Connecting tool

Abstract

The buckle (1) is provided with connecting members (2A, 2B), and the connecting members (2A, 2B) are provided with base parts (21A, 21B), plug parts (31A, 31B), and socket parts (41A, 41B). The plug portion (31A) is disposed in the socket portion (41B) so as to be insertable in the X direction. The plug part (31B) is arranged in the socket part (41C) so as to be insertable in the X direction. The buckle (1) has: a first biasing section (51A) that is formed inside (45A) of the socket section (41A) and that biases the plug section (31A) in an inserted state toward the plug section (31B) in the Y direction; and / or a second biasing section (51B) that biases the plug section (31A) toward the plug section (31B) in the Y direction. And a second biasing section (51B) that is formed inside (45B) of the socket section (41B) and that biases the plug section (31B) in the inserted state toward the plug section (31A) in the Y direction. The buckles (1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L) are also configured substantially in the same manner as described above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device such as a buckle for detachably connecting fastening members to each other. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a buckle is known as a connecting tool that detachably connects connecting members of the same shape to each other (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Each connecting member has a base, and a plug portion and a socket portion extending from the base, and is configured as follows: by inserting the plug portion of one connecting member into the socket portion of another connecting member and inserting the plug portion of another connecting member into the socket portion of one connecting member, the plug portions are engaged with each other, thereby connecting with each other. A flexible arm-shaped spring portion (force-applying portion) is formed on the plug portion, and the spring portion extends from the top end of the plug portion toward the base and is arranged on the outside of the buckle in the width direction, and is configured as follows: by making the spring portion abut against the inner wall of the socket portion and elastically deforming in the width direction, and making the plug portions approach each other in the width direction and engage with each other, thereby connecting the connecting members with each other. At this time, the socket portions are separated from each other to a certain extent in the width direction.

[0004] Furthermore, when the connecting members are to be separated from each other, the socket parts of the connecting members are brought closer to each other in the width direction, thereby separating the plug parts from each other in the width direction and releasing the engagement.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: European Patent No. 3462967 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In addition, in the buckle described in Patent Document 1, since the spring portion extends from the top end of the plug portion toward the base portion and is arranged on the outside in the width direction, the spring portion is exposed when the connecting members are separated from each other, and there is a risk that the spring portion will be hooked on foreign objects. In addition, in terms of appearance, it is not desirable to expose the spring portion.

[0010] The present invention provides a connecting tool including a connecting member whose force applying portion is not exposed to the outside.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The first technical scheme of the present invention provides a connecting device, which is a connecting device in which a first connecting member and a second connecting member are detachably connected, wherein the first connecting member has a first base and a first plug portion and a first socket portion extending from the first base, and the second connecting member has a second base and a second plug portion and a socket portion extending from the second base, the first plug portion is configured to be inserted into the second socket portion along an insertion direction, and the second plug portion is configured to be inserted into the first socket portion along the insertion direction, and the connecting device has at least one of a first force applying portion and a second force applying portion, the first force applying portion is formed inside the first socket portion and applies force to the first plug portion in an inserted state toward the second plug portion side in a width direction intersecting the insertion direction, and the second force applying portion is formed inside the second socket portion and applies force to the second plug portion in an inserted state toward the first plug portion side in the width direction.

[0013] According to the connection device of the present invention, the following structure can be set: the one force-applying part can be used in the connection and separation process of the first connection member and the second connection member. On this basis, since the one force-applying part is formed inside the first socket part and the second socket part, the force-applying part will not be exposed to the outside even after the first connection member and the second connection member are separated. Therefore, the risk of foreign matter being hooked on the force-applying part can be reduced. In addition, even when the first connection member and the second connection member are separated and become a single body, the force-applying part will not be exposed, so the appearance can be improved.

[0014] On the basis of the connecting device of the first technical solution, in the connecting device of the second technical solution of the present invention, the connecting device may also be configured as follows: the first connecting member and the second connecting member are brought into an engaged state by moving apart from each other in the width direction, and on the other hand, are brought into a released state by overcoming the force of the one force applying portion by moving close to each other in the width direction.

[0015] According to such a structure, in the engaged state, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected. On the other hand, by bringing the first socket portion and the second socket portion closer to each other in the width direction, the force applied by the one force applying portion can be overcome and the engaged state can be released. As a result, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be set to a state where they can be separated from each other in the insertion direction.

[0016] In the coupling device according to a third aspect of the present invention, based on the first or second aspect, at least the first plug portion may include a claw portion protruding toward the first socket portion in the width direction.

[0017] According to such a configuration, since the claw portion protrudes as described above, the claw portion can be used to connect and disconnect the first connecting member and the second connecting member by moving the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the width direction relative to each other.

[0018] Based on the connecting device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, in the connecting device of the fourth technical solution of the present invention, the connecting device may also have both the first force-applying part and the second force-applying part, the top end of the first force-applying part abuts against the second plug part in the engaged state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the top end of the second force-applying part abuts against the first plug part in the engaged state.

[0019] According to such a structure, the first plug portion and the second plug portion in the engaged state are arranged between the first force applying portion and the second force applying portion in the width direction. Therefore, for example, compared with a case where only one of the first force applying portion and the second force applying portion is provided, the first force applying portion and the second force applying portion can be used to clamp the first plug portion and the second plug portion in the engaged state, thereby making the connection state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member more stable.

[0020] Based on the connecting device of any one of the first technical solution or the fourth technical solution, in the connecting device of the fifth technical solution of the present invention, a guiding surface for separating the first connecting member and the second connecting member from each other in the insertion direction when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are in a released state may be formed on at least the first plug portion.

[0021] According to such a structure, when the first socket portion and the second socket portion are brought close to each other in the width direction to release the engagement between the first plug portion and the second plug portion, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be separated from each other by guidance provided by the guide surface. Therefore, the operator only needs to pinch the connecting tool in such a way as to bring the first socket portion and the second socket portion close to each other in the width direction to smoothly separate the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0022] Based on the connecting device of any one of the first to fifth technical solutions, in the connecting device of the sixth technical solution of the present invention, the first socket portion and the second socket portion may respectively have side edge portions along the insertion direction which are spaced apart from each other in the width direction when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are in the engaged state, and the side edge portions are inclined relative to the thickness direction in such a manner that the outer portion in the thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction and the width direction is located outside the width direction than the inner portion in the thickness direction.

[0023] According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of fingers being caught between the side edge portions when the first socket portion and the second socket portion are brought close to each other.

[0024] Based on the connecting device of any one of the first to sixth technical solutions, in the connecting device of the seventh technical solution of the present invention, it may be that, when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are in an engaged state, the first plug part and the second plug part are engaged with each other in a manner that allows them to be disengaged from each other.

[0025] According to such a structure, for example, compared with the case where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are respectively provided with engaging portions that engage with the first plug part and the second plug part, there is no need to provide engaging portions, so that the size of the connecting device in the width direction becomes correspondingly smaller, and the miniaturization of the connecting device can be achieved.

[0026] Based on the connecting device of any one of the first to seventh technical solutions, in the connecting device of the eighth technical solution of the present invention, at least the first socket part may have a bottom surface on the first base side that divides the interior of the first socket part, and the one force-applying part is formed by a leaf spring extending from the bottom surface along the insertion direction.

[0027] According to such a structure, since the urging part is formed by the leaf spring, demolding is easy when manufacturing the first and second connecting members. In addition, for example, there is no need to form demolding holes in the first and second socket parts only for forming the urging part.

[0028] On the basis of the connecting device of the 8th technical solution, in the connecting device of the 9th technical solution of the present invention, it may be that at least the first socket part has a side surface continuous with the bottom surface, and the side surface is arranged at a distance in the width direction relative to the second plug part inserted into the first socket part, and the one force-applying part is elastically deformably arranged between the side surface and the second plug part in the engaged state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the top end of the one force-applying part abuts against the second plug part.

[0029] According to such a structure, when the first plug part and the second plug part are in the engaged state, the top end of the force-applying part abuts against the second plug part, thereby stabilizing the engaged state. On the other hand, by pressing the first socket part in the width direction to make the force-applying part close to the second plug part, the force-applying part can be elastically deformed and the above-mentioned engagement can be released.

[0030] Based on the connecting device of the 8th or 9th technical solution, in the connecting device of the 10th technical solution of the present invention, the first plug part and the second plug part may have claws at the top end, and the one force-applying part extends from the bottom surface to a position opposite to the claw of the first plug part in the width direction.

[0031] Based on the connecting device of any one of the technical solutions from the 8th to the 10th, in the connecting device of the technical solution 11 of the present invention, it may be that the first plug part and the second plug part have claws at the top ends, the dimension in the width direction of the claw of the second plug part is set to be smaller than the dimension in the width direction between the one force-applying part and the first plug part, and the dimension in the width direction of the portion of the second plug part other than the claw is set to gradually increase from the claw toward the second base and be larger than the dimension in the width direction between the one force-applying part and the first plug part.

[0032] According to such a structure, by reducing the width dimension of the claw portion of the second plug portion as described, the second plug portion can be easily inserted between the force-applying portion and the first plug portion. On the other hand, by gradually increasing the width dimension of the portion of the second plug portion other than the claw portion as described, the force-applying portion can be used to press the second plug portion, thereby achieving a good engagement state.

[0033] In addition, since the second plug part and the first plug part are engaged with each other in a state where the second plug part is pressed by the biasing portion, a click feeling can be generated when they are engaged.

[0034] Based on the connecting device of any one of the first to seventh technical solutions, in the connecting device of the twelfth technical solution of the present invention, at least the first socket part may have a side surface that divides the interior of the first socket part, and the one force-applying part is formed by a leaf spring extending from the side surface.

[0035] According to such a structure, for example, compared with a case where the first socket portion has a bottom surface that divides the interior of the first socket portion and a force-applying portion is formed on the bottom surface, it is easy to form the force-applying portion even if the space for forming the force-applying portion is small, thereby enabling miniaturization of the connecting device.

[0036] In the connecting tool according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the connecting tool according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the one biasing portion may extend from the side surface toward the first base portion.

[0037] According to such a configuration, the biasing portion of the first socket portion itself can be used as a guide for introducing the second plug portion between the biasing portion and the first plug portion, so that the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be smoothly coupled.

[0038] In the connection tool of the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in the connection tool of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the one urging portion may be inclined with respect to the insertion direction in such a manner that the tip end side thereof is separated from the side surface.

[0039] According to such a configuration, a gap corresponding to the elastic deformation amount of the urging portion can be easily formed between the tip of the urging portion and the side surface.

[0040] Based on the connecting device of any one of the technical solutions 12 to 14, in the connecting device of the technical solution 15 of the present invention, the first plug part and the second plug part may have claws at the top ends, and the top end of the one force-applying part is arranged at a position corresponding to the position in the insertion direction where the claw of the second plug part in the engaged state is arranged.

[0041] According to such a configuration, the claw portion of the second plug portion can be pressed by the tip of the biasing portion, and the engagement state between the first plug portion and the second plug portion can be stabilized.

[0042] In the connection tool of any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, in the connection tool of a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the tip of the one force-applying portion may protrude toward the first plug portion in the width direction.

[0043] According to such a structure, after the second plug part abuts against the top end of the force-applying part, the elastic deformation of the force-applying part becomes larger, and the engaging state of the first plug part and the second plug part can be stabilized. In addition, since the elastic deformation of the force-applying part becomes larger as described above, a click feeling can be generated when the first plug part and the second plug part are engaged. Moreover, the elastic deformation of the force-applying part can be suppressed to a small extent that the second plug part abuts against the top end of the force-applying part, and therefore, the second plug part can be easily inserted between the force-applying part and the first plug part.

[0044] On the basis of the connecting device of any one of the first to tenth technical solutions and the twelfth to sixteenth technical solutions, in the connecting device of the seventeenth technical solution of the present invention, the first socket portion may have a first engaging portion that engages with the second plug portion in the engaged state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the second socket portion may have a second engaging portion that engages with the first plug portion in the engaged state, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are arranged between the first plug portion and the second plug portion at a distance from each other in the width direction in the engaged state.

[0045] According to such a structure, by engaging the first engaging portion with the second plug portion and engaging the second engaging portion with the first plug portion, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be engaged at two locations, for example, compared with the case where the first plug portion and the second plug portion are engaged with each other (engaged at one location), the engaging strength can be improved.

[0046] In the connection tool of the seventeenth technical solution, in the connection tool of the eighteenth technical solution of the present invention, the first engaging portion may be arranged inside the first socket portion, and the second engaging portion may be arranged inside the second socket portion.

[0047] According to such a structure, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be configured not to be exposed to the outside, and the appearance can be improved.

[0048] On the basis of the connecting device of the 17th technical solution or the 18th technical solution, in the connecting device of the 19th technical solution of the present invention, an opening for configuring the top end of the second plug part in the engaged state is formed between the first engaging part and the first base, and an opening for configuring the top end of the first plug part in the engaged state is formed between the second engaging part and the second base.

[0049] According to such a structure, when the second plug part is engaged with the first engaging part, the top end of the second plug part can be arranged at the above-mentioned opening of the first connecting member, and when the first plug part is engaged with the second engaging part, the top end of the first plug part can be arranged at the above-mentioned opening of the second connecting member. Compared with the case where these openings are not formed, the width dimension of the connecting device in the state where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to each other can be reduced.

[0050] Based on the connecting device of any one of the technical solutions 17 to 19, in the connecting device of the technical solution 20 of the present invention, a limiting member may be detachably provided between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and the limiting member limits the mutual approach movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the width direction in the engaging state.

[0051] According to such a structure, in the engaged state where the second plug part and the first engaging part are engaged with each other and the first plug part and the second engaging part are engaged with each other, a limiting member is provided between the first engaging part and the second engaging part, thereby limiting the first connecting member and the second connecting member from moving closer to each other in the width direction, thereby preventing the above-mentioned engagement from being released. Thus, the above-mentioned engaged state can be maintained more reliably.

[0052] Furthermore, by removing the restriction member from between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are allowed to move toward each other, thereby enabling the first coupling member and the second coupling member to be in a released engagement state.

[0053] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connecting tool including a connecting member in which the biasing portion is not exposed to the outside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the connecting tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a connecting member of the connecting tool according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram showing a connecting member of the connecting tool according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the connected state of the connection tool according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the coupling tool according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the disconnected state of the coupling tool according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 6 The external appearance of the connecting device in the separated state is shown.

[0061] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a connecting tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a connecting member of a connecting tool according to a second embodiment.

[0063] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram showing a connecting member of a connecting tool according to a second embodiment.

[0064] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a connected state of the connection tool according to the second embodiment.

[0065] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the coupling tool according to the second embodiment.

[0066] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a disconnected state of the coupling tool according to the second embodiment.

[0067] Fig.14 Yes means Fig.13 The external appearance of the connecting device in the separated state is shown.

[0068] Fig.15 It is a perspective view showing a coupling tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Fig.16 It is a perspective view showing a connecting member of a connecting tool according to a third embodiment.

[0070] Fig.17 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a connecting member of a connecting tool according to a third embodiment.

[0071] Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram showing a connection state of a connection tool according to a third embodiment.

[0072] Fig.19 This is a rear view showing the coupling tool according to the third embodiment from the rear side.

[0073] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view showing a connected state of a connection tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Fig.21 It is a perspective view showing a coupling tool according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 22 It is a perspective view showing a connecting member of a connecting tool according to a fifth embodiment.

[0076] Fig.23 This is a rear view showing the coupling tool according to the fifth embodiment from the rear side.

[0077] Fig.24 It is an explanatory diagram showing a coupling tool according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Fig.25 It is a perspective view showing a restriction member of a coupling tool according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] [First embodiment]

[0080] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0081] exist Figure 1 to Figure 7 In the embodiment, the buckle 1 as a connecting device of the first embodiment includes connecting members 2A and 2B (first connecting member and second connecting member), and the connecting members 2A and 2B can be connected to each other in a separable manner. The connecting member 2A includes a base 21A (first base), a plug portion 31A (first plug portion) and a socket portion 41A (first socket portion) extending from the base 21A. The connecting member 2B (second connecting member) is constructed in a substantially similar manner to the connecting member 2A, and includes a base 21B (second base), a plug portion 31B (second plug portion) and a socket portion 41B (second socket portion) formed in the same manner as the base 21A, the plug portion 31A and the socket portion 41A. In addition, for each structure of the base 21B, the plug portion 31B and the socket portion 41B, "A" in the figure mark of each structure of the base 21A, the plug portion 31A and the socket portion 41A is replaced with "B" as appropriate and detailed description is omitted.

[0082] In the following description, the X direction is set as the insertion direction of the buckle 1, the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction is set as the width direction (left-right direction) of the buckle 1, and the Z direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is set as the thickness direction (front-back direction) of the buckle 1. In addition, the +X direction is set as the direction toward the insertion side of the connecting member 2A with respect to the connecting member 2B, and the -X direction is set as the direction toward the insertion side of the connecting member 2B with respect to the connecting member 2A, the +Y direction is set as the direction toward one side in the width direction of the buckle 1, and the -Y direction is set as the direction toward the other side in the width direction of the buckle 1, and the +Z direction is set as the direction toward the front side of the buckle 1, and the -Z direction is set as the direction toward the back side of the buckle 1.

[0083] The connecting members 2A and 2B are formed in a flat shape. The connecting members 2A and 2B are made of synthetic resin, but as long as the connecting members 2A and 2B can be connected and separated from each other, they can also be made of other materials such as metal. The plug part 31A and the socket part 41A extend from the base part 21A in the X direction and are arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0084] The base 21A has a mounting hole 22A through which a belt (not shown) as a string-like body passes, and a rod 23A formed in the mounting hole 22A so as to extend in the Y direction and around which the belt is wound, and the mounting hole 22A is divided into two holes 221A and 222A by the rod 23A. The base 21A thus formed is configured as a belt mounting portion to which the belt is mounted.

[0085] The plug portion 31A of the connecting member 2A is configured to be engageable with the plug portion 31B of the connecting member 2B in the X direction, and includes a leg portion 32A extending from the base portion 21A in the Y direction and a claw portion 33A formed at the top end of the plug portion 31A. Figure 4 In the engaged state shown in FIG. 1 , the claw portion 33A is disposed between the base portion 21B of the connecting member 2B and the claw portion 33B, and the claw portion 33B of the connecting member 2B is disposed between the base portion 21A and the claw portion 33A. The claw portion 33A extends from the continuous portion with the leg portion 32A toward the socket portion 41A side along the Y direction ( Figure 4 The connecting member 2A shown in the figure protrudes in the -Y direction. Figure 4 In the illustrated engaged state, the engaging surface 34A bent in the −Y direction from the leg portion 32A engages with the engaging surface 34B of the connecting member 2B in the X direction.

[0086] The leg portion 32A is a portion of the plug portion 31A other than the claw portion 33A, and the width dimension of the leg portion 32A in the Y direction gradually increases as it moves from the claw portion 33A side toward the base portion 21A side. The base end of the leg portion 32A has a thickness dimension that is the same as the dimension in the Z direction between the inner surfaces 421A and 431A of the socket portion 41A described later. The portion of the leg portion 32A that is closer to the top end than the base end has a thickness dimension that is smaller than the thickness dimension in the Z direction of the base end and is the same thickness dimension as the claw portion 33A. The portion of the leg portion 32A that is closer to the claw portion 33A side and the claw portion 33A are set to a width dimension that is smaller than the width dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A described later and the claw portion 33A, and thus become a width dimension that is smaller than the width dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51B and the claw portion 33B of the connecting member 2B that is constructed similarly to the connecting member 2A. In addition, the portion of the leg 32A on the side of the base 21A is set to have a width dimension larger than the width dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the claw 33A, and thus becomes a width dimension larger than the width dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51B and the claw 33B of the connecting member 2B constructed similarly to the connecting member 2A. Figure 4 In the engaged state shown in the figure, the leg portion 32A abuts against the top end of the leaf spring 51B and the claw portion 33B and is sandwiched by the top end of the leaf spring 51B and the claw portion 33B in the Y direction. In addition, the claw portion 33B extends from the continuous portion between the leg portion 32B toward the socket portion 41B side along the Y direction ( Figure 4 In the connecting member 2B shown, it protrudes in the +Y direction).

[0087] The surface of the plug portion 31A located on the opposite side to the socket portion 41A in the Y direction is configured as a guide surface 35A that abuts against the top end of the leaf spring 51B. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide surface 35A is formed as a gently convex surface in the range from the base end to the top end of the plug portion 31A, and the guide surface 35A is inclined relative to the X direction in such a manner that the end of the guide surface 35A on the claw portion 33A side is located closer to the socket portion 41A side than the end of the guide surface 35A on the base portion 21A side. The guide surface 35A is structured such that the guide surface 35A is located between the plug portion 31A and the plug portion 31B. Figure 5 In the disengaged state shown, the guide surface 35A guides the connecting member 2A to separate from the connecting member 2B in the -X direction while being biased in the -Y direction by the leaf spring 51B.

[0088] The socket portion 41A is arranged on the -Y direction side relative to the plug portion 31A, and has a front wall portion 42A and a back wall portion 43A which are continuous with the base portion 21A, and a side wall portion 44A which is continuous with the front wall portion 42A and the back wall portion 43A. The socket portion 41A is continuously opened to the +X direction side and the +Y direction side, and the top end of the socket portion 41A is located at a position closer to the +X direction side than the top end of the plug portion 31A. The continuous portion between the front wall portion 42A and the base portion 21A and the continuous portion between the back wall portion 43A and the base portion 21A are curved in a concave curved surface shape. The side edge portion 422A along the X direction located on the plug portion 31A side of the front wall portion 42A is curved and inclined relative to the Z direction in such a way that the outer portion in the Z direction is located on the -Y direction side separated from the plug portion 31A side than the inner portion in the Z direction. The side edge portion 423A along the X direction on the side of the plug portion 31A in the back wall portion 43A is bent and inclined relative to the Z direction in such a manner that the outer portion in the Z direction is located on the -Y direction side separated from the plug portion 31A side than the inner portion in the Z direction. The inner surface 421A of the front wall portion 42A, the inner surface 431A of the back wall portion 43A, the inner side surface 441A (side surface) of the side wall portion 44A, and the bottom surface 411A on the side of the base 21A connected thereto divide the interior 45A of the socket portion 41A. The inner surfaces 421A and 431A have a width dimension in the Y direction that can accommodate the plug portion 31B. A recessed portion 443A is formed on the outer side surface 442A of the side wall portion 44A to facilitate pinching the buckle 1.

[0089] In the interior 45A of the above-mentioned socket part 41A, a leaf spring 51A as a first force applying part (force applying part) is integrally formed. The leaf spring 51A is a structure for applying force to the plug part 31B inserted into the socket part 41A and in the inserted state toward the plug part 31A side. In the present embodiment, the leaf spring 51A is formed to extend from the bottom surface 411A to the +X direction. The leaf spring 51A extends to the +X direction side than the position of the engaging surface 34A of the plug part 31A, and extends to a position opposite to the claw part 33A in the Y direction. The top end of the leaf spring 51A is located at a position substantially equal to the top end of the plug part 31A in the X direction. The leaf spring 51A is configured to be arranged at a distance in the Y direction relative to the side wall part 44A, and can be elastically deformed by an amount corresponding to the distance.

[0090] Furthermore, a leaf spring 51B serving as a second urging portion (urging portion) is formed in the inner portion 45B of the socket portion 41B of the connecting member 2B.

[0091] Hereinafter, a procedure for connecting the connecting members 2A and 2B of the buckle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0092] First, the connecting members 2A and 2B are prepared, and the plug portion 31A and the socket portion 41B are arranged to face each other in the X direction, and the plug portion 31B and the socket portion 41A are arranged to face each other in the X direction.

[0093] Next, the connecting members 2A and 2B are brought closer to each other in the X direction, the connecting member 2A is moved relative to the connecting member 2B in the +X direction, and the connecting member 2B is moved relative to the connecting member 2A in the -X direction. Next, the plug portion 31A of the connecting member 2A is inserted between the leaf spring 51B and the plug portion 31B of the connecting member 2B, and the plug portion 31B of the connecting member 2B is inserted between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A of the connecting member 2A.

[0094] Next, when the connecting members 2A and 2B are brought close to each other in the X direction, the leaf spring 51A elastically deforms in the +Y direction and the leaf spring 51B elastically deforms in the -Y direction. Then, when the plug portion 31A of the connecting member 2A is arranged between the claw portion 33B and the base 21B of the connecting member 2B and the plug portion 31B of the connecting member 2B is arranged between the claw portion 33A and the base 21A of the connecting member 2A, the leaf springs 51A and 51B return to their original state, becoming an engaged state in which the engaging surfaces 34A and 34B overlap with each other. At this time, under the action of the restoring force of the leaf springs 51A and 51B, the plug portions 31A and 31B collide with each other in the Y direction, generating a click feeling when they are in the engaged state. Figure 4In the engaged state shown in FIG. 1 , the claw portion 33A abuts against the leg portion 32B and the claw portion 33B abuts against the leg portion 32A, and the top end of the leaf spring 51A abuts against the guide surface 35B and the top end of the leaf spring 51B abuts against the guide surface 35A. Figure 1 As shown, the side edges 422A, 423A of the socket portion 41A and the side edges 422B, 423B of the socket portion 41B are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, the top end of the socket portion 41A on the +X direction side abuts against the base 21B, and the top end of the socket portion 41B on the -X direction side abuts against the base 21A. The inner side surface 441A of the socket portion 41A is arranged at intervals in the Y direction relative to the plug portion 31B, and the leaf spring 51A is arranged between the inner side surface 441A and the plug portion 31B. The inner side surface 441B of the socket portion 41B is arranged at intervals in the Y direction relative to the plug portion 31A, and the leaf spring 51B is arranged between the inner side surface 441B and the plug portion 31A.

[0095] In this manner, the buckle 1 is brought into an engaged state by the connection members 2A and 2B moving apart from each other in the Y direction, thereby connecting the connection members 2A and 2B to each other.

[0096] Hereinafter, a procedure for separating the connecting members 2A and 2B of the buckle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0097] First, in the buckle 1 in the engaged state, the socket portions 41A and 41B of the connecting members 2A and 2B are pinched to make the side wall portions 44A and 44B approach each other in the Y direction to overcome the elastic force of the leaf springs 51A and 51B. Figure 5 As shown, the engaging surfaces 34A and 34B are arranged at positions offset from each other in the Y direction, and the engaging claws 33A and 33B are released from the engagement. The leaf spring 51A is elastically deformed in the +Y direction and is in a state of abutting against the guide surface 35B, and the leaf spring 51B is elastically deformed in the -Y direction and is in a state of abutting against the guide surface 35A.

[0098] Next, under the restoring force of the leaf springs 51A and 51B abutting against the guide surfaces 35A and 35B, the top ends of the side walls 44A and 44B abut against the guide surfaces 35A and 35B, thereby moving the connecting member 2A in the -X direction and the connecting member 2B in the +X direction. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 2 , the connecting members 2A and 2B are separated. At this time, the side edges 422A and 423A of the socket portion 41A and the side edges 422B and 423B of the socket portion 41B are as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the side edges 422A and 422B are close to each other, but since they are formed obliquely as described above, it is possible to prevent fingers from being caught between the side edges 422A and 422B, between the side edges 423B and 423B, etc. Figure 6In the separated state shown, since the engagement is released, the connecting members 2A and 2B can be easily separated from each other in the X direction.

[0099] In this way, the buckle 1 is brought into a disengaged state by the mutual approaching movement of the connecting members 2A and 2B in the Y direction, overcoming the biasing forces of the leaf springs 51A and 51B, and the connecting members 2A and 2B are separated from each other.

[0100] [Second embodiment]

[0101] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0102] exist Figure 8 to Figure 14 In the embodiment, the buckle 1C as a connecting device of the second embodiment includes connecting members 2C and 2D (first connecting member and second connecting member) which can be connected to each other in a separable manner. The connecting member 2C includes a base 21C (first base), a plug portion 31C (first plug portion) extending from the base 21C, and a socket portion 41C (first socket portion). The connecting member 2D (second connecting member) is constructed in substantially the same manner as the connecting member 2C, and includes a base 21D (second base), a plug portion 31D (second plug portion), and a socket portion 41D (second socket portion) formed in the same manner as the base 21C, the plug portion 31C, and the socket portion 41C. In addition, for each structure of the base 21D, the plug portion 31D, and the socket portion 41D in the connecting member 2D, "D" is appropriately marked instead of "C" in the figure mark of each structure of the base 21C, the plug portion 31C, and the socket portion 41C in the connecting member 2C, and detailed description is omitted.

[0103] The base 21C, the plug part 31C and the socket part 41C of the connecting member 2C are substantially similar to the base 21A, the plug part 31A and the socket part 41A of the connecting member 2A in the first embodiment, but are different from the connecting member 2A in the structure of the guide surface 35C of the plug part 31C and the structure that the leaf spring 61C as the first force applying part (force applying part) is not formed from the bottom surface 411A of the socket part 41A but is formed to extend from the inner side surface 441C. In addition, in the connecting member 2D, a leaf spring 61D as the second force applying part (force applying part) is formed to extend.

[0104] The guide surface 35C is disposed on the surface of the plug portion 31C on the side opposite to the socket portion 41C in the Y direction. Fig.11As shown, the guide surface 35C has an inclined surface 351C provided at the base end side of the plug portion 31C and a convex surface 352C provided at the top end of the plug portion 31C, and the surface between the inclined surface 351C and the convex surface 352C of the plug portion 31C is composed of a straight surface 353C along the X direction. The inclined surface 351C is inclined relative to the X direction in such a way that its end on the side of the convex surface 352C is located closer to the side of the socket portion 41C than its end on the side of the base 21C, and the convex surface 352C is formed to be convexly curved in the range from the straight surface 353C to the top end of the claw portion 33C in the X direction. Fig.12 In the disengaged state shown in FIG. 1 , the guide surface 35C guides the connecting member 2C to separate from the connecting member 2D in the -X direction while the inclined surface 351C contacts the top end of the side wall 44D in the -X direction and the convex surface 352C is urged in the -Y direction by the top end 611D of the leaf spring 61D. When the connecting member 2C separates from the connecting member 2D in the -X direction, the inclined surface 351C and the top end of the side wall 44C are as shown in FIG. Fig.13 In addition, the claw portion 33C is separated in the X direction from the continuous portion between the leg portion 32C toward the socket portion 41C side along the Y direction (in Fig.11 The claw portion 33D protrudes from the continuous portion between the leg portion 32D and the socket portion 41D side along the Y direction (in the connecting member 2C shown in FIG. Fig.11 The connecting member 2D shown protrudes in the +Y direction).

[0105] The leaf spring 61C extends from the inner side surface 441C of the side wall portion 44C toward the base portion 21C, and the leaf spring 61C is inclined relative to the X direction in a manner that the top end 611C thereof is separated from the inner side surface 441C. The top end 611C of the leaf spring 61C is arranged at a position corresponding to the position in the X direction where the claw portion 33D of the plug portion 31D in the engaged state is arranged, and the top end 611C of the leaf spring 61C protrudes toward the plug portion 31C side in the +Y direction relative to a portion of the leaf spring 61C that is closer to the base end 612C than the top end 611C. In addition, a recess 444C is formed in a portion of the side wall portion 44C that is continuous with the leaf spring 61C.

[0106] The procedure for connecting and disconnecting the connecting members 2C and 2D of the buckle 1C is substantially the same as that of the buckle 1 of the first embodiment, but the guidance by the guide surfaces 35C and 35D and the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61D are different from those of the buckle 1. As described above, the guiding by the guide surface 35C guides the connecting member 2D to separate from the connecting member 2C in the +X direction, similarly to the guiding by the guide surface 35D.

[0107] When the connecting members 2C and 2D are connected, the leaf spring 61C is pressed in the -Y direction by the plug portion 31D and elastically deforms in the -Y direction. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the plug parts 31C and 31D are in the engaged state, the leaf spring 61C returns to its original position while maintaining the top end 611C in contact with the plug part 31C, and maintains the engaged state. On the other hand, when the connecting members 2C and 2D are connected, the leaf spring 61D is pressed in the +Y direction by the plug part 31C and elastically deforms in the +Y direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, when the plug portions 31C and 31D are in the engaged state, the leaf spring 61D returns to its original state while maintaining the tip 611D in contact with the plug portion 31C, thereby maintaining the engaged state.

[0108] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, when the engagement release state is set to release the engagement of the plug parts 31C and 31D, the leaf spring 61C is pressed by the plug part 31D and elastically deformed in the -Y direction. At this time, the top end of the side wall part 44C abuts against the inclined surface 351D of the connecting member 2D and the top end 611C of the leaf spring 61C abuts against the convex surface 352D. Therefore, the convex surface 352D subjected to the restoring force of the leaf spring 61C guides the connecting member 2C to separate from the connecting member 2D in the -X direction. On the other hand, the leaf spring 61D is pressed by the plug part 31C and elastically deformed in the +Y direction. At this time, the top end of the side wall part 44D abuts against the inclined surface 351C of the connecting member 2C and the top end 611D of the leaf spring 61D abuts against the convex surface 352C. Therefore, the convex surface 352D subjected to the restoring force of the leaf spring 61D guides the connecting member 2D to separate from the connecting member 2C in the +X direction.

[0109] The connecting members 2C and 2D that are guided to separate are as follows. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the two parts are separated from each other in the X direction. The appearance of the separated state is as follows: Fig.14 In addition, when the engagement release state is changed to the separated state, the side edges 422C, 423C and the side edges 422D, 423D of the socket parts 41C, 41D are close to each other in the Y direction, but since they are formed to be inclined in the same manner as the side edges 422A, 423A and the side edges 422D, 423D, it is possible to prevent fingers from being caught between the side edges 422C and 422C, between the side edges 423D and 423D, and the like.

[0110] [Third Embodiment]

[0111] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0112] exist Figure 15 to Figure 19In the embodiment, the buckle 1E as a connecting device of the third embodiment includes connecting members 2E and 2F (first connecting member and second connecting member) which can be connected to each other in a separable manner. The connecting member 2E includes a base 21E (first base), a plug portion 31E (first plug portion) and a socket portion 41E (first socket portion) extending from the base 21E. The connecting member 2F (second connecting member) is constructed in substantially the same manner as the connecting member 2E, and includes a base 21F (second base), a plug portion 31F (second plug portion) and a socket portion 41F (second socket portion) formed in the same manner as the base 21E, the plug portion 31E and the socket portion 41E. In addition, for each structure of the base 21F, the plug portion 31F and the socket portion 41F in the connecting member 2F, "F" is appropriately marked instead of "E" in the figure mark of each structure of the base 21E, the plug portion 31E and the socket portion 41E in the connecting member 2E, and detailed description is omitted.

[0113] The base 21E, the plug part 31E, and the socket part 41E of the connecting member 2E are respectively configured substantially the same as the base 21A, the plug part 31A, and the socket part 41A of the connecting member 2A in the first embodiment, but the socket part 41E has a snap-fitting portion 71E (first snap-fitting portion) that snaps with the plug part 31F in the snap-fitting state, and the socket part 41F has a snap-fitting portion 71F (second snap-fitting portion) that snaps with the plug part 31E in the snap-fitting state. In addition, for the structures of the base 21E, the plug part 31E, and the socket part 41E that correspond to the base 21A, the plug part 31A, and the socket part 41A, "E" is appropriately marked instead of "A" in the figure marks marked for the structures of the base 21A, the plug part 31A, and the socket part 41A, and detailed description is omitted.

[0114] like Figure 16 to Figure 19 As shown, the engaging portion 71E extends from the bottom surface 411E of the socket portion 41E in the X direction, and has a claw portion 72E protruding in the Y direction toward the leaf spring 51E side at the top end of the engaging portion 71E. The engaging portion 71E is arranged in the inner portion 45E of the socket portion 41E and is located along the side edge portions 422E and 423E of the surface wall portion 42E and the back wall portion 43E, and is continuous with the surface wall portion 42E and the back wall portion 43E. In addition, the engaging portion 71E is arranged on the inner side (plug portion 31E side) in the Y direction with a gap between it and the leaf spring 51E.

[0115] The engaging portion 71F extends from the bottom surface 411F of the socket portion 41F in the X direction, and has a claw portion 72F protruding in the Y direction toward the leaf spring 51F at the top end of the engaging portion 71F. The engaging portion 71F is arranged in the inner portion 45F of the socket portion 41F and is located along the side edges 422F and 423F of the surface wall portion 42F and the back wall portion 43F, and is continuous with the surface wall portion 42F and the back wall portion 43F. In addition, the engaging portion 71F is arranged on the inner side (plug portion 31F side) in the Y direction with a gap between it and the leaf spring 51F.

[0116] In addition, the claw portion 33E of the plug portion 31E protrudes from the continuous portion between the leg portion 32E toward the socket portion 41E side along the Y direction (towards the -Y direction in the connecting member 2E), and the claw portion 33F of the plug portion 31E protrudes from the continuous portion between the leg portion 32F toward the socket portion 41F side along the Y direction (towards the +Y direction in the connecting member 2F).

[0117] In the buckle 1E, the plug portion 31F is inserted between the leaf spring 51E and the engaging portion 71E, and the plug portion 31E is inserted between the leaf spring 51F and the engaging portion 71F, the claw portion 33F of the plug portion 31F is engaged with the claw portion 72E of the engaging portion 71E, and the claw portion 33E of the plug portion 31E is engaged with the claw portion 72F of the engaging portion 71F, thereby forming Fig.18 and Fig.19 In the engagement state shown, the connection members 2E and 2F are in a connected state. In this connected state, the engagement parts 71E and 71F are arranged between the plug parts 31E and 31F in the Y direction, and the engagement parts 71E and 71F are arranged at a distance from each other in the Y direction. The distance is a distance corresponding to the elastic deformation amount of the leaf springs 51E and 51F when the engagement state is released.

[0118] In addition, when the connecting members 2E and 2F are to be separated, the buckle 1E is pinched to move the connecting members 2E and 2F closer to each other in the Y direction. At this time, the leaf spring 51E is elastically deformed, and the engagement between the claw 33F of the plug part 31F and the claw 72E of the engaging part 71E is released, so that the plug part 31F can be pulled out from the socket part 41E. Similarly, the leaf spring 51F is elastically deformed, and the engagement between the claw 33E of the plug part 31E and the claw 72F of the engaging part 71F is released, so that the plug part 31E can be pulled out from the socket part 41F. In addition, since the elastically deformed leaf springs 51E and 51F elastically apply force to the guide surfaces 35E and 35F of the plug parts 31E and 31F, the connecting members 2E and 2F are separated in the X direction and are separated.

[0119] According to the buckle 1E, since the connecting members 2E and 2F are engaged at two locations spaced apart in the Y direction, the engagement strength can be improved compared to the case where the connecting members 2E and 2F are engaged at one location as in the first and second embodiments, for example, a connection state can be achieved in which twisting deformation around an imaginary axis along the X direction is not easily generated. In addition, since the engaging portion 71E and the engaging portion 71F are not exposed to the outside, the appearance can be improved.

[0120] [Fourth embodiment]

[0121] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0122] exist Fig. 20 In the fourth embodiment, the buckle 1G as the connecting device is configured substantially the same as the buckle 1E of the third embodiment, but has leaf springs 61G and 61H as the urging parts instead of the leaf springs 51E and 51F as the urging parts. Fig. 20 In the buckle 1E, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the buckle 1E. In addition, the leaf springs 61G and 61H are configured similarly to each other, and on this basis, they are formed similarly to the leaf springs 61C and 61D described above, respectively. Therefore, for the structures of the leaf springs 61G and 61H corresponding to the leaf springs 61C and 61D, "G and H" are given instead of "C and D" in the reference numerals given to the structures of the leaf springs 61C and 61D, and detailed description is omitted.

[0123] The leaf spring 61G is inclined with respect to the X direction in such a manner that the tip 611G side thereof is further away from the inner side surface 441E than the base end 612G, and the tip 611G is arranged at a position corresponding to the position in the X direction at which the claw portion 33F of the plug portion 31F in the engaged state is arranged, and protrudes toward the plug portion 31E in the Y direction. In addition, the leaf spring 61H is inclined with respect to the X direction in such a manner that the tip 611H side thereof is further away from the inner side surface 441F than the base end 612H, and the tip 611H is arranged at a position corresponding to the position in the X direction at which the claw portion 33E of the plug portion 31E in the engaged state is arranged, and protrudes toward the plug portion 31F in the Y direction.

[0124] [Fifth embodiment]

[0125] Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0126] exist Figure 21 to Figure 231, the buckle 1J as the connecting device of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the buckle 1E of the third embodiment, but is different from the buckle 1E in that an opening 73J is formed between the engaging portion 71E and the base 21E and an opening 73K is formed between the engaging portion 71F and the base 21F. In addition, for the same structure of the buckle 1J as that of the buckle 1E, the same reference numerals are appropriately assigned and detailed description is omitted.

[0127] The opening 73J is formed by dividing the engaging portion 71E and the base 21E as well as the surface wall portion 42E and the back wall portion 43E, and is a structure for arranging the claw portion 33F (the top end of the plug portion 31F) when the claw portion 33F of the plug portion 31F is engaged with the claw portion 72E of the engaging portion 71E. In addition, the opening 73K is formed by dividing the engaging portion 71F and the base 21F as well as the surface wall portion 42F and the back wall portion 43F, and is a structure for arranging the claw portion 33E (the top end of the plug portion 31E) when the claw portion 33E of the plug portion 31E is engaged with the claw portion 72E of the engaging portion 71F. Therefore, it is possible to configure the claw portions 33E and 33F to be arranged in the openings 73J and 73K accordingly. Fig.23 The size of the space 75 shown is reduced in the Y direction, thereby reducing the width dimension of the buckle 1J.

[0128] [Sixth embodiment]

[0129] Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0130] exist Fig.24 1, the buckle 1L as the connecting device of the sixth embodiment is substantially similar to the buckle 1E of the third embodiment, but is different from the buckle 1E in that a restricting member 81L is detachably provided to restrict the mutual approach movement of the connecting members in the Y direction. In addition, the same reference numerals are appropriately assigned to the same structures in the buckle 1L as those in the buckle 1E, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0131] like Fig.24 and Fig.25As shown, the restricting member 81L includes a handle portion 82L for inserting and removing operations, a base portion 83L of a substantially circular plate shape continuous with the handle portion 82L, an insertion piece portion 84L extending from the base portion 83L in the Z direction, and an end portion 85L provided in a bulging manner at the top end of the insertion piece portion 87L on the -Z direction side. The handle portion 82L is arranged on the +Z direction side relative to the base portion 83L, and the insertion piece portion 84 is formed in a flat plate shape and is arranged on the +Z direction side relative to the base portion 83L. The length dimension of the insertion piece portion 84 in the Z direction corresponds to the thickness dimension of the socket portions 41E and 41F in the Z direction, and the insertion piece portion 84L is set to a length dimension that the end portion 85 protrudes when inserted between the socket portions 41E and 41F. The end portion 85L is formed to have a substantially circular cross-section when viewed from the X direction, and the thickness dimension of the end portion 85L in the Y direction is formed to be larger than the thickness dimension of the insertion piece portion 84L in the Y direction.

[0132] In the buckle 1L, a gap 46 in the Y direction is formed between the socket parts 41E and 41F in the connected state of the connecting members 2E and 2F, and the handle part 82L is inserted to insert the limiting member 81L into the gap 46 in the Z direction. In the inserted state, the surface of the base part 83L on the side of the insertion piece 84L abuts against the surface (or back surface) of the socket parts 41E and 41F, and the end 85L is arranged to protrude from between the socket parts 41E and 41F to suppress the falling off of the limiting member 81L. By inserting the limiting member 81L between the socket parts 41E and 41F in this way, the insertion piece 84L is arranged to limit the mutual approach movement of the socket parts 41E and 41F in the Y direction. Therefore, even if the buckle 1L is to be operated, the above-mentioned approach movement is limited, and the connected state of the connecting members 2E and 2F can be maintained.

[0133] When the handle 82L of the inserted restricting member 81L is pulled out in the Z direction to remove the restricting member 81 from between the sockets 41E and 41F, the sockets 41E and 41F of the buckle 1L can move toward each other in the Y direction. Therefore, the connecting members 2E and 2F of the buckle 1L can be separated.

[0134] [Modifications]

[0135] In the first to sixth embodiments, the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L are described as connecting means, but the bases 21A to 21F may not be configured as belt mounting portions, but may be configured as connecting means for connecting various objects other than belts. For example, they may be formed into a ring shape by attaching an openable and closable opening and closing member, or may be formed into other shapes capable of hooking objects.

[0136] In the first to sixth embodiments, the connecting members 2A and 2B are configured as members of the same structure, the connecting members 2C and 2D are configured as members of the same structure, and the connecting members 2E and 2F are configured as members of the same structure. However, if the structures are mutually connectable and separable, they are not limited to this, and the shapes may be slightly different. For example, only one of the connecting members 2A and 2B, only one of the connecting members 2C and 2D, and only one of the connecting members 2E and 2F may be provided with a force application portion composed of a leaf spring or the like.

[0137] In the first to sixth embodiments, the guide surfaces 35A and 35B are formed on the plug parts 31A and 31B, the guide surfaces 35C and 35D are formed on the plug parts 31C and 31D, and the guide surfaces 35E and 35F are formed on the plug parts 31E and 31F. However, if guidance can be provided, the guide surface may be provided on only one of the plug parts 31A and 31B, only one of the plug parts 31C and 31D, or only one of the plug parts 31E and 31F. In addition, if the connecting members 2A and 2B, the connecting members 2C and 2D, and the connecting members 2E and 2F can be separated from each other even without the guidance of the guide surfaces 35A to 35F, the guide surfaces 35A to 35F may be omitted.

[0138] In the first to sixth embodiments, the side edges 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F of the socket portions 41A to 41F are inclined as described above to suppress the pinching of fingers. However, if the structure is not easy to cause the pinching of fingers, the side edges 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F can be formed along the Z direction without inclination.

[0139] In the first to sixth embodiments, the leaf springs 51A, 51B, 51E, 51F, 61C, 61D, 61G, and 61H are described as the force-applying parts. However, if the structure is capable of applying force to the plug parts 31A to 31F in the Y direction, elastic bodies of other shapes may be used as the force-applying parts.

[0140] In the first embodiment, the size of the claw portion 33B of the plug portion 31B in the Y direction is set to be smaller than the size between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A in the Y direction, and the size of the leg portion 32B (the portion other than the claw portion) of the plug portion 31B in the Y direction is set to gradually increase from the claw portion 33B toward the base 21B and be larger than the size between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A in the Y direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. If the structure is such that the connecting members 2A and 2B can be connected and separated from each other, the size of the claw portion 33B of the plug portion 31B in the Y direction can be the same as or larger than the size between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A in the Y direction, and the size of the leg portion 32B of the plug portion 31B in the Y direction may not gradually increase from the claw portion 33B toward the base 21B, and may be set to be the same as or smaller than the size between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A in the Y direction.

[0141] In the first, third, fifth and sixth embodiments, the leaf springs 51A and 51E are configured to have a length dimension that extends from the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E to a position opposite to the claws 33B and 33F of the plug portions 31B and 31F in the Y direction in the engaged state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the structure is capable of connecting and separating the connecting members 2A and 2E and the connecting members 2B and 2F from each other, for example, the leaf springs 51A and 51E may also be a structure that does not extend to a position opposite to the claws 33B and 33F of the plug portions 31B and 31F in the Y direction in the engaged state, but extends from the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E to a position near the opposing position. In addition, the leaf springs 51B and 51F extend from the bottom surfaces 411B and 411F to positions opposite to the claws 33A and 33E of the plug parts 31A and 31E in the Y direction in the engaged state, but are not limited to this. As long as the connecting members 2A and 2E and the connecting members 2B and 2F can be connected to and separated from each other, for example, the leaf spring 51B may also be a structure in which, in the engaged state, it does not extend to the position opposite to the claws 33A and 33E of the plug parts 31A and 31E in the Y direction, but extends from the bottom surfaces 411B and 411F to a position near the opposite position.

[0142] In the second and fourth embodiments, the leaf springs 61C and 61G extend from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E of the side wall portions 44C and 44E toward the base portions 21C and 21E, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any structure is sufficient as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E and the connecting members 2D and 2F can be connected to and separated from each other. For example, the leaf springs 61C and 61G may extend from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E toward the side separated from the base portions 21C and 21E in the +X direction. In addition, the leaf springs 61D and 61F extend from the inner side surfaces 441D and 441F of the side wall portions 44D and 44F toward the base portions 21D and 21F, but are not limited to this. As long as the connecting members 2C and 2E and the connecting members 2D and 2F can be connected to and separated from each other, for example, the leaf springs 61D and 61E can also extend from the inner side surfaces 441D and 441E toward the side separated from the base portions 21D and 21F in the -X direction.

[0143] In the second and fourth embodiments, the top ends 611C and 611G of the leaf springs 61C and 61G are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions in the X direction at which the claws 33D and 33F of the plug portions 31D and 31F in the engaged state are arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the structure can connect and separate the connecting members 2C and 2E and the connecting members 2D and 2F to each other, for example, the leaf springs 61C and 61G may not extend to the positions corresponding to the positions in the X direction at which the claws 33D and 33F of the plug portions 31D and 31F in the engaged state are arranged, and the top ends 611C and 611G may be arranged at positions near the claws 33D and 33F. In addition, the top ends 611D and 611H of the leaf springs 61D and 61H are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions in the X direction at which the claws 33C and 33E of the plug parts 31C and 31E in the engaged state are arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the structure can connect and separate the connecting members 2C and 2E and the connecting members 2D and 2F to each other, for example, the leaf springs 61D and 61H may not extend to the positions corresponding to the positions in the X direction at which the claws 33C and 33E of the plug parts 31C and 31E in the engaged state are arranged, and the top ends 611D and 611H may be arranged at positions near the claws 33C and 33E.

[0144] In the second and fourth embodiments, the top ends 611C, 611G of the leaf springs 61C, 61G protrude in the +Y direction toward the plug portion 31C, 31E relative to the portion of the leaf springs 61C, 61G that is closer to the base ends 612C, 612H than the top ends 611C, 611G, but this is not limited to this. As long as the structure is capable of connecting and separating the connecting members 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2D, 2F to each other, the top ends 611C, 611G may not protrude in the +Y direction relative to the portion of the leaf springs 61C, 611G that is closer to the base ends 612C, 612H than the top ends 611C, 611G. In addition, the top ends 611D and 611H of the leaf springs 61D and 61G protrude in the -Y direction toward the plug portions 31D and 31F relative to the portion of the leaf springs 61D and 61G that is closer to the base ends 612D and 612H than the top ends 611D and 611H, but this is not limited to this. As long as the structure is capable of connecting and separating the connecting members 2C and 2E and the connecting members 2D and 2F to each other, the top ends 611D and 611H may not protrude in the -Y direction relative to the portion that is closer to the base ends 612D and 612H than the top ends 611D and 611H.

[0145] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0146] The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments are connecting devices formed by detachably connecting connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F, wherein the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E have bases 21A, 21C, 21E and plugs 31A, 31C, 31E and sockets 41A, 41C, 41E extending from the bases 21A, 21C, 21E. The connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F have bases 21B, 21D, 21F and plugs 31B, 31D, 31F and sockets 41B, 41D, 41F extending from the bases 21B, 21D, 21F. The plugs 31A, 31C, 31E are configured to be inserted into the sockets 41B, 41D, 41F in the X direction. The plugs 31B, 31D, 31F are configured to be inserted into the sockets 41A, 41C, 41F in the X direction. The buckle 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L includes a leaf spring 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G as a first force applying portion and a leaf spring 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H as a second force applying portion. The leaf spring 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G is formed inside the socket portion 41A, 41C, 41E 45 The leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H are formed in the inner portions 45A, 45D, 45F of the socket portions 41B, 41D, 41F and bias the plug portions 31A, 31C, 31E in the inserted state toward the plug portions 31B, 31D, 31F in the Y direction. The connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F are configured such that they are brought into an engaged state by moving apart from each other in the Y direction, and on the other hand, they are brought into a disengaged state by moving toward each other in the Y direction, overcoming the biasing force of the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C (or 51B, 51F, 61D) as the one biasing portion.

[0147] According to the buckle 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments, the one force-applying portion can be used in the process of connecting and separating the connecting member 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting member 2B, 2D, 2F, and the one force-applying portion is formed in the inner 45A, 45C, 45E of the socket portion 41A, 41C, 41E and the inner 45B, 45D, 45E of the socket portion 41B, 41D, 41E, so that even in the state where the connecting member 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting member 2C, 2D, 2F are separated, the one force-applying portion will not leak to the outside. Therefore, the risk of foreign matter being hooked on the one force-applying portion can be reduced. In addition, even in the state where the connecting member 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting member 2C, 2D, 2F are separated and become a single body, the one force-applying portion will not be exposed, so the appearance can be improved.

[0148] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments, the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F are configured to be in an engaged state by moving apart from each other in the Y direction, and on the other hand, to be in a released state by moving toward each other in the Y direction to overcome the force of the leaf spring 51A, 51E, 61C (or 51B, 51F, 61D) as the one force applying part.

[0149] According to such a structure, in the engaged state, the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2E are connected to each other. On the other hand, by making the socket parts 41A, 41C, 41E and the socket parts 41B, 41D, 41E approach each other in the Y direction, the force applied by the one force applying part can be overcome and the engaged state can be released. As a result, the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F can be set to a state where they can be separated from each other in the X direction.

[0150] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments, at least the plug portions 31A, 31C, 31E have the claw portions 33A, 33C, 33E protruding toward the socket portions 41A, 41C, 41E in the Y direction.

[0151] According to such a structure, since the claws 33A, 33C, and 33E are protruding as described above, the claws 33A, 33C, and 33E can be used to connect and separate the connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, and 2F by moving the connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, and 2F relative to each other in the Y direction.

[0152] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments, there are both leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G and leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H. The top ends 611C, 611G of the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G abut against the plug parts 31B, 31D, 31E when the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F are engaged, and the top ends 611D, 611H of the leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H abut against the plug parts 31A, 31C, 31E when the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and 2B, 2D, 2F are engaged.

[0153] According to such a structure, the plug parts 31A, 31C, 31E and the plug parts 31B, 31D, 31F in the engaged state are arranged between the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G and the leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H in the Y direction. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where only the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G and the leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H are provided, the plug parts 31A to 31F in the engaged state can be maintained in the width direction by using the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G and the leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H, thereby making it possible to make the connection state of the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F more stable.

[0154] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments, guide surfaces 35A, 35C, 35E may be formed on at least the plug portions 31A, 31C, 31E for separating the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F from each other in the X direction when the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F are in a released state.

[0155] According to such a structure, when the socket parts 41A, 41C, 41E and the socket parts 41B, 41D, 41F are brought close to each other in the Y direction to release the engagement between the plug parts 31A, 31C, 31E and the plug parts 31B, 31D, 31F, the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F can be separated from each other by the guidance of the guide surfaces 35A, 35C, 35E. Therefore, the operator only needs to pinch the buckle 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L in such a way that the socket parts 41A, 41C, 41E and the socket parts 41B, 41D, 41F are brought close to each other in the Y direction, so that the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F can be smoothly separated.

[0156] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L of the first to sixth embodiments, the socket portions 41A, 41C, 41E and the socket portions 41B, 41D, 41F respectively have side edge portions 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F along the X direction, and the side edge portions 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F are opposed to each other with a gap in the Y direction when the connecting members 2A, 2C, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2D, 2F are engaged, and the side edge portions 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F are inclined relative to the Z direction in such a manner that the outer portions in the Z direction are located on the outer side in the Y direction than the inner portions in the Z direction.

[0157] According to such a configuration, the risk of fingers being caught between the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F can be reduced when the socket portions 41A, 41C, and 41E and the socket portions 41B, 41D, and 41F are brought close to each other.

[0158] In the buckles 1 and 1C of the first and second embodiments, in the engaged state of the connecting members 2A and 2C and the connecting members 2B and 2D, the plug portions 31A and 31C and the plug portions 31B and 31D are engaged with each other in a mutually disengageable manner.

[0159] According to such a structure, for example, compared with the case where engaging portions that respectively engage with the plug portions 31A, 31C and the plug portions 31B, 31D are respectively provided on the connecting members 2 to 2D, it is not necessary to provide additional engaging portions, so that the dimensions of the buckles 1, 1C in the width direction are correspondingly reduced, and the miniaturization of the connecting device can be achieved.

[0160] In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, 1L of the first, third, fifth, and sixth embodiments, at least the socket portion 41A, 41E has a bottom surface 411A, 411E on the base 21A, 21E side that divides the interior 45A, 45E of the socket portion 41A, 41E, and the one force-applying portion 51A, 51E is formed by a leaf spring 51A, 51E extending from the bottom surface 411A, 411E along the X direction.

[0161] According to such a structure, since the one force-applying part 51A, 51E is formed by the above-mentioned leaf springs 51A, 51E, it is easy to demold when manufacturing the connecting components 2A, 2E, the connecting components 2B, 2E. In addition, for example, there is no need to form a demolding hole only for forming the force-applying part in the socket parts 41A, 41B, 41E, 41F.

[0162] In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, 1L of the first, third, fifth, and sixth embodiments, at least the socket portion 41A, 41E has an inner side surface 441A, 441E (side surface) continuous with the bottom surface 411A, 411E, and the inner side surfaces 441A, 441E are arranged at intervals in the Y direction relative to the plug portion 31B, 31F inserted into the socket portion 41A, 41E, and the leaf spring 51A, 51E as the one force-applying portion is elastically deformably arranged between the inner side surfaces 441A, 441E and the plug portion 31B, 31F in the engaged state of the connecting members 2A, 2E and the connecting members 2B, 2F, and the top ends of the leaf springs 51A, 51E abut against the plug portions 31B, 31F.

[0163] According to such a structure, when the plug parts 31A, 31E and the plug parts 31B, 31F are in the engaged state, the top ends of the leaf springs 51A, 51E abut against the plug parts 31B, 31F, thereby stabilizing the engaged state. On the other hand, by pressing the socket parts 41A, 41E in the +Y direction to bring the leaf springs 51A, 51E closer to the plug parts 31B, 31F, the leaf springs 51A, 51E can be elastically deformed and the above-mentioned engagement can be released.

[0164] In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, 1L of the first, third, fifth, and sixth embodiments, the plug portions 31A, 31E and the plug portions 31B, 31F have claw portions 33A, 33B, 33E, 33F at the top ends, and the leaf springs 51A, 51E serving as the one force applying portion extend from the bottom surfaces 411A, 411E to positions opposite to the claw portions 33A, 33E of the plug portions 31A, 31E in the Y direction.

[0165] In the buckle 1 of the first embodiment, the plug portion 31A and the plug portion 31B have claw portions 33A and 33B at the top ends, and the dimension in the Y direction of the claw portion 33B of the plug portion 31B is set to be smaller than the dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A, and the dimension in the Y direction of the leg portion 32B, which is the portion of the plug portion 31B other than the claw portion 33B, is set to gradually increase from the claw portion 33B toward the base 21B and be larger than the dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A.

[0166] According to such a structure, by reducing the size of the claw portion 33B of the plug portion 31B in the Y direction as described, the plug portion 31B can be easily inserted between the leaf spring 51A and the plug portion 31A. On the other hand, by gradually increasing the size of the leg portion 32B, which is the portion of the plug portion 31B other than the claw portion 33B, in the Y direction as described, the leaf spring 51A can be used to press the plug portion 31B, so that the engaging state can be improved.

[0167] In addition, since the plug portion 31B and the plug portion 31A are engaged with each other from a state where the plug portion 31B is pressed by the leaf spring 51A, a click feeling can be generated when they are engaged.

[0168] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth embodiments, at least the socket portions 41C and 41E have inner side surfaces 441C and 441E that divide the interiors 45C and 45E of the socket portions 41C and 41E, and the one biasing portion 61C and 61G is formed by a leaf spring 61C and 61G extending from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E.

[0169] According to such a structure, for example, compared with a case where the socket parts 41C and 41E have bottom surfaces 411C and 411E that divide the interior 45C and 45E of the socket parts 41C and 41E and a force-applying part such as a leaf spring is formed on the bottom surfaces 411C and 411E, it is easy to form leaf springs 61C and 61G even if the space for forming the force-applying part is small, thereby enabling miniaturization of the buckles 1C and 1G.

[0170] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth embodiments, the leaf springs 61C and 61G as the one urging portion extend from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E toward the base portions 21C and 21E.

[0171] According to such a structure, the leaf springs 61C and 61G of the socket parts 41C and 41E themselves can also be used as guides to introduce the plug parts 31D and 31F between the leaf springs 61C and 61G and the plug parts 31C and 31E, so that the connecting members 2C and 2E and the connecting members 2D and 2F can be smoothly connected.

[0172] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth embodiments, the leaf springs 61C and 61G as the one urging portion are inclined with respect to the X direction so that the tip 611C and 611G sides thereof are separated from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E.

[0173] According to such a configuration, a gap corresponding to the amount of elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C, 61G can be easily formed between the top ends 611C, 611G of the leaf springs 61C, 61G and the inner side surfaces 441C, 441E.

[0174] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth embodiments, the plug parts 31C and 31E and the plug parts 31D and 31F have claw parts 33C, 33D, 33E and 33F at the top ends, and the top ends 611C and 611G of the leaf springs 61C and 61G serving as a force applying part are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions in the X direction where the claw parts 33D and 33F of the plug parts 31D and 31F are arranged in the engaged state.

[0175] According to such a configuration, the claws 33D and 33F of the plug parts 31D and 31F can be pressed by the tips 611C and 611G of the leaf springs 61C and 61G, and the engaged state of the plug parts 31D and 31F can be stabilized.

[0176] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth embodiments, the distal ends 611C and 611G of the leaf springs 61C and 61G as the one urging portion protrude toward the plug portions 31C and 31E in the Y direction.

[0177] According to such a structure, after the plug parts 31D and 31F abut against the top ends 611C and 611G of the leaf springs 61C and 61G, the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61G becomes larger, and the engagement state of the plug parts 31D and 31F can be stabilized. In addition, since the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61G becomes larger as described above, a click feeling can be generated when the plug parts 31D and 31F are engaged. In addition, the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61G can be suppressed to a small extent that the plug parts 31D and 31F abut against the top ends 611C and 611G of the leaf springs 61C and 61G, so the plug parts 31D and 31F can be easily inserted.

[0178] In the buckles 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the third to sixth embodiments, the socket portion 41E has an engaging portion 71E that engages with the plug portion 31F when the connecting member 2E and the connecting member 2F are in the engaged state, and the socket portion 41F has an engaging portion 71F that engages with the plug portion 31E in the engaged state. The engaging portions 71E and 71F are arranged between the plug portions 31E and 31F at intervals in the Y direction when in the engaged state.

[0179] According to such a structure, by engaging the engaging portion 71E with the plug portion 31F and engaging the engaging portion 71F with the plug portion 31E, the connecting members 2E and 2F can be engaged at two locations, and the engagement strength can be improved compared to the case where the plug portions are engaged at one location.

[0180] In the buckles 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the third to sixth embodiments, the engagement portion 71E is arranged in the inner portion 45E of the socket portion 41E, and the engagement portion 71F is arranged in the inner portion 45F of the socket portion 41F.

[0181] According to such a structure, the engaging portion 71E and the engaging portion 71F can be configured not to be exposed to the outside, and the appearance can be improved.

[0182] In the buckle 1J of the fifth embodiment, an opening 73J is formed between the engagement portion 71E and the base 21E, in which the tip of the plug portion 31F is disposed in the engagement state, and an opening 73K is formed between the engagement portion 71F and the base 21F, in which the tip of the plug portion 31E is disposed in the engagement state.

[0183] According to such a structure, when the plug portion 31F is engaged with the engaging portion 71E, the top end of the plug portion 31F can be arranged at the above-mentioned opening 73J of the connecting member 2E, and when the plug portion 31E is engaged with the engaging portion 71F, the top end of the plug portion 31E can be arranged at the above-mentioned opening 73K of the connecting member 2F. For example, compared with the case where the openings 73J and 73K are not formed as in the third embodiment, the width dimension of the buckle 1J in the state where the connecting members 2E and 2F are connected to each other can be reduced.

[0184] In the buckle 1J of the sixth embodiment, a restriction member 81L is detachably provided between the engagement portions 71E and 71F. The restriction member 81L restricts the approach movement of the connecting members 2E and 2F in the Y direction in the engaged state.

