Deployment buckle and band

Abstract

To provide a deployment buckle allowing a user to adjust a band length and firmly fix the band.SOLUTION: A deployment buckle 10 includes a first extension piece body 71 formed into a U shape and whose closed end side is pivotally supported by one end of a deployment buckle cover 3 of the band 1, and a second extension piece body 72 connected to the open end side of the first extension piece 71 via a first spring bar 73 being the connection member. The second extension piece body 72 is fixed to the first extension piece body 71 at a position different from a connection position in the first spring bar 73 being the connecting member, and the first extension piece body 71 is fixed to the deployment buckle cover 3 at a position different from the one end pivotally supported by the deployment buckle cover 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a middle strap and a band.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a band attached to a device case such as a wristwatch and worn on the wrist or the like, a band connected by a middle strap is known.

[0003] Depending on the device such as a watch to which the band is attached, in addition to the normal use state, there are devices that are assumed to be worn from above, such as the sleeve of clothing. For example, in a so-called diver's watch worn during diving, it is assumed to be worn from above while wearing a thick wet suit made of fabric. For a band attached to such a device, it is preferable that the band length can be easily adjusted between the normal use state of being directly worn on the wrist and the use state for a predetermined purpose of being worn from above a wet suit or the like.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a spring bar connected to a band pin is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the band within a slide window of a length adjustment plate. According to this, it becomes possible to finely adjust the band length within the range of the slide window of the length adjustment plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the spring rod is hooked on the slide window of the length adjustment plate, and the position (length) is finely adjusted only by the telescopic member. Therefore, the band length cannot be firmly fixed at an appropriate length, and especially in a harsh usage environment such as during diving as described above, it lacks reliability.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a buckle and a band that enable adjustment of the band length and can be firmly fixed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the buckle according to the present invention includes: a first extension piece formed in a U-shape and pivotally supported at one end of the buckle cover of the band; a second extension piece connected to the open end side of the first extension piece via a connecting member; and the second extension piece is fixed to the first extension piece at a position different from the connection position of the connecting member, and the first extension piece is fixed to the buckle cover at a position different from the one end pivotally supported by the buckle cover.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the band length and firmly fix it.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a middle stay according to the present invention and a band having the middle stay will be described. The band in the present embodiment is assumed to be in a normal use state of being directly attached to an arm or the like and a use state of being attached from above clothing or the like with a longer band length than normal. According to each use state, the band length can be easily adjusted in the middle stay portion. As a use state of being attached from above clothing or the like, for example, when the band having a middle stay is a watch band attached to a device case of a watch (for example, a so-called diver's watch), a case where it is attached from above a wet suit during diving is assumed. Note that, in the following embodiments, various technically preferable limitations are imposed for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0012] [Configuration] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an embodiment of the intermediate piece of the present embodiment and a band having this intermediate piece will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate piece in a housed state where an extension piece body is housed inside an intermediate piece cover and a band including the same. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the intermediate piece with the intermediate piece cover shown in FIG. 1 in a transparent state. FIG. 3 is a side view of the intermediate piece shown in FIG. 2 and a band including the same. Further, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the intermediate piece and the band in a state where the band is extended with the extension piece body pulled out from the inside of the intermediate piece cover. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the intermediate piece and the band shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the non-visible side of the band.

[0013] Conventionally, for example, when an extension piece is built in the intermediate piece in advance and it is desired to make the band length longer than during normal use, there is a configuration that allows the band length to be adjusted with a simple operation. For example, as a configuration in which the extension piece is housed in the intermediate piece and fixed at a predetermined position, a dowel is provided on one of the intermediate piece or the extension piece body, and a hole or recess for receiving this dowel is provided on the other of the intermediate piece or the extension piece body, and it is known to fix by fitting the dowel and the hole or the like. However, when fixing by fitting the dowel and the hole or the like, there is a problem that the dowel wears out and the fixing force weakens during repeated attachment and detachment.

[0014] The following describes an intermediate piece and a band that are for improving such a situation, can withstand repeated use, and have excellent wear resistance.

[0015] The band 1 includes a first band 1a attached to one end side (for example, the 6 o'clock side in an analog clock) of a device case (not shown) and a second band 1b attached to the other end side (for example, the 12 o'clock side in an analog clock), and the first band 1a and the second band 1b are connected by an intermediate piece 10.

[0016] The band 1 (the first band 1a and the second band 1b) is configured by connecting a plurality of pieces 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like. The piece body 11 that constitutes the band 1 is formed of a metal material such as titanium, stainless steel (SUS), or aluminum. Note that the material that constitutes the piece body 11 is not limited to those exemplified here.

[0017] The intermediate portion 10 has an intermediate cover 3 and a constituent member that overlaps the inside (non-visible side) of the intermediate cover 3. The intermediate cover 3 is a metal part formed of a metal material such as titanium, stainless steel (SUS), or aluminum. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and the like, the intermediate cover 3 is formed in a long shape along the length direction of the band 1 and constitutes the appearance portion of the intermediate portion 10.

[0018] Specifically, the intermediate cover 3 includes a front plate portion 31 that is a long flat plate portion that constitutes the exterior surface of the intermediate cover 3, and a pair of side wall portions 32 that are vertically provided on both side portions of the front plate portion 31. The space surrounded by the front plate portion 31 and the pair of side wall portions 32 serves as an accommodation region for accommodating various constituent members that constitute the intermediate portion 10.

[0019] One end of the middle folding member 4 is locked to one end side (the left side in FIGS. 1 to 5) of the intermediate cover 3 (see FIGS. 3 and the like). When connecting the first band 1a and the second band 1b by the intermediate portion 10, the middle folding member 4 is arranged on the non-visible side of the intermediate cover 3 (the accommodation region of the intermediate cover 3) so as to substantially follow the intermediate cover 3 in a folded state in which two plate members are folded on top of each other. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the intermediate portion 10 of the present embodiment includes, as a constituent member, a locking unit 5 that maintains the folded state of the middle folding member 4 arranged in the folded state. The intermediate portion 10 of the present embodiment is the intermediate portion of a three-fold type band in which the folded middle folding member 4 is arranged on the non-visible side of the intermediate cover 3 together with the locking unit 5.

[0020] The locking unit 5 has push buttons 51 protruding from a pair of side wall portions 32 of the middle cover 3, and is configured such that when the push buttons 51 are pushed in from both sides of the middle cover 3, the folded state of the middle folding member 4 is released. When the folded state of the middle folding member 4 is released, the first band 1a and the second band 1b are in a disconnected state where the connected state is released, and the band 1 can be removed from the object to be worn such as the user's arm.

[0021] Also, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the middle portion 10 of the present embodiment includes a locking mechanism 6 that locks (restricts) the inward pushing operation of the push button 51 of the locking unit 5. Thereby, it is regulated so that the push button 51 is not pushed in unintentionally and the band 1 does not enter the disconnected state.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, in the present embodiment, the locking unit 5 and the locking mechanism 6 are accommodated closer to the locking end side (left side in FIGS. 1 to 5) of the middle folding member 4 in the accommodation area inside the middle cover 3 (non-visible side). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an extension member 7 is accommodated in the accommodation area on the other end side of the middle cover 3 (the side opposite to the side where the middle folding member 4 is locked, the right side in FIGS. 1 to 5).

[0023] The extension member 7 is a component that can easily extend the length of the band 1 even when the first band 1a and the second band 1b connected by the middle portion 10 remain in the connected state. The extension member 7 includes a first extension member 71 and a second extension member 72, and the first extension member 71 and the second extension member 72 can be accommodated inside the middle cover 3 (non-visible side) in a folded state.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first extension member 71 is formed in a substantially U shape, and the closed end side (the closed side of the U shape) is pivotally supported by a support shaft 8 at the inner end portion (the right end portion in FIGS. 1 to 5) of the middle cover 3 of the band 1. In this embodiment, when the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 are accommodated inside the middle cover 3 in a folded state, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the folded middle folding member 4 is arranged on the non-visible side of the middle cover 3 together with the locking unit 5, the extension piece 7 is accommodated on the non-visible side (inside) of the middle cover 3 so as to be sandwiched between the middle folding member 4 and the middle cover 3.

[0025] Also, the second extension piece 72 is connected to the open end side (the open side of the U-shape) of the first extension piece 71 via a first spring bar 73 (connecting member), and is configured to be able to take a folded state arranged to overlap the first extension piece 71 and a stretched state pulled out in the length direction of the band 1. That is, the second extension piece 72 is formed to fit inside the first extension piece 71 formed in a substantially U-shape. Therefore, in the folded state, the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 are compactly arranged in a space corresponding to the length of the first extension piece 71 (the length in the length direction of the band 1) (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Also, when in the stretched state, the length of the extension piece 7 portion becomes longer than the length of the first extension piece 71 by the amount by which the second extension piece 72 is pulled out (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0026] The second extension piece 72 only needs to have a width that can fit inside the first extension piece 71 formed in a substantially U-shape, and may be smaller than the space width inside the first extension piece 71, but from the viewpoint of strength when in the stretched state pulled out from inside the first extension piece 71, it preferably has a width that fits almost without a gap inside the first extension piece 71. Note that a connecting portion 725 that is connected to the piece 11 constituting the band 1 (the second band 1b) is continuously provided on the side of the second extension piece 72 opposite to the connecting side with the first extension piece 71.

[0027] The first spring bar 73 extends in a penetrating state through the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 in the width direction of the band 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 4, and shows the first spring bar 73 extending through the first extension It shows a state of passing through the piece body 71 and the second extended piece body 72. As shown in FIG. 6, on the open end side of the first extended piece body 71, first through holes 74 (shown as first through holes 74a and 74b in FIG. 6) penetrating in the width direction of the band 1 are respectively formed.

[0028] Also, in the second extended piece body 72, on the attachment side to the first extended piece body 71, it communicates with the first through holes 74 (first through holes 74a and 74b) of the first extended piece body 71 and in the width direction of the band 1 a second through hole 75 penetrating therethrough is formed. The first spring rod 73 is inserted into the first through holes 74 (first through holes 74a and 74b) and the second through hole 75, and penetrates through the first extended piece body 71 and the second extended piece body 72. Also, the tip portions 731 on both sides of the first spring rod 73 protrude outside the first through holes 74 (first through holes 74a and 74b) of the first extended piece body 71 arranged on the outside.

[0029] In the accommodation state where the first extended piece body 71 and the second extended piece body 72 are accommodated inside the middle cover 3, the tip portions 731 on both sides of the protruding first spring rod 73 are locked to the middle cover 3. That is, in a pair of side wall portions 32 which are the side surfaces of the middle cover 3, in the portion where the first extended piece body 71 and the second extended piece body 72 are accommodated, hole portions 321 are respectively formed corresponding to the positions of the tip portions 731 of the first spring rod 73. When the first extended piece body 71 and the second extended piece body 72 are accommodated inside the middle cover 3, the tip portions 731 on both sides of the first spring rod 73 are adapted to fit into the hole portions 321.

[0030] Thus, the intermediate stay 10 includes a first extended piece body 71 formed in a U shape and pivotally supported at one end of the intermediate stay cover 3 of the band 1 on the closed end side, and a second extended piece body 72 connected to the open end side of the first extended piece body 71 via a connecting member (first spring rod 73). The second extended piece body 72 is fixed to the first extended piece body 71 at a position different from the connecting position of the connecting member (first spring rod 73), and the first extended piece body 71 is fixed to the intermediate stay cover 3 at a position different from the position pivotally supported at one end of the intermediate stay cover 3.

[0031] In addition, the tip 731 of the first spring rod 73 preferably has a rounded shape. By providing an R on the tip 731, when the extended piece body 7 with the first spring rod 73 inserted is housed inside the intermediate stay cover 3, the first spring rod 73 is less likely to be caught on the side wall portion 32 of the intermediate stay cover 3 or the like, and can be fitted with less resistance. The first spring rod 73 compressed to such an extent that it is not caught on the intermediate stay cover 3 returns to its original length by the reaction force of the spring when it fits into the hole portion 321, and is in a state of being firmly locked to the hole portion 321.

[0032] In addition, a screw hole 722 is formed in the second extended piece body 72 so as to be orthogonal to the second through hole 75 from any surface. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, among the surfaces of the second extended piece body 72, in a state where the extended piece body 7 is housed inside the intermediate stay cover 3, the screw hole 722 is formed from the surface facing the inner surface of the front plate portion 31 of the intermediate stay cover 3 toward the second through hole 75 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the first spring rod 73 is inserted into the second through hole 75, a wood screw 78 is provided in the screw hole 722. The wood screw 78 is screwed in until its tip abuts against the first spring rod 73. Thereby, the position of the first spring rod 73 in the second through hole 75 is fixed by the wood screw 78 inserted into the second extended piece body 72 from a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first spring rod 73. Note that the wood screw 78 does not have to protrude outside the second extended piece body 72 from the screw hole 722, and the specific shape of the wood screw 78 and the like are not particularly limited.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, inside the second extension member body 72, a first through hole 74 (first through holes 74a and 74b) and a third through hole 76 substantially parallel to the second through hole 75 are formed. A second spring rod 77 is inserted into the third through hole 76. The second spring rod 77 is arranged substantially parallel to the first spring rod 73 and extends in a penetrating state through the second extension member body 72 in the width direction of the band 1.

[0034] It is preferable that the tip portions 771 on both sides of the second spring rod 77 have a rounded shape, similar to the tip portions 731 at both ends of the first spring rod 73. By providing an R on the tip portion 771, when fitting the second extension member body 72 in which the second spring rod 77 is inserted into the space between the U-shaped portions so as to overlap the first extension member body 71, the second spring rod 77 is less likely to be caught by the first extension member body 71 or the like, and can be fitted with less resistance.

[0035] In the folded state where the second extension member body 72 is arranged so as to overlap the first extension member body 71, hole portions 711 are formed on the inner surfaces of the first extension member body 71 corresponding to the tip portions 771 on both sides of the second spring rod 77. When the second extension member body 72 is fitted into the first extension member body 71, the tip portions 771 on both sides of the second spring rod 77 are adapted to fit into the hole portions 711. The second spring rod 77, which is compressed so as not to be caught by the first extension member body 71 or the like, returns to its original length by the reaction force of the spring when it fits into the hole portion 711, and is in a state of being firmly locked to the hole portion 711.

[0036] A screw hole 723 is formed in the second extension member body 72 so as to be orthogonal to the third through hole 76 from any surface. In the present embodiment, similar to the screw hole 722 described above, among the surfaces of the second extension member body 72, in a state where the extension member 7 is housed inside the middle cover 3, the screw hole 723 is formed from the surface facing the inner surface of the front plate portion 31 of the middle cover 3 toward the third through hole 76 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, a sweet potato screw 78 is provided in the screw hole 723 with the second spring rod 77 inserted through the third through hole 76. The sweet potato screw 78 is screwed in until its tip abuts against the second spring rod 77. Thereby, the position of the second spring rod 77 in the third through hole 76 is fixed by the sweet potato screw 78 inserted through the second extension piece 72 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the second spring rod 77. Note that the sweet potato screw 78 only needs not to protrude outside the second extension piece 72 from the screw hole 723, and the specific shape of the sweet potato screw 78 is not particularly limited, similar to the sweet potato screw 78 that fixes the first spring rod 73.

[0037] [Operation] While referring to the drawings, the operation of the buckle and the band having the buckle in the present embodiment will be described.

[0038] In a connected state where the first band 1a and the second band 1b are connected by the buckle 10, and when the extension piece 7 is accommodated in a folded state inside the buckle cover 3 (the state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3), it can be directly worn on the user's arm or the like. By adjusting in advance the number of pieces 11 of the body that constitutes the band 1, etc., the user can set the band length to fit their own arm.

[0039] When the user wears the band 1 adjusted to their own size in this way over a wet suit or the like during diving or the like, while keeping the buckle 10 in a connected state, the extension piece 7 is pulled out from the buckle cover 3. For example, in the present embodiment, by strongly pulling the second band 1b provided with the extension piece 7 with respect to the buckle 10, the tip 771 of the second spring rod 77 that penetrates the second extension piece 72 and whose tip portion 771 is locked to the hole portion 711 of the first extension piece 71 is disengaged from the hole portion 711, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the folded state in which the second extension piece 72 is fitted into the first extension piece 71 is released.

[0040] When the second band 1b is further strongly pulled with respect to the middle portion 10, the tip portion 731 of the first spring bar 73, which penetrates the first extended piece body 71 and the second extended piece body 72 and whose tip portion 731 is locked to the hole portion 321 of the middle portion cover 3, disengages from the hole portion 321, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 9. When the second band 1b is further pulled in this state, the extended piece body 7 is completely pulled out from the inside (non-visible side) of the middle portion cover 3, resulting in the band extension state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As a result, the length of the band can be increased by the length of the extended extended piece body 7 (the length of the first extended piece body 71 and the length of the second extended piece body 72 that overlapped with the first extended piece body 71), and the band 1 can be attached even from above thick fabrics such as wet suits.

[0041] When it is desired to return the band 1 to its normal use state, the second extended piece body 72 is overlapped with the first extended piece body 71 in a folded state by a procedure opposite to that when the band 1 is in the extended state, and further, while in this folded state, it is placed in a housed state where it is housed inside the middle portion cover 3. Note that the folded state in which the second extended piece body 72 overlaps the first extended piece body 71 is maintained by the second spring bar 77 being locked to the hole portion 711 of the first extended piece body 71. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second extended piece body 72 does not hang down from the first extended piece body 71, which is also preferable in terms of the appearance design of the band 1. As described above, in the band 1 provided with the middle portion according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily adjust the length of the extended piece body 7 without detaching the piece body 11 and readjusting the band length. Further, the adjustment of the length of the extended piece body 7 can be performed simply by pulling out the extended piece body 7 from the middle portion cover 3 without removing the middle portion 10 and making the band 1 in a disconnected state.

[0042] [Effect] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the intermediate portion 10 includes a first extended member 71 formed in a U shape and pivotally supported at one end of the intermediate portion cover 3 of the band 1 on the closed end side, and a second extended member 72 connected to the open end side of the first extended member 71 via a first spring rod 73 which is a connecting member. The second extended member 72 is fixed to the first extended member 71 at a position different from the connecting position of the first spring rod 73 which is the connecting member, and the first extended member 71 is fixed to the intermediate portion cover 3 at a position different from the one end pivotally supported by the intermediate portion cover 3.

[0043] Further, in the present embodiment, the connecting member is the first spring rod 73, and the second extended member 72 can take a folded state arranged to overlap the first extended member 71 and a stretched state pulled out in the length direction of the band 1. The first extended member 71 and the second extended member 72 can be accommodated inside the intermediate portion cover 3 in the folded state, and the first spring rod 73 extends in a penetrating state penetrating the first extended member 71 and the second extended member 72 in the width direction of the band 1. In the accommodated state where the first extended member 71 and the second extended member 72 are accommodated inside the intermediate portion cover 3, both ends are locked to the intermediate portion cover 3.

[0044] Therefore, during normal use, the extended portion can be compactly accommodated inside the intermediate portion cover 3, and when wearing a wet suit or the like, the length of the band can be easily increased by the lengths of the first extended member 71 and the second extended member 72. Thereby, the band length can be easily adjusted without attaching and detaching the member 11 using a jig or the like, and it is possible to flexibly and quickly respond to different usage situations. The adjustment of the length of the extended member 7 can be performed simply by pulling out the extended member 7 from the intermediate portion cover 3 without releasing the connection state of the band 1, and there is no risk of accidentally dropping the clock 100 during fine adjustment of the band length. In addition, since spring rods (the first spring rod 73 and the second spring rod 77) are used as means for locking the extension piece body 7, unlike the case where a dowel is used for locking, for example, even when the intermediate cover 3 for locking the extension piece body 7 is formed of a metal such as SUS, wear, chipping, etc. due to repeated use are less likely to occur, and the locking force (fixing force) does not weaken. Therefore, high reliability can be maintained even after long-term use.

[0045] In addition, the intermediate portion 10 of the present embodiment includes a second spring rod 77 that is parallel to the first spring rod 73 and extends in a penetrating state through the second extension piece body 72 in the width direction of the band 1. In the folded state, the second extension piece body 72 is in a fitting state of fitting inside the first extension piece body 71, and when the second extension piece body 72 fits with the first extension piece body 71, both ends of the second spring rod 77 are locked to the first extension piece body 71 to maintain the fitting state. In this way, since the state in which the first extension piece body 71 and the second extension piece body 72 are fitted together can be maintained, it is possible to prevent the extended extension piece body 7 from hanging down in the direction of gravity when the extension piece body 7 is pulled out from the intermediate cover 3. As a result, the appearance is not impaired even in the extended state of the band 1. In addition, since a spring rod (the second spring rod 77) is also used in the configuration for maintaining the state in which the first extension piece body 71 and the second extension piece body 72 are fitted together, wear, chipping, etc. due to repeated use are less likely to occur, and the locking force (fixing force) can be maintained for a long time.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the first spring rod 73 is fixed by a sweet potato screw 78 inserted into the second extension piece body 72 from a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first spring rod 73. Therefore, the first spring rod 73 does not shift or fall out within the first and second through holes 74, 75 of the second extension piece body 72, and can be reliably held in a predetermined position. In addition, since the first spring rod 73 can be fixed only by the sweet potato screw 78 that does not affect the appearance, the first spring rod 73 is not exposed except for the tip portion 731, and the appearance design of the band 1 is also excellent.

[0047] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second spring rod 77 is also fixed by the sweet potato screw 78 inserted into the second extension piece 72 from a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the second spring rod 77. Therefore, the second spring rod 77 is also reliably fixed while being disposed in the third through hole 76. In addition, since the second spring rod 77 can be fixed only by the sweet potato screw 78 that does not affect the appearance, the second spring rod 77 is not exposed except for the tip portion 771, and the appearance design of the band 1 is excellent.

[0048] When the middle portion 10 having such a configuration is provided in the band 1, the length of the band can be easily adjusted by the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72. Therefore, when the thickness of the object to be worn changes, such as when the band is directly worn on the arm or when it is worn from above the clothes, the band length can be easily adjusted without using a jig or the like to attach and detach the piece 11, and it can flexibly and quickly respond to different usage situations. Also, the adjustment of the length of the extension piece 7 can be performed simply by pulling out the extension piece 7 from the middle cover 3 without releasing the connection state of the band 1, and it can respond without taking the trouble of removing the band 1 during fine adjustment of the band length. Furthermore, since the adjustment can be made without releasing the connection state of the band 1, there is no risk of accidentally dropping the watch 100 during adjustment. In addition, since a spring rod is used as a means for locking the extension piece 7, unlike the case where it is locked using a dowel for example, even when the middle cover 3 for locking the extension piece 7 is formed of a metal such as SUS, wear, chipping, etc. due to repeated use are less likely to occur, and the locking force (fixing force) does not weaken. Therefore, high reliability can be maintained even after long-term use.

[0049] In addition, the middle portion 10 of the present embodiment includes a locking unit 5 that maintains the folded state of the middle folding member 4 locked to one end side of the middle cover 3. The intermediate cover 3 of this embodiment includes a front plate portion 31 and a pair of side wall portions 32 vertically provided on both sides of the front plate portion 31. The locking unit 5 has push buttons 51 protruding from the pair of side wall portions 32 of the intermediate cover 3, and the push buttons 51 are pushed in from both sides of the intermediate cover 3 to release the folded state of the folding member 4. Thus, unless the locking unit 5 is intentionally released, the folded state of the folding member 4 will not be released, and the band 1 will not be in a disconnected state. This can prevent the band 1 from accidentally coming off. For this reason, unless the locking unit 5 is intentionally released, the folded state of the folding member 4 will not be released, and the band 1 will not be in a disconnected state. This can prevent the band 1 from accidentally coming off.

[0050] In addition, the intermediate portion 10 of this embodiment is provided with a locking mechanism 6 that restricts the inward pushing operation of the push button 51 of the locking unit 5. The locking unit 5 and the locking mechanism 6 are accommodated closer to the locking end side of the folding member 4, which is one end side, in the accommodation area inside the intermediate cover 3. In the accommodation area on the other end side, which is the side opposite to the side where the folding member 4 is locked, the first extension member 71 and the second extension member 72 are accommodated. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the band 1 from unintentionally entering the disconnected state. Also, since the extension member 7 can be accommodated in the empty portion of the accommodation area inside the intermediate cover 3, the extension member 7 can be compactly accommodated when the band 1 is used without extension.

[0051] [Modification Example] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist thereof.

[0052] For example, in the above embodiment, the portion for locking the first spring rod 73 is the hole portion 321 formed in the intermediate cover 3, and the portion for locking the second spring rod 77 is the hole portion 711 formed in the first extension member 71. However, the portions for locking the first spring rod 73 and the second spring rod 77 are not limited to this. Any structure capable of locking the tip portions 731 and 771 of the spring rods may be used, for example, a non-penetrating recess. In this case, the locked portion does not appear on the exterior, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0053] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the band 1 is composed of a plurality of pieces 11, and the case where these pieces 11 are formed of a metal material is exemplified. However, each piece 11 is not limited to being formed of a metal material. For example, the pieces 11 may be formed of a hard synthetic resin such as ABS resin, super engineering plastics such as polyarylate (PAR), engineering plastics such as polyacetal (POM) and polycarbonate (PC), or ceramics. Furthermore, not all the pieces need to be formed of the same material. A band may be formed by combining pieces formed of a metal material, pieces formed of various resins, and pieces formed of ceramics or the like. By forming the pieces of various materials in this way, the variations in texture and design are expanded. The material for forming the middle portion 10 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and for example, various materials as described above may be used.

[0054] Furthermore, the band may be a band having a structure in which a first band and a second band are provided and connected by a middle portion, and is not limited to being composed of a plurality of pieces. For example, a first band and a second band each integrally formed of various leathers or resins may be connected by a middle portion.

[0055] Also, the middle portion is not limited to the three-fold middle portion shown in the embodiment. Another type of middle portion may be used as long as it can accommodate the first extended piece and the second extended piece inside the middle portion cover (non-visible side). Also, the detailed configurations of the locking unit 5 and the locking mechanism 6 are not particularly limited. It is not essential to provide a locking unit or a locking mechanism, and a middle portion without these may also be used.

[0056] Also, the configuration of the extension piece 7 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. For example, the first extension piece locked to the intermediate cover 3 may be in a block shape, and the second extension piece connected thereto may be formed in a U shape into which the first extension piece can be fitted inside. In this case, a first spring rod and a second spring rod are provided inside the first extension piece, and the first extension piece is configured to be locked inside the second extension piece by the second spring rod.

[0057] Also, in the embodiment, an example is shown in which the sweet potato 78 is inserted from the surface corresponding to the inner surface (the back surface of the front plate portion 31) of the intermediate cover 3 in the accommodated state. However, the insertion direction of the sweet potato 78 may be any direction that can press the first spring rod 73 and the second spring rod 77 orthogonally to the first spring rod 73 and the second spring rod 77. The sweet potato 78 has a shape without a screw head and without a catch, and does not protrude outward. Therefore, if there is no problem during incorporation, it may be inserted from, for example, the side surface of the second extension piece 72.

[0058] Also, in the embodiment, the first spring rod 73 extends in a penetrating state through the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 in the width direction of the band 1, and in the accommodated state where the first extension piece 71 and the second extension piece 72 are accommodated inside the intermediate cover 3, both ends are configured to be locked to the intermediate cover 3. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a cross-sectional view of the extension piece in the modification is shown in FIG. 10.

[0059] The connecting member is configured such that a pair of slide portions 101 are pushed outward from both ends of the pipe portion 103 by the spring force of the spring member 102. In this case, the pipe portion 103 is formed with an outer diameter that is the same size as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first through hole 74 (74a, 74b).

[0060] The spring member 102 is, for example, a coil spring, and its outer diameter is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe portion 103. This spring member 102 is configured such that both end portions are elastically contacted with respective inner end portions of the pair of slide portions 101 to bias the pair of slide portions 101 in a direction to push them out from the inside to the outside of the pipe portion 103.

[0061] Also, the band 1 to which the middle portion 10 of the present invention is applied is not limited to a band attached to a diver's watch. For example, it can be widely applied to bands attached to devices (such as various sports watches, various biological information measuring devices) that are supposed to be worn from above, such as ski clothes or thick outdoor jackets.

[0062] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the middle portion 10 is provided in the band 1 such as a watch worn on the wrist has been exemplified. However, the band to which the middle portion of the present invention can be applied is not limited to a watch band. As long as it is a band having a structure including a first band and a second band and connecting them with a middle portion, the middle portion of the present invention can be widely applied to bands other than those worn on the wrist.

[0063] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0064] 1 Band 3 Middle-portion Cover 7 Extension Member 71 First Extension Member 72 Second Extension Member 73 First Spring Rod (Connecting Member) 74 First Through Hole 75 Second Through Hole 76 Third Through Hole 77 Second Spring Rod 78 Screw 321 Hole Portion 711 Hole Portion 722 Screw Hole 723 Screw Hole 10 Middle retention

Claims

1. A first extension link body whose one end is pivotally supported on one end of a clasp cover of a band; a second extension piece connected to the first extension piece on the opposite side to the one end via a first spring rod, the second extension piece can be in a folded state in which it is arranged so as to overlap the first extension piece, and in an extended state in which it is pulled out in the length direction of the band, The first extension piece and the second extension piece can be housed inside the clasp cover in the folded state, The first spring rod extends in a penetrating state through the first extension piece and the second extension piece in the width direction of the band, and both ends are engaged with the clasp cover when the first extension piece and the second extension piece are housed inside the clasp cover. A clasp characterized by its shape.

2. In the folded state, one of the first extension piece body and the second extension piece body is in an interlocking state in which it fits inside the other of the first extension piece body and the second extension piece body.

2. The clasp according to claim 1 .

3. a second spring rod extending parallel to the first spring rod and penetrating the first extension piece or the second extension piece in the width direction of the band; 3. The clasp according to claim 2.

4. The first spring bar is configured to be pulled toward the second spring bar from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first spring bar. It is fixed by a set screw inserted into the extension piece.

2. The clasp according to claim 1 .

5. The second spring rod is fixed by a set screw inserted into the second extension piece from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second spring rod.

4. The clasp according to claim 3.

6. The clasp cover includes a front plate portion and a pair of side wall portions extending vertically from both sides of the front plate portion, When the first extension piece body and the second extension piece body are housed inside the clasp cover, holes are formed in each of the pair of side walls to engage both ends of the first spring pin.

2. The clasp according to claim 1 .

7. and a locking unit that maintains the folded state of the folding member locked to one end side of the clasp cover.

2. The clasp according to claim 1 .

8. The clasp cover includes a front plate portion and a pair of side wall portions extending vertically from both sides of the front plate portion, The locking unit has push buttons protruding from the pair of side wall portions of the clasp cover, respectively, and the folding member is released from the folded state by pressing the push buttons from both sides of the clasp cover.

8. The clasp according to claim 7.

9. The clasp includes a locking mechanism that restricts the push button of the locking unit from being pressed inward, The locking unit and the locking mechanism are accommodated in the accommodation area inside the clasp cover, near the engagement end of the folding member, which is one end side, and the first extension piece and the second extension piece are accommodated in the accommodation area on the opposite side to the side where the folding member is engaged, which is the other end side.

9. The clasp according to claim 8.

10. A band comprising the clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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