Folding clasp for a band, in particular for a watch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a folding clasp (10) for a watch strap, the folding clasp comprising a frame (12), a first arm (42), and a second connecting member (49), the first arm being connected to one end of the frame (12) and to a first connecting member (48), the second connecting member being connected to the other end of the frame (12), or to one end of a second arm (43), the second arm being connected to the other end of the frame (12). The first connecting member (48) and the second connecting member (49) are each used to connect to one end of a segment of the watch strap. The folding clasp (10) further includes a closing mechanism and an adjusting device for adjusting the effective length of the watch strap, the closing mechanism being configured to lock the first arm (42) or the first and second arms (42, 43) in a position abutting against the frame (12). The adjusting device includes at least one adjusting unit (50) disposed within the frame (12). The adjusting unit includes a slider (52, 53) and a control member (60). The sliders (52, 53) are configured to move within the cavities (20, 21) of the frame (12) and are connected to one end of the first arm (42) or one of the first and second arms (42, 43). The control member (60) is connected to the sliders (52, 53) to move with the sliders and is capable of tilting about a rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of slider movement, thereby locking or unlocking the sliders (52, 53) within the cavities (20, 21) at at least two indexing positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of straps, and more particularly to watch straps. More specifically, this invention relates to a folding buckle that allows adjustment of the strap to improve wearing comfort. Background Technology

[0002] Devices for adjusting the length of a strap, especially a watch strap, to improve wearing comfort are known in the prior art. Generally speaking, these devices can be divided into two categories: one type is integrated between two elements of the strap to change the distance between the two elements; the other type is integrated into the buckle of the strap to change the length of the buckle when it is in the closed position.

[0003] EP3893688 discloses an example of a first-type device. The device includes an outer component and a slider. The outer component is fixed to one of two elements of a belt, and the slider is fixed to the other element of the belt and configured to slide within the outer component along the longitudinal direction of the belt to change the length of the belt. The outer component also includes a wall portion with an opening on its inner side. The slider includes a hook device and a spring, the spring being configured to engage the hook device in the opening, thereby allowing the slider to be fixed relative to the outer component at at least one relative position that gives the belt a predetermined length.

[0004] The aforementioned adjustment device is not completely concealed because, when the device is in the extended configuration, the slider is visible in the portion of the belt body adjacent to the fastener. Furthermore, integrating the adjustment device into two elements of the belt body, particularly two links, requires precise and complex machining of the links housing the device. This implementation is unsuitable for links typically made of difficult-to-machine materials, especially ceramic links.

[0005] CH714461A2 discloses an example of a second type of adjusting device integrated into a fastener. The fastener includes a first folded piece hinged to one end of a second folded piece. The second folded piece carries a fastening member for a first belt segment at its second end, while the first folded piece is connected to a second belt segment. The adjusting device includes a cover mounted on a base plate, the base plate being fixed to the second end of the second folded piece. The fastening member for the first belt segment is configured to slide between the cover and the base plate, between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the fastening member is at least partially engaged within the cover of the fastener; in the second position, the fastening member is disengaged from the cover of the fastener. The fastening member is moved by pressing the cover in a direction perpendicular to the fastener.

[0006] This adjustment device is particularly disadvantageous due to its large thickness and numerous components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a fastener that overcomes the limitations of the prior art described above.

[0008] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a fastener that integrates an easily manufactured adjustment device.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a fastener that occupies less space in the thickness direction.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a reliable fastener.

[0011] The aforementioned objective is achieved, at least in part, by a folding buckle for a belt body. The folding buckle includes a frame, a first arm, and a second connecting member. The first arm is connected to one end of the frame and to the first connecting member, and the second connecting member is connected to the other end of the frame, or to one end of a second arm, which is connected to the other end of the frame. Each of the first and second connecting members is used to connect to one end of a segment of the belt body. The folding buckle also includes a closing mechanism and an adjusting device for adjusting the effective length of the belt body. The closing mechanism is configured to lock either the first arm or both the first and second arms in a position against the frame. The adjusting device includes at least one adjusting unit disposed within the frame. The adjusting unit includes a slider movably disposed within a cavity of the frame and connected to one end of the first arm or one of the first and second arms. The adjusting unit also includes a control member connected to the slider to move with the slider and capable of tilting about a rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of slider movement, thereby locking or releasing the slider at at least two indexing positions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adjustment device includes two adjustment units, which are disposed on both sides of the central portion of the frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control component of the adjustment unit includes a locking element configured to cooperate with a mating locking element disposed in the cavity, the mating locking element being connected to or forming part of a frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control component of the adjustment unit includes a cover that can shield the cavity alone or together with the connecting component, regardless of the slider's indexing position.

[0015] In this embodiment, the thickness of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is equivalent to the thickness of the strip segment.

[0016] In this implementation, the two parts have different visual appearances. The part used as a button has a different surface texture than the other part, for example, it has a serrated surface to improve grip.

[0017] In one embodiment, the adjustment unit further includes a reset member that acts on the control member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control component of the adjustment unit is connected to the slider via a connecting rod, the end of which is configured to move along a blind groove or a through groove. The blind groove or through groove extends along the side edge of the cavity of the frame, and the through groove passes through the side edge from one side to the other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first arm and the second arm each include two support arms; when the fastener is in a closed configuration, the two support arms are positioned to abut against the side edge of the cavity or the corresponding cavity of the frame to shield the through slot.

[0020] In one embodiment, the slider of the adjustment unit includes two lateral arms, which are disposed on both sides of the connecting element of the control component. The connecting rod passes through the two lateral arms of the slider and the connecting element of the control component.

[0021] In one embodiment, the slider of the adjustment unit includes a connecting part located outside the cavity, the connecting part being connected to one of the first arm and the second arm via a fastening rod.

[0022] In an embodiment, when the fastener is in the closed configuration, the adjustment unit is completely shielded by one of the first arm and the second arm, one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the belt segment connected to the connecting member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the closing mechanism includes two locking members disposed opposite to each other and at least one reset member disposed between the locking members. Each locking member includes at least one latch, which is configured to engage with a slot located at one end of the corresponding arm when the adjusting unit or the slider of each adjusting unit is in either of the at least two indexing positions.

[0024] In one embodiment, the slot has a curved profile. At least one latch of each locking member has a curved surface, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the slot. The curvature corresponds to the curved trajectory traversed by the slider of the adjusting unit as it moves within its cavity from one of the at least two indexed positions to the other.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fastener further includes a cover. When the slider of the adjusting unit or each adjusting unit is in one of the at least two indexing positions, the cover is covered by the first connecting member and the second connecting member; when the slider of the adjusting unit or each adjusting unit is in the other of the at least two indexing positions, the cover is at least partially visible.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a watch strap including a fastener according to any of the above embodiments.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a watch that includes a watch strap according to any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of the fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A bottom-view perspective view of the fastener shown; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The fastener shown is in its unfolded configuration (3D view). Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The exploded view of the fastener shown is omitted, omitting the connecting components; Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the frame shown; Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A bottom-view perspective view of one of the control components shown; Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of one of the sliders shown; Figure 8 An exploded view of the fastener's closing mechanism is shown; Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 An enlarged view of one of the two locking components shown; Figure 10 A side view of the fastener in its extended configuration is shown; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 Sectional view along line AA; Figure 12a A top view of the fastener is shown when each adjustment unit of the belt adjustment device is in the first position; Figure 12b It shows Figure 12a Sectional view along line BB; Figure 12c It shows Figure 12a Sectional view along line CC; Figure 13a A top view of the fastener is shown when each adjustment unit of the belt adjustment device is in the second position; Figure 13b It shows Figure 13aA sectional view along line DD; and Figure 13c It shows Figure 13a A cross-sectional view along line EE. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The fastener shown in the accompanying drawings in a non-limiting manner represents a preferred embodiment. More specifically, fastener 10 is a three-piece folding clasp for closing a watch strap consisting of two segments.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 4 More specifically, the fastener 10 includes a frame 12, the overall shape of which is curved to conform to a portion of the wearer's wrist circumference. A first arm 42 and a second arm 43 are respectively hinged to a first end and a second end of the frame 12 via a fastening rod 47a. Each arm 42, 43 includes two lateral support arms 44, the two lateral support arms 44 being connected to each other at one end via a connecting element 45. Figure 4 and Figure 8 The connecting element 45 is connected to the corresponding connecting members 48 and 49 via a fastening rod 47b, the connecting members being configured to connect to the free end of the corresponding belt segment of the belt body.

[0031] Each arm 44 also has a groove or slot 46 on the inner side of the connecting element 45; when the two arms 42, 43 are folded and abut against the frame 12, the groove or slot 46 is used to cooperate with the closing mechanism of the fastener 10. In this configuration, the two arms 44 of each arm 42, 43 are arranged abutting against two sides of the frame 12. In particular, as Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the closing mechanism of the fastener 10 may include, for example, two locking members 30a and 30b, which are disposed opposite each other at the central portion 14 of the frame 12 to ensure that the fastener remains stable in the closed state. For this purpose, the central portion 14 includes two surfaces 16 separated by an edge 19, each surface having a protruding element 18 serving as a stop, as described below. For example, the protruding element 18 may be a pin extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface 16. The pin 18 may be oblong.

[0032] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 11 Each locking component includes a button 32, a locking body 34 with a central opening 36, and two latches 38; the two latches 38 are respectively disposed on both sides of the button 32 and recessed inward relative to the button 32 to engage the slots 46 at one end of each arm 42, 43 of the fastener. The locking body 34 of each locking component is mounted on two surfaces 16. Figure 5Furthermore, the pin 18 is disposed within the central opening 36 of each body 34. For example, a return member 40 for a leaf spring is disposed between the locking body 34 and the edge 19 to apply a preload to the two locking members.

[0033] When each locking member 30a, 30b is in a stationary state, one side edge of the central opening 36 of the body 34 preferably abuts against one side edge of the pin 18; while when the wearer actuates each locking member 30a, 30b to open the fastener, the opposite side edges of the central opening 36 of the body 34 abut against the opposite side edges of the pin 18. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, the width L of the opening 36 in the body of each locking member 30a, 30b defines the travel distance of the locking member for opening the fastener. Pressing the button 32 of each locking member 30a, 30b disengages the latch 38 from the slot 46, thereby opening the fastener.

[0034] In the simplest embodiment, the closing mechanism may consist of only a single locking member 30a, which is movable between a rest position and a retracted position; the locking member reaches the rest position under the force of the reset member 40 and reaches the retracted position under the force applied by the user against the force of the reset member 40. In this case, the second locking member 30b may be fixed or absent. Furthermore, where permitted by the implementation, the locking members 30a and 30b may consist of only a single latch 38. In particular, when the fastener 10 consists of only a single folding arm, rather than the two folding arms shown in the figures illustrating the preferred embodiment, the locking member may be provided with only a single latch 38.

[0035] Especially refer to Figures 4 to 7 The fastener 10 also includes an adjustment device for adjusting the effective length of the strap to improve wearing comfort. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes two adjustment units 50, namely a first adjustment unit and a second adjustment unit, which are respectively disposed in the first cavity 20 and the second cavity 21 of the frame 12 and located on both sides of the central portion 14. The first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit are respectively connected to one end of the first arm 42 and the second arm 43.

[0036] For this purpose, each adjustment unit 50 includes a corresponding slider 52, 53, which is configured to move within a corresponding cavity 20, 21 of the frame 12. Each cavity 20, 21 includes two side edges 22, 23, a transverse edge 25, and an opening; the transverse edge 25 extends perpendicular to one end of the two side edges 22, 23, and the opening is located opposite the transverse edge 25, i.e., at the other end of the side edges 22, 23. Figure 7 As shown, each slider includes a connecting portion 54, which is located outside the cavities 20 and 21 and on the opening side of the cavity (see Figure 1). Figure 8The corresponding connecting parts 54 are connected to the first arm 42 and the second arm 43 respectively via fastening rods 47a.

[0037] Each adjustment unit 50 also includes a control component 60, which is pivotally connected to the corresponding sliders 52 and 53 via a connecting rod 69. The end of the connecting rod 69 is configured to move along an elongated opening 24, which extends along the side edges 22 and 23 of the corresponding cavities 20 and 21 of the frame 12. The elongated opening can be a through slot extending from one side to the other through the side edges 22 and 23, or it can be a blind slot. In the latter case, the end of the connecting rod 69 is disposed in the blind slot.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the implementation using the through slot 24 has the following advantages: the connecting rod 69 can utilize the full available width of the side edges 22 and 23, thereby improving the stability of the slider within its cavity while allowing for a smaller thickness of the side edges 22 and 23. Another advantage is that the support arms 44 of each arm 42 and 43 are configured to cover the slot 24 when the corresponding arms 42 and 43 are in the folded position in the closed configuration of the fastener. Thus, the slot 24 is protected from external impurities, preventing blockage of the adjustment mechanism and concealing the adjustment mechanism.

[0039] The control member 60 includes a cover 62 pivotable about a rotation axis defined by a connecting rod 69 and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sliders 52 and 53; more specifically, the cover pivots in a plane parallel to the plane containing the direction of movement of the sliders. For this purpose, the lower surface of the cover includes a connecting element 66, and each slider 52, 53 includes two lateral arms 57 disposed on either side of the connecting element 66 of the cover. The connecting rod 69 passes through the two lateral arms 57 of the slider and the connecting element 66 of the cover.

[0040] The cover 62 is shaped to cover the corresponding cavities 20, 21 of the frame 12, particularly shielding the corresponding cavities at at least one indexing position of the slider. Especially as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, the cover 62 is preferably embedded in the cavities 20 and 21, and its upper surface is preferably flush with the upper surface of the sidewall 23 and the upper surface of the lateral edge 25. Alternatively, the cover 62 may have a protrusion extending beyond the lateral edge 25 toward the central portion 14, so that the cavities 20 and 21 can be covered by the cover 62 alone, regardless of the indexing position of the slider on which the cover is mounted. In this case, the upper surface of the cover may be flush with the upper surface of the sidewall 23, while the upper surface of the lateral edge 25 may be recessed relative to the upper surface of the sidewall 23 by a distance equal to the thickness of the protrusion. The upper surface of the cover is divided into two parts on both sides of its axis of rotation, one part of which serves as a button 63. The surface of the button may have a different visual appearance than the other part to indicate the area to be pressed.

[0041] The surface of button 63 may have a raised structure, such as a serrated surface, to provide a good grip when the button is pressed. Cover 62 is also shaped such that its side edges preferably match the curved contours of the two side edges 22, 23 of the corresponding cavities 20, 21. One end of cover 62 is provided with a locking element 64, which is configured to cooperate with a mating locking element 68 connected to frame 12.

[0042] The locking element 64 may be in the form of a flange, extending along the end of the cover 62 and inclined relative to the overall plane of the cover, preferably perpendicular to the overall plane. In a variant not shown, the locking element 64 may include one or more hooks located at the end of the cover or below the cover.

[0043] Each adjustment unit 50 also includes a reset component 56. Figure 4 The reset member is, for example, installed in the receiving portion 55 of the sliders 52 and 53. The reset member 56 may be, for example, in the form of a leaf spring. The reset member 56 applies a preload to a region on the lower surface of the cover, the region being, for example, opposite to the raised surface of the button 63, thereby generating a force that tends to pivot the cover 62 about the connecting rod 69.

[0044] According to a variant not shown, each adjustment unit 50 does not have a reset member. For example, the cover can be held in an untilted position by a snap-fit ​​system. To this end, the flange 64 of the cover may include a protruding element configured to cooperate with a recess located on the lateral edge 25 of the cavity.

[0045] The engaging locking element 68, configured to cooperate with the locking element 64 of the control member 60, takes the form of a locking lever in the illustrated example. The two ends of the locking lever 68 are fixed to the corresponding side edges 22 and 23 of the cavities 20 and 21, and are located near the lateral edge 25.

[0046] Therefore, each control element 60 is configured on the one hand to lock the corresponding sliders 52, 53 in the first indexing position within the cavities 20, 21, and on the other hand to release the locking of the sliders 52, 53 so that they can move to at least the second indexing position, as will be explained in detail below.

[0047] Especially refer to Figure 8 The fastener also includes a cover 26, which includes a fixing plate 27. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the fixing plate 27 is fixed to the central portion 14 of the frame 12 by screws, for example, at two areas on both sides of the edge 19. The fixing plate forms two receiving portions for accommodating the two locking members 30a, 30b of the fastener.

[0048] Especially Figure 12a As shown, when the corresponding sliders 52 and 53 of each adjusting unit 50 are in the first indexing position, the cover 26 is preferably completely covered by the two connecting members 48 and 49. The first indexing position corresponds to the minimum length of the fastener 10 in the closed configuration. Figure 13a As shown, when the corresponding sliders 52 and 53 of each adjustment unit 50 are in the second indexing position, the cover 26 is visible. The second indexing position corresponds to the maximum length of the fastener in the closed configuration. When the corresponding sliders 52 and 53 of the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit 50 are in the first indexing position and the second indexing position, respectively, or vice versa, the cover 26 is also partially visible.

[0049] The visual appearance of the cover 26 is preferably the same as that of at least one visible surface of each connecting member 48, 49, so that the cover is integrated with the two connecting members when the cover is at least partially visible. The thickness of the first connecting member and the second connecting members 48, 49 is preferably comparable to the thickness of the belt segment. The belt segment is typically composed of multiple links, the appearance of which is preferably the same as or similar to that of the connecting members. Thus, when the fastener is in the closed position, the visible surfaces, i.e., the belt segments and the upper surfaces of the connecting members, can be at the same height and aligned with each other.

[0050] This structure, which does not add extra thickness, not only gives the belt body equipped with fastener 10 a neat appearance, but also prevents premature wear or damage to the protruding parts of the fastener, a problem that often occurs with fasteners that have covers. In a preferred embodiment, the belt body segment is composed of multiple links, and the dimensions of the first connecting member and the second connecting members 48, 49 are substantially the same as the dimensions of at least some of the links in the belt body segment.

[0051] Figures 12a to 12cThe fastener is shown in a closed configuration and in a state corresponding to the minimum length of the fastener. In this configuration, two connecting members 48 and 49, which are arranged to connect to the two free ends of the belt, abut against each other. Therefore, in this configuration, the belt (not shown) connected to the connecting members 48 and 49 of the fastener has a minimum circumference.

[0052] Reference Figure 12b Each control member 60 has a cover 62 with a flange 64 that engages with a locking lever 68, which is connected to the side edge of the cavity housing the slider. A reset member 56 applies a force to the lower region of the cover 62, causing the cover 62 to pivot about its pivot in the direction that presses the cover against the locking lever 68. Because the cover is connected to the slider, the slider cannot move within the cavity. In this configuration, as... Figure 12c As shown, the two locking tongues 38 of each locking component 30a and 30b of the closing mechanism are fully accommodated in the corresponding slots 46, which are located at the end of the arm of each arm of the fastener and at the connecting element 45, thereby ensuring that the fastener is closed.

[0053] To extend the fastener, it must be in the extended position. The wearer must then press button 63, causing the cover 62 to tilt about the connecting rod 69. This disengages the locking rod 68 from the flange 64 of the cover. The wearer can then move sliders 52 and 53 within their cavities while pressing button 63. During this movement, the end of the connecting rod 69 moves along an elongated opening 24 that extends along the side edges 22 and 23 of the cavities 20 and 21 of the frame 12 until the connecting rod 69, for example, abuts one end of one of the two elongated openings.

[0054] Figures 13a to 13c The fastener is shown in a closed configuration and in a state corresponding to its maximum length. In this configuration, the two connecting members 48 and 49 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, in this configuration, the belt (not shown) of the connecting members 48 and 49 connected to the fastener has the maximum circumference.

