Distance adjusting mechanism

Abstract

To provide a distance adjusting mechanism that can facilitate an operation.SOLUTION: A distance adjusting mechanism includes: a first member; a second member that can adjust the position along a first direction and a second direction for the first member; a third member that can move in a third direction and a fourth direction for the second member; a fourth member for transmitting first force to the second member and the third member; a force conversion part for converting the first force to second force that acts in the third direction, and transmits it to the third member; an elastic part for energizing the third member in the fourth direction for the second member; a plurality of first engagement parts provided along the first direction and the second direction; and a second engagement part that can engage with the first engagement parts. The first engagement parts and the second engagement part are brought into an engagement state when the third member moves in the fourth direction by the energization of the elastic part, and regulate the movement of the second member relative to the first member. Their engagement state is released when the third member moves in the third direction by the second force, and the regulation of the movement of the second member relative to the first member is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a distance adjustment mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a length adjusting device for adjusting the length of a band-like accessory such as a wristwatch band or a bracelet.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the movement direction of the operating member is set to the longitudinal direction of the band-like ornament, so that even if the operating member is accidentally pushed along the width direction of the band-like ornament, the operating member can be prevented from moving inadvertently. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2002 / 074124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, when adjusting the length of the band, it is necessary to hold a pair of pushing parts on the operating member in a pressed state while pulling out or pushing in the length adjustment part, which makes the operation for adjusting the length difficult. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The distance adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure includes a first member, a second member whose position is adjustable in a first direction relative to the first member and along a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third member held by the second member and movable relative to the second member in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, a fourth member that transmits a first force acting in the first direction or the second direction to the second member and the third member, a force conversion unit that converts the first force into a second force acting in the third direction and transmits the force to the third member, and a force conversion unit that is provided between the second member and the third member and biases the third member in the fourth direction relative to the second member. The device is characterized in that it comprises an elastic portion, a plurality of first engagement portions provided on one of the first member and the third member along the first direction and the second direction, and a second engagement portion provided on the other of the first member and the third member and engageable with the first engagement portions, wherein the first engagement portions and the second engagement portions are biased by the elastic portion to cause the third member to move in the fourth direction, thereby engaging with each other and restricting movement of the second member in the first direction and the second direction relative to the first member, and the engagement state is released when the third member moves in the third direction due to the second force, thereby releasing the restriction on movement of the second member in the first direction and the second direction relative to the first member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of a distance adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of the distance adjustment mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of the distance adjustment mechanism as viewed from a different direction from that of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the distance adjustment mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a distance adjustment mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a distance adjustment mechanism according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] A distance adjustment mechanism 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of distance adjustment mechanism 1 of this embodiment, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of distance adjustment mechanism 1, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of distance adjustment mechanism 1 seen from a different direction from that of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of distance adjustment mechanism 1. In the present disclosure, distance adjustment mechanism 1 is configured as a mechanism for adjusting the length of a belt-shaped member such as a watch band or a trouser belt.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in this embodiment, the distance adjustment mechanism 1 includes a first member 2, a second member 3, a third member 4, a fourth member 5, a force conversion unit 6, and an elastic unit 7. In this disclosure, the drawings including FIGS. 1 to 4 show an XYZ coordinate system. The X axis is an axis parallel to the mounting surface on which the distance adjustment mechanism 1 is placed, and is an axis parallel to the direction in which the second member 3 moves relative to the first member 2. The Y axis is an axis parallel to the mounting surface on which the distance adjustment mechanism 1 is placed, and is an axis perpendicular to the X axis. The +X axis direction is the first direction in this disclosure, and the -X axis direction is the second direction in this disclosure. The +Y axis direction is the third direction in this disclosure, and the -Y axis direction is the fourth direction in this disclosure.

[0010] [First member] The first member 2 is made of metal or resin and has a box shape. In this embodiment, the first member 2 has a first member main body portion 21 and a first member lid portion 22. The first member main body 21 is in the shape of a rectangular cylinder with a bottom, and is configured to be able to store the second member 3, the third member 4, the fourth member 5, and the elastic portion 7 inside. In this embodiment, the first member main body 21 is formed with an operation hole 211, a distance adjustment hole 212, and a first engagement portion 213. The first member lid 22 is in the shape of a flat plate, and is configured to cover the opening of the first member main body 21. Although not shown in the drawings including FIGS. 1 to 4, a connecting portion to which a band is connected is provided on the side surface of the first member main body 21 in the −X axis direction.

[0011] The operation hole 211 is formed as a rectangular opening on the top surface side of the first member main body 21, that is, on the upper side in Fig. 1. An operation part 52 of the fourth member 5, which will be described later, is inserted into the operation hole 211. The distance adjustment hole 212 is formed by opening a rectangular shape on the side surface on the +X-axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the distance adjustment hole 212 is configured to allow a distance adjustment portion 32 of the second member 3, which will be described later, to protrude therethrough.

[0012] The first engagement portion 213 is formed on the inner surface of the side surface on the −Y-axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion 213 is configured by forming a plurality of recesses along the X-axis direction, i.e., along the +X-axis direction and the −X-axis direction. The first engagement portion 213 is configured to be able to engage with the second engagement portion 45 formed on the third member 4. The engagement state between the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 will be described in detail later.

[0013] [Second member] The second member 3 is made of metal or resin, and is configured so that its position along the X-axis direction, i.e., the +X-axis direction and the −X-axis direction, relative to the first member 2 is adjustable. In this embodiment, the second member 3 includes a second member main body 31, a distance adjustment portion 32, a storage recess 33, a movