FASTENING DEVICE

Abstract

A buckle (1) comprises connecting elements (2A, 2B), and the connecting elements (2A, 2B) each comprise a plot (21A, 21B), a plug (31A, 31B), and a socket (41A, 41B). The plug (31A) is arranged such that it can be inserted into the socket (41B) in an X direction. The plug (31B) is arranged such that it can be inserted into the socket (41C) in the X direction. The buckle (1) comprises at least one preload section of a first preload section (51A) or a second preload section (51B). The first preload section (51A) is provided in an inner section (45A) of the socket (41A) and preloads the plug (31A) in an insertion state towards the plug (31B) in a Y direction. The second preload section (51B) is provided in an inner section (45B) of the socket (41B) and preloads the plug (31B) in an insertion state towards the plug (31A) in the Y direction.The other buckles (1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L) are also essentially constructed in a similar way to the buckle described above.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device, for example a buckle, which releasably connects connecting elements to one another. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] As a connecting device, a buckle that detachably connects connecting elements of the same shape to each other is known from the prior art (see Patent Literature 1). The connecting elements each include a land and a plug and a socket extending from the land. The connecting elements can be connected to each other by inserting the plug of one connecting element into the socket of the other connecting element, and inserting the plug of the other connecting element into the socket of the one connecting element, thereby engaging the plugs with each other. The plug is provided with a flexible arm-shaped spring portion (bias portion) that extends from a tip of the plug toward the land and is positioned outward in a width direction of the buckle.The spring portions are pressed against the inner walls of the sockets to undergo elastic deformation in the width direction, and the plugs are moved closer to each other in the width direction to engage with each other, thus connecting the connecting elements. At this time, the sockets are spaced apart from each other to a certain extent in the width direction.

[0003] To separate the connectors from each other, the respective sockets of the connectors are moved close to each other in the width direction, thereby moving the plugs away from each other in the width direction to release the engagement of the plugs. LIST OF REFERENCES PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent Literature 1: European Patent No. 3462967 STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM(S) TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] Since the spring portions of the buckle described in Patent Literature 1 each extend from the tip of the connector toward the property and are positioned outward in the width direction, the spring portions are exposed to the outside when the connecting elements are separated, which may lead to the spring portions becoming entangled in foreign matter. Furthermore, the spring portions being exposed to the outside is structurally disadvantageous.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a connecting device which has connecting elements whose prestressing sections are not exposed to the outside. MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM(S)

[0007] A connecting device according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, wherein the first connecting element and the second connecting element are detachably connectable to one another, wherein the first connecting element has a first portion and a first plug and a first socket extending from the first portion, the second connecting element has a second portion and a second plug and a second socket extending from the second portion, the first plug is arranged such that it can be inserted into the second socket in an insertion direction, the second plug is arranged such that it can be inserted into the first socket in the insertion direction, and the connecting device has at least one biasing portion of a first biasing portion or a second biasing portion,wherein the first biasing portion is provided in an inner portion of the first socket and biases the first plug in an insertion state in a width direction toward the second plug, wherein the second biasing portion is provided in an inner portion of the second socket and biases the second plug in an insertion state in the width direction toward the first plug, wherein the width direction intersects the insertion direction.

[0008] According to the connecting device of the first aspect of the invention, the at least one biasing portion can be used in the connection and disconnection of the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Furthermore, because the one biasing portion is provided in at least one of the inner portion of the first socket and the inner portion of the second socket, the one biasing portion is not exposed to the outside even in a state where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separated from each other. Thus, the inconvenience of a foreign matter being caught in the biasing portion can be reduced. Furthermore, the biasing portion is not exposed to the outside even when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separated from each other to individually constitute a single connecting member. Consequently, the design of the connecting device can be improved.

[0009] In the connecting device according to the first aspect, in the connecting device according to a second aspect of the invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be brought into an engaged state by a mutual separating movement in the width direction and they can be brought into a disengaged state by a mutual approaching movement in the width direction against a biasing force of the at least one biasing portion.

[0010] In this arrangement, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected to each other in the engaged state, and the first bushing and the second bushing are moved close to each other in the width direction, whereby the engaged state can be released against the biasing force of the at least one biasing portion. This causes the first connecting element and the second connecting element to be detachable from each other in the insertion direction.

[0011] In the connector device according to the first or second aspect, in the connector device according to a third aspect of the invention, at least the first plug may have a claw projecting in the width direction toward the first socket.

[0012] With this arrangement, the claw protruding as described above can be used to connect and disconnect the first connecting member and the second connecting member by moving the first connecting member and the second connecting member toward each other in the width direction.

[0013] In the connector according to any one of the first to third aspects, the connector according to a fourth aspect of the invention may include both the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion, a tip of the first biasing portion may be in contact with the second plug in an engaged state of the first connector and the second connector, and a tip of the second biasing portion may be in contact with the first plug in the engaged state.

[0014] With this arrangement, since the first connector and the second connector are arranged in the engaged state between the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion in the width direction, the first connector and the second connector can be held in the engaged state by the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion. This makes it possible to further stabilize the connection state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, for example, compared to the case where only one of the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion is provided.

[0015] In the connecting device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in the connecting device according to a fifth aspect of the invention, at least the first plug may be provided with a guide surface by which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are moved away from each other in the insertion direction in a disengaged state of the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0016] With this arrangement, when the first socket and the second socket are moved close to each other in the width direction to disengage the first plug and the second plug, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be moved away from each other by being guided by the guide surface. Consequently, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be smoothly separated from each other by a user simply grasping the connecting device to move the first socket and the second socket close to each other in the width direction.

[0017] In the connecting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in the connecting device according to a sixth aspect of the invention, the first socket may have a side edge along the insertion direction and the second socket may have a side edge along the insertion direction, the side edge of the first socket and the side edge of the second socket may oppose each other at a distance in the width direction in an engaged state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the side edges may each be inclined with respect to a thickness direction such that an outer part of the side edge in the thickness direction is positioned outward in the width direction from an inner part of the side edge in the thickness direction, the thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction and the width direction.

[0018] This arrangement can reduce inconveniences such as fingers getting caught between the side edges that may occur when the first socket and the second socket are moved close to each other.

[0019] In the connecting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, in the connecting device according to a seventh aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug can be releasably engaged with each other in an engaged state of the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0020] For example, compared with the case where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are each provided with an engaging portion for engaging with the first plug and the second plug, a dimension in the width direction of the connecting device can be reduced since no engaging portion is provided in this arrangement, whereby the connecting device can have a compact size.

[0021] In the connecting device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in the connecting device according to an eighth aspect of the invention, at least the first socket may have a bottom surface located near the first land, the bottom surface defining the inner portion of the first socket, and the at least one biasing portion may be provided in the form of a leaf spring extending from the bottom surface in the insertion direction.

[0022] With this arrangement, the punching release during the manufacture of the first connecting element and the second connecting element is easy because the preloading portion is provided in the form of the leaf spring described above. Furthermore, the need to provide, for example, a punched hole solely for forming a preloading portion on the first bushing and / or the second bushing can be eliminated.

[0023] In the connector according to the eighth aspect, in the connector according to a ninth aspect of the invention, at least the first socket may have a side surface continuous with the bottom surface, the side surface being spaced apart from the second plug in the width direction when the second plug is inserted into the first socket, and in an engaged state of the first connector and the second connector, the at least one biasing portion may be arranged to be elastically deformable between the side surface and the second plug, and a tip of the at least one biasing portion may be in contact with the second plug.

[0024] With this arrangement, the fact that the tip of the biasing portion is in contact with the second plug in the engaged state of the first plug and the second plug allows the engagement state to be stabilized. Furthermore, by pressing the first socket in the width direction to move the biasing portion close to the second plug, the above-described engagement state can be released while elastically deforming the biasing portion.

[0025] In the connector according to the eighth or ninth aspect, in the connector according to a tenth aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may each have a claw at a tip thereof, and the at least one biasing portion may extend from the bottom surface to a position facing the claw of the first plug in the width direction.

[0026] In the connecting device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, in the connecting device according to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may each have a claw at a tip thereof, wherein a width-direction dimension of the claw of the second plug may be smaller than a width-direction dimension between the at least one biasing portion and the first plug, and a width-direction dimension of a part of the second plug excluding the claw may gradually increase along a direction from the claw toward the second land and may be larger than the width-direction dimension between the at least one biasing portion and the first plug.

[0027] With this arrangement, reducing the widthwise dimension of the claw of the second connector allows for easy insertion of the second connector between the biasing portion and the first connector. Furthermore, the above-described gradual increase in the widthwise dimension of the part of the second connector excluding the claw allows the second connector to be pressed by the biasing portion. Consequently, the engagement state can be advantageously maintained.

[0028] Further, the second plug is pushed by the biasing portion, and then the second plug and the first plug engage with each other, which may produce a clicking feeling when engaging the first and second plugs.

[0029] In the connecting device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in the connecting device according to a twelfth aspect of the invention, at least the first bushing may have a side surface defining the inner portion of the first bushing, and the at least one biasing portion may be provided in the form of a leaf spring extending from the side surface.

[0030] With this arrangement, the biasing portion can be easily provided even when the space for the biasing portion is small, for example, compared to the case where the first socket has the bottom surface defining the inner portion of the first socket, and a biasing portion is provided on the bottom surface. Accordingly, the connector device can be made compact in size.

[0031] In the connecting device according to the twelfth aspect, in the connecting device according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the at least one biasing section can extend from the side surface towards the first property.

[0032] With this arrangement, the biasing portion per se of the first socket can also be used as a guide to guide the second plug into a space between the biasing portion and the first plug. In this way, the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be smoothly connected to each other.

[0033] In the connecting device according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in the connecting device according to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the at least one pre-tensioning section may be inclined with respect to the insertion direction, such that a part of the at least one pre-tensioning section near the tip thereof is away from the side surface.

[0034] With this arrangement, it is possible to easily create a space for the elastic deformation of the pre-tensioning section between the tip of the pre-tensioning section and the side surface.

[0035] In the connecting device according to one of the twelfth or fourteenth aspects, in the connecting device according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may each have a claw at its tip, and a tip of the at least one biasing section may be arranged at a position that corresponds in the insertion direction to a position where the claw of the second plug is engaged in the engaged state.

[0036] Since in this arrangement the claw of the second plug can be pressed by the tip of the biasing section, the engaged state of the first plug and the second plug can be stabilized.

[0037] In the connecting device according to one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, in the connecting device according to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, a tip of the at least one preloading section may protrude in the width direction towards the first plug.

[0038] In this arrangement, the second plug comes into contact with the tip of the biasing section, and then the elastic deformation of the biasing section increases, whereby the engagement state of the first plug and the second plug can be stabilized. In addition, the elastic deformation of the biasing section, which increases as described above, can generate a clicking feeling during the engagement between the first plug and the second plug. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the biasing section can be kept small until the second plug comes into contact with the tip of the biasing section, which facilitates the insertion of the second plug between the first plug and the biasing section.

[0039] In the connector device according to any one of the first to tenth and twelfth to sixteenth aspects, in the connector device according to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, the first socket may have a first engagement portion for engaging with the second plug in an engagement state of the first connector and the second connector, the second socket may have a second engagement portion for engaging with the first plug in the engagement state, and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction and arranged in the width direction between the first plugs and the second plug in the engagement state.

[0040] With this arrangement, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can engage with each other at two points by engaging the first engaging portion with the second plug and the second engaging portion with the first plug. Consequently, the engagement strength can be increased, for example, compared to the case where the first plug and the second plug engage with each other at one point (by single-point engagement).

[0041] In the connecting device according to the seventeenth aspect, in the connecting device according to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the first engaging portion may be arranged in the inner portion of the first socket and the second engaging portion may be arranged in the inner portion of the second socket.

[0042] This arrangement in which the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are not exposed to the outside can improve the design of the connecting device.

[0043] In the connecting device according to the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, in the connecting device according to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the first engaging portion and the first land may form an opening therebetween in which a tip of the second plug is disposed in the engaged state, and the second engaging portion and the second land may form another opening therebetween in which a tip of the first plug is disposed in the engaged state.

[0044] With this arrangement, the tip of the second plug can be disposed in the opening of the first connecting member when the second plug and the first engaging portion are engaged with each other, and the tip of the first plug can be disposed in the other opening of the second connecting member when the first plug and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other. Consequently, a width of the connecting device in the connected state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be reduced, for example, compared to a connecting device without openings.

[0045] In the connecting device according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects, the connecting device according to a twentieth aspect of the invention may further comprise a restricting member detachably provided between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion and configured to restrict mutual approach movement in the width direction of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the engaged state.

[0046] With this arrangement, in the engaged state where the second connector and the first engaging portion are engaged with each other, and the first connector and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, the limiting member is provided in the space between the first and second engaging portions to limit the mutual approach movement of the first and second connecting members in the width direction, thereby preventing the above-described engagement from being released. The engaged state can thus be maintained more reliably.

[0047] In addition, the release of the limiting element from the space between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion enables the mutual approach movement of the first and second connecting elements, so that the connecting elements can be released from each other.

[0048] According to the above-mentioned aspects of the invention, a connecting device can be provided which has connecting elements whose prestressing portions are not exposed to the outside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a connecting device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a connecting member of the connecting device according to the first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 is an illustration for explaining the connecting element of the connecting device according to the first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a connection state of the connection device according to the first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the operation of the connecting device according to the first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a separation state of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 shows the appearance of the connecting device in the Fig. 6 shown separation state. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a connecting device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a connecting member of the connecting device according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 10 is an illustration for explaining the connecting element of the connecting device according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a connection state of the connection device according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the connecting device according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a separation state of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment. Fig. 14 shows the appearance of the connecting device in the Fig. 13 shown separation state. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a connecting device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a connecting member of the connecting device according to the third exemplary embodiment. Fig. 17 is an illustration for explaining the connecting element of the connecting device according to the third exemplary embodiment. Fig. 18 is an illustration for explaining a connection state of the connection device according to the third exemplary embodiment. Fig. 19 is a rear view of the connecting device according to the third exemplary embodiment, viewed from a rear side. Fig. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a connection state of the connection device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a connecting device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a connecting member of the connecting device according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. Fig. 23 is a rear view of the connecting device according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, viewed from a rear side. Fig. 24 is an illustration for explaining a connecting device according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a restricting member of the connecting device according to the sixth exemplary embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)First exemplary embodiment

[0049] A first exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the Fig. 1 to 7, a buckle 1 serving as a connector according to the first exemplary embodiment includes connectors 2A and 2B (first and second connectors) that are detachably connectable to each other. The connector 2A includes a land 21A (first land), and a plug 31A (first plug) and a socket 41A (first socket) extending from the land 21A. The connector 2B (second connector), which is substantially similar to the connector 2A, includes a land 21B (second land), a plug 31B (second plug), and a socket 41B (second socket) similar to the land 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A, respectively.It is noted that the respective components of the land 21B, the plug 31B, and the socket 41B are designated by reference numerals for the respective components of the land 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A, wherein "A" in the reference numerals is replaced by "B" accordingly, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0051] Hereinafter, an X direction is defined as an insertion direction of the buckle 1, a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction is defined as a width direction (left-right direction) of the buckle 1, and a Z direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is a thickness direction (front-back direction) of the buckle 1. A +X direction is defined as a direction from the connecting member 2A to the connecting member 2B in the insertion direction, a -X direction is defined as a direction from the connecting member 2B to the connecting member 2A in the insertion direction, a +Y direction is defined as a direction to one side in a width direction of the buckle 1, a -Y direction is defined as a direction to the other side in the width direction of the buckle 1, a +Z direction is defined as a direction to a front side of the buckle 1, and a -Z direction is defined as a direction to a back side of the buckle 1.

[0052] The connectors 2A and 2B are each formed in a flat shape. Although the connectors 2A and 2B are each made of a synthetic resin, the connectors 2A and 2B may also be made of another material, such as metal, as long as the connectors 2A and 2B can be connected and disconnected. The plug 31A and the socket 41A extend from the land 21A in the X direction and are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0053] The portion 21A includes a fastening hole 22A through which a belt (not shown) is inserted as a cord-shaped body, and a rod 23A extending in the Y direction in the fastening hole 22A and around which the belt is wound. The fastening hole 22A is divided into two holes 221A and 222A by the rod 23A. The portion 21A thus formed serves as a belt fastening portion to which the belt is fastened.

[0054] The plug 31A of the connecting element 2A can be engaged with the plug 31B of the connecting element 2B in the X-direction, and the plug 31A includes a leg 32A extending from the land 21A in the Y-direction, and a claw 33A provided at a tip of the plug 31A. In a Fig. 4, the claw 33A is arranged between the land 21B and a claw 33B of the connecting element 2B, and the claw 33B of the connecting element 2B is arranged between the land 21A and the claw 33A. The claw 33A protrudes from a continuous part with the leg 32A toward the socket 41A in the Y direction (in the -Y direction in the Fig. 4 shown connecting element 2A), and in the Fig. 4, an engagement surface 34A bent from the leg 32A in the -Y direction engages in the X direction with an engagement surface 34B of the connecting element 2B.

[0055] The leg 32A is a part of the plug 31A that does not include the claw 33A and has a width in the Y direction that gradually increases along a direction from the claw 33A to the land 21A. A land end of the leg 32A has a thickness equal to a dimension in the Z direction between the inner surfaces 421A and 431A, which will be described later, of the socket 41A. A part of the leg 32A that is closer to a tip relative to the land end has a thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the land end in the Z direction and is the same as a thickness of the claw 33A. The claw 33A and a part of the leg 32A near the claw 33A each have a width smaller than the width in the Y direction between a leaf spring 51A to be described later and the claw 33A.Consequently, the width of the claw 33A and the width of the part of the leg 32A near the claw 33A are each smaller than a width in the Y direction between a leaf spring 51B and the claw 33B of the connecting member 2B, which is configured similarly to the connecting member 2A. A part of the leg 32A near the land 21A has a width that is larger than the width in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the claw 33A. Consequently, the width of the part of the leg 32A near the land 21A is larger than the width in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51B and the claw 33B of the connecting member 2B, which is configured similarly to the connecting member 2A. The leg 32A is in the form shown in FIG. Fig. 4, the engaging state is in contact with a tip of the leaf spring 51B and the claw 33B and is held therebetween in the Y-direction. The claw 33B protrudes from a continuous part with the leg 32B toward the sleeve 41B in the Y-direction (in the +Y direction in the Fig. 4 shown connecting element 2B).

[0056] A surface of the plug 31A, which is opposite to the socket 41A in the Y direction, serves as a guide surface 35A, with which the tip of the leaf spring 51B comes into contact. As shown in Fig. 4, the guide surface 35A is formed as a convex surface that curves slightly from the land end to the tip of the plug 31A. The guide surface 35A is inclined with respect to the X-direction, so that one end of the guide surface 35A near the claw 33A is positioned closer to the socket 41A than the other end of the guide surface 35A near the land 21A. In a Fig. In the state of the connector 31A and the connector 31B shown in Fig. 5, the guide surface 35A guides the connecting element 2A to move away from the connecting element 2B in the -X direction while being biased in the -Y direction by the leaf spring 51B.

[0057] The socket 41A is arranged in the -Y direction relative to the plug 31A and includes a front wall 42A and a rear wall 43A that are continuous with the land 21A, as well as a side wall 44A that is continuous with the front wall 42A and the rear wall 43A. The socket 41A is continuously open in the +X direction and the +Y direction, and a tip of the socket 41A is positioned in the +X direction relative to the tip of the plug 31A. A continuous part between the front and rear walls 42A and 43A and the land 21A is curved and has a concave surface. The front wall 42A has a side edge 42A that is located near the plug 31A and along the X direction. The side edge 422A is curved and inclined with respect to the Z direction such that an outer part thereof in the Z direction is positioned in the -Y direction as compared to an inner part thereof in the Z direction such that it is away from the plug 31A.The rear wall 43A has a side edge 423A disposed near the plug 31A and along the X direction. The side edge 423A is curved and oblique with respect to the Z direction, such that an outer part thereof in the Z direction is positioned in the -Y direction compared to an inner part thereof in the Z direction such that it is remote from the plug 31A. An inner portion 45A of the socket 41A is defined by the inner surface 421A of the front wall 42A, the inner surface 431A of the rear wall 43A, an inner side surface 441A (i.e., a side surface) of the side wall 44A, and a bottom surface 411A continuous with the inner surfaces and the inner side surface and disposed near the land 21A. The inner surfaces 421A and 431A each have a sufficient width in the Y direction to accommodate the connector 31B.An outer side surface 442A of the side wall 44A is provided with a recess 443A which is recessed to make the buckle 1 easy to grasp.

[0058] The leaf spring 51A is integrally formed as a first biasing portion (biasing portion) in the inner portion 45A of the socket 41A. The leaf spring 51A is arranged to bias the plug 31B toward the plug 31A in a state where it is inserted into the socket 41A. The leaf spring 51A extends in the +X direction from the bottom surface 411A in the present exemplary embodiment. The leaf spring 51A extends in the +X direction relative to the engaging surface 34A of the plug 31A to a position opposite to the claw 33A in the Y direction. A tip of the leaf spring 51A is located at substantially the same position as the tip of the plug 31A in the X direction. The leaf spring 51A is arranged at a distance from the side wall 44A in the Y direction and is elastically deformable in a range corresponding to the distance.

[0059] The leaf spring 51B is provided as a second biasing portion (biasing portion) in an inner portion 45B of the bushing 41B of the connecting member 2B.

[0060] The following describes the steps for connecting the connecting elements 2A and 2B of the buckle 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0061] First, the connectors 2A and 2B are prepared, and the plug 31A is arranged to face the socket 41B in the X direction, and the plug 31B is also arranged to face the socket 41A in the X direction.

[0062] Subsequently, the connecting elements 2A and 2B are moved toward each other in the X direction: the connecting element 2A is moved in the +X direction relative to the connecting element 2B, while the connecting element 2B is moved in the -X direction relative to the connecting element 2A. Subsequently, the plug 31A of the connecting element 2A is inserted between the leaf spring 51B and the plug 31B of the connecting element 2B, while the plug 31B of the connecting element 2B is inserted between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A of the connecting element 2A.

[0063] As the connecting elements 2A and 2B continue to move toward each other in the X direction, the leaf spring 51A is elastically deformed in the +Y direction, and the leaf spring 51B is elastically deformed in the -Y direction. Subsequently, when the plug 31A of the connecting element 2A is interposed between the claw 33B and the land 21B of the connecting element 2B, and the plug 31B of the connecting element 2B is also interposed between the claw 33A and the land 21A of the connecting element 2A, the leaf springs 51A and 51B each return to their original state, resulting in an engagement state of the plugs 31A and 31B in which the engagement surfaces 34A and 34B overlap each other. At this time, the connectors 31A and 31B collide with each other in the Y direction due to the restoring forces of the leaf springs 51A and 51B, resulting in a click feeling when engaging the connectors 31A and 31B. Fig. 4, the claw 33A is in contact with the leg 32B and the claw 33B is in contact with the leg 32A, and also the tip of the leaf spring 51A is in contact with the guide surface 35B and the tip of the leaf spring 51B is in contact with the guide surface 35A. In the engaged state, as shown in Fig. 1, the side edges 422A and 423A of the socket 41A are spaced from the side edges 422B and 423B of the socket 41B in the Y direction, and a tip of the socket 41A in the +X direction is in contact with the land 21B, and a tip of the socket 41B in the -X direction is in contact with the land 21A. The inner side surface 441A of the socket 41A is spaced from the plug 31B in the Y direction, and the leaf spring 51A is disposed between the inner side surface 441A and the plug 31B. The inner side surface 441B of the socket 41B is spaced from the plug 31A in the Y direction, and the leaf spring 51B is disposed between the inner side surface 441B and the plug 31A.

[0064] The buckle 1 is thus brought into the engaged state by a mutual separating movement of the connecting elements 2A and 2B in the Y direction, whereby the connecting elements 2A and 2B are connected to each other.

[0065] The steps for separating the connecting elements 2A and 2B of the buckle 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described below.

[0066] First, in the buckle 1 in the engaged state, by engaging the bushing 41A of the connecting element 2A and the bushing 41B of the connecting element 2B, the side walls 44A and 44B are moved toward each other in the Y direction against the elastic forces of the leaf springs 51A and 51B. The engaging surfaces 34A and 34B are thereby displaced away from each other in the Y direction, as shown in Fig. 5, resulting in a disengaged state in which the engagement between the claws 33A and 33B is released. The leaf spring 51A is elastically deformed in the +Y direction to be pressed against the guide surface 35B, and the leaf spring 51B is elastically deformed in the -Y direction to be pressed against the guide surface 35A.

[0067] Subsequently, the restoring forces of the leaf springs 51A and 51B pressed against the guide surfaces 35A and 35B and the tips of the side walls 44A and 44B pressed against the guide surfaces 35A and 35B move the connecting element 2A in the -X direction and the connecting element 2B in the +X direction, resulting in a separation state of the connecting elements 2A and 2B, as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the side edges 422A and 423A of the socket 41A and the side edges 422B and 423B of the socket 41B approach each other, as shown in Fig. 7. However, since these side edges are chamfered as described above, inconveniences such as pinching of fingers between the edges 422A and 422B as well as between the edges 423B and 423B can be avoided. It is noted that since the engagement in the Fig. 6 is released, the connecting elements 2A and 2B can be easily moved away from each other in the X direction.

[0068] The buckle 1 is thus brought into a disengaged state by a mutual approach movement of the connecting elements 2A and 2B in the Y direction against the preload forces of the leaf springs 51A and 51B, whereby the connecting elements 2A and 2B are separated from each other. Second exemplary embodiment

[0069] A second exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] In the Fig. 8 to 14, a buckle 1C serving as a connector according to the second exemplary embodiment includes connectors 2C and 2D (first and second connectors) that are detachably connectable to each other. The connector 2C includes a portion 21C (first portion) and a plug 31C (first plug) and a socket 41C (first socket) extending from the portion 21C. The connector 2D (second connector), which is substantially similar to the connector 2C, includes a portion 21D (second portion), a plug 31D (second plug), and a socket 41D (second socket) similar to the portion 21C, the plug 31C, and the socket 41C, respectively.It is noted that the respective components of the land 21D, the plug 31D, and the socket 41D of the connector 2D are designated by reference numerals for the respective components of the land 21C, the plug 31C, and the socket 41C of the connector 2C, wherein "C" in the reference numerals is replaced by "D" accordingly, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0071] The land 21C, the plug 31C, and the socket 41C of the connector 2C are each substantially similar to the land 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A of the connector 2A in the first exemplary embodiment. However, the connector 2C differs from the connector 2A in that the connector 2C includes a guide surface 35C of the plug 31C and a leaf spring 61C as a first biasing portion extending from an inner side surface 441C instead of the bottom surface 411A of the socket 41A. The connector 2D includes a leaf spring 61D as a second biasing portion extending in a similar manner.

[0072] The guide surface 35C is arranged on a surface of the plug 31C that is opposite to the socket 41C in the Y direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the guide surface 35C includes an inclined surface 351C provided near a land end of the plug 31C, and a convex surface 352C provided at a tip of the plug 31C. A surface between the inclined surface 351C and the convex surface 352C of the plug 31C is a straight surface 353C along the X direction. The inclined surface 351C is inclined with respect to the X direction such that one end thereof near the convex surface 352C is positioned closer to the socket 41C than the other end thereof near the land 21C. The convex surface 352C is curved and shaped to have a convex shape from the straight surface 353C to a tip of a claw 33C in the X direction. Fig. In the state of the connector 31C and the connector 31D shown in Fig. 12, the guide surface 35C guides the connecting element 2C to move away from the connecting element 2D in the -X direction, while the inclined surface 351C in the -X direction is in contact with a tip of a side wall 44D, and the convex surface 352C is biased in the -Y direction by a tip 611D of the leaf spring 61D. It is noted that when the connecting element 2C is moved away from the connecting element 2D in the -X direction, the inclined surface 351C and a tip of a side wall 44C are moved away from each other in the X direction, as shown in Fig. 13. The claw 33C protrudes from a continuous part with the leg 32C toward the bushing 41C in the Y direction (in the -Y direction in the Fig. 11), and a claw 33D projects from a continuous part with the leg 32D toward the socket 41D in the Y direction (in the +Y direction in the Fig. 11 shown connecting element 2D).

[0073] The leaf spring 61C extends from the inner side surface 441C of the side wall 44C toward the land 21C and is inclined with respect to the X direction such that a tip 611C thereof is distant from the inner side surface 441C. The tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C is arranged at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33D of the plug 31D is in an engaged state. The tip 611C protrudes toward the plug 31C further in the +Y direction than a part including the land end 612C of the leaf spring 61C, except for the tip 611C. A concavity 444C is provided at a part of the side wall 44C that adjoins the leaf spring 61C.

[0074] The above-described steps of connecting and disconnecting the connecting elements 2C and 2D of the buckle 1C are substantially similar to those of the buckle 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, but differ from those of the buckle 1 in the guidance by the guide surfaces 35C and 35D and the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61D. The guidance by the guide surface 35C is performed as described above, and the guidance by the guide surface 35D is performed similarly by guiding the connecting element 2D to move away from the connecting element 2C in the +X direction.

[0075] The leaf spring 61C is elastically deformed in the -Y direction by being pressed by the connector 31D in the -Y direction by connecting the connecting elements 2C and 2D. Then, when the connectors 31C and 31D are brought into an engaged state as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the tip 611C returns to its original state while maintaining its contact with the connector 31C, thereby maintaining the engagement state. The leaf spring 61D is elastically deformed in the +Y direction by being pressed by the connector 31C in the +Y direction to connect the connecting elements 2C and 2D. Then, when the connectors 31C and 31D are brought into the engagement state, as shown in Fig. 11, the tip 611D returns to an original state while maintaining its contact with the plug 31C, thereby maintaining the engaged state.

[0076] When the engagement between the connectors 31C and 31D is released to enter the non-engagement state as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 12, the leaf spring 61C is pressed by the plug 31D to be elastically deformed in the -Y direction. At this time, the tip of the side wall 44C comes into contact with an inclined surface 351D of the connecting member 2D, and the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C is pressed against a convex surface 352D. Consequently, the convex surface 352D, which receives a restoring force of the leaf spring 61C, guides the connecting member 2C to move away from the connecting member 2D in the -X direction. On the other hand, the leaf spring 61D is elastically deformed in the +Y direction by being pressed by the plug 31C. At this time, the tip of the side wall 44D comes into contact with the inclined surface 351C of the connecting member 2C and the tip 611D of the leaf spring 61D is pressed against the convex surface 352C.Consequently, the convex surface 352D, which receives a restoring force of the leaf spring 61D, causes the connecting element 2D to move away from the connecting element 2C in the +X direction.

[0077] The connecting elements 2C and 2D, which are to be moved away from each other as described above, are brought into a separation state in the X direction as shown in Fig. 13. A representation of the connecting elements 2C and 2D in the separated state is shown in Fig. 14. Note that the side edges 422C and 423C of the socket 41C and the side edges 422D and 423D of the socket 41D approach each other in the Y direction when the separation state transitions to the separation state. However, since these side edges are inclined in a similar manner to the side edges 422A and 423A and the side edges 422D and 423D, inconveniences such as fingers being caught between the edges 422C and 422C and between the edges 423D and 423D can be prevented. Third exemplary embodiment

[0078] A third exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] In the Fig. 15 to 19, a buckle 1E serving as a connector according to the third exemplary embodiment includes connectors 2E and 2F (first and second connectors) that are detachably connectable to each other. The connector 2E includes a land 21E (first land), and a plug 31E (first plug) and a socket 41E (first socket) extending from the land 21E. The connector 2F (second connector), which is substantially similar to the connector 2E, includes a land 21F (second land), a plug 31F (second plug), and a socket 41F (second socket) similar to the land 21E, the plug 31E, and the socket 41E, respectively.It is noted that the respective components of the land 21F, the plug 31F, and the socket 41F of the connector 2F are designated by reference numerals for the respective components of the land 21E, the plug 31E, and the socket 41E of the connector 2E, wherein "E" in the reference numerals is replaced by "F" accordingly, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0080] The land 21E, the plug 31E, and the socket 41E of the connector 2E are substantially similar to the land 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A of the connector 2A of the first exemplary embodiment, respectively. However, the connector 2E differs from the connector 2A in that the socket 41E has an engaging portion 71E (first engaging portion) for engaging with the plug 31F in an engaged state, and the socket 41F has an engaging portion 71F (second engaging portion) for engaging with the plug 31E in the engaged state.It is noted that the components of the land 21E, the plug 31E, and the socket 41E, which correspond to the components of the land 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A, respectively, are denoted by the reference numerals for the components of the land 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A, wherein "A" in the reference numerals is replaced by "E" accordingly, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0081] As in the Fig. 16 to 19, the engaging portion 71E extends in the X direction from a bottom surface 411E of the socket 41E, and at a tip of the engaging portion 71E, a claw 72E is provided, which projects in the Y direction toward the leaf spring 51E. The engaging portion 71E is disposed in an inner portion 45E of the socket 41E and positioned along a side edge 422E of a front wall 42E and a side edge 423E of a rear wall 43E, and the engaging portion 71E is integral with the front wall 42E and the rear wall 43E. The engaging portion 71E is spaced inward in the Y direction (toward the plug 31E) from the leaf spring 51E.

[0082] The engaging portion 71F extends in the X direction from a bottom surface 411F of the socket 41F, and at a tip of the engaging portion 71F, a claw 72F is provided, which projects in the Y direction toward the leaf spring 51F. The engaging portion 71F is disposed in an inner portion 45F of the socket 41F and positioned along a side edge 422F of a front wall 42F and a side edge 423F of a rear wall 43F, and the engaging portion 71F is integral with the front wall 42F and the rear wall 43F. The engaging portion 71F is spaced inward in the Y direction (toward the plug 31F) from the leaf spring 51F.

[0083] It is noted that a claw 33E of the plug 31E projects from a continuous part with a leg 32E toward the socket 41E in the Y direction (in the -Y direction in the connector 2E), and a claw 33F of the plug 31E projects from a continuous part with a leg 32F toward the socket 41F in the Y direction (in the +Y direction in the connector 2F).

[0084] In the buckle 1E described above, the connector 31F is inserted between the leaf spring 51E and the engaging portion 71E, while the connector 31E is inserted between the leaf spring 51F and the engaging portion 71F, and the claw 33F of the connector 31F engages with the claw 72E of the engaging portion 71E, while the claw 33E of the connector 31E engages with the claw 72F of the engaging portion 71F. The connectors 31E and 31F are thus brought into an engaged state as shown in the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, and thereby the connecting elements 2E and 2F are brought into a connected state. In the connected state, the engaging portions 71E and 71F are arranged between the plugs 31E and 31F in the Y direction and are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. This distance corresponds to a range in which the leaf springs 51E and 51F are elastically deformable when the engaged state is released.

[0085] When the connectors 2E and 2F are brought into a separation state, the engagement of the buckle 1E moves the connectors 2E and 2F close to each other in the Y direction. At this time, the leaf spring 51E is elastically deformed, and the engagement between the claw 33F of the plug 31F and the claw 72E of the engaging portion 71E is released, so that the plug 31F can be pulled out of the socket 41E. Likewise, the leaf spring 51F is elastically deformed, and the engagement between the claw 33E of the plug 31E and the claw 72F of the engaging portion 71F is released, so that the plug 31E can be pulled out of the socket 41F. Then, the elastically deformed leaf springs 51E and 51F elastically bias the guide surface 35E of the connector 31E and the guide surface 35F of the connector 31F, thereby separating the connecting elements 2E and 2F in the X direction to enter the separation state.

[0086] In the above-described buckle 1E, since the connecting elements 2E and 2F are engaged at two points spaced apart in the Y direction, the engagement strength can be increased compared to the case where the connecting elements are engaged at only one point, such as in the first and second exemplary embodiments. For example, by engaging at two points, a connection state can be achieved in which twisting about an imaginary axis line along the X direction hardly occurs. Since the engaging portions 71E and 71F are not exposed to the outside, the buckle design can be improved. Fourth exemplary embodiment

[0087] A fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] In Fig. 20, a buckle 1G serving as a connecting device according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is configured substantially similarly to the buckle 1E according to the third exemplary embodiment, but the buckle 1G includes leaf springs 61G and 61H as biasing portions instead of the leaf springs 51E and 51F as biasing portions. Fig. 20, the components of the buckle 1G that are similar to the components of the buckle 1E are designated by the same reference numerals as the components of the buckle 1E. The leaf springs 61G and 61H are similar to each other and are also similar to the above-described leaf springs 61C and 61D, respectively. Accordingly, the components of the leaf springs 61G and 61H that correspond to the components of the leaf springs 61C and 61D, respectively, are designated by the reference numerals for the components of the leaf springs 61C and 61D, wherein "C or D" in the reference numerals is replaced by "G or H," and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0089] The leaf spring 61G is inclined with respect to the X direction so that a part thereof near its tip 611G is farther from the inner side surface 441E relative to a land end 612G. The tip 611G is arranged at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33F of the plug 31F is in an engaged state, and the tip 611G protrudes toward the plug 31E in the Y direction. The leaf spring 61H is inclined with respect to the X direction so that a part thereof near its tip 611H is farther from the inner side surface 441F relative to a land end 612H. The tip 611H is arranged at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33E of the connector 31E is in an engaged state, and the tip 611H projects toward the connector 31F in the Y direction. Fifth exemplary embodiment

[0090] A fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] In the Fig. 21 to 23, a buckle 1J serving as a connecting device according to the fifth exemplary embodiment is configured substantially similarly to the buckle 1E according to the third exemplary embodiment. However, the buckle 1J differs from the buckle 1E in that an opening 73J is formed between the engaging portion 71E and the land 21E, and an opening 73K is formed between the engaging portion 71F and the land 21F. Note that the components of the buckle 1J that are similar to the components of the buckle 1E are denoted by the same reference numerals as the components of the buckle 1E, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The opening 73J is defined by the engaging portion 71E, the land 21E, the front wall 42E, and the rear wall 43E. In an engaged state where the claw 33F of the plug 31F engages with the claw 72E of the engaging portion 71E, the claw 33F (a tip of the plug 31F) is disposed in the opening 73J. The opening 73K is defined by the engaging portion 71F, the land 21F, the front wall 42F, and the rear wall 43F. In an engaged state where the claw 33E of the plug 31E engages with the claw 72E of the engaging portion 71F, the claw 33E (a tip of the plug 31E) is disposed in the opening 73K. Since the claws 33E and 33F can be arranged in the openings 73K and 73J, respectively, the width of the buckle 1J can be reduced by the amount of Fig. 23, which is eliminated in the Y direction in each connecting element. Sixth exemplary embodiment

[0093] A sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] In Fig. 24, a buckle 1L serving as a connecting device according to the sixth exemplary embodiment is configured substantially similarly to the buckle 1E according to the third exemplary embodiment. However, the buckle 1L differs from the buckle 1E in that a restricting member 81L for restricting mutual approach movement of the connecting members in the Y direction is detachably provided. Note that the components of the buckle 1L that are similar to the components of the buckle 1E are denoted by the same reference numerals as the components of the buckle 1E, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] As in the Fig. 24 and Fig.As shown in Figure 25, the restricting member 81L includes a knob 82L used for insertion and removal operations, a substantially disc-shaped land 83L connected to the knob 82L, an insertion piece 84L extending in the Z direction from the land 83L, and an end 85L curved at a tip in the -Z direction of the insertion piece 87L. The knob 82L is disposed on a +Z direction side of the land 83L, and the insertion piece 84 is formed into a flat plate shape and disposed on a +Z direction side of the land 83L. A length of the insertion piece 84 in the Z direction corresponds to a thickness of each of the bushings 41E and 41F in the Z direction and is determined so that the end 85 protrudes in the Z direction when the limiting member 81L is inserted between the bushings 41E and 41F.The end 85L has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape when viewed from the X direction and is thicker in the Y direction than the insertion piece 84L.

[0096] In the buckle 1L, a gap 46 is provided in the Y direction between the sockets 41E and 41F in a connected state of the connecting members 2E and 2F, and the restrictor 81L is inserted into the gap 46 in the Z direction by performing an insertion operation of the knob 82L. In the inserted state, a surface of the land 83L near the insertion piece 84L is in contact with a front surface (or a rear surface) of the sockets 41E and 41F, and the end 85L protrudes from the space between the sockets 41E and 41F to prevent the restrictor 81L from falling off. By inserting the limiting member 81L into the space between the bushings 41E and 41F as described above, the insertion piece 84L is positioned to limit mutual approach movement of the bushings 41E and 41F in the Y direction.With this arrangement, the mutual approach movement described above is restricted and the connected state of the connecting elements 2E and 2F is maintained even if an operation of the buckle 1L is attempted.

[0097] Pulling the knob 82L of the inserted limiting element 81L in the Z direction to remove the limiting element 81 from the space between the bushings 41E and 41F causes the bushings 41E and 41F of the buckle 1L to be movable close to each other in the Y direction. Consequently, the connecting elements 2E and 2F of the buckle 1L are detachable from each other. Modifications

[0098] Buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L are described as the connecting devices in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, respectively. However, portions 21A to 21F do not necessarily have to be a belt fastening portion, and these buckles may each be a connecting device for connecting various things other than belts. For example, each of the buckles may be ring-shaped and provided with an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed, so that the buckle has a shape from which any other part can be hung.

[0099] In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the connecting elements 2A, 2C, and 2E are shaped similarly to the connecting elements 2B, 2D, and 2F, respectively. However, the connecting elements are not limited to those described above and may have slightly different shapes from the respective corresponding connecting elements, as long as connection to and disconnection from the corresponding connecting elements is possible. For example, a biasing portion such as a leaf spring may be provided on only one of the connecting elements 2A and 2B, only one of the connecting elements 2C and 2D, and only one of the connecting elements 2E and 2F.

[0100] In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the guide surfaces 35A and 35B are provided on the connectors 31A and 31B, the guide surfaces 35C and 35D are provided on the connectors 31C and 31D, and the guide surfaces 35E and 35F are provided on the connectors 31E and 31F, respectively. However, a guide surface may be provided on only one of the connectors 31A and 31B, only one of the connectors 31C and 31D, and only one of the connectors 31E and 31F, as long as the guiding of the connecting elements is possible. Alternatively, the guide surfaces 35A to 35F may be omitted as long as the connecting elements 2A, 2C, and 2E can be separated from the connecting elements 2B, 2D, and 2F, respectively, without being guided by the guide surfaces 35A to 35F.

[0101] In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F of the bushings 41A to 41F are chamfered to prevent a finger from being pinched as described above. However, the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F need not be chamfered and may be formed along the Z direction, as long as the bushings are each designed so that finger pinching is unlikely to occur.

[0102] Although the leaf springs 51A, 51B, 51E, 51F, 61C, 61D, 61G, and 61H are described as biasing portions in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, an elastic body having a different shape may be used as each of the biasing portions as long as such an elastic body is capable of biasing each of the connectors 31A to 31F in the Y direction.

[0103] In the first exemplary embodiment, a dimension in the Y direction of the claw 33B of the plug 31B is smaller than a dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A, and a dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B (i.e., a part excluding the claw) of the plug 31B gradually increases along a direction from the claw 33B toward the land 21B and is larger than the dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A. However, the dimensions in the Y direction of the claw 33B and the leg 32B are not limited to those described above.If the connecting elements 2A and 2B are connectable and detachable from each other, the dimension in the Y direction of the claw 33B of the plug 31B may be equal to or larger than the dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A, and the dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B of the plug 31B need not gradually increase along the direction from the claw 33B to the land 21B and may be equal to or smaller than the dimension in the Y direction between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A.

[0104] In the first, third, fifth, and sixth exemplary embodiments, the leaf springs 51A and 51E each have a length extending from the bottom surface 411A or 411E to a position opposite in the Y direction to the claw 33B of the connector 31B or the claw 33F of the connector 31F in the engaged state. However, the leaf springs 51A and 51E are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2A and 2E can be connected to and disconnected from the connecting members 2B and 2F, respectively. For example, the leaf springs 51A and 51E do not have to extend to the position facing the claw 33B or the claw 33F in the Y direction in the engaged state, but may extend from the bottom surface 411A or 411E to a position before reaching the position facing the claw 33B or 33F.The leaf springs 51B and 51F each extend from the bottom surface 411B or 411F to a position facing the claw 33A of the connector 31A or the claw 33E of the connector 31E in the engaged state in the Y direction. However, the leaf springs 51B and 51F are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2A and 2E can be connected to and disconnected from the connecting members 2B and 2F, respectively. For example, the leaf spring 51B does not need to extend to the position facing the claw 33A or the claw 33E in the engaged state in the Y direction, and may extend from the bottom surface 411B or 411F to a position before reaching the position facing the claw 33A or 33E.

[0105] In the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the leaf springs 61C and 61G each extend from the inner side surface 441C of the side wall 44C or the inner side surface 441E of the side wall 44E toward the land 21C or 21E. However, the leaf springs 61C and 61G are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E can be connected to and disconnected from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For example, the leaf springs 61C and 61G may each extend from the inner side surface 441C and 441E, respectively, so as to be spaced away from the land 21C and 21E, respectively, in the +X direction. The leaf springs 61D and 61F each extend from the inner side surface 441D of the side wall 44D or the inner side surface 441F of the side wall 44F toward the land 21D or 21F.However, the leaf springs 61D and 61F are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting elements 2C and 2E can be connected to and separated from the connecting elements 2D and 2F, respectively. For example, the leaf springs 61D and 61E may each extend from the inner side surface 441D or 441E such that they are spaced apart from the land 21D or 21F in the -X direction.

[0106] In the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G are each arranged at a position in the X direction corresponding to a position where the claw 33D of the connector 31D or the claw 33F of the connector 31F is in the engaged state. However, the leaf springs 61C and 61G are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are connectable to and detachable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For example, the leaf springs 61C and 61G do not each need to extend to the position corresponding in the X direction to the position where the claw 33D or the claw 33F is in the engaged state, and the tips 611C and 611G may each be positioned so as not to reach the position where the claw 33D or 33F is located.The tip 611D of the leaf spring 61D and the tip 611H of the leaf spring 61H are each arranged at a position in the X direction corresponding to a position where the claw 33C of the connector 31C or the claw 33E of the connector 31E is in the engaged state. However, the leaf springs 61D and 61H are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are connectable to and detachable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For example, the leaf springs 61D and 61H do not each need to extend to the position corresponding in the X direction to the position where the claw 33C of the connector 31C or the claw 33E of the connector 31E is in the engaged state, and the tips 611D and 611H may each be positioned so as not to reach the position where the claw 33C or 33E is located.

[0107] In the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G protrude toward the connector 31C and the connector 31E, respectively, further in the +Y direction than a part including the land end 612C of the leaf spring 61C except for the tip 611C and a part including the land end 612H of the leaf spring 61G except for the tip 611G. However, the leaf springs 61C and 61G are not limited to those described above. As long as the connecting elements 2C and 2E can be connected to or separated from the connecting elements 2D and 2F, it is not necessary for the tips 611C and 611G to protrude further in the +Y direction than a part including the land end 612C of the leaf spring 61C except for the tip 611C and than a part including the land end 612H of the leaf spring 61G except for the tip 611G.The tip 611D of the leaf spring 61D and the tip 611H of the leaf spring 61G protrude toward the plug 31D and the plug 31F, respectively, further in the -Y direction than a part including the land end 612D of the leaf spring 61D except for the tip 611D and a part including the land end 612H of the leaf spring 61G except for the tip 611H. However, the leaf springs 61D and 61G are not limited to those described above. As long as the connecting elements 2C and 2E can be connected to and separated from the connecting elements 2D and 2F, respectively, it is not necessary for the tips 611D and 611H to protrude further in the -Y direction than a part including the land end 612D of the leaf spring 61D, except for the tip 611D, and than a part including the land end 612H of the leaf spring 61G, except for the tip 611H. Overview of the exemplary embodiments

[0108] The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments are each the connecting means for detachably connecting the connecting member 2A, 2C, or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D, or 2F. The connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E each include: the lands 21A, 21C, and 21E; and the plugs 31A, 31C, and 31E and the sockets 41A, 41C, and 41E extending from the lands 21A, 21C, and 21E, respectively. The connecting elements 2B, 2D, and 2F each include: the lands 21B, 21D, and 21F, as well as the plugs 31B, 31D, and 31F, and the sockets 41B, 41D, and 41F, respectively extending from the lands 21B, 21D, and 21F. The plugs 31A, 31C, and 31E are each arranged to be inserted into the sockets 41B, 41D, and 41F in the X direction, and the plugs 31B, 31D, and 31F are each arranged to be inserted into the sockets 41A, 41C, and 41E in the X direction.The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L each include the leaf spring 51A, 51E, or 61C (or the leaf spring 51B, 51F, or 61D) as at least one of the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion. The first biasing portion includes the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C, and 61G, which are respectively provided in the inner portion 45A of the socket 41A, the inner portion 45C of the socket 41C, or the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E. The first biasing portion biases the plug 31A, 31C, or 31E in the insertion state toward the corresponding plug 31B, 31D, or 31F in the Y direction. The second biasing portion includes the leaf springs 51B, 51F, 61D and 61H, which are provided in the inner portion 45A of the bushing 41B, the inner portion 45D of the bushing 41D or the inner portion 45F of the bushing 41F, respectively.The second biasing portion pushes the plug 31B, 31D, or 31F in the insertion state toward the corresponding plug 31A, 31C, or 31E in the Y direction. The connecting elements 2A, 2C, and 2E and the corresponding connecting elements 2B, 2D, and 2F are each brought into the engaged state by a mutual separation movement in the Y direction and brought into a disengaged state by a mutual approach movement in the Y direction against a biasing force of the leaf spring 51A, 51E, or 61C (or the leaf spring 51B, 51F, or 61D) serving as the at least one biasing portion.

[0109] According to the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the at least one biasing portion can be used in the connection and disconnection of the connecting member 2A, 2C, or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D, or 2F. Since the one biasing portion is provided in each of the inner portions 45A of the socket 41A, the inner portion 45C of the socket 41C, the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E, the inner portion 45B of the socket 41B, the inner portion 45D of the socket 41D, and the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E, the one biasing portion is not exposed to the outside even in a state where the connecting member 2A, 2C, or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D, or 2F are separated from each other. Thus, the inconvenience of a foreign object getting caught in one of the preload sections can be reduced.Even if the connecting element 2A, 2C, or 2E and the corresponding connecting element 2B, 2D, or 2F are separated from each other to form a single connecting element, the one preload portion is not exposed to the outside. Consequently, the design of the buckles can be improved.

[0110] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D, and 2F are each brought into the engaged state by the mutual separation movement in the Y direction and brought into a disengaged state by the mutual approach movement in the Y direction against a biasing force of the leaf spring 51A, 51E, or 61C (or the leaf spring 51B, 51F, or 61D) serving as the at least one biasing portion.

[0111] In this arrangement, the connecting element 2A, 2C, or 2E and the corresponding connecting element 2B, 2D, or 2F are connected to each other in the engaged state, and the bushing 41A, 41C, or 41E and the corresponding bushing 41B, 41D, or 41E are moved close to each other in the Y direction, and thereby the engaged state can be released against a biasing force of the at least one biasing portion. This causes the connecting element 2A, 2C, or 2E and the corresponding connecting element 2B, 2D, or 2F to be separated from each other in the X direction.

[0112] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the plugs 31A, 31C, and 31E include the claws 33A, 33C, and 33E projecting in the Y direction toward the sockets 41A, 41C, and 41E, respectively.

[0113] With this arrangement, the claws 33A, 33C and 33E projecting as described above can be used to connect and disconnect the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F by moving the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F relative to each other in the Y direction.

[0114] The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments each include both the leaf spring 51A, 51E, 61C, or 61G and the leaf spring 51B, 51F, 61D, or 61H. The tip of the leaf spring 51A, the tip of the leaf spring 51E, the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C, or the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G is in contact with the corresponding connector 31B, 31D, or 31E in the engagement state of the connecting member 2A, 2C, or 2E with the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D, or 2F. The tip of the leaf spring 51B, the tip of the leaf spring 51F, the tip 611D of the leaf spring 61D or the tip 611H of the leaf spring 61H is in contact with the corresponding connector 31A, 31C or 31E in the engaged state.

[0115] In this arrangement, the connector 31A, 31C, or 31E and the corresponding connector 31B, 31D, or 31F are arranged in the engaged state between the leaf spring 51A, 51E, 61C, or 61G and the corresponding leaf spring 51B, 51F, 61D, or 61H in the Y direction. Thus, the connector 31A, 31C, or 31E and the corresponding connector 31B, 31D, or 31F in the engaged state can be held by the leaf spring 51A, 51E, 61C, or 61G and the corresponding leaf spring 51B, 51F, 61D, or 61H in the width direction. Thereby, the connection state of the connecting elements 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting elements 2B, 2D and 2F can be further stabilized, for example, compared with the case where only one of the leaf springs 51A, 51E, 61C or 61G and the leaf spring 51B, 51F, 61D or 61H is provided.

[0116] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the plugs 31A, 31C, and 31E may be provided with the guide surfaces 35A, 35C, and 35E, respectively, by which the connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D, and 2F are moved away from each other in the X direction in the respective disengaged states of the connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D, and 2F.

[0117] With this arrangement, when the sockets 41A, 41C and 41E and the corresponding sockets 41B, 41D and 41F are moved close to each other in the Y direction to release the respective engagement of the plugs 31A, 31C and 31E and the corresponding plugs 31B, 31D and 31F, the connecting elements 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting elements 2B, 2D and 2F can be moved away from each other by being guided by the guide surfaces 35A, 35C and 35E, respectively. Consequently, the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F can be smoothly separated from each other by a user only grasping the buckle 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J or 1L to move the socket 41A, 41C or 41E and the corresponding socket 41B, 41D or 41F close to each other in the Y direction.

[0118] In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the sockets 41A, 41C, and 41E each include the side edges 422A, 422C, and 422E and the side edges 423A, 423C, and 423E along the X direction, and the sockets 41B, 41D, and 41F each include the side edges 422B, 422D, and 422F and the side edges 423B, 423D, and 423F along the X direction. The side edges 422A, 422C, and 422E and the side edges 423A, 423C, and 423E are opposed to the corresponding side edges 422B, 422D, and 422F, and the side edges 423B, 423D, and 423F, respectively, at a distance in the Y direction in the respective engagement states of the connecting element 2A, 2C, and 2E with the corresponding connecting element 2B, 2D, and 2F. The side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F are each chamfered with respect to the Z direction so that the outer part thereof in the Z direction is positioned outward in the Y direction from the inner part thereof in the Z direction.

[0119] This arrangement can reduce inconveniences such as fingers being caught between the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F and the respective corresponding side edges, which may occur when the bushings 41A, 41C and 41E and the corresponding bushings 41B, 41D and 41F are moved close to each other.

[0120] In the buckles 1 and 1C of the first and second exemplary embodiments, the plugs 31A and 31C and the corresponding plugs 31B and 31D detachably engage with each other in the respective engagement states of the connecting elements 2A and 2C with the corresponding connecting elements 2B and 2D.

[0121] For example, compared with the case where the connectors 2 to 2D are each provided with an engaging portion for engaging with the corresponding plug 31A, 31C, 31B, or 31D, a dimension in the width direction of each of the buckles 1 and 1C can be reduced because no engaging portion is provided in this arrangement, whereby the connectors have a compact size.

[0122] In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, and 1L of the first, third, fifth, and sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the bushings 41A and 41E include the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E defining the inner portions 45A and 45E and located near the lands 21A and 21E, respectively. The biasing portions 51A and 51E, each of which is one biasing portion, are provided in the form of leaf springs 51A and 51E extending in the X direction from the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E, respectively. With this arrangement, since the biasing portions 51A and 51E, each of which is a biasing portion, are provided in the form of the above-described leaf springs 51A and 51E, respectively, the release from punching in the manufacture of the connecting elements 2A and 2E and the connecting elements 2B and 2E is easy. Furthermore, the need to provide, for example, a punched hole only for forming a biasing portion on the bushing 41A, 41B, 41E, or 41F can be eliminated.

[0123] In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J and 1L of the first, third, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the sockets 41A and 41E include the inner side surfaces 441A and 441E (ie, the side surfaces) continuous with the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E, respectively. The inner side surfaces 441A and 441E are respectively spaced in the Y direction from the corresponding plug 31B inserted into the socket 41A and the corresponding plug 31F inserted into the socket 41E, and the leaf springs 51A and 51E each serving as the one biasing portion are arranged in an elastically deformable manner between the inner side surface 441A or 441E and the corresponding plug 31B or 31F, and also the tip of the leaf spring 51A or 51E is in contact with the corresponding plug 31B or 31F in the engaged state of the connector 2A or 2E with the corresponding connector 2B or 2F.

[0124] With this arrangement, the tips of the leaf springs 51A and 51E, which are in contact with the plugs 31B and 31F in the respective engagement states of the plugs 31A and 31B, and the plugs 31E and 31F, respectively, enable the respective engagement states to be stabilized. Also, pressing the sockets 41A and 41E in the +Y direction to move the leaf springs 51A and 51E close to the plugs 31B and 31F, respectively, allows the above-described engagements to be released while elastically deforming the leaf springs 51A and 51E.

[0125] In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, and 1L of the first, third, fifth, and sixth exemplary embodiments, the plugs 31A, 31E, 31B, and 31F include the claws 33A, 33E, 33B, and 33F at their respective tips, and the leaf springs 51A and 51E, each serving as the one biasing portion, extend from the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E to the respective positions facing the claw 33A of the plug 31A and the claw 33E of the plug 31E in the Y direction.

[0126] In the buckle 1 of the first exemplary embodiment, the plugs 31A and 31B include the claws 33A and 33B at their respective tips, the Y-direction dimension of the claw 33B of the plug 31B is smaller than the Y-direction dimension between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A, and the Y-direction dimension of the leg 32B, which is a part of the plug 31B except for the claw 33B, gradually increases in the direction from the claw 33B toward the land 21B and is larger than the Y-direction dimension between the leaf spring 51A and the plug 31A.

[0127] With this arrangement, the above-described reduction in the dimension of the claw 33B of the connector 31B in the Y direction enables easy insertion of the connector 31B between the leaf spring 51A and the connector 31A. The above-described gradual increase in the dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B, that is, the part of the connector 31B without the claw 33B, further enables the connector 31B to be pressed by the leaf spring 51A. Consequently, the engagement state can be maintained favorably.

[0128] Further, the connector 31B is pressed by the leaf spring 51A, and then the connector 31B and the connector 31A engage with each other, which may produce a clicking feeling when the connectors 31A and 31B engage.

[0129] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, at least the bushings 41C and 41E include the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E defining the inner portions 45C and 45E, respectively, and the biasing portions 61C and 61G, each being one biasing portion, are provided in the form of leaf springs 61C and 61G extending from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E, respectively.

[0130] With this arrangement, the leaf springs 61C and 61G can be easily provided even when the space for each of the biasing portions is small, for example, compared to the case where the bushings 41C and 41E respectively include the bottom surfaces 411C and 411E defining the inner portions 45C and 45E, and biasing portions such as leaf springs are provided on the bottom surfaces 411C and 411E. Accordingly, the buckles 1C and 1G can be made compact in size.

[0131] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the leaf springs 61C and 61G, each serving as a biasing portion, extend from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E to the lands 21C and 21E, respectively.

[0132] With this arrangement, the leaf spring 61C of the socket 41C and the leaf spring 61G of the socket 41E can also be used as guides to guide the plugs 31D and 31F into a space between the leaf spring 61C and the plug 31C and a space between the leaf spring 61G and the plug 31E, respectively. In this way, the connecting elements 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting elements 2D and 2F can be smoothly connected to each other.

[0133] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the leaf springs 61C and 61G each serving as the one biasing portion are inclined with respect to the X direction such that a part of the leaf spring 61C near the tip 611C and a part of the leaf spring 61G near the tip 611G are away from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E, respectively.

[0134] With this arrangement, it is possible to easily provide a space for the elastic deformation of the leaf spring 61C between the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the inner side surface 441C and a space for the elastic deformation of the leaf spring 61G between the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G and the inner side surface 441E.

[0135] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the plugs 31C, 31E, 31D, and 31F include the claws 33C, 33E, 33D, and 33F at their respective tips. The tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G, each serving as the one biasing portion, are arranged at the position corresponding in the X direction to the position where the claw 33D of the plug 31D is arranged, and at the position corresponding in the X direction to the position of the claw 33F of the plug 31F, respectively.

[0136] With this arrangement, since the claw 33D of the connector 31D and the claw 33F of the connector 31F can be pressed by the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G, respectively, the engagement state of the connector 31D and the engagement state of the connector 31F can be stabilized.

[0137] In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G, each serving as a biasing portion, protrude in the Y direction toward the plugs 31C and 31E, respectively.

[0138] With this arrangement, the connectors 31D and 31F come into contact with the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G, respectively, and the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61G increases, whereby the engagement state of the connector 31D and the engagement state of the connector 31F can be stabilized. In addition, the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61G, which increases as described above, can generate a clicking feeling at the respective engagement points of the connectors 31D and 31F. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the leaf springs 61C and 61G can be kept small until the connectors 31D and 31F come into contact with the tip 611C of the leaf spring 61C and the tip 611G of the leaf spring 61G, respectively, which facilitates the insertion of the connectors 31D and 31F.

[0139] In the buckles 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the third to sixth exemplary embodiments, the socket 41E includes the engaging portion 71E for engaging the plug 31F in the engaged state of the connecting elements 2E and 2F, and the socket 41F includes the engaging portion 71F for engaging the plug 31E in the engaged state. The engaging portions 71E and 71F are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and are arranged between the plugs 31E and 31F in the Y direction in the engaged state.

[0140] With this arrangement, the connecting elements 2E and 2F can be engaged at two points by engaging the engaging portion 71E with the plug 31F and the engaging portion 71F with the plug 31E. Consequently, the engagement strength can be increased, for example, compared with the case where the plugs are engaged at one point.

[0141] In the buckles 1E, 1G, 1J and 1L of the third to sixth exemplary embodiments, the engaging portion 71E is arranged in the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E and the engaging portion 71F is arranged in the inner portion 45F of the socket 41F.

[0142] This arrangement, in which the engaging portions 71E and 71F are not exposed to the outside, can improve the design of the buckles.

[0143] In the buckle 1J of the fifth exemplary embodiment, the engaging portion 71E and the land 21E form the opening 73J therebetween in which the tip of the plug 31F is disposed in the engaged state, and the engaging portion 71F and the land 21F form the opening 73K therebetween in which the tip of the plug 31E is disposed in the engaged state.

[0144] With this arrangement, the tip of the plug 31F can be disposed in the above-described opening 73J of the connecting member 2E when the plug 31F and the engaging portion 71E are engaged, and the tip of the plug 31E can be disposed in the above-described opening 73K of the connecting member 2F when the plug 31E and the engaging portion 71F are engaged. Consequently, the width of the buckle 1J in the connected state of the connecting members 2E and 2F can be reduced, for example, compared to the buckle without the openings 73J and 73K as in the third exemplary embodiment.

[0145] In the buckle 1J of the sixth exemplary embodiment, the restricting member 81L for restricting the mutual approach movement in the Y direction of the connecting members 2E and 2F in the engaged state is detachably provided between the engaging portions 71E and 71F.

[0146] With this arrangement, in the engaged state where the connector 31F and the engaging portion 71E are engaged with each other, and the connector 31E and the engaging portion 71F are engaged with each other, the limiting member 81L is provided in the space between the engaging portions 71E and 71F to limit the mutual approach movement of the connecting members 2E and 2F in the Y direction, thereby preventing the above-described engagements from being released. The engaged state can thus be maintained more reliably.

[0147] In addition, the release of the limiting element 81L from the space between the engaging portions 71E and 71F enables the mutual approach movement of the connecting elements 2E and 2F, so that the connecting elements 2E and 2F can be released from each other. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L buckle (connecting device) 21A, 21C, 21E Plot (first plot) 21B, 21D, 21F Plot (second plot) 221A to 221F, 222A to 222F hole 22A to 22F mounting hole 23A to 23F rod 2A, 2C, 2E connecting element (first connecting element) 2B, 2D, 2F connecting element (second connecting element) 31A, 31C, 31E connector (first connector) 31B, 31D, 31F connector (second connector) 32A to 32F thighs 33A to 33F, 72E, 72F claw 34A to 34F intervention area 351C, 351D inclined surface 352C, 352D convex surface 353C, 353D straight surface 35A to 35F guide surface 411A to 411F floor area 41A, 41C, 41E socket (first socket) 41B, 41D, 41F socket (second socket) 421A to 421F, 431A to 431F inner surface 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F side edge 42A to 42F front wall 43A to 43F rear panel 441A to 441F inner side surface (side surface) 442A to 442F outer side surface 443A to 443F recess 44A to 44F sidewall 444C, 444D, 444G, 444H concavity 45A to 45F inner section 46, 75 room 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G Leaf spring (first preload section) 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H Leaf spring (second preload section) 611C, 611D, 611G, 611H tip 612C, 612D, 612G, 612H End of property 71E engagement section (first engagement section) 71F engagement section (second engagement section) 73J, 73K aperture 81L limiting element 82L knob 83L Plot 84L introduction piece 85L End QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3462967

[0004]

Claims

[1] Connecting device (1A, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L), which comprises: a first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and a second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F), wherein the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F) are detachably connectable to one another, wherein the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) has a first land (21A, 21C, 21E) and a first plug (31A, 31C, 31E) and a first socket (41A, 41C, 41E) extending from the first land (21A, 21C, 21E), the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F) has a second property (21B, 21D, 21F) and a second plug (31B, 31D, 31F) and a second socket (41B, 41D, 41F) extending from the second property (21B, 21D, 21F), the first plug (31A, 31C, 31E) is arranged such that it can be inserted into the second socket (41B, 41D, 41F) in an insertion direction, the second plug (31B, 31D, 31F) is arranged such that it can be inserted into the first socket (41A, 41C, 41E) in the insertion direction, and the connecting device (1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L) has at least one biasing portion of a first biasing portion (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) or a second biasing portion (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H), wherein the first biasing portion (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) is provided in an inner portion (45A, 45C, 45E) of the first socket (41A, 41C, 41E) and biases the first plug (31A, 31C, 31E) in an insertion state in a width direction toward the second plug (31B, 31D, 31F), wherein the second biasing portion (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H) is provided in an inner portion (45A, 45D, 45F) of the second socket (41B, 41D, 41F) and biases the second plug (31B, 31D, 31F) in an insertion state in the width direction toward the first plug (31A, 31C, 31E), the width direction intersecting the insertion direction. [2] A connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F) are brought into an engaged state by a mutual separating movement in the width direction and are brought into a disengaged state by a mutual approaching movement in the width direction against a biasing force of the at least one biasing portion. [3] A connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the first plug (31A, 31C, 31E) has a claw (33A, 33C, 33E) projecting in the width direction toward the first socket (41A, 41C, 41E). [4] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting device has both the first pretensioning section (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) and the second pretensioning section (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H), a tip (611C, 611G) of the first biasing portion (51A, 51E, 61C, 61G) is in contact with the second plug (31A, 31C, 31E) in an engagement state of the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F), and a tip (611D, 611H) of the second biasing portion (51B, 51F, 61D, 61H) is in contact with the first plug (31A, 31D, 31F) in the engaged state. [5] A connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least the first connector (31A, 31C, 31E) is provided with a guide surface (35A, 35C, 35E) by which the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F) are moved away from each other in the insertion direction in a disengaged state of the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F). [6] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first socket (41A, 41C, 41E) has a side edge (422A, 422C, 422E, 423A, 423C, 423E) along the insertion direction and the second socket (41B, 41D, 41F) has a side edge (422B, 422D, 422F, 423B, 423D, 423F) along the insertion direction, the side edge of the first socket (41A, 41C, 41E) and the side edge of the second socket (41B, 41D, 41F) face each other at a distance in the width direction in an engaged state of the first connecting element (2A, 2C, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D, 2F), and the side edges (422A, 422B, 422C, 422D, 422E, 422F, 423A, 423B, 423C, 423D, 423E, 423F) are each inclined with respect to a thickness direction such that an outer part of the side edge in the thickness direction is positioned outside in the width direction from an inner part of the side edge in the thickness direction, the thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction and the width direction. [7] A connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connector (31A, 31C) and the second connector (31B, 31D) detachably engage with each other in an engagement state of the first connecting element (2A, 2C) and the second connecting element (2B, 2D). [8] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least the first socket (41A, 41E) has a bottom surface (411A, 411E) arranged near the first property (21A, 21E), the bottom surface (411A, 411E) defining the inner portion (45A, 45E) of the first socket (41A, 41E), and the at least one biasing portion (51A, 51E) is provided in the form of a leaf spring (51A, 51E) extending from the bottom surface (411A, 411E) in the insertion direction. [9] Connecting device according to claim 8, wherein at least the first bushing (41A, 41E) has a side surface (441A, 441E) which is connected to the bottom surface (411A, 411E), the side surface (441A, 441E) is spaced from the second plug (31B, 31F) in the width direction when the second plug (31B, 31F) is inserted into the first socket (41A, 41E), and in an engaged state of the first connecting element (2A, 2E) and the second connecting element (2B, 2F), the at least one biasing portion (51A, 51E) is arranged such that it is elastically deformable between the side surface (441A, 441E) and the second plug (31B, 31F), and a tip of the at least one biasing portion (51A, 51E) is in contact with the second plug (31B, 31F). [10] Connecting device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first plug (31A, 31E) and the second plug (31B, 31F) each have a claw (33A, 33B, 33E, 33F) at one of their tips, and the at least one biasing portion (51A, 51E) extends from the bottom surface (411A, 411E) to a position facing the claw (33A, 33E) of the first plug (31A, 31E) in the width direction. [11] Connecting device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first plug (31A) and the second plug (31B) each have a claw (33A, 33B) at one of their tips, a dimension in the width direction of the claw (33B) of the second plug (31B) is smaller than a dimension in the width direction between the at least one biasing portion (51A) and the first plug (31A), and a dimension in the width direction of a part of the second plug (31B) excluding the claw (33B) gradually increases along a direction from the claw (33B) to the second land (21B) and is larger than the dimension in the width direction between the at least one biasing portion (51A) and the first plug (31A). [12] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least the first bushing (41C, 41E) has a side surface (441C, 441E) defining the inner portion (45C, 41E) of the first bushing (41C, 41E), and the at least one biasing portion is provided in the form of a leaf spring (61C, 61G) extending from the side surface (411C, 441E). [13] Connecting device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one biasing portion (61C, 61G) extends from the side surface (441C, 441E) towards the first land (21C, 21E). [14] A connecting device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one biasing portion (61C, 61G) is inclined with respect to the insertion direction so that a part of the at least one biasing portion (61C, 61G) near a tip (611C, 611G) thereof is away from the side surface (441C, 441E). [15] Connecting device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first plug (31C, 31E) and the second plug (31D, 31F) each have a claw (33C, 33D, 33E, 33F) at their tip, and a tip (611C, 611G) of the at least one biasing portion (61C, 61G) is arranged at a position corresponding in the insertion direction to a position at which the claw (33D, 33F) of the second plug (31D, 31F) is in the engaged state. [16] A connector according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a tip (611C, 611G) of said at least one biasing portion (61C, 61G) projects in the width direction toward said first plug (31A, 31E). [17] Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 16, wherein the first socket (41E) has a first engagement portion (71E) for engaging with the second plug (31F) in an engagement state of the first connecting element (2E) and the second connecting element (2F), the second socket (41F) has a second engagement portion (71F) for engaging with the first plug (31D) in the engaged state, and the first engagement portion (41E) and the second engagement portion (41F) are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and are arranged between the first plug (31D) and the second plug (31F) in the engaged state in the width direction. [18] Connecting device according to claim 17, wherein the first engagement portion (71E) is arranged in the inner portion (45E) of the first bushing (41E) and the second engagement portion (71F) is arranged in the inner portion (45F) of the second bushing (41F). [19] Connecting device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first engagement portion (71E) and the first land (21E) form an opening (73J) between them, in which a tip of the second plug (31F) is arranged in the engaged state, and the second engagement portion (71F) and the second land (21F) form an opening (73K) therebetween, in which a tip of the first plug (31E) is arranged in the engaged state. [20] A connecting device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a limiting member (81L) detachably provided between the first engaging portion (71E) and the second engaging portion (71F) and configured to limit mutual approach movement in the width direction of the first connecting member (2E) and the second connecting member (2F) in the engaged state.

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