Buckle

Abstract

A buckle (1) is provided with a plug (10) and a socket (20) into which the plug (10) is inserted. A plug (10) is provided with: a mounting part (11) on which a connected body can be mounted; a pair of legs (12A, 12B) that protrude from the mounting section (11) in the insertion direction with respect to the socket (20) and that elastically engage with the socket (20); and a switching part (14) supported by the mounting part (11) or the pair of leg parts (12A, 12B) and disposed between the pair of leg parts (12A, 12B). The switching unit (14) is provided with: an engagement unit (15) that switches between an engaged state in which the switching unit (14) engages with the socket (20) and a disengaged state in which the switching unit (14) is disengaged from the socket (20) in accordance with the posture of the switching unit (14) with respect to the socket (20); an operation unit (16) that receives a pressing force that changes the orientation of the switching unit (14) with respect to the socket (20); and a posture maintaining part (17) which abuts against the socket (20) in a manner of maintaining the posture of the switching part (14) at least when the clamping part (15) is in the releasing state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a buckle having a plug and a socket. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as a buckle that connects two connected objects into a buckle that can be easily assembled and disassembled, buckles with plugs and sockets are known. As one type of buckle, there is the buckle disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the buckle disclosed in Patent Document 1, the plug has a pair of legs and a locking part (button) disposed between the pair of legs. In such a buckle, when the plug is inserted into the socket, the pair of legs and the locking part will elastically engage with the socket, thereby connecting the plug and the socket.

[0004] [Existing technical documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-252108 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the buckle of Patent Document 1, in order to disengage the plug from the socket, it is necessary to operate a pair of legs and a locking part simultaneously. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to operate with one hand and has low operability.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a buckle that improves operability.

[0010] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0011] (Technical Solution 1)

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a buckle comprising a plug and a socket for inserting the plug, wherein the plug comprises: a mounting portion for mounting a connected object; a pair of legs protruding from the mounting portion in an insertion direction relative to the socket and elastically engaging with the socket; and a switching portion disposed between the pair of legs and supported on the mounting portion or the pair of legs, the switching portion comprising: an engaging portion switching between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to the socket depending on the posture of the switching portion relative to the socket; an operating portion receiving a press that changes the posture of the switching portion relative to the socket; and a posture maintaining portion abutting against the socket at least when the engaging portion is in the disengaged state, in a manner that maintains the posture of the switching portion.

[0013] With this structure, when detaching the plug from the socket, the pair of legs and the locking part can be operated separately instead of simultaneously, thus improving the operability of the buckle.

[0014] (Second technical solution)

[0015] In the buckle of the first technical solution of the present invention, the socket may also include: a housing portion having an opening through which the pair of legs pass and for receiving the pair of legs; and a stop portion protruding from the opening of the housing portion along the insertion direction, wherein the posture maintaining portion abuts against the stop portion in a thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction.

[0016] In this structure, the posture-maintaining part and the stop part are located on the outside of the housing part, so it is easy to ensure that the thickness of the posture-maintaining part and the stop part can improve the strength when they come into contact with each other.

[0017] (Technical Solution 3)

[0018] In the buckle of the second technical solution of the present invention, it is preferred that the posture maintaining part has a pair of claws that are opposite each other in a left-right direction that intersects the insertion direction and the thickness direction respectively, and that abut against the stop part in the thickness direction.

[0019] In such a structure, a pair of claws can be used to stably maintain the posture of the switching unit.

[0020] (Technical Solution 4)

[0021] In the buckle of the third technical solution of the present invention, it is preferred that the pair of claws are connected to the operating part and are formed to be elastically deformable in the thickness direction.

[0022] With this structure, the claw that abuts against the stop can move appropriately in the thickness direction, making it easy to switch the posture of the switching part.

[0023] (Technical Solution No. 5)

[0024] In the buckle of the first technical solution of the present invention, the socket may also include: a housing portion having an opening through which the pair of legs pass and receiving the pair of legs; a slit formed in the housing portion in communication with the opening portion, such that the operating portion is exposed from the housing portion in a thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction; and a stop portion provided at the edge of the slit, wherein the posture maintaining portion abuts against the stop portion in the thickness direction.

[0025] In such a structure, since the posture-maintaining part is located within the slit of the socket, it is easy to miniaturize the size of the buckle.

[0026] (Sixth technical solution)

[0027] In the buckle of the fifth technical solution of the present invention, preferably, the stop portion has a pair of stop claw portions protruding from the edge of the slit toward the inside of a left-right direction that intersects the insertion direction and the thickness direction respectively, and the posture maintaining portion has a pair of claw portions that abut against the pair of stop claw portions in the thickness direction.

[0028] In such a structure, a pair of claws can be used to stably maintain the posture of the switching unit.

[0029] (Seventh technical solution)

[0030] In the buckle of the sixth technical solution of the present invention, it is preferred that the posture maintaining part further includes an arm body part formed to be elastically deformable in the left-right direction, and the pair of claw parts are connected to the operating part via the arm body part.

[0031] In this structure, the claw that abuts against the stop portion of the stop claw can move appropriately in the thickness direction, making it easy to switch the posture of the switching portion.

[0032] (Technical Solution No. 8)

[0033] In the buckle of any of the first to seventh technical solutions of the present invention, the posture maintaining part may abut against the socket in a manner that maintains the posture of the switching part when the engaging part is in the disengaged state and when the engaging part is in the engaged state.

[0034] Therefore, the engagement state of the engagement part can be stably maintained.

[0035] (Technical Solution No. 9)

[0036] In any of the first to eighth technical solutions of the present invention, the buckle may also be configured in the engaged state after the plug is inserted into the socket.

[0037] In this structure, no operation of the operating part is required when connecting the plug and the socket, thus making the connection operation of the buckle easy.

[0038] (Technical Solution No. 10)

[0039] In any of the first to eighth technical solutions of the present invention, the buckle may also be configured to be in the released state after the plug is just inserted into the socket.

[0040] In this structure, the plug can be pulled out of the socket immediately after being connected to it, making it easy to reconnect the connected parts.

[0041] (Technical Solution No. 11)

[0042] In any of the first to tenth technical solutions of the present invention, the buckle may also include a pair of support legs that extend from the base ends of the pair of legs or the mounting portion through the pair of legs and are connected to the switching portion.

[0043] With this structure, the switching unit can be stably supported by a pair of support legs.

[0044] (Technical Solution No. 12)

[0045] In any of the first to tenth technical solutions of the present invention, the buckle may also include a pair of support legs that extend from the top ends of each of the pair of legs through the pair of legs and the engaging portion and are connected to the operating portion.

[0046] With this structure, a pair of support legs are connected to the operating part without passing through the operating part and the legs, thus ensuring a larger space for the operating part between the pair of legs. As a result, the width dimension of the operating part can be ensured to a larger extent.

[0047] (Technical Solution No. 13)

[0048] In the buckle of any of the first to twelfth technical solutions of the present invention, the operating part may have a first surface facing a thickness direction that intersects the insertion direction of the plug and a second surface facing the other side of the thickness direction. By applying pressure to the first surface or the second surface, the engaging part switches between the engaging state and the disengaged state.

[0049] In this structure, the user can freely switch the engaging and disengaged states of the buckle. Therefore, the operability of the buckle is further improved.

[0050] (Technical Solution No. 14)

[0051] In the buckle of the 13th technical solution of the present invention, the engaging part may switch from the disengaged state to the engaged state by applying pressure to the first surface, and the switching part has a support protrusion that protrudes from the second surface of the operating part and can abut against the inner surface of the socket.

[0052] In this structure, when the user presses the operating part in a large amount, the supporting protrusion abuts against the inner surface of the socket. This prevents excessive deformation of the flexible part and suppresses damage to the plug. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the buckle of the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a rear view showing the buckle of the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along the AA line.

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 BB line sectional view.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the buckle of the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a front view showing the plug of the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the socket of the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the operation of the buckle in the first embodiment, and is related to... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram.

[0061] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the operation of the buckle in the first embodiment, and is related to... Figure 4 The corresponding diagram.

[0062] Figure 10 This is a front view showing the plug of the second embodiment.

[0063] Figure 11 This is a front view showing the buckle of the third embodiment.

[0064] Figure 12 This is a rear view showing the buckle of the third embodiment.

[0065] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 CC line sectional view.

[0066] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 DD-line sectional view.

[0067] Figure 15 This is a front view showing the plug of the third embodiment.

[0068] Figure 16 This is a front view of the socket according to the third embodiment.

[0069] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the operation of the buckle in the third embodiment, and is related to... Figure 13 The corresponding diagram.

[0070] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the operation of the buckle in the third embodiment, and is related to... Figure 14 The corresponding diagram.

[0071] Figure 19 This is a front view showing the buckle of the fourth embodiment.

[0072] Figure 20 This is a rear view showing the buckle of the fourth embodiment.

[0073] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 EE line sectional view.

[0074] Figure 22 yes Figure 19 FF line sectional view.

[0075] Figure 23 This is a rear view showing the plug of the fourth embodiment.

[0076] Figure 24 This diagram illustrates the operation of the buckle in the fourth embodiment, and is related to... Figure 21 The corresponding diagram.

[0077] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates the operation of the buckle in the fourth embodiment, and is related to... Figure 22 The corresponding diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the second and subsequent embodiments, structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0079] [First Embodiment]

[0080] Reference Figures 1-9 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] like Figures 1-5As shown, the buckle 1 of this embodiment includes a plug 10 and a socket 20 for inserting the plug 10. Connected objects are respectively installed on the plug 10 and the socket 20, and the two connected objects are connected to each other by the plug 10 and the socket 20. Furthermore, any long object such as a belt, strap, or rope can be listed as a connected object.

[0082] In the following description, the length direction of the socket 20 and the plug 10 is defined as the X direction, the width direction (left-right direction) of the buckle 1 is defined as the Y direction, and the thickness direction (up-down direction) of the buckle 1 is defined as the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, in the X direction, the insertion direction of the plug 10 relative to the socket 20 is defined as the +X direction, and the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the plug 10 (i.e., the withdrawal direction) is defined as the -X direction. In the Z direction, the direction from the back of the buckle 1 towards the surface is defined as the +Z direction, and the direction from the surface of the buckle 1 towards the back is defined as the -Z direction. Regarding the Y direction, the direction towards the center of the buckle 1 in the Y direction is called the inner side of the Y direction, and the direction away from the center of the buckle 1 in the Y direction is called the outer side of the Y direction.

[0083] (Structure of plug 10)

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, the plug 10 includes: a mounting portion 11 for mounting a connected object; a pair of legs 12A and 12B that protrude from the mounting portion 11 in the X direction and elastically engage with the socket 20; a pair of support legs 13A and 13B that connect to the pair of legs 12A and 12B; and a switching portion 14 disposed between the pair of legs 12A and 12B and supported by the pair of support legs 13A and 13B. Furthermore, the plug 10 of this embodiment is integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0085] The mounting portion 11 has rod portions 111 and 112 arranged along the Y direction and a pair of sidewall portions 113A and 113B connecting the two ends of the rod portions 111 and 112 to each other in the Y direction. There is a gap between the rod portions 111 and 112 for the connected body to pass through. The connected body is mounted to the mounting portion 11 by winding the connected body around at least one of the rod portions 111 and 112.

[0086] Legs 12A and 12B are connected to the mounting portion 11 at a position where they are separated from each other in the Y direction. Specifically, leg 12A is connected to the side wall portion 113A of the mounting portion 11, and leg 12B is connected to the side wall portion 113B. Furthermore, legs 12A and 12B have a leg piece portion 121 extending from the mounting portion 11 along the X direction and a pair of protrusions 122 protruding from the top end of the leg piece portion 121 in the Z direction or -Z direction (see reference). Figure 3 The leg portion 121 is formed to be elastically deformable in the Y direction.

[0087] Support legs 13A and 13B are connected to the base ends of legs 12A and 12B, and extend from the base ends of legs 12A and 12B in a manner that passes between a pair of legs 12A and 12B and the switching part 14. Specifically, support leg 13A extends from the base end of leg 12A in the +X direction and bends inward in the Y direction. Similarly, support leg 13B extends from the base end of leg 12B in the +X direction and bends inward in the Y direction.

[0088] The top ends of the supporting legs 13A and 13B are connected to each other to form a connecting portion 131. A recess 132 is formed in the connecting portion 131 that opens in the -Z direction and extends along the X direction.

[0089] The switching unit 14 is disposed between a pair of legs 12A and 12B (and a pair of support legs 13A and 13B), and is cantilevered by the connecting portion 131 of the support legs 13A and 13B. Specifically, the switching unit 14 includes a base 140 connected to the connecting portion 131, an engaging portion 15 provided on the base 140, an operating portion 16 connected to the base 140, and a posture maintaining portion 17 connected to the operating portion 16.

[0090] The base 140 connects the support legs 13A and 13B to the operating part 16. Additionally, the base 140 includes a flexible portion 141 capable of elastic deformation in the Z direction, disposed on the +X side of the engaging portion 15. The thickness of the flexible portion 141 is thinner than the thickness of the other portions of the base 140.

[0091] In this embodiment, the posture of the switching part 14 can be changed by elastic deformation of the flexible part 141 of the base 140.

[0092] The engaging portion 15 has a convex shape protruding from the base 140 in the +Z direction. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the engaging part 15 has an abutting surface 151 facing the -X direction and an inclined surface 152 facing the +X direction and inclined relative to the X and Z directions.

[0093] The operating part 16 is positioned on the -X side of the engaging part 15 and has a convex shape that protrudes from the base 140 along the Z direction. This operating part 16 has an operating surface 161 facing the +Z direction. Additionally, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the operating part 16 has a recess 162 that opens in the -Z direction and the -X direction respectively and communicates with the gap G between the claw parts 17A and 17B described later.

[0094] In addition, the base 140 and the operating part 16 may also have weight reduction holes that open in the -Z direction.

[0095] The posture maintaining part 17 includes a pair of claw portions 17A and 17B positioned on the -X side of the operating part 16 and spaced apart by a gap G in the Y direction. The gap G between the pair of claw portions 17A and 17B communicates with the recess 162 of the operating part 16. These claw portions 17A and 17B are formed to be elastically deformable in the Z direction.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the claw portions 17A and 17B have an abutment surface 171 facing the +Z direction and an inclined surface 172 facing the -Z direction. Each inclined surface 172 of the claw portions 17A and 17B is inclined relative to the Y and Z directions in such a way that the gap G between the pair of claw portions 17A and 17B decreases as it moves towards the +Z direction. The minimum dimension of the gap G between the pair of claw portions 17A and 17B is smaller than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the stop portion 25, which will be described later.

[0097] (Structure of socket 20)

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, the socket 20 includes: a housing portion 21; a mounting portion 22 disposed on the housing portion 21 and capable of mounting a connected object; and a guide portion 24 and a stop portion 25 disposed on the housing portion 21. Furthermore, the socket 20 of this embodiment is integrally molded from a synthetic resin material, for example.

[0099] The housing portion 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape arranged along the X direction, capable of accommodating the legs 12A and 12B of the plug 10 (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 Specifically, the housing portion 21 includes a first wall portion 211 and a second wall portion 212 arranged opposite each other in the Z direction, and a pair of side wall portions 213A and 213B arranged opposite each other in the Y direction.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a first opening AP1 opening in the -X direction and a second opening AP2 opening in the +X direction are formed in the housing portion 21. The first opening AP1 and the second opening AP2 communicate with the storage space SP inside the housing portion 21. In addition, the first opening AP1 corresponds to the opening of the present invention for the insertion of a pair of legs 12A and 12B.

[0101] like Figure 1As shown, the first wall portion 211 has a slit SL1 formed by cutting into the first wall portion 211 in the +X direction from the first opening portion AP1. This slit SL1 exposes the operating portion 16 from the housing portion 21 in the +Z direction. In addition, the first wall portion 211 has a hole TH1 disposed on the +X side relative to the slit SL1 and penetrating the first wall portion 211 in the Z direction. This hole TH1 exposes the engaging portion 15 from the housing portion 21 in the +Z direction. Here, the edge of the hole TH1 on the -X side in the first wall portion 211 becomes the engaging portion 216 for engaging the engaging portion 15.

[0102] like Figure 2 As shown, the second wall portion 212 has a pair of slits SL2 formed by cutting into the second wall portion 212 from the first opening portion AP1 in the +X direction, and a slit SL3 formed by cutting into the second wall portion 212 from the second opening portion AP2 in the -X direction. The pair of slits SL2 prevent interference between the pair of claw portions 17A, 17B and the second wall portion 212 during changes in the posture of the switching portion 14. The slits SL3 expose the protrusions 122 of the pair of legs 12A, 12B from the housing portion 21 in the -Z direction.

[0103] Side wall portions 213A and 213B are the parts that connect the first wall portion 211 and the second wall portion 212 to each other. For example... Figure 5 As shown, sidewall portions 213A and 213B have holes TH2 that penetrate through the sidewall portions 213A and 213B in the Y direction. Each hole TH2 exposes the leg portions 121 of the legs 12A and 12B from the housing portion 21 outward in the Y direction. Furthermore, the portion of the leg portion 121 exposed from the hole TH2 in the housing portion 21 becomes an operating part for operating the legs 12A and 12B when the buckle 1 is disengaged.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, sidewall portions 213A and 213B have a guide surface 214 facing the -X direction inside the housing portion 21 and a pair of engaging surfaces 215 continuous with the guide surface 214 and facing the +X direction. The guide surface 214 guides the protrusions 122 of the legs 12A and 12B inserted into the socket 20 inward along the X direction and towards the Y direction. Although not shown in the figure, the pair of engaging surfaces 215 are arranged with a gap between them in the Z direction. The protrusions 122 guided by the guide surface 214 can engage with the engaging surfaces 215 in the X direction.

[0105] The mounting portion 22 has a rod portion 221 arranged along the Y direction and a pair of connecting portions 223A and 223B connecting the rod portion 221 to the housing portion 21. There is a gap between the rod portion 221 and the housing portion 21 for the connected object to pass through. The connected object is mounted on the mounting portion 22 by winding the connected object around the rod portion 221.

[0106] The guide portion 24 is a protrusion that protrudes from the second wall portion 212 in the +Z direction from the central portion in the Y direction within the housing portion 21 and is arranged along the X direction.

[0107] The stop portion 25 is continuously formed from the guide portion 24, protruding from the second wall portion 212 in the +Z direction and from the first opening AP1 of the housing portion 21 in the -X direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the stop portion 25 has a contact surface 251 facing the -Z direction. In addition, to increase the strength of the stop portion 25, a protrusion 252 protruding from the contact surface 251 in the -Z direction may also be provided on the stop portion 25.

[0108] (The combination of buckle 1)

[0109] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The engagement operation of the buckle 1 will be explained. Furthermore, with the buckle 1 engaged, the user inserts the plug 10 into the first opening AP1 of the socket 20.

[0110] When the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20, the protrusions 122 of the legs 12A and 12B are pressed from the guide surface 214 of the socket 20, thereby causing the leg portions 121 of the legs 12A and 12B to elastically deform inward in the Y direction. Furthermore, if the protrusions 122 pass beyond the guide surface 214, the pressure applied to the protrusions 122 from the guide surface 214 is released, and the shape of the leg portions 121 returns to its original state. Thus, as... Figure 1 As shown, the protrusion 122 can engage with the engaging surface 215 of the socket 20 in the -X direction. That is, the legs 12A and 12B engage with the socket 20 in the X direction.

[0111] Additionally, when the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20, the guide portion 24 is inserted into the recess 132 in the connecting portion 131 of the support legs 13A and 13B (see reference). Figure 6 The plug 10 is guided in the X direction. Furthermore, the inclined surface 152 of the engaging portion 15 is pressed against the first wall portion 211 of the housing portion 21, thereby causing the flexible portion 141 to elastically deform. Then, when the engaging portion 15 reaches the hole TH1 in the first wall portion 211, the pressure applied to the engaging portion 15 from the first wall portion 211 is released, and the flexible portion 141 returns to its original shape. Thus, as... Figure 3 As shown, the engaging portion 15 is disposed within the hole TH1, and the abutting surface 151 of the engaging portion 15 can engage with the engaged portion 216, which is the edge of the hole TH1, in the -X direction. That is, the engaging portion 15 is in an "engaged state" that engages with the socket 20 in the X direction.

[0112] Furthermore, when the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20, the inclined surface 152 of the engaging portion 15 is pressed against the first wall portion 211 of the housing portion 21, causing the flexible portion 141 to elastically deform, thereby slightly changing the posture of the switching portion 14 towards the -Z side. At this time, the amount of movement of the claw portions 17A and 17B in the -Z direction, which accompanies the change in posture of the switching portion 14, is smaller than the amount of movement required for the claw portions 17A and 17B to pass over the stop portion 25. Therefore, when the insertion of the plug 10 into the socket 20 is completed, the claw portions 17A and 17B do not pass over the stop portion 25, but are positioned relative to the stop portion 25 on the +Z side (see reference). Figure 4 At this time, the inclined surfaces 172 of the claws 17A and 17B can abut against the stop 25 in the -Z direction. Thus, the posture maintaining part 17 becomes a "locked-in state" that maintains the posture of the switching part 14.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20, the engaging portion 15 becomes "engaged" and the posture maintaining portion 17 becomes "engaged and maintained". During the period when the posture maintaining portion 17 is in the "engaged and maintained" state, as long as the operation portion 16 is not operated, the posture maintaining portion 17 will maintain the engaging portion 15 in the "engaged" state.

[0114] Furthermore, when the engaging part 15 is in the "engaged state," even if an accidental pressure is applied to the pair of legs 12A and 12B, the buckle 1 will not be released. This improves the security of the buckle 1.

[0115] (Unlocking the connection of buckle 1)

[0116] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The following describes the engagement and disengagement of buckle 1. Furthermore, after unfastening buckle 1, the user shall sequentially perform the first and second disengagement operations, as described below.

[0117] As the first release operation, the user presses the operating part 16 in the -Z direction, that is, applies pressure in the -Z direction to the operating surface 161 of the operating part 16. At this time, the operating part 16 is subjected to the pressure F in the -Z direction, and the flexible part 141 elastically deforms, thereby changing the posture of the switching part 14 towards the -Z side.

[0118] When the posture of the switching part 14 changes towards the -Z side, the engaging part 15 moves in the -Z direction and is positioned closer to the -Z side than the engaging part 216. Thus, the engaging part 15 is in a "released state" where it is no longer engaged with the socket 20.

[0119] Furthermore, when the posture of the switching unit 14 changes towards the -Z side, Figure 4The posture-maintaining part 17 moves in the -Z direction. At this time, the inclined surfaces 172 of the claw parts 17A and 17B are pressed by the stop part 25, causing the claw parts 17A and 17B to elastically deform in the Y direction by expanding the gap G between the pair of claw parts 17A and 17B. The stop part 25 is guided by the inclined surfaces 172 through the gap G between the pair of claw parts 17A and 17B. Furthermore, when the stop part 25 is positioned within the recess 162 of the operating part 16, the pressure applied to the claw parts 17A and 17B by the stop part 25 is released, and the claw parts 17A and 17B return to their original shape. Thus, as... Figure 9 As shown, the claw portions 17A and 17B are disposed on the -Z side relative to the stop portion 25, and the contact surfaces 171 of the claw portions 17A and 17B can abut against the contact surface 251 of the stop portion 25.

[0120] Subsequently, if the pressure F on the operating surface 161 is released, the switching unit 14 attempts to return to its original posture under the elastic action of the flexible part 141. However, since the contact surfaces 171 of the claw parts 17A and 17B abut against the contact surface 251 of the stop part 25, the action of the switching unit 14 returning to its original posture is restricted. That is, the posture maintaining part 17 becomes a "released maintenance state" for maintaining the posture of the switching unit 14.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, through the first release operation, the engaging portion 15 becomes a "released state," and the posture maintaining portion 17 becomes a "released holding state." When the engaging portion 15 is in the "released state," the switching portion 14 generates an elastic force, but since the posture maintaining portion 17 is in the "released holding state," even if the pressure on the operating portion 16 is released, the engaging portion 15 is maintained in the "released state." That is, during the period when the posture maintaining portion 17 is in the "released holding state," as long as the operating portion 16 is not operated, the posture maintaining portion 17 maintains the engaging portion 15 in the "released state."

[0122] Next, as a second release operation, the user applies pressure to each leg piece 121 of legs 12A and 12B inward in the Y direction and in the -X direction. At this time, each leg piece 121 of legs 12A and 12B elastically deforms inward in the Y direction, thereby releasing each protrusion 122 of legs 12A and 12B from engagement with the engaging surface 215 of the socket 20. Then, the plug 10 is pulled out from the socket 20 in the -X direction.

[0123] Through the first and second release operations described above, the connection of buckle 1 is released. Here, the first and second release operations can be performed sequentially, not simultaneously.

[0124] (Effects of the first embodiment)

[0125] In the buckle 1 of this embodiment, as described above, when the engaging portion 15 is in the engaged state, the pair of legs 12A and 12B of the plug 10 and the engaging portion 15 can be engaged with the socket 20. Furthermore, when the operating portion 16 is pressed, the posture of the switching portion 14 changes, and the engaging portion 15 switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state. At this time, the posture maintaining portion 17 maintains the posture of the switching portion 14, thus the engaging portion 15 is maintained in the disengaged state. Therefore, after releasing the pressure on the operating portion 16, the user can disengage the plug 10 from the socket 20 by pressing the pair of legs 12A and 12B. That is, when disengaging the plug 10 from the socket 20, the pair of legs 12A and 12B and the engaging portion 15 are not operated simultaneously, but can be operated separately. This improves the operability of the buckle 1, allowing the user to disengage the buckle 1 with one hand.

[0126] In this embodiment, the socket 20 includes a stop 25 protruding from the first opening AP1 of the housing portion 21 along the X direction, and the posture maintaining portion 17 abuts against the stop 25 in the Z direction. In this structure, the posture maintaining portion 17 and the stop 25 are disposed on the outside of the housing portion 21, thus making it easy to ensure the thickness of each of the posture maintaining portion 17 and the stop 25, thereby improving the strength when they abut against each other.

[0127] In this embodiment, the posture maintaining part 17 includes a pair of claws 17A and 17B that abut against the stop part 25 in the Z direction. In this structure, the posture of the switching part 14 can be stably maintained by using the pair of claws 17A and 17B.

[0128] In this embodiment, a pair of claw portions 17A and 17B are connected to the operating portion 16 and are configured to be elastically deformable in the Z direction. With this structure, the claw portions 17A and 17B that abut against the stop portion 25 can move appropriately in the Z direction, making it easy to switch the posture of the switching portion 14.

[0129] In this embodiment, the posture maintaining part 17 abuts against the socket 20 not only when the engaging part 15 is in the disengaged state, but also when the engaging part 15 is in the engaged state, in a manner that maintains the posture of the switching part 14. As a result, the engaged state of the engaging part 15 can be stably maintained.

[0130] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 15 is positioned in the engaging position immediately after the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20. With this structure, the operation of the operating portion 16 is not required when engaging the plug 10 and the socket 20, thus facilitating the engagement of the buckle 1.

[0131] In this embodiment, the plug 10 further includes a pair of support legs 13A, 13B extending from the base ends of each of the pair of legs 12A, 12B and connected to the switching part 14 via the pair of legs 12A, 12B and the switching part 14. With this structure, the switching part 14 can be stably supported.

[0132] In this embodiment, the housing portion 21 of the socket 20 has a pair of slits SL2 for preventing interference with the claw portions 17A and 17B. With this structure, compared to the case where the housing portion 21 does not have a pair of slits SL2, the operating portion 16 can be positioned closer to the +X direction side. Thus, the entire buckle 1 can be compactly constructed. Furthermore, by arranging the claw portions 17A and 17B within the pair of slits SL2 of the housing portion 21, excessive external force can be prevented from being applied to the claw portions 17A and 17B, thereby preventing damage to the claw portions 17A and 17B.

[0133] [Second Embodiment]

[0134] Reference Figure 10 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0135] The buckle of the second embodiment is a variation of the buckle 1 of the first embodiment, and has the following features: Figure 10 The plug 10B and the socket 20 of the first embodiment are shown. The plug 10B of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the structure associated with the pair of support legs 18A, 18B.

[0136] Specifically, the plug 10B includes a mounting portion 11, a pair of legs 12A and 12B, a pair of support legs 18A and 18B connected to the top ends of the pair of legs 12A and 12B, and a switching portion 14B disposed between the pair of legs 12A and 12B and supported by the pair of support legs 18A and 18B.

[0137] Support legs 18A and 18B extend from the top of legs 12A and 12B in the -X direction and are connected to legs 12A and 12B via engaging part 15, and are respectively connected to operating part 16.

[0138] Furthermore, the support legs 18A and 18B include a flexible portion 181 capable of elastic deformation in the Z direction, which is disposed on the +X side of the engaging portion 15. Specifically, the support legs 18A and 18B have a flexible portion 181 connected to the top end of each of the legs 12A and 12B, and a support leg body portion 182 connecting the flexible portion 181 to the operating portion 16.

[0139] The difference between the switching unit 14B and the switching unit 14 in the first embodiment is that the switching unit 14B does not have the flexible part 141 described in the first embodiment, and the operating part 16 is supported on the support legs 18A and 18B.

[0140] The buckle of the second embodiment described above can operate in the same way as the buckle 1 of the first embodiment, and achieve the same effect as the buckle 1 of the first embodiment.

[0141] Furthermore, in the plug 10B of the second embodiment, the support legs 18A and 18B are connected to the operation unit 16 without passing between the operation unit 16 and the legs 12A and 12B. Therefore, a larger space can be ensured between the legs 12A and 12B for arranging the operation unit 16. As a result, the Y-direction dimension of the operation unit 16 can be ensured to be larger than that of the first embodiment.

[0142] [Third Implementation]

[0143] Reference Figures 11-18 The third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0144] like Figures 11-14 As shown, similar to the buckle 1 of the first embodiment, the buckle 1C of the third embodiment includes a plug 10C and a socket 20C. However, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the structure and operation related to the switching part 14C.

[0145] (Structure of plug 10C)

[0146] like Figure 15 As shown, the plug 10C includes: a mounting portion 11C for mounting a connected body; a pair of legs 12A and 12B that protrude from the mounting portion 11C in the X direction and elastically engage with the socket 20C; a pair of support legs 13C and 13D that are connected to the mounting portion 11C; and a switching portion 14C that is disposed between the pair of legs 12A and 12B and supported on the pair of support legs 13C and 13D.

[0147] Mounting portion 11C has rod portions 111, 112, 114 arranged along the Y direction and a pair of sidewall portions 113A, 113B connecting the two ends of rod portions 111, 112, 114 to each other in the Y direction. The connected body is mounted to mounting portion 11C by winding the connected body around at least one of rod portions 111, 112.

[0148] Support legs 13C and 13D are connected to mounting portion 11C on the inner side in the Y direction relative to a pair of legs 12A and 12B. Specifically, support legs 13C and 13D extend from rod portion 114 in the +X direction and bend inward in the Y direction. Connecting portions 134 are formed at the top ends of support legs 13C and 13D. In addition, guide pieces 133 extending in the +X direction and bending outward in the Y direction than legs 12A and 12B on the +X side are connected to the top ends of each support leg 13C and 13D.

[0149] The switching unit 14C is disposed between a pair of legs 12A and 12B and is cantilevered by a connecting part 134 that supports the legs 13C and 13D. Specifically, the switching unit 14C includes a base 140 connected to the connecting part 134, a locking part 15 provided on the base 140, an operating part 16C connected to the base 140, and a posture maintaining part 19 connected to the operating part 16C.

[0150] The base 140 and the engaging portion 15 can be configured substantially the same as in the first embodiment. For example, the base 140 connects the support legs 13C, 13D and the operating portion 16C. Furthermore, the base 140 includes a flexible portion 141 capable of elastic deformation in the Z direction, disposed on the +X side relative to the engaging portion 15. The engaging portion 15 has a convex shape protruding from the base 140 in the +Z direction.

[0151] The operating unit 16C includes a plate portion 163 disposed on the -X side of the locking portion 15 and disposed in the Z direction relative to the base portion 140. This plate portion 163 has an operating surface 161 (first surface) facing the +Z direction and an operating surface 164 (second surface) facing the +Z direction (see reference). Figure 13 , Figure 14 ).

[0152] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, a gap GP is formed between the plate portion 163 and the rod portion 114 of the mounting portion 11, allowing a user's fingers or tools to reach the operating surface 164 from the +Z side of the buckle 1C. Additionally, as... Figure 14 As shown, a reinforcing structure protruding in the -Z direction can also be provided on the operating surface 164 of the plate portion 163.

[0153] like Figure 15 As shown, the posture maintaining part 19 includes a pair of arms 19A and 19B disposed at both ends of the plate part 163 in the Y direction. Figure 14As shown, arm portion 19A has an arm body portion 191A extending in the -Z direction from one end of plate portion 163 in the Y direction, and a claw portion 192A protruding outward in the Y direction from arm body portion 191A. Similarly, arm portion 19B has an arm body portion 191B extending in the -Z direction from the other end of plate portion 163 in the Y direction, and a claw portion 192B protruding outward in the Y direction from arm body portion 191B. Arm body portions 191A and 191B are configured to be elastically deformable in the Y direction.

[0154] (Structure of socket 20C)

[0155] like Figure 16 As shown, the socket 20C includes: a housing portion 21C; a mounting portion 22 disposed on the housing portion 21 and capable of mounting the connected body; and a guide portion 24C and a stop portion 26 disposed on the housing portion 21.

[0156] The housing portion 21C is constructed substantially the same as the housing portion 21 of the first embodiment. However, the slit SL2 of the first embodiment may not be formed in the housing portion 21C. Furthermore, the socket 20C preferably includes a wall portion 217 disposed along the edge of the slit SL1 and protruding from the first wall portion 211 in the +Z direction. This wall portion 217 is configured to surround the operating portion 16C exposed from the housing portion 21C in the +Z direction. This allows for stable operation of the operating portion 16 and provides external protection for the arms 19A and 19B.

[0157] A guide portion 24C is disposed in the central portion in the Y direction within the housing portion 21C. Specifically, the guide portion 24C has: a guide protrusion 241 that protrudes from the inner surface of the second wall portion 212 in the Z direction and is disposed in the X direction; and a guide end portion 242 that connects the first wall portion 211 and the second wall portion 212 at the +X side end of the guide protrusion 241 (see reference). Figure 13 ).

[0158] The stop portion 26 includes a pair of stop claw portions 26A and 26B arranged opposite to each other in the Y direction on the edge of the slit SL1 of the housing portion 21. The stop claw portions 26A and 26B protrude inward in the Y direction from the edge of the slit SL1, and the protrusion height of each of the stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the Y direction is only sufficient to interfere with the claw portions 192A and 192B.

[0159] (The engagement of buckle 1C; the first engagement operation)

[0160] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The engagement operation of buckle 1C will be explained. Furthermore, with buckle 1C engaged, the user shall perform the first engagement operation and the second engagement operation as described below.

[0161] As the first engaging operation, the user inserts the plug 10C into the first opening AP1 of the socket 20C. Consequently, the legs 12A and 12B operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, engaging with the socket 20C in the X direction. Furthermore, when the plug 10C is inserted into the socket 20C, the guide portion 24C is inserted between the support legs 13A and 13B, guiding the plug 10C in the X direction and then abutting against the plug 10 in the X direction.

[0162] Furthermore, when the plug 10C is inserted into the socket 20C, the engaging portion 15 is pressed against the first wall portion 211 of the housing portion 21, and the flexible portion 141 elastically deforms, thereby changing the posture of the switching portion 14C towards the -Z side. At this time, the amount of movement of the claw portions 192A and 192B in the -Z direction, which accompanies the change in posture of the switching portion 14, is greater than the amount of movement required for the claw portions 192A and 192B to pass over the stop claw portions 26A and 26B. Therefore, in the posture maintaining portion 19, the arm body portions 191A and 191B elastically deform inward in the Y direction, and the claw portions 192A and 192B pass over the stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the -Z direction. As a result, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the claw portions 192A and 192B are disposed on the -Z side relative to the stop claw portions 26A and 26B, and can abut against the stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the +Z direction.