[0185] According to such a structure, in the engaged state where the plug portion 31F and the engaging portion 71E are engaged with each other and the plug portion 31E and the engaging portion 71F are engaged with each other, the limiting member 81L is provided between the engaging portions 71E and 71F, thereby limiting the movement of the connecting members 2E and 2F toward each other in the Y direction, thereby preventing the above-mentioned engagement from being released. Thus, the above-mentioned engaged state can be maintained more reliably.

[0186] Furthermore, by removing the restriction member 81L from between the engagement portions 71E and 71F, the coupling members 2E and 2F are allowed to move toward each other, and the coupling members 2E and 2F can be brought into a state in which the engagement is released.

[0187] Description of Reference Numerals

[0188] 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L, buckle (connecting device); 21A, 21C, 21E, base (first base); 21B, 21D, 21F, base (second base); 221A to 221F, 222A to 222F, holes; 22A to 22F, mounting holes; 23A to 23F, rods; 2A, 2C, 2E, connecting member (first connecting member); 2B, 2D, 2F, connecting member (second connecting member); 31A, 31C, 31E, plug part (first plug part) ); 31B, 31D, 31F, plug portion (second plug portion); 32A to 32F, leg portions; 33A to 33F, 72E, 72F, claw portions; 34A to 34F, engaging surfaces; 351C, 351D, inclined surfaces; 352C, 352D, convex curved surfaces; 353C, 353D, straight surfaces; 35A to 35F, guide surfaces; 411A to 411F, bottom surfaces; 41A, 41C, 41E, socket portion (first socket portion); 41B, 41D, 41F, socket portion (second socket portion ); 421A to 421F, 431A to 431F, inner surface; 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F, side edge; 42A to 42F, surface wall; 43A to 43F, back wall; 441A to 441F, inner side (side); 442A to 442F, outer side; 443A to 443F, recess; 44A to 44F, side wall; 444C, 444D, 444G, 444H, recess; 45A to 45F, interior; 46, 75, interval; 51 A, 51E, 61C, 61G, leaf spring (first force-applying part); 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H, leaf spring (second force-applying part); 611C, 611D, 611G, 611H, top end; 612C, 612D, 612G, 612H, base end; 71E, engaging part (first engaging part); 71F, engaging part (second engaging part); 73J, 73K, opening; 81L, limiting member; 82L, handle part; 83L, base part; 84L, insertion piece part; 85L, end part.

Claims

1. A connecting device, which is a connecting device (1A, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L) in which a first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) and a second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) are connected in a detachable manner, wherein: The first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) comprises a first base (21A, 21C, 21E) and a first plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) and a first socket portion (41A, 41C, 41E) extending from the first base (21A, 21C, 21E). The second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) comprises a second base (21B, 21D, 21F) and a second plug portion (31B, 31D, 31F) and a second socket portion (41B, 41D, 41F) extending from the second base (21B, 21D, 21F). The first plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) is configured to be insertable into the second socket portion (41B, 41D, 41F) along an insertion direction, The second plug portion (31B, 31D, 31F) is configured to be insertable into the first socket portion (41A, 41C, 41E) along the insertion direction, The connecting tool (1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L) has at least one of a first force applying part (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) and a second force applying part (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H), wherein the first force applying part (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) is formed inside (45A, 45C, 45E) of the first socket part (41A, 41C, 41E) and extends the first socket part (41A, 41C, 41E) in a width direction intersecting the insertion direction. The first plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) applies force toward the second plug portion (31B, 31D, 31F), and the second force-applying portion (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H) is formed inside (45A, 45D, 45F) of the second socket portion (41B, 41D, 41F) and applies force to the second plug portion (31B, 31D, 31F) in the inserted state toward the first plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) in the width direction.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting device is configured as follows: the first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) are brought into an engaged state by moving apart from each other in the width direction, and on the other hand, are brought into a released state by moving toward each other in the width direction to overcome the force of the one force applying part.

3. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least the first plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) has a claw portion (33A, 33C, 33E) protruding toward the first socket portion (41A, 41C, 41E) in the width direction.

4. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The connecting tool includes the first force applying part (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) and the second force applying part (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H), The top end (611C, 611G) of the first force applying portion (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) abuts against the second plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) when the first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) are engaged with each other. The top end (611D, 611H) of the second force applying portion (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H) abuts against the first plug portion (31A, 31D, 31F) in the engaged state.

5. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least the first plug portion (31A, 31C, 31E) is formed with a guide surface (35A, 35C, 35E) for separating the first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) from each other in the insertion direction when the first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) are in a disengaged state.

6. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first socket portion (41A, 41C, 41E) and the second socket portion (41B, 41D, 41F) respectively have side edge portions (422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, 422E, 422F, 423A, 423B, 423C, 423D, 423E, 423F) along the insertion direction, which are opposed to each other at intervals in the width direction when the first connecting member (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting member (2B, 2D, 2F) are engaged, The side edge portions (422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, 422E, 422F, 423A, 423B, 423C, 423D, 423E, 423F) are inclined relative to the thickness direction in such a manner that the outer portion in the thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction and the width direction is located outside the width direction than the inner portion in the thickness direction.

7. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: When the first connecting member (2A, 2C) and the second connecting member (2B, 2D) are in an engaged state, the first plug portion (31A, 31C) and the second plug portion (31B, 31D) are engaged with each other in a manner that allows them to be disengaged from each other.

8. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: At least the first socket portion (41A, 41E) has a bottom surface (411A, 411E) on the first base portion (21A, 21E) side that divides the interior (45A, 45E) of the first socket portion (41A, 41E), The one urging portion (51A, 51E) is formed by a leaf spring (51A, 51E) extending from the bottom surface (411A, 411E) in the insertion direction.

9. The connecting device according to claim 8, wherein: At least the first socket portion (41A, 41E) has a side surface (441A, 441E) continuous with the bottom surface (411A, 411E), The side surfaces (441A, 441E) are arranged at intervals in the width direction relative to the second plug portion (31B, 31F) inserted into the first socket portion (41A, 41E), The one force-applying portion (51A, 51E) is elastically deformably arranged between the side surface (441A, 441E) and the second plug portion (31B, 31F) when the first connecting member (2A, 2E) and the second connecting member (2B, 2F) are in an engaged state, and the top end of the one force-applying portion (51A, 51E) abuts against the second plug portion (31B, 31F).

10. The connecting device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The first plug part (31A, 31E) and the second plug part (31B, 31F) have claw parts (33A, 33B, 33E, 33F) at the top end. The one force applying portion (51A, 51E) extends from the bottom surface (411A, 411E) to a position facing the claw portion (33A, 33E) of the first plug portion (31A, 31E) in the width direction.

11. The connecting device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The first plug part (31A) and the second plug part (31B) have claw parts (33A, 33B) at the top end. The dimension of the claw portion (33B) of the second plug portion (31B) in the width direction is set to be smaller than the dimension between the one force-applying portion (51A) and the first plug portion (31A) in the width direction. The dimension in the width direction of the portion of the second plug portion (31B) other than the claw portion (33B) is set to gradually increase from the claw portion (33B) toward the second base portion (21B) and be larger than the dimension in the width direction between the one force applying portion (51A) and the first plug portion (31A).

12. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: At least the first socket portion (41C, 41E) has a side surface (441C, 441E) that divides the interior (45C, 41E) of the first socket portion (41C, 41E), The one urging portion is formed by a leaf spring (61C, 61G) extending from the side surface (441C, 441E).

13. The connecting device according to claim 12, wherein: The one force applying portion (61C, 61G) extends from the side surface (441C, 441E) toward the first base portion (21C, 21E).

14. The connecting device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The one force-applying portion (61C, 61G) is inclined relative to the insertion direction in such a manner that the tip (611C, 611G) side thereof is separated from the side surface (441C, 441E).

15. The connecting device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The first plug part (31C, 31E) and the second plug part (31D, 31F) have claw parts (33C, 33D, 33E, 33F) at the top end. The tip (611C, 611G) of the one force-applying portion (61C, 61G) is arranged at a position corresponding to the position in the insertion direction at which the claw portion (33D, 33F) of the second plug portion (31D, 31F) is arranged in the engaged state.

16. The connecting device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: A tip end (611C, 611G) of the one urging portion (61C, 61G) protrudes toward the first plug portion (31A, 31E) in the width direction.

17. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and claims 12 to 16, wherein: The first socket portion (41E) has a first engaging portion (71E) that engages with the second plug portion (31F) in the engaged state of the first connecting member (2E) and the second connecting member (2F). The second socket portion (41F) has a second engaging portion (71F) engaged with the first plug portion (31D) in the engaged state. The first engaging portion (41E) and the second engaging portion (41F) are arranged between the first plug portion (31D) and the second plug portion (31F) at a distance from each other in the width direction in the engaged state.

18. The connecting device according to claim 17, wherein: The first engaging portion (71E) is disposed inside (45E) of the first socket portion (41E). The second engaging portion (71F) is arranged inside (45F) of the second socket portion (41F).

19. The connecting device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: An opening (73J) is formed between the first engaging portion (71E) and the first base portion (21E) for arranging the top end of the second plug portion (31F) in the engaged state. An opening (73K) is formed between the second engaging portion (71F) and the second base portion (21F) in which the tip of the first plug portion (31E) is disposed in the engaged state.

20. A coupling device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: A limiting member (81L) is detachably provided between the first engaging portion (71E) and the second engaging portion (71F), and the limiting member (81L) limits the mutual approach movement of the first connecting member (2E) and the second connecting member (2F) in the width direction in the engaging state.

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