Buckle, accessory watchband, and timepiece

Abstract

Provided are a buckle capable of improving both appearance quality and strength as compared with the prior art, a watchband having an accessory of the buckle, and a timepiece. A buckle, which is connected to a watchband (13) of an accessory, is provided with a case (20), a pair of engagement members (41, 51), and a pair of operation members (42, 52). The case body (20) has openings (17, 18) at both ends in the width direction of the watchband (13), respectively. A pair of engagement members (41, 51) is provided in the case (20) to form an engagement section (9) that engages with the lock pin of the buckle. The pair of operation members (42, 52) are connected to the pair of engagement members (41, 51), respectively, and are inserted into the openings (17, 18). At least one of the operation members (42, 52) and the engagement members (41, 51) has connection portions (45, 55) that connect the operation members (42, 52) and the engagement members (41, 51) to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a band, a watchband for an accessory, and a timepiece. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, various types of buckles have been proposed as a buckle for a watchband of an accessory such as a wristwatch.

[0003] For example, in Patent Literature 1, a configuration of a buckle having a band-shaped buckle main body that can be folded, a protrusion portion provided at one end of the buckle main body, and a fitting mechanism provided at the other end of the buckle main body and fitted with the protrusion portion is disclosed. The fitting mechanism has a case body and a pair of fitting members housed in the case body and forming a fitting portion that is fitted with the protrusion portion. The portions of the fitting members that protrude from the case body to the outside in the width direction of the watchband are operation portions that can be operated by a user. According to the technology described in Patent Literature 1, by pressing the pair of operation portions in the width direction, the fitting of the protrusion portion and the fitting portion can be released and the buckle can be opened.

[0004] PRIOR ART LITERATURE PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-199207 SUMMARY

[0005] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION However, in a buckle for a watchband of an accessory such as a wristwatch, in consideration of design, as a result, sometimes the protrusion portion and the fitting portion (fitting member) are formed of different metal materials. For example, sometimes the protrusion portion that is formed integrally with the buckle main body is made of stainless steel, and the fitting member that is a design component is made of a precious metal such as titanium alloy. In this case, if the protrusion portion and the fitting member are repeatedly fitted, there is a possibility that the fitting member will be deformed or damaged. That is, in the related art, particularly in the case where the protrusion portion and the fitting portion are formed of different metal materials, it can not be possible to sufficiently ensure the strength of the fitting member.

[0006] In addition, in the technology described in Patent Literature 1, after the fitting member is disposed in the case body in which the side portions (both sides in the width direction of the watchband) are open, a cover that covers the upper portion of the case body is installed, thereby forming the fitting mechanism. In this case, Figure 13 is a side view of the fitting mechanism 105A of the buckle 101A according to the related art of Patent Literature 1 and the like. As shown in Figure 13 In the related art of Patent Literature 1 and the like, when the assembled fitting mechanism 105A is viewed from the lateral direction (width direction), there is a boundary portion 118 between the case body 120 and the cover 130 on the side surface 120a of the case body 120, thereby there is a problem that the appearance quality of the side surface 120a is poor.

[0007] To solve this problem, for example, it is possible to consider forming a buckle by inserting a fitting member into the side surface of a case. Figure 14 is a side view of a fitting mechanism 105B of a buckle 101B according to another related art. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an assembly process of the fitting mechanism 105B according to another related art. As shown in Figure 14 In this related art, in the side surface 120a of the case 120, the operation portion 171 of the fitting member 170 is inserted into the through-hole 119 surrounded by the side surface 120a. Thus, the fitting mechanism 105B can be formed without forming the boundary portion 118 (refer to Figure 13 ) in the side surface 120a of the case 120. However, in such a configuration, the assembly work of the fitting mechanism 105B can become complicated. That is, as shown in Figure 15 In the configuration in which the fitting member 170 is inserted into the through-hole 119, in a process of arranging the fitting member 170 in the case 120, so-called tilt assembly in which one fitting member 170a is lifted and tilted and another fitting member 170b is arranged is required. Thus, in the tilt assembly, the operation portion 171 is easily damaged, and the yield can decrease. Further, in order to perform the tilt assembly, the inner shape of the through-hole 119 needs to be formed larger than the operation portion 171. Thus, when the case 120 is viewed from the lateral direction, the gap S (refer to Figure 14 ) between the side surface 120a of the case 120 and the operation portion 171 becomes large, and as a result, the appearance quality can decrease.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a buckle, a wristwatch band of an accessory, and a timepiece in which the appearance quality and the strength can be improved together compared to the related art.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem To solve the above problem, a buckle according to one embodiment of the present application is a buckle connected to a wristwatch band of an accessory, and includes: a frame having an opening portion at each of both ends in the width direction of the wristwatch band; a pair of fitting members provided in the frame to form a fitting portion that fits with one end of the buckle; and a pair of operation members connected to the pair of fitting members, respectively, and inserted into the opening portion.

[0010] According to this configuration, the fitting member that forms the fitting portion that fits with one end of the buckle and the operation member that is inserted into the opening portion and is operated by the user are formed of separate parts (members). Thus, the fitting member and the operation member can be formed of different materials. For example, the fitting member can be formed of high-strength steel such as stainless steel, and the operation member can be formed of a precious metal such as titanium. Thus, the strength of the fitting portion of the fitting member can be ensured, and at the same time, the decrease in the design of the operation member can be suppressed.

[0011] The engaging member and the operation member are formed by separate parts, that is, in a manner that they can be separated from each other, so that they can be assembled without being inclined when the engaging member and the operation member are assembled to the frame. Thus, compared with the prior art (see, for example, Patent Citation 1) in which the assembly is performed by being inclined, the damage to the operation member and the decrease in the yield can be suppressed. Furthermore, even in the case where the operation member is inserted into the opening portion surrounded by the side surface on all sides, the operation member does not need to be inclined, so that the size of the opening portion does not need to be excessively increased with respect to the outer shape of the operation member. Thus, compared with the prior art, the gap between the opening portion and the operation member can be reduced, and the appearance quality can be improved. In addition, the assembly work can be easily performed, so that the assembly cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the frame is configured in a manner that the opening portion is surrounded by the side surface on all sides, so that compared with the prior art (see, for example, Patent Citation 2) in which the operation member is sandwiched by the frame and the cover, the formation of the boundary portion (see, for example, Patent Citation 2) on the side surface of the frame can be prevented. Thus, the appearance quality can be further improved. Figure 15 Figure 13 Figure 13

[0012] Thus, the buckle can be provided in which the appearance quality and the strength can be improved together compared with the prior art.

[0013] In addition, the aforementioned buckle is provided with an engagement protrusion provided at the aforementioned one end portion of the aforementioned buckle and penetrating into the aforementioned frame, and the aforementioned engaging portion is engaged with the aforementioned engagement protrusion in a detachable manner.

[0014] According to this configuration, the engaging portion is provided to the engaging member, so that the engaging member (that is, the engaging portion) can be formed of a high-strength material without degrading the design of the operation member. Thus, the degradation of the design can be suppressed, and at the same time, the strength of the engaging portion can be improved. In addition, the engaging member can be formed of a high-strength material, so that the engaging portion can be miniaturized and thinned. Thus, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0015] In addition, in the aforementioned buckle, the aforementioned pair of operation members has a first operation member that protrudes from a first opening portion, which is one of the aforementioned opening portions provided at both end portions of the aforementioned frame, to the outside of the aforementioned frame and is pressed and operated, and a second operation member that protrudes from a second opening portion, which is different from the aforementioned first opening portion among the aforementioned opening portions, to the outside of the aforementioned frame and is pressed and operated, and the aforementioned first operation member and the aforementioned second operation member are disposed closer to one side of the side surface of the aforementioned frame in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the aforementioned operation member in a plan view of the aforementioned frame.

[0016] ​​​According to the configuration, the first operation member and the second operation member are arranged close to one side surface, so that the first operation member and the second operation member can be prevented from rattling. Thus, the design of the operation members can be improved. Further, the first operation member and the second operation member can be arranged along one side surface, so that the assembly workability of the first operation member and the second operation member can be improved.

[0017] Further, in the buckle described above, the pair of engagement members includes a first engagement member connected to one of the pair of operation members, and a second engagement member connected to the other of the pair of operation members, and the buckle includes a first elastic member that applies an elastic force to the first engagement member in a direction in which the first engagement member projects toward the one operation member, and a second elastic member that applies an elastic force to the second engagement member in a direction in which the second engagement member projects toward the other operation member.

[0018] According to the configuration, the first elastic member applies an elastic force to a first piece composed of the first engagement member and the first operation member in a direction in which the first piece projects toward the one opening. The second elastic member applies an elastic force to a second piece composed of the second engagement member and the second operation member in a direction in which the second piece projects toward the other opening. Thus, in a state in which no external force is applied to the first piece and the second piece, the engagement members can maintain the engaged state with the one end portion of the buckle by the elastic forces. Each elastic member abuts against the engagement member, not the operation member. Thus, in a case in which the engagement member is formed of a material having high strength, the strength of the abutting portion with the elastic member can be improved. Thus, the operability of the user when operating the operation members can be improved. Further, the rattling of the first piece and the second piece is suppressed by the elastic members, so that the appearance quality of the buckle can be improved.

[0019] Further, in the buckle described above, the operation members are titanium alloys.

[0020] According to the configuration, the design of the operation members can be improved.

[0021] Further, in the buckle described above, the engagement members are stainless steels.

[0022] According to the configuration, the strength of the engagement members can be improved. The strength of the engagement portions formed in the engagement members can be improved, so that the engagement strength when the engagement portions are engaged with the one end portion of the buckle can be improved, and the life of the engagement portions can be improved.

[0023] Further, in the buckle described above, at least one of the operation members and the engagement members has a connection portion that connects the operation members and the engagement members to each other.

[0024] According to the configuration, the operation member and the engagement member are engaged with each other in the thickness direction, and thus, for example, after the operation member is arranged in the frame, the engagement member can be arranged from above the frame. Thus, the assembly workability can be improved.

[0025] In addition, in the aforementioned belt buckle, the aforementioned connection portion is formed in a manner having a concave-convex shape, and the aforementioned operation member and the aforementioned engagement member connected to each other are connected by being engaged in the thickness direction thereof.

[0026] According to the configuration, the operation member and the engagement member are engaged with each other in the thickness direction, and thus, for example, after the operation member is arranged in the frame, the engagement member can be arranged from above the frame. Thus, the assembly workability can be improved.

[0027] The wristwatch of one embodiment of the present application includes a wristwatch main body and the aforementioned wristwatch band connected to the wristwatch main body.

[0028] According to the configuration, the wristwatch band of the accessory having the belt buckle in which the appearance quality and the strength can be improved together compared to the related art can be provided.

[0029] The wristwatch of one embodiment of the present application includes a wristwatch main body and the aforementioned wristwatch band connected to the wristwatch main body.

[0030] According to the configuration, for example, the present application can be applied to a wristwatch or the like. Thus, the wristwatch provided with the wristwatch band having the belt buckle in which the appearance quality and the strength can be improved together compared to the related art can be provided.

[0031] Effects of the Invention According to the present application, the belt buckle in which the appearance quality and the strength can be improved together compared to the related art, the wristwatch band of the accessory having the belt buckle, and the wristwatch can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating one example of a wristwatch according to a first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a side view of a belt buckle according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an engagement mechanism according to the first embodiment, viewed from the back side.

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the belt buckle according to the first embodiment, viewed from the back side.

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first piece.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second piece.

[0038] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation member arrangement step in an assembly procedure of the engagement mechanism.

[0039] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an engagement member arrangement step in an assembly procedure of the engagement mechanism.

[0040] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an elastic member arrangement step in an assembly procedure of the engagement mechanism.

[0041] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a cover arrangement step in an assembly procedure of the engagement mechanism.

[0042] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the engagement mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the engagement mechanism according to the second embodiment, in which a cover is attached.

[0044] Figure 13 is a side view of an engagement mechanism of a buckle according to a related art.

[0045] Figure 14 is a side view of an engagement mechanism of a buckle according to another related art.

[0046] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an assembly procedure of the engagement mechanism according to another related art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components. Also, the repeated description of these components will be omitted. In the following embodiment, a wristwatch 10 is described as one example of an accessory, but the "accessory" in the claims is not limited to the wristwatch. In the following description, the side facing the arm when the wristwatch is worn on the arm of a user is referred to as the back side, and the opposite side is referred to as the front side. Also, in the following description, the "width direction" and the "length direction" are the same as the width direction and the length direction of the accessory (i.e., the watchband 13), unless otherwise specifically described in advance.

[0048] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a plan view showing one example of the wristwatch 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The wristwatch 10 shown is a wristwatch 10, and includes a wristwatch main body 10a and a watchband 13 (a watchband of an accessory in the claims).

[0049] The watch main body 10a is configured, for example, by having a dial or a hand in a watch case, a movement that controls the movement of the hand, and the like. Further, the watch case is configured, for example, by a trunk portion that is a frame body made of metal, a windshield formed of a transparent member such as glass or plastic, and a back cover made of metal. A pair of watch bands 13 are formed in a band shape and are connected to both sides of the watch main body 10a, respectively.

[0050] Figure 2 is a side view of the buckle 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The buckle 1 is, for example, a buckle 1 for a watch 10 as shown in Figure 1 . The buckle 1 is provided at an end portion of each of the watch bands 13 on a side opposite to the watch main body 10a and connects the pair of watch bands 13 to each other. The buckle 1 has a rail 2 and a click mechanism 5.

[0052] The rail 2 has an inner rail 3 coupled to one of the watch bands 13 at one end portion thereof and an outer rail 4 coupled to the inner rail 3 at the other end portion thereof via a hinge 12. The inner rail 3 and the outer rail 4 are band-shaped members having the same length as each other. The inner rail 3 and the outer rail 4 overlap each other when the watch 10 is worn and are curved in a circular arc shape, respectively, when viewed from the side in a manner along the wrist of the user. The state in which the inner rail 3 and the outer rail 4 overlap each other refers to a state in which a main surface that is a surface on the outer peripheral side in the circular arc-shaped inner rail 3 and a back surface that is a surface on the inner peripheral side in the circular arc-shaped outer rail 4 overlap each other. In the present embodiment, the width dimension of the inner rail 3 is formed to be larger than that of the outer rail 4 (see also Figure 4 ). A recessed portion 14 is provided in the portion of the inner rail 3 in which the outer rail 4 overlaps, and the outer rail 4 is accommodated in the recessed portion 14 when the watch 10 is worn. Further, in the example shown in Figure 4 , a through-hole is formed as the recessed portion 14. By providing the recessed portion 14, the surfaces of the inner rail 3 (the main surface) and the outer rail 4 become coplanar in the state in which the inner rail 3 and the outer rail 4 overlap each other.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2 , a lock pin 11 (locking protrusion of the claim) is provided at one end portion of the inner rail 3 on the side opposite to the hinge 12 in a manner standing on the main surface of the inner rail 3. The lock pin 11 has a cylindrical rod portion 11a and a hemispherical portion 11b provided at the tip of the rod portion 11a. The hemispherical portion 11b is formed in a hemispherical shape having a larger diameter than that of the rod portion 11a. The hemispherical portion 11b is formed in a manner in which the diameter becomes smaller as it goes toward the tip of the lock pin 11. The lock pin 11 is inserted into a box body 20 of the click mechanism 5, the details of which are described later, and is engaged with a click portion 9 of the click mechanism 5 in a detachable manner.

[0054] The outer track 4 is rotatably connected to the other end of the inner track 3 via a hinge 12 located at the other end of the inner track 3. A locking mechanism 5 is fixed at one end of the outer track 4, opposite to the end connected to the inner track 3. The locking mechanism 5 is positioned corresponding to the locking pin 11 of the inner track 3 when the inner track 3 and outer track 4 are overlapping.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the engaging mechanism 5 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the rear side. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the buckle 1 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the rear side.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the engaging mechanism 5 includes a housing 20 (the frame of the claim), a cover 30, a first piece 40, a second piece 50, elastic members 61 and 62, and an engaging portion 9. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In order to illustrate the internal structure of the box 20, the cover 30 is represented by a dashed line.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 20 is fixed to the other end of the outer track 4. The housing 20 is formed in a box shape with an opening facing the back (the side facing the arm when wearing the watch 10). Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the housing 20 has a bottom wall 25 located on the surface side opposite to the opening, and a right side wall 21, a left side wall 22, and a front side wall 24 (one side of the side in the claims) standing upright from the bottom wall 25. The housing 20 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, with its length dimension along the width direction of the strap 13 (the distance between the right side wall 21 and the left side wall 22) being larger than its length dimension along the length direction of the strap 13 (the distance from the front side wall 24 to the rear end 23). At the rear end 23 of the housing 20, an outer rail 4 is connected via a spring rod 32, which will be described in detail later.

[0058] A first opening 17 (the opening of the claim) is formed on the right side wall 21. The first opening 17 extends through the right side wall 21 in the width direction. Figure 2 As shown, the first opening 17 of this embodiment is formed in a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the width direction, with the thickness decreasing from the rear end 23 toward the front sidewall 24 along the back side direction. In this way, the shape of the first opening 17 is formed along the outer shape of the box body 20, so that when viewed in the width direction, the width dimension of the right sidewall 21 on both sides of the first opening 17 in the back side direction becomes uniform, which can improve the design.

[0059] Likewise, in the left side wall 22, the second opening portion 18 (the opening portion of the claim) is formed. The second opening portion 18 penetrates the left side wall 22 in the width direction. The second opening portion 18 is formed in the same shape as the first opening portion 17.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cover 30 has a cover main body 31, a spring rod 32, and a pair of set screws 33. The cover 30 covers the opening of the case 20. The cover main body 31 is formed in a plate shape. As shown in Figure 3 , the front end portion of the cover main body 31 is caught in the front side wall 24 of the case 20. The rear end portion of the cover main body 31 is formed in a manner that the spring rod 32 can be inserted in the width direction. At the time of mounting the cover main body 31 to the case 20, in a state that the spring rod 32 is inserted to the cover main body 31, first, the protrusion of the front end portion of the cover main body 31 is caught in the recess of the case 20. Next, the both end portions of the spring rod 32 protruding from both sides of the rear end portion of the cover main body 31 are caught in the right side wall 21 and the left side wall 22 of the case 20. Thus, the case 20 fixes the cover 30. Further, the mounting structure of the cover 30 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in the central portion of the cover main body 31, a hole 35 penetrating the cover main body 31 in the thickness direction is formed. The hole 35 penetrates the locking pin 11 (refer to Figure 2 ) in a state that the inner rail 3 and the outer rail 4 overlap. In addition, on both sides in the width direction of the hole 35, the set screws 33 are mounted. Each set screw 33 is fixed to the cover main body 31 and protrudes from the cover main body 31 toward the inside of the case 20.

[0062] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first sheet 40. The first sheet 40 is formed in a plate shape in a manner that it is housed in the case 20. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the first sheet 40 has a first operation member 42, a first engagement member 41, and a first connection portion 45. The first sheet 40 is disposed close to the right side of the case 20 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0063] The first operation member 42 is housed in the inside of the cartridge body 20. The end portion of the first operation member 42 on the outer side in the width direction is inserted into the first opening portion 17 of the cartridge body 20 and protrudes to the outside of the cartridge body 20 via the first opening portion 17. The portion of the first operation member 42 that protrudes from the first opening portion 17 is an operation portion that can be pressed and operated by the user. The operation portion is formed in a trapezoidal shape similar to the first opening portion 17 as viewed in the width direction. The first operation member 42 is formed of, for example, titanium alloy. In the portion of the first operation member 42 that is located inside the cartridge body 20, a large-diameter hole 46 (see FIG. 10) is formed that penetrates in the thickness direction. In the large-diameter hole 46, the set screw 33 of the cover 30 is inserted. The inner diameter of the large-diameter hole 46 is larger than the outer diameter of the set screw 33 provided in the cover 30. By inserting the set screw 33 into the large-diameter hole 46, the first operation member 42 is inhibited from falling out of the first opening portion 17, and the first operation member 42 can move in the width direction when the operation portion is operated. Figure 5 ) In the large-diameter hole 46, the set screw 33 of the cover 30 is inserted. The inner diameter of the large-diameter hole 46 is larger than the outer diameter of the set screw 33 provided in the cover 30. By inserting the set screw 33 into the large-diameter hole 46, the first operation member 42 is inhibited from falling out of the first opening portion 17, and the first operation member 42 can move in the width direction when the operation portion is operated.

[0064] The first engagement member 41 is provided on the inner side in the width direction than the first operation member 42. The first engagement member 41 is connected to the end portion of the first operation member 42 on the side opposite to the portion that protrudes to the outside of the cartridge body 20, that is, the inner side in the width direction, by the first connection portion 45. The detailed configuration of the first connection portion 45 will be described later. The first engagement member 41 is formed in a U shape that opens to the rear as viewed in the front view in the direction of the table back. The first engagement member 41 is configured by a separate piece from the first operation member 42. In the present embodiment, the first engagement member 41 is formed of stainless steel.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5 , the first connection portion 45 connects the first operation member 42 and the first engagement member 41 to each other. The first connection portion 45 is provided in at least one of the first operation member 42 and the first engagement member 41. In the present embodiment, the first connection portion 45 is provided in both the first operation member 42 and the first engagement member 41. Specifically, on the end portion on the inner side in the width direction of the first operation member 42, a protrusion 45a that protrudes toward the cover 30 side is formed. On the other hand, on the end portion on the outer side in the width direction of the first engagement member 41, a recess 45b in which the protrusion 45a can be engaged is formed. Thus, the first connection portion 45 is formed in a manner having a concave-convex shape. In addition, the first operation member 42 and the first engagement member 41 are connected to each other by being engaged in the thickness direction (the direction of the table back).

[0066] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second sheet 50. The second sheet 50 is formed in a plate shape in a manner housed in the cartridge body 20. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the second piece 50 has a second operation member 52, a second engagement member 51, and a second connecting portion 55. The second piece 50 is disposed near the left side of the case 20 (see Figure 3 ).

[0067] As for the second operation member 52, a majority thereof is housed inside the case 20. An end portion of the second operation member 52 on the outer side in the width direction is inserted into the second opening portion 18 of the case 20, and protrudes outside the case 20 via the second opening portion 18. The portion of the second operation member 52 that protrudes from the second opening portion 18 is an operation portion that can be pressed and operated by the user. The operation portion is formed in a trapezoidal shape similar to the second opening portion 18 as viewed in the width direction. The second operation member 52 is formed of, for example, titanium alloy. In the portion of the second operation member 52 that is located inside the case 20, a large-diameter hole 56 (see Figure 6 ) is formed that penetrates in the thickness direction. In the large-diameter hole 56, the set screw 33 of the cover 30 is inserted. The inner diameter of the large-diameter hole 56 is larger than the outer diameter of the set screw 33 provided to the cover 30. By inserting the set screw 33 into the large-diameter hole 56, the second operation member 52 is inhibited from falling out of the second opening portion 18, and the second operation member 52 can move in the width direction when the operation portion is operated.

[0068] The second engagement member 51 is provided on the inner side in the width direction than the second operation member 52. The second engagement member 51 is connected to an end portion of the second operation member 52 on the side opposite to the portion that protrudes outside the case 20 (i.e., the inner side in the width direction) via the second connecting portion 55. The second connecting portion 55 has a protrusion 55a formed in the second operation member 52 and a recess 55b formed in the second engagement member 51 that can engage with the protrusion 55a. The configuration of the second connecting portion 55 is equivalent to that of the first connecting portion 45 described above, and thus detailed description is omitted. The second engagement member 51 is configured by a separate piece from the second operation member 52. In the present embodiment, the second engagement member 51 is formed of stainless steel. The second engagement member 51 is formed in a U shape that opens to the front as viewed in the front view from the back. Thus, as shown in Figure 3 , the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 51 are disposed in a manner that the openings thereof face each other. Further, a portion of the end portion on the inner side in the width direction of the second engagement member 51 enters the opening of the U shape of the first engagement member 41. Similarly, a portion of the end portion on the inner side in the width direction of the first engagement member 41 enters the opening of the U shape of the second engagement member 51. The second engagement member 51 can be a common piece with the first engagement member 41.

[0069] The first piece 40 and the second piece 50 are arranged so as to approach either of the directions orthogonal to the protruding directions of the operation members 42, 52 in planar view from the back surface direction. In the present embodiment, the first piece 40 and the second piece 50 are arranged so as to approach the front side wall 24 (one side of the side surface in the claim) of the case 20.

[0070] A pair of elastic members 61, 62 is provided in the case 20. The elastic members have a first elastic member 61 and a second elastic member 62. The first elastic member 61 is provided between the first engaging member 41 and the left side wall 22. The first elastic member 61 exerts a force on the first piece 40 (the first engaging member 41) in the protruding direction (i.e., the right direction in the width direction) of the first operation member 42. Further, a recess or the like for holding or positioning the end portion of the first elastic member 61 can be provided in the left side wall 22 and the first engaging member 41. The second elastic member 62 is provided between the second engaging member 51 and the right side wall 21. The second elastic member 62 exerts a force on the second piece 50 (the second engaging member 51) in the protruding direction (i.e., the left direction in the width direction) of the second operation member 52. Further, a recess or the like for holding or positioning the end portion of the second elastic member 62 can be provided in the right side wall 21 and the second engaging member 51.

[0071] By forming the first piece 40 and the second piece 50 as described above, a pair of operation members (the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52) and a pair of engaging members (the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 51) are provided in the case 20. Further, one of the pair of engaging members (e.g., the first engaging member 41) is assembled so that the end portion on the inner side in the width direction enters the opening of the other engaging member (e.g., the second engaging member 51). Thus, the end portions on the inner sides in the width direction of the pair of engaging members 41, 51 form engaging portions 9 that face each other in the width direction. The engaging portions 9 are provided in the central portion of the case 20. The engaging portions 9 engage with the lock pin 11 of the inner rail 3 in a detachable manner. The engaging portions 9 open and close in such a manner that they approach or depart from each other in the width direction. For example, if the user presses the operation portions of the operation members 42, 52 inward with the fingers, the pair of engaging members 41, 51 move in the direction of departing from each other in the engaging portions 9. On the other hand, if the user releases the operation portions with the hands, the pair of engaging members 41, 51 move in the direction of approaching each other by the spring force. Thus, by operating the operation members 42, 52, the gap between the pair of engaging members 41, 51 (the inner diameter of the engaging portions 9) can be changed. As a result, if the user overlaps the inner rail 3 with the outer rail 4, the hemispherical portion 11b of the lock pin 11 is caught in the engaging portions 9, and the buckle 1 is closed. On the other hand, in the state where the lock pin 11 is caught, the user presses the operation portions to cause the lock pin 11 to be released from the engaging portions 9, and thus the buckle 1 is opened.

[0072] Next, the assembling procedure (method) of the above-described engagement mechanism 5 will be described.

[0073] Figure 7 is an explanatory view showing an operation member arrangement procedure in the assembling procedure of the engagement mechanism 5. Figure 8 is an explanatory view showing an engagement member arrangement procedure in the assembling procedure of the engagement mechanism 5. Figure 9 is an explanatory view showing an elastic member arrangement procedure in the assembling procedure of the engagement mechanism 5. Figure 10 is an explanatory view showing a cover arrangement procedure in the assembling procedure of the engagement mechanism 5.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7 , in the assembling procedure of the engagement mechanism 5, first, the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52 are arranged in the case body 20. The first operation member 42 is inserted into the case body 20 through the first opening portion 17 from the outside of the first opening portion 17. Similarly, the second operation member 52 is inserted into the case body 20 through the second opening portion 18 from the outside of the second opening portion 18.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 8 , the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 51 are arranged in the case body 20. Each of the engagement members 41, 51 is attached to each of the operation members 42, 52 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction). At this time, the first engagement member 41 is arranged so that the recessed portion 45b of the first engagement member 41 engages with the protruded portion 45a of the first operation member 42. Similarly, the second engagement member 51 is arranged so that the recessed portion 55b of the second engagement member 51 engages with the protruded portion 55a of the second operation member 52. By arranging the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 51, the first sheet 40 and the second sheet 50 are formed, and the engagement portion 9 is formed.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 9 , the first elastic member 61 and the second elastic member 62 are arranged in the case body 20. Specifically, the first elastic member 61 is arranged between the left side wall 22 and the first engagement member 41. In addition, the second elastic member 62 is arranged between the right side wall 21 and the second engagement member 51. At this time, the spring force of the elastic members 61, 62 acts on each of the engagement members 41, 51, thereby acting as a rotational moment with a direction along the front-rear direction as a rotational axis, but since the engagement members 41, 51 are connected to the operation members 42, 52 by the connecting portions 45, 55, the rotation is suppressed. In other words, the connecting portions 45, 55 suppress the rotation of the engagement members 41, 51 at the time of assembling the elastic members 61, 62. Thereby, the assembling of the elastic members 61, 62 can be easily performed.

[0077] Finally, as shown in Figure 10The cover 30, on which the spring rod 32 and the set screw 33 are mounted, is fixed to the case 20 as shown. The cover 30 is mounted so as to cover the opening of the case 20. At this time, the pair of set screws 33 provided in the cover 30 are inserted into the large-diameter holes 46, 56 (see FIG. 6) of the respective operation members 42, 52. Figure 9 In addition, the cover 30 is arranged so that the hole 35 in the central portion of the cover 30 and the engagement portion 9 formed by the pair of engagement members 41, 51 overlap each other in plan view.

[0078] By the above procedure, the assembly of the engagement mechanism 5 is completed.

[0079] (Action, Effect) Next, the action and effect of the above-described belt buckle 1, the watch band 13 of the accessory, and the watch 10 will be described.

[0080] The belt buckle 1 according to the present embodiment is a belt buckle 1 that is connected to the watch band 13 of an accessory, and includes the case 20, the pair of engagement members 41, 51, and the pair of operation members 42, 52. The case 20 has the opening portions (the first opening portion 17 and the second opening portion 18) at both ends in the width direction of the watch band 13. The engagement members 41, 51 are provided in the case 20 in pairs, and form the engagement portion 9 that engages with the end portion (the locking pin 11 in the present embodiment) of the belt buckle 1. The operation members 42, 52 are connected to the pair of engagement members 41, 51, respectively, and are inserted into the first opening portion 17 and the second opening portion 18, respectively.

[0081] According to this configuration, the engagement members 41, 51 that form the engagement portion 9 that engages with the locking pin 11 of the belt buckle 1 and the operation members 42, 52 that are inserted into the opening portions 17, 18 and are operated by the user are formed of separate parts (members). Thus, the engagement members 41, 51 and the operation members 42, 52 can be formed of different materials. For example, the engagement members 41, 51 can be formed of high-strength steel such as stainless steel, and the operation members 42, 52 can be formed of a noble metal such as titanium. Thus, the strength of the engagement portion 9 formed by the engagement members 41, 51 can be ensured, and at the same time, the decrease in designability of the operation members 42, 52 can be suppressed.

[0082] The engagement members 41, 51 and the operation members 42, 52 are formed of separate parts, that is, are formed so as to be separable from each other, and thus, when the engagement members 41, 51 and the operation members 42, 52 are assembled to the case 20, they can be assembled without being inclined. Thus, compared with the related art in which assembly is performed by being inclined (for example, see Figure 15) to the operation members 42, 52 and a decrease in yield. Furthermore, even in the case where the operation members 42, 52 are inserted into the opening portions 17, 18 surrounded by the side surfaces, it is not necessary to tilt the assembly operation members 42, 52, and thus it is not necessary to excessively increase the size of the opening portions 17, 18 with respect to the outer shape of the operation members 42, 52. Thus, compared with the prior art, it is possible to reduce the gap S (refer to Figure 14 ) between the opening portions 17, 18 and the operation members 42, 52, and to improve the appearance quality. In addition, it is possible to easily perform the assembly work, and thus it is possible to reduce the assembly cost. Furthermore, the case 20 is configured in such a manner that the opening portions 17, 18 are surrounded by the side surfaces, and thus compared with the prior art (refer to Figure 13 ) configured in such a manner that the operation members 42, 52 are sandwiched by the case 120 and the cover 130, it is possible to prevent the formation of the boundary portion 118 (refer to Figure 13 ) on the side surface of the case 20. Thus, it is possible to further improve the appearance quality.

[0083] Thus, it is possible to provide the belt buckle 1 capable of improving the appearance quality and the strength together compared with the prior art.

[0084] The belt buckle 1 is provided with the locking protrusion (locking pin 11) provided at one end portion of the belt buckle 1 and penetrating into the case 20, and the engagement portion 9 is engaged with the locking pin 11 in a detachable manner. According to this configuration, the engagement portion 9 is provided to the engagement members 41, 51, and thus it is possible to form the engagement members 41, 51 (i.e., the engagement portion 9) from a high-strength material without degrading the design of the operation members 42, 52. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in design, and at the same time, to improve the strength of the engagement portion 9. In addition, it is possible to form the engagement members 41, 51 from a high-strength material, and thus it is possible to miniaturize and thin the engagement portion 9. Thus, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0085] The operation members have the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52, and the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52 are disposed close to one side (front side wall 24) of the side surface of the case 20 in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the operation members 42, 52 in a plan view. According to this configuration, the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52 are disposed close to the front side wall 24, and thus it is possible to suppress the sway of the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52. Thereby, it is possible to improve the design of the operation members 42, 52. In addition, it is possible to dispose the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52 along the front side wall 24, and thus it is possible to improve the assembly workability of the first operation member 42 and the second operation member 52.

[0086] The engaging member has a first engaging member 41 and a second engaging member 51, and the buckle 1 is provided with a first elastic member 61 that applies an elastic force to the first engaging member 41 in a direction in which the first engaging member 41 projects toward the first operation member 42, and a second elastic member 62 that applies an elastic force to the second engaging member 51 in a direction in which the second engaging member 51 projects toward the second operation member 52. According to this configuration, the first elastic member 61 applies an elastic force to the first piece 40, which is composed of the first engaging member 41 and the first operation member 42, in a direction in which the first piece 40 projects toward the first opening 17. The second elastic member 62 applies an elastic force to the second piece 50, which is composed of the second engaging member 51 and the second operation member 52, in a direction in which the second piece 50 projects toward the second opening 18. Thus, in a state in which no external force is applied to the first piece 40 and the second piece 50, the engaging portion 9 can maintain a state in which the locking pin 11 is engaged by the elastic force. Each of the elastic members 61 and 62 abuts against the engaging member 41 and 51, rather than the operation member 42 and 52. Thus, in a case in which the engaging member 41 and 51 is formed of a material having high strength, the strength of the abutting portion of the elastic member 61 and 62 can be improved. Thus, the operability of the operation member 42 and 52 when a user operates the operation member 42 and 52 can be improved. In addition, the elastic members 61 and 62 suppress the shaking of the first piece 40 and the second piece 50, and thus the appearance quality of the buckle 1 can be improved.

[0087] The operation members 42 and 52 are titanium alloys. According to this configuration, the designability of the operation members 42 and 52 can be improved.

[0088] The engaging members 41 and 51 are stainless steel. According to this configuration, the strength of the engaging members 41 and 51 can be improved. The strength of the engaging portion 9 formed in the engaging members 41 and 51 can be improved, and thus the engaging strength when the engaging portion 9 is engaged with the locking pin 11 of the buckle 1 can be improved, and the life of the engaging portion 9 can be improved.

[0089] At least one of the operation members 42 and 52 and the engaging members 41 and 51 has a connecting portion 45 and 55 that connects the operation members 42 and 52 and the engaging members 41 and 51 to each other. According to this configuration, by providing the connecting portions 45 and 55, the operation members 42 and 52 and the engaging members 41 and 51 can be firmly connected. The connecting portions 45 and 55 are provided in at least one of the operation members 42 and 52 and the engaging members 41 and 51, and thus, compared to a case in which the connecting portions 45 and 55 are composed of separate parts, the number of parts can be reduced, and the assembly workability can be improved.

[0090] The connecting portions 45 and 55 are formed with concave and convex shapes, and the operating components 42 and 52 and the engaging components 41 and 51 are connected by engaging in the thickness direction. According to this configuration, the operating components 42 and 52 and the engaging components 41 and 51 engage with each other in the thickness direction, so that, for example, after the operating components 42 and 52 are placed in the housing 20, the engaging components 41 and 51 can be placed from above the housing 20. Therefore, assembly workability can be improved.

[0091] The watch strap 13 of this embodiment includes the buckle 1 described above. Based on this configuration, a watch strap 13 with a buckle 1 that improves both appearance quality and strength compared to existing technologies can be provided.

[0092] The watch 10 of this embodiment includes a watch body 10a and the aforementioned watch strap 13 connected to the watch body 10a. Based on this configuration, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a wristwatch 10. Therefore, it is possible to provide a watch 10 equipped with a watch strap 13 having a buckle 1 that improves both appearance quality and strength compared to the prior art.

[0093] (Second Implementation) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment described above, and appropriate descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the engaging mechanism 205 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 205 according to the second embodiment, with the cover 230 installed. In the second embodiment, it differs from the first embodiment described above in that the first opening 217 and the second opening 218 are not through holes, but are formed in the form of cuts.

[0094] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the box body 220 in the second embodiment has a bottom wall 225, a right side wall 221, a left side wall 222, and a front side wall 224. A first opening 217 is formed on the right side wall 221. The first opening 217 is formed in the shape of a cut that recesses from the upper end (back end) of the right side wall 221 toward the bottom wall 225. The first opening 217 is rectangular in shape, open at the upper end when viewed in the width direction. A second opening 218 is formed on the left side wall 222. Like the first opening 217, the second opening 218 is formed in the shape of a cut that recesses from the upper end (back end) of the left side wall 222 toward the bottom wall 225.