[0163] Subsequently, under the elastic action of the flexible part 141, the posture of the switching part 14C attempts to return to its original state. However, since the claw parts 192A and 192B abut against the stop claw parts 26A and 26B, the action of the switching part 14C to return to its original state is restricted. That is, the posture maintaining part 19 becomes a "released state" for maintaining the posture of the switching part 14C.

[0164] When the posture maintenance unit 19 is in the "released maintenance state", such as Figure 17 As shown, the engaging portion 15 is located on the -Z side relative to the engaged portion 216. Thus, the engaging portion 15 is in a "released state" where it is no longer engaged with the socket 20C in the X direction.

[0165] Therefore, in this embodiment, the legs 12A and 12B engage with the socket 20C through the first engagement operation, but the engagement portion 15 becomes a "disengaged state," and the posture holding portion 17 becomes a "disengaged state." When the engagement portion 15 is in the "disengaged state," an elastic force is generated in the switching portion 14C, but since the posture holding portion 17 is in the "disengaged state," the engagement portion 15 is maintained in the "disengaged state." That is, during the period when the posture holding portion 19 is in the "disengaged state," as long as the operation portion 16C is not operated, the posture holding portion 19 maintains the engagement portion 15 in the "disengaged state."

[0166] (The engagement of buckle 1C; the second engagement operation)

[0167] After the first engagement operation, the user may perform a second engagement operation as needed. Alternatively, if the user determines, based on the usage scenario of the buckle 1C, that it is sufficient for the legs 12A and 12B to engage with the socket 20C, the user may choose not to perform the subsequent second engagement operation.

[0168] As a second engagement operation, the user lifts the operating part 16C in the +Z direction, that is, applies pressure in the +Z direction to the operating surface 164. At this time, the posture of the switching part 14C changes to the +Z side, thereby eliminating the elastic deformation of the flexible part 141.

[0169] When the posture of the switching unit 14C changes towards the +Z side, the engaging unit 15 moves in the +Z direction. Thus, as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the engaging portion 15 is disposed within the hole TH1 of the first wall portion 211 and can engage with the engaging portion 216, which is the edge of the hole TH1, in the -X direction. That is, the engaging portion 15 is in an "engaged state" that can engage with the socket 20C in the X direction.

[0170] Additionally, when the engaging part 15 is in the "engaged state", such as Figure 13 As shown, the operating part 16C is configured to protrude towards the +Z side from the housing part 21C. At this time, the engaging part 15 is protected from external interference by the wall part 217.

[0171] Additionally, when the posture of the switching unit 14C changes towards the +Z side, Figure 17 and Figure 18 The posture-maintaining part 19 shown moves in the +Z direction. At this time, the arm body parts 191A and 191B elastically deform inward in the Y direction, and the claw parts 192A and 192B pass over the stop claw parts 26A and 26B in the +Z direction. As a result, as Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the claw portions 192A and 192B are disposed on the +Z side relative to the stop claw portions 26A and 26B, and can abut against the stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the -Z direction. Thus, the posture maintaining portion 19 becomes a "locked-in state" for maintaining the posture of the switching portion 14.

[0172] Therefore, in this embodiment, through the second engagement operation, the engagement part 15 becomes an "engaged state", and the posture maintenance part 19 becomes an "engaged maintenance state". During the period when the posture maintenance part 19 is in the "engaged maintenance state", as long as the operation part 16C is not operated, the posture maintenance part 19 will maintain the engagement part 15 in the "engaged state".

[0173] Furthermore, when the engaging part 15 is in the "engaged state," even if an accidental pressure is applied to the pair of legs 12A and 12B, the buckle 1C will not be released. This improves the security of the buckle 1C.

[0174] (Unlocking the connection of buckle 1C)

[0175] In this embodiment, when the buckle 1C is released, the user can perform the same operations as the first release operation and the second release operation described in the first embodiment.

[0176] For example, as the first release operation, the user applies a -Z direction press to the operating section 16C. This causes the engaging section 15 to switch from an "engaged state" to a "released state," and the posture holding section 19 to switch from an "engaged holding state" to a "released holding state." When the engaging section 15 is in the "released state," the switching section 14 generates an elastic force; however, while the posture holding section 19 is in the "released holding state," even if the press on the operating section 16C is released, the engaging section 15 remains in the "released state."

[0177] Then, as a second release operation, the user applies pressure to each leg piece 121 of the legs 12A and 12B inward in the Y direction and in the -X direction. As a result, the plug 10 is pulled out from the socket 20 in the -X direction.

[0178] Through the first and second release operations described above, the engagement of buckle 1C is released. Here, the first and second release operations can be performed sequentially, not simultaneously.

[0179] (Effects of the third embodiment)

[0180] The buckle 1C of this embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. That is, in the buckle 1C of this embodiment, as described above, when the engaging portion 15 is in the engaged state, the pair of legs 12A and 12B of the plug 10C and the engaging portion 15 can respectively engage with the socket 20C. Furthermore, when pressure is applied to the operating portion 16C, the posture of the switching portion 14 changes, and the engaging portion 15 switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state. At this time, the posture maintaining portion 19 maintains the posture of the switching portion 14C, thus the engaging portion 15 is maintained in the disengaged state. Therefore, after releasing the pressure on the operating portion 16C, the user can disengage the plug 10C from the socket 20C by pressing the pair of legs 12A and 12B. In other words, when disengaging the plug 10C from the socket 20C, the pair of legs 12A and 12B and the engaging portion 15 are not operated simultaneously, but rather operated separately. As a result, the operability of buckle 1C is improved, and the user can unbuckle buckle 1C with one hand.

[0181] The socket 20C of the third embodiment includes a stop 26 provided at the edge of the slit SL1, and the posture maintaining part 19 maintains the posture of the switching part 14C by abutting against the stop 26 in the Z direction. In this structure, since the posture maintaining part 19 is disposed within the slit SL1 of the socket 20, it is easier to miniaturize the size of the buckle 1C in the X direction compared to the first embodiment.

[0182] In the third embodiment, the stop portion 26 includes a pair of stop claw portions 26A and 26B that protrude inward in the Y direction from the edge of the slit SL1, and the posture maintaining portion 19 includes a pair of claw portions 192A and 192B that abut against the pair of stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the Z direction. In this structure, the posture of the switching portion 14C can be stably maintained by using the pair of claw portions 192A and 192B.

[0183] In this embodiment, the posture maintaining unit 19 further includes arm body portions 191A and 191B that are elastically deformable in the Y direction, and a pair of claw portions 192A and 192B are connected to the operation unit 16C via the arm body portions 191A and 191B. In this structure, the claw portions 192A and 192B that abut against the stop claw portions 26A and 26B can move appropriately in the Z direction, making it easier to switch the posture of the switching unit 14C.

[0184] In the third embodiment, the engaging portion 15 is in the disengaged position immediately after the plug 10C is inserted into the socket 20C. In this configuration, the plug 10C can be pulled out of the socket 20C immediately after being engaged, facilitating the reconnection of the connected components.

[0185] In the third embodiment, the operating part 16C has an operating surface 161 facing the +Z direction and an operating surface 164 facing the -Z direction. When pressure is applied to the operating surfaces 161 and 164, the engaging part 15 switches between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In this structure, the user can freely switch the engaging part 15 between the engaged and disengaged states. Therefore, the operability of the buckle 1C is further improved.