[0055] exist Figure 13b In the fastener configuration shown, the corresponding sliders 52 and 53 of each adjusting unit have been moved to the second indexing position. Moving each adjusting unit to the second indexing position moves the connecting portion 54 of each slider 52 and 53 away from the corresponding end of the frame 12. This increases the distance between the two connecting members 48 and 49 of the fastener, thereby increasing the circumference of the belt.

[0056] In the example shown in the attached figures, the second indexing position of each slider 52, 53 is determined by the length of the elongated oval opening 24 extending along the side edges 22, 23 of each cavity 20, 21, since one end of these openings serves as a stop for the connecting rod 69. It should also be noted that the flange 64 of the cover 62 of each adjusting unit abuts against the locking rod 68. Therefore, in this configuration of the fastener, the movement of the sliders 52, 53 of each adjusting unit in both directions is blocked by either the locking rod 68 or one end of the elongated oval opening 24.

[0057] Depend on Figure 13c It can be seen that the locking tongues 38 of each locking body of the closing mechanism are fully engaged in the slots 46 of the two arms, thereby ensuring reliable closure when the fastener is at its maximum length.

[0058] It should also be noted that the slot 46 extends along a curved path because the elongation of the fastener will cause the connecting part 54 of each slider connected to the corresponding arm to translate along the curved path.

[0059] Each latch 38 of the closing mechanism has a curved surface whose curvature corresponds to that of the slot 46. Thus, when the fastener is in the closed configuration, the curved surface can slide along the slot as the slider moves from the first indexing position to the second indexing position and from the second indexing position back to the first indexing position, thereby guiding the two arms 42, 43.

[0060] Depending on the indexing position of each adjustment unit, the fastener 10 can be adjusted to three different lengths.

[0061] In another embodiment, not shown, the fastener may be a two-piece folding fastener. For this purpose, one end of an arm is connected to one end of a frame, and the other end of the arm is connected to a first connecting member. A second connecting member is connected to the other end of the frame. Each connecting member is used to connect to one end of a segment of the belt. The fastener also includes a closing mechanism and means for adjusting the effective length of the belt, the closing mechanism being configured to lock the arm in a position against the frame; the means includes an adjustment unit disposed within the frame, the features of which are the same as or similar to the adjustment unit described above in conjunction with the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Various modifications can be made to the fastener described above without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the fastener may include only a single adjusting unit configured to move only one of the two arms of the three-piece fastener relative to the frame. Furthermore, the fastener may be designed to allow the adjusting unit, or each of the two adjusting units, to be positioned in more than two indexing positions. For example, for a three-piece fastener, enabling each adjusting unit to be positioned in three different indexing positions allows the fastener to have five different lengths.

[0063] List of reference numerals 10 retractable fasteners Frame 12 Central Department 14 Surface 16 Protruding element 18 (e.g., pin). Edge 19 Cavities 20 and 21 Side edge 22 Slot 24 Horizontal edge 25 Cover 26 Fixed plate 27 Locking components 30a, 30b Button 32 Locked subject 34 Opening 36 Locking tongue 38 Reset component 40 First and second arms 42, 43 44-inch side arm Connecting element 45 46 slots Fastening rods 47a, 47b Connecting components 48 and 49 Adjustment device Adjustment unit 50 Sliders 52 and 53 Connecting part 54 Reception section 55 Reset component 56 Lateral arm 57 Control component 60 Cover 62 Button 63 (e.g., with a serrated surface) Locking element 64 (e.g., flange) Connecting element 66 With the cooperation of locking element 68 (e.g., locking lever). Connecting rod 69.