[0095] In the inside of the case 220, the first sheet 40 formed of the first engaging member 41 and the first operation member 42 is housed. Also, in the inside of the case 220, the second sheet 50 formed of the second engaging member 51 and the second operation member 52 is housed. Further, the configurations of the first sheet 40 and the second sheet 50 are equivalent to those of the first sheet 40 and the second sheet 50 in the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

[0096] The cover 230 of the second embodiment has a pair of extension portions 236 in addition to the configuration of the cover 30 in the first embodiment described above. The pair of extension portions 236 is connected to the cover main body 231 and extends from the cover main body 231 toward both sides in the width direction. The pair of extension portions 236 is provided at positions corresponding to the upper end portions of the first opening portion 217 and the second opening portion 218, respectively. The pair of extension portions 236 covers the upper end portions of the first opening portion 217 and the second opening portion 218, respectively.

[0097] According to the buckle 1 of the second embodiment, the same functional effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. That is, the engaging members 41, 51 and the operation members 42, 52 are formed of separate parts, and thus, for example, the engaging members 41, 51 can be formed of high-strength steel such as stainless steel, and the operation members 42, 52 can be formed of a noble metal such as titanium. Thus, the strength of the engaging portions 9 formed of the engaging members 41, 51 can be ensured, and at the same time, the design of the operation members 42, 52 can be suppressed from being degraded.

[0098] Therefore, the buckle 1 that can improve both the appearance quality and the strength compared to the related art can be provided.

[0099] Further, the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be added without departing from the gist of the present application.

[0100] For example, in the embodiments described above, the first connecting portions 45 and the second connecting portions 55 are formed in a concave-convex shape by the convex portions 45a, 55a formed in the operation members 42, 52 and the concave portions 45b, 55b formed in the engaging members 41, 51, but are not limited thereto. The convex portions can be formed in the engaging members 41, 51, and the concave portions can be formed in the operation members 42, 52. Also, the first connecting portions 45 and the second connecting portions 55 can be formed without having a concave-convex shape. Specifically, for example, the operation members 42, 52 and the engaging members 41, 51 can be connected by adhesion or the like.

[0101] In the embodiments described above, the configuration in which a coil spring is used as one example of the elastic members 61, 62 is described, but is not limited thereto. The elastic members 61, 62 can be, for example, springs in a form other than a coil spring as long as the elastic members 61, 62 can apply a force to the engaging members 41, 51 in the direction in which the engaging members 41, 51 protrude toward the operation members 42, 52.

[0102] The material of the operation members 42, 52 is not limited to titanium alloy. The material of the engagement members 41, 51 is not limited to stainless steel.

[0103] The accessory is not limited to the watch 10. The band 13 and the clasp 1 provided to the band 13 as the accessory other than the watch 10 can also be applied to the configuration of the present embodiment.

[0104] Further, in a range not departing from the gist of the present application, the configuration elements in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known configuration elements, and the above-described embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0105] Explanation of Reference Signs 1, 101A, 101B Clasp 10 Watch (Timepiece) 10a Watch Main Body 11 Locking Pin (Engagement Protrusion) 13 Band (of Accessory) 17, 217 First Opening Portion (Opening Portion) 18, 218 Second Opening Portion (Opening Portion) 20, 120, 220 Box Body (Frame) 24, 224 Front Side Wall (One Side of Side Surface) 41 First Engagement Member (Engagement Member) 42 First Operation Member (Operation Member) 45 First Connection Portion (Connection Portion) 51 Second Engagement Member (Engagement Member) 52 Second Operation Member (Operation Member) 55 Second Connection Portion (Connection Portion) 61 First Elastic Member 62 Second Elastic Member

Claims

1. A buckle for connecting to the strap of an accessory, comprising: The frame has openings at both ends in the width direction of the watch strap; A pair of engaging components, each having a pair within the frame, forming an engaging portion that engages with one end of the buckle; and A pair of operating components, each connected to a pair of said engaging components, and inserted into said opening.

2. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, It has a locking protrusion located at one end of the buckle and extending into the frame. The engaging portion engages with the locking protrusion in a detachable manner.

3. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of operating components have: A first operating component, which protrudes outward from a first opening, which is one of the openings located at both ends of the frame, and is pressed and operated; and The second operating component protrudes outward from a second opening in the opening portion, which is different from the first opening portion, and is pressed and operated. The first operating component and the second operating component, when viewed from above, are positioned close to the side of the frame in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the operating component.

4. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of engaging components have: A first engaging component, which is connected to one of the pair of operating components; and The second engaging component is connected to the other of the pair of operating components. The buckle has the following features: The first elastic member applies force to the first engaging member in a protruding direction toward the one operating member; and The second elastic member applies force to the second engaging member in a protruding direction toward the other operating member.

5. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The operating components are made of titanium alloy.

6. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, The engaging component is made of stainless steel.

7. The buckle according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the operating component and the engaging component has a connecting portion that connects the operating component and the engaging component to each other.

8. The buckle according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting portion is formed in a manner that has a concave and convex shape. The interconnected operating components and the engaging components are connected by engaging in their thickness direction.

9. An accessory strap having a buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A clock that possesses: The main body of the clock; and The watch strap according to claim 9 is connected to the watch body.

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