[0186] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0187] Reference Figures 19-25 The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0188] like Figures 19-22 As shown, the buckle 1D of the fourth embodiment is a variation of the buckle 1C of the third embodiment, and like the buckle 1C of the third embodiment, it has a plug 10D and a socket 20D. However, in the fourth embodiment, the arrangement of the engaging portion 15D in the plug 10D and the arrangement of the slit SL1 in the socket 20D are different from those in the third embodiment.

[0189] Specifically, such as Figure 21 As shown, the switching part 14D has a structure that is substantially the same as that of the switching part 14C in the third embodiment, but it has an engaging part 15D that replaces the engaging part 15. The engaging part 15D is provided on the base 140 and has a convex shape that protrudes from the base 140 in the -Z direction.

[0190] The housing portion 21D has a structure substantially the same as that of the housing portion 21C in the third embodiment, but has a hole TH1 that penetrates the second wall portion 212D in the Z direction instead of the first wall portion 211D. The hole TH1 in the second wall portion 212D is positioned on the +X side closer than the slit SL1, and the engaging portion 15D is exposed from the housing portion 21 in the -Z direction. Here, the edge of the hole TH1 on the -X side in the second wall portion 212D becomes the engaging portion 216 for engaging the engaging portion 15D.

[0191] In addition, such as Figure 23 As shown, the switching unit 14D also includes a pair of support protrusions 165 protruding from the operating surface 164 of the operating unit 16C in the -Z direction. When the engaging unit 15D is in the engaging state, as Figure 21 As shown, the support protrusion 165 can abut against the inner surface of the socket 20D, i.e. the inner surface of the second wall portion 212D, in the Z direction.

[0192] (The action of buckling 1D)

[0193] The engagement and disengagement actions of the buckle 1D are largely the same as in the third embodiment, except that the orientation in the Z direction is reversed. A brief explanation will follow.

[0194] As the first engaging operation, the user inserts the plug 10D into the first opening AP1 of the socket 20D. Consequently, the legs 12A and 12B operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, engaging with the socket 20C in the X direction.

[0195] Furthermore, when the plug 10D is inserted into the socket 20D, the inclined surface 152 of the engaging portion 15 is pressed against the second wall portion 212D of the socket 20D, causing the flexible portion 141 to elastically deform, thereby changing the posture of the switching portion 14D towards the +Z side. As a result, as... Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the claw portions 192A and 192B are positioned on the +Z side relative to the stop claw portions 26A and 26B, and can abut against the stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the -Z direction. Therefore, the action of restoring the posture of the switching unit 14D to its original state is restricted. That is, the posture maintenance unit 19 becomes a "de-maintained state" for maintaining the posture of the switching unit 14D.

[0196] Furthermore, when the posture holding part 19 is in the "released holding state", the engaging part 15D is located on the +Z side closer to the engaged part 216. Thus, the engaging part 15D is in the "released state" where the engagement with the socket 20D in the X direction has been released.

[0197] As the second engagement operation, the user presses the operating part 16C in the -Z direction, that is, applies pressure in the -Z direction to the operating surface 161 of the operating part 16C. At this time, the posture of the switching part 14C changes to the -Z side, thereby eliminating the elastic deformation of the flexible part 141.

[0198] The result is, as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the engaging portion 15D is disposed within the hole TH1 of the second wall portion 212 and can engage with the engaging portion 216, which is the edge of the hole TH1, in the -X direction. That is, the engaging portion 15D is in an "engaged state" that can engage with the socket 20D in the X direction.

[0199] Furthermore, the claw portions 192A and 192B are positioned on the -Z side relative to the stop claw portions 26A and 26B, and can abut against the stop claw portions 26A and 26B in the +Z direction. Thus, the posture maintaining portion 19 becomes a "locked-in state" that maintains the posture of the switching portion 14.

[0200] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the legs 12A and 12B are engaged with the socket 20D by the first engagement operation, and the engaging part 15D is engaged with the socket 20D by the second engagement operation.

[0201] Furthermore, during the second engagement operation, if the user presses the operating part 16C in a large amount, the support protrusion 165 abuts against the inner surface of the second wall part 212D. This prevents excessive deformation of the flexible part 141 and suppresses damage to the plug 10D.

[0202] When the buckle 1D is released, the user can perform the same operations as the first and second release operations described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the Z-direction orientation in the first release operation is opposite to that in the first embodiment.

[0203] The buckle 1D of the fourth embodiment described above has the same effect as the buckle 1C of the third embodiment.

[0204] [Variation Example]

[0205] In the above embodiments, preferred shapes of each element have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be arbitrarily changed.

[0206] In the above embodiments, the specific structure of the legs 12A and 12B is only required to engage with the sockets 20, 20C and 20D, and there are no particular limitations.

[0207] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the legs 12A and 12B have protrusions 122 extending from the top of the leg piece 121, but they may also have protrusions extending from the middle of the leg piece 121. In this case, the protrusions of the legs 12A and 12B may also be exposed outward from the hole TH2 of the socket 20 and engage with the socket 20 in the X direction. Such variations are also applicable to other embodiments.

[0208] In the above embodiments, plugs 10, 10B, 10C, and 10D have a flexible portion 141 that elastically deforms in the Z direction to change the posture of switching portions 14, 14B, 14C, and 14D. Here, the flexible portion 141 in the above embodiments is configured as part of the switching portions 14, 14B, 14C, and 14D, but the present invention is not limited thereto; any other part of plugs 10, 10B, 10C, and 10D may also be a flexible portion. That is, switching portions 14, 14B, 14C, and 14D do not necessarily have a flexible portion 141.

[0209] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the orientation of the switching part 14 can be changed by elastically deforming at least a portion of each of the support legs 13A and 13B in the Z direction as a flexible part. Such a variation is also applicable to other embodiments.

[0210] In the above embodiments, the posture maintaining parts 17 and 19 only need to abut against the sockets 20, 20C, and 20D when the engaging parts 15 and 15D are in the disengaged state, and do not need to abut against the sockets 20, 20C, and 20D when the engaging parts 15 and 15D are in the engaged state. For example, in the first and second embodiments, when the engaging part 15 is in the engaged state, there can be a gap in the Z direction between the claw parts 17A and 17B and the stop part 25 (see reference). Figure 4 Similarly, in the third and fourth embodiments, when the engaging portions 15 and 15D are in the engaged state, a gap in the Z direction may exist between the claw portions 192A and 192B and the stop claw portions 26A and 26B (see reference). Figure 14 , Figure 22 In such cases, the posture of the switching unit 14 can also be maintained by the individual stiffness of the plugs 10, 10B~10D.

[0211] In the above embodiments, the posture maintenance units 17 and 19 are connected to the operation units 16 and 16C, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and they can also be provided at any position of the switching units 14, 14B to 14D.

[0212] In addition, in the above embodiments, the posture maintaining parts 17 and 19 are provided with a pair of claw parts 17A, 17B, 192A, 192B, but they may also be configured to provide only one of the pair of claw parts 17A, 17B, 192A, 192B.

[0213] In the first and second embodiments described above, the support legs 13A, 13B, 18A, and 18B are connected to the legs 12A and 12B, but they can also be connected to any other part of the plugs 10 and 10B, such as the mounting part 11. Similarly, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the support legs 13C and 13D are connected to the mounting part 11, but they can also be connected to any other part of the plugs 10C and 10D, such as the legs 12A and 12B. In addition, the switching parts 14, 14B to 14D can also be supported on the legs 12A and 12B or the mounting part 11 without passing through the support legs 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 18A, and 18B.