Claims

1. A folding buckle (10) for a belt body, the folding buckle (10) comprising a frame (12), a first arm (42) and a second connecting member (49), the first arm (42) being connected to one end of the frame (12) and to a first connecting member (48), the second connecting member (49) being connected to the other end of the frame (12), or to one end of a second arm (43), the second arm (43) being connected to the other end of the frame (12); the first connecting member (48) and the second connecting member (49) each being used to connect to one end of a corresponding belt segment of the belt body; the folding buckle (10) further comprising a closing mechanism and an adjusting device for adjusting the effective length of the belt body, the closing mechanism being configured to lock the first arm (42) or the first arm (42) and the second arm (43) in a position abutting against the frame (12); The adjustment device includes at least one adjustment unit (50) disposed within the frame (12), the adjustment unit (50) comprising: Slider (52, 53), the slider (52, 53) is configured to move in the cavity (20, 21) of the frame (12) and is connected to one end of the first arm (42), or to one of the first arm (42) and the second arm (43); as well as A control member (60) is connected to the sliders (52, 53) to move with the sliders (52, 53) and to tilt about a rotation axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sliders (52, 53), thereby locking the sliders (52, 53) in the cavity (20, 21) or releasing the sliders (52, 53) from locking at at least two indexing positions.

2. The folding buckle (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustment device includes two adjustment units (50), which are disposed on both sides of the central part of the frame (12).

3. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control component (60) of the adjustment unit (50) includes a locking element (64) configured to cooperate with a cooperating locking element (68) connected to or forming part of the frame (12) and disposed in the cavity (20, 21).

4. The folding buckle (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The control component (60) of the adjustment unit (50) includes a cover (62) which can cover the cavity (20, 21) alone or together with the connecting components (48, 49), regardless of the indexing position of the slider (52, 53).

5. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The thickness of the first connecting member (48) and the second connecting member (49) is equivalent to the thickness of the belt segment.

6. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment unit (50) also includes a reset member (56) that acts on the control member (60).

7. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control component (60) of the adjustment unit (50) is connected to the slider (52, 53) via a connecting rod (69). The end of the connecting rod (69) is configured to move along a blind groove or through groove (24). The blind groove or through groove (24) extends along the side edges (22, 23) of the cavity (20, 21) of the frame (12). The through groove (24) passes through the side edges (22, 23) from one side to the other.

8. The folding buckle (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The first arm (42) and the second arm (43) each include two support arms (44). When the folding buckle (10) is in the closed configuration, the support arms (44) are arranged to abut against the side edge (22, 23) of the cavity or corresponding cavity (20, 21) of the frame (12) to cover the through groove (24).

9. The folding buckle (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The sliders (52, 53) of the adjustment unit (50) include two lateral arms (57), which are arranged on both sides of the connecting element (66) of the control member (60). The connecting rod (69) passes through the two lateral arms (57) of the sliders (52, 53) and the connecting element (66).

10. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sliders (52, 53) of the adjustment unit (50) include a connecting part (54) located outside the cavity (20, 21), which is connected to one of the first arm (42) and the second arm (43) by a fastening rod (47a).

11. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the folding buckle (10) is in the closed configuration, the adjustment unit (50) is completely covered by one of the first arm (42) and the second arm (43), one of the first connecting member (48) and the second connecting member (49), and the belt segment connected to the respective connecting member.

12. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The closing mechanism includes two locking members (30a, 30b) arranged opposite to each other and at least one reset member (40) disposed between the two locking members (30a, 30b). Each locking member (30a, 30b) includes at least one latch (38), which is configured to engage with a slot (46) disposed at one end of the corresponding arm (42, 43) when the slider (52, 53) of the adjusting unit or each adjusting unit (50) is in any of the at least two indexing positions.

13. The folding buckle (10) according to claim 12, wherein, The slot (46) has a curved profile, and at least one latch (38) of each locking member (30a, 30b) has a curved surface, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the slot (46), which corresponds to the curved trajectory traversed by the slider (52, 53) of the adjustment unit (50) as it moves from one of the at least two indexing positions to the other within its cavity.

14. The folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a cover (26) configured to be covered by the first connecting member (48) and the second connecting member (49) when the sliders (52, 53) of the adjustment unit or each adjustment unit (50) are in one of the at least two indexing positions; and to be at least partially visible when the sliders (52, 53) of the adjustment unit or each adjustment unit (50) are in the other of the at least two indexing positions.

15. A strap body comprising a folding buckle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. A watch comprising a strap as claimed in claim 15.

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