 47 provided with the section 44 clamped in place.

[0036] The manufacturing method of the belt segment 44 according to this embodiment will be described below. The manufacturing method of the belt segment 44 includes: a single process of forming a rod-shaped covering material 44A before it is divided into multiple belt segments 44. Figure 4The first-processed product is shown; and the second-process involves dividing the covering material 44A into multiple segments and forming multiple sections 44 through surface treatment and hole processing. The first-process includes a core forming process and a HIP process. For example, the covering material 44A is formed to be longer in one direction and has the following shape: multiple protrusions 44g forming first protrusions 44a are formed at predetermined intervals on one edge, and multiple protrusions 44h forming second protrusions 44b are formed at predetermined intervals on the other edge.

[0037] As a core forming process, for example by using a 3D printer, a base layer 51A, which becomes the base layer 51, is shaped from a first metal material. The base layer 51A is a long plate with a predetermined thickness and width.

[0038] Next, as a HIP process, the material is processed under high temperature and high pressure (gas pressure) through HIP treatment (HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing), thereby making the cover part 52A of the cover layer 52 from the powder of the second metal material.

[0039] For example, a mold for HIP processing is prepared, corresponding to the shape of the desired coating material 44A. A base 51A is placed inside the mold as a core component, and powder of a second metal material is filled in. Then, the mold is placed in a HIP processing chamber, and heated and pressurized under high pressure and high temperature to shape the cover 52A, and the base 51A and the cover 52A are sintered to form a single unit. After sintering, the mold is removed, thereby forming a double-layered coating material 44A. For example, the HIP processing conditions are 2000 atmospheres and 900°C to 1000°C.

[0040] Then, as a secondary process, the covering material 44A is cut and divided into multiple segment components. These segments then undergo machining to form pin holes 44d, 44e, and fastening holes 44f, as well as surface treatment, to complete multiple sections 44. At this point, the pin holes 44d, 44e, and fastening holes 44f are formed along the width direction in the base layer 51. That is, the pin holes 44d and 44e are configured not to pass through the cover layer 52.

[0041] The design is enhanced by the links 44, the strap 40, and the watch 1 constructed as described above. Furthermore, it balances wear resistance, damage resistance, and ease of machining. Specifically, the cover layer 52 forming the face side is made of a hard material with excellent mirror finish, while the base layer 51 on the back side is made of a soft, lightweight material with good machinability. Therefore, the cover layer 52 ensures damage resistance, wear resistance, and mirror finish, while the base layer 51 forms a lightweight link that offers both safety and excellent machinability. Additionally, the pin holes 44d, 44e, and fastening holes 44f can be easily machined, resulting in a high degree of freedom in shaping.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by sintering the metal material powder through HIP processing, it is possible to shape the cap 52 and bond the base layer 51 to the cap 52. For example, for difficult-to-process Cobarion, the desired shape can be easily obtained by using powder and shaping it using HIP processing.

[0043] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] For example, the double-layered construction of the belts described above can also be used only for a portion of the belts among multiple belts.

[0045] Furthermore, the structures of the multiple links constituting the band can also differ. For example, the ratio of the base layer 51 to the cover layer 52 can be different depending on the position of the links, or the ratio of the denser Cobarium can be increased as the link is closer to the band mounting portion 16 that separates from the main body of the watch case, thereby adjusting the weight of the links. For example, if the link 44 on the side of the connecting mechanism portion 43 is made heavier, the following effect can be achieved: the orientation of the dial is stable when the watch 1 is placed or worn on the wrist.

[0046] Furthermore, the boundary portion, i.e., the surface of the base layer 51 opposite the cover layer 52, is not limited to a smooth surface. For example, it can also be a structure with uneven or wavy portions. For example, by having uneven or wavy portions, the bonding strength with the cover layer 52 can be improved.

[0047] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates a structure with a retainer 47, but it is not limited to this; a structure without a retainer 47 may also be used. In this case, the fastening part 48 and the fastening hole 44f can also be omitted.

[0048] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates an example of shaping the base layer 51 using a 3D printer and forming the cap layer 52 using HIP processing, it is not limited to this. For example, as a core forming process, the cap portion 52A may be shaped using a 3D printer from a second metal material, and as a HIP process, the base layer 51 may be formed from powder of a first metal material. In this case, the cap portion 52A, as a core component, is placed together with the powder of the first metal material in a mold for HIP processing, and HIP processing is performed, thereby sintering the powder composed of the first metal component to form the base bottom 51A. Simultaneously, the cap portion 52A, which is composed of the second metal material as a core component, and the base bottom 51A are joined together.

[0049] Furthermore, the materials used as the first and second metal materials are not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the first metal material constituting the base layer 51 may be titanium, and the second metal material constituting the capping layer 52 may be 64 titanium. Alternatively, the first metal material constituting the base layer 51 may be SUS, and the second metal material constituting the capping layer 52 may be 64 titanium.

[0050] In addition, not only the link 44, but also other watch parts such as the watch case 10 and the connecting mechanism 43 can adopt a layered structure having a base layer 51 made of a first metal material and a cover layer 52 made of a second metal material.

Claims

1. A watch strap, characterized in that, have: Multiple sections integrally comprise a base layer formed of a first metal material and having holes for connecting components, and a cover layer formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material and having a higher density than the first metal material and stacked on one side of the base layer. The first and second bands are formed by connecting the plurality of band segments, and one end of each band is connected to the watch case; and The connecting mechanism connects the other side of the first belt and the second belt to each other. The ratio of the cover layer to the base layer in at least one of the multiple links located on the side of the link closer to the connecting mechanism than the watch case is greater than the ratio of the cover layer to the base layer in the link on the watch case side.

2. The watch strap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second metal material has a higher hardness than the first metal material.

3. The watch strap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first metallic material is Ti, and the second metallic material is Cobarion.

4. The watch strap according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has multiple connecting components that rotatably connect the multiple belt segments in a connecting direction that intersects the stacking direction of the base layer and the cover layer. The base layer forms the inner surface that faces the wearer when worn. The cover forms the outer surface that faces outward when worn.

5. The watch strap according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of said belt links have: a first protrusion, the end of which protrudes toward one side of the connection direction and forms the hole; and a second protrusion, the end of which protrudes toward the other side of the connection direction and forms the hole. The hole is formed along a width direction that intersects the connection direction and the stacking direction. The second protrusions of an adjacent pair of belt segments and the first protrusions of adjacent other belt segments are arranged in the connection direction, and the holes formed in the base layer of the pair of belt segments are arranged in the width direction. The first and second protrusions, arranged in the width direction, are provided with connecting members, and the plurality of belt segments are rotatably connected to each other.

6. A clock, characterized in that, have: The watch strap as described in claim 1; The watch case, which mounts the watch strap; and A module, which is disposed in a housing within the watch case.

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