[0214] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, plugs 10, 10B-10D include a pair of support legs 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 18A, 18B of the support switching portion 14, 14B-14D, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, plugs 10, 10B-10D may also be configured to include one of the pair of support legs 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 18A, 18B.

[0215] Furthermore, the various constituent elements in the embodiments and variations described above can be appropriately combined. For example, the plugs 10 and 10B of the first and second embodiments may also include the engaging portion 15D described in the fourth embodiment, and the operating portion 16 of the first embodiment may also include the operating surface 164 described in the third embodiment. In addition, the plugs 10C and 10D of the third and fourth embodiments may also include a pair of support legs 13C and 13D described in the second embodiment.

[0216] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0217] 1. 1C, 1D, Buckle; 10. 10B~10D, Plug; 11. 11C, Mounting part; 111, 112, 114, Rod part; 113A, 113B, Side wall part; 12A, 12B, Leg part; 121, Leg piece part; 122, Protrusion part; 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, Support leg part; 131, 134, Connecting part; 132, Recess; 133, Guide piece; 14. 14B, 14C, 14D, Cut Replacement part; 140, base; 141, flexible part; 15, 15D, engaging part; 151, contact surface; 152, inclined surface; 16, 16C, operating part; 161, operating surface (first surface); 162, recess; 163, plate part; 164, operating surface (second surface); 165, support protrusion; 17, posture maintaining part; 17A, 17B, claw part; 171, contact surface; 172, inclined surface; 18A, 18B, support leg part; 19 19A, 19B: Posture maintenance part; 191A, 191B: Arm body part; 192A, 192B: Claw part; 20, 20C, 20D: Socket; 21, 21C, 21D: Housing part; 211, 211D: First wall part; 212, 212D: Second wall part; 213A, 213B: Side wall part; 214: Guide surface; 215: Engaging surface; 216: Engaging part; 217: Wall part; 22: Mounting part ; 221, Rod part; 223A, 223B, Connecting part; 24, 24C, Guide part; 241, Guide protrusion; 242, Guide end; 25, Stop part; 251, Abutted surface; 252, Protrusion; 26, Stop part; 26A, 26B, Stop claw part; AP1, First opening part; AP2, Second opening part; F, Press; G, GP, Gap; SL1~SL3, Slit; SP, Storage space; TH1, TH2, Hole.

Claims

1. A buckle comprising buckles (1, 1B, 1C, 1D) having plugs (10, 10B, 10C, 10D) and sockets (20, 20C, 20D) into which said plugs (10, 10B, 10C, 10D) are inserted, wherein, The plugs (10, 10B, 10C, 10D) have the following features: The mounting section (11, 11C) is capable of mounting the connected body; A pair of legs (12A, 12B) protruding from the mounting portions (11, 11C) in the insertion direction relative to the sockets (20, 20C, 20D) and elastically engaging with the sockets (20, 20C, 20D); and The switching parts (14, 14B, 14C, 14D) are disposed between the pair of legs (12A, 12B) and supported by the mounting parts (11, 11C) or the pair of legs (12A, 12B). The switching units (14, 14B, 14C, 14D) include: The engaging part (15, 15D) switches between an engaging state that engages with the socket (20, 20C, 20D) and a disengaged state that releases the engagement with the socket (20, 20C, 20D) depending on the posture of the switching part (14, 14B, 14C, 14D) relative to the socket (20, 20C, 20D). Operating units (16, 16C) that receive a press that changes the posture of the switching units (14, 14B, 14C, 14D) relative to the sockets (20, 20C, 20D); and The posture maintaining part (17, 19) abuts against the socket (20, 20C, 20D) at least when the engaging part (15, 15D) is in the disengaged state, in a manner that maintains the posture of the switching part (14, 14B, 14C, 14D).

2. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The socket (20) has: The housing portion (21) has an opening (AP1) through which the pair of legs (12A, 12B) pass, and receives the pair of legs (12A, 12B); and A stop (25) protrudes from the opening (AP1) of the housing portion (21) along the insertion direction. The posture maintaining part (17) abuts against the stop part (25) in the thickness direction that intersects the insertion direction.

3. The buckle according to claim 2, wherein, The posture maintaining part (17) has a pair of claws (17A, 17B) that are opposite each other in the left and right directions that intersect the insertion direction and the thickness direction respectively, and that abut against the stop part (25) in the thickness direction.

4. The buckle according to claim 3, wherein, The pair of claws (17A, 17B) are connected to the operating part (16) and are configured to be elastically deformable in the thickness direction.

5. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The sockets (20C, 20D) have the following features: The housing portion (21C, 21D) is provided with an opening (AP1) through which the pair of legs (12A, 12B) pass, and receives the pair of legs (12A, 12B). A slit (SL1), which is formed in the housing portion (21C, 21D) in communication with the opening (AP1), exposes the operating portion (16C) from the housing portion (21C, 21D) in a thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction; and A stop (26) is provided at the edge of the slit (SL1). The posture maintaining part (19) abuts against the stop part (26) in the thickness direction.

6. The buckle according to claim 5, wherein, The stop portion (26) has a pair of stop claw portions (26A, 26B) that protrude from the edge of the slit (SL1) toward the inside of the left and right directions that intersect the insertion direction and the thickness direction respectively. The posture maintaining part (19) has a pair of claws (192A, 192B) that abut against the pair of stop claws (26A, 26B) in the thickness direction.

7. The buckle according to claim 6, wherein, The posture maintaining part (19) also includes an arm body part (191A, 191B) that is elastically deformable in the left and right directions. The pair of claws (192A, 192B) are connected to the operating part (16C) via the arm body part (191A, 191B).

8. The buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The posture maintaining parts (17, 19) abut against the sockets (20, 20C, 20D) in a manner that maintains the posture of the switching parts (14, 14C, 14D) when the engaging parts (15, 15D) are in the disengaged state and when the engaging parts (15, 15D) are in the engaged state.

9. The buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The engaging part (15) is configured into the engaging state immediately after the plug (10, 10B) is inserted into the socket (20).

10. The buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The engaging portion (15, 15D) is configured to the disengaged state immediately after the plug (10C, 10D) is inserted into the socket (20C, 20D).

11. The buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The plug (10, 10C, 10D) also includes a pair of support legs (13A, 13B, 13C, 13D) that are connected from the base ends of the pair of legs (12A, 12B) or the mounting portion (11, 11C) through the pair of legs (12A, 12B) to the switching portion (14, 14C, 14D) and to the switching portion (14, 14C, 14D).

12. The buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The plug (10B) also includes a pair of support legs (18A, 18B) that are connected from the top ends of the pair of legs (12A, 12B) through the pair of legs (12A, 12B) to the engaging portion (15, 15D) and to the operating portion (16C).

13. The buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The operating part (16C) has a first surface (161) facing a thickness direction that intersects the insertion direction of the plug (10C, 10D) and a second surface (164) facing the other side of the thickness direction. By applying pressure to the first surface (161) or the second surface (164), the engaging portion (15, 15D) switches between the engaging state and the disengaged state.

14. The buckle according to claim 13, wherein, By applying pressure to the first surface (161), the engaging portion (15D) switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state. The switching part (14D) has a support protrusion (165) that protrudes from the second surface (164) of the operating part (16C) and is able to abut against the inner surface of the socket (20D).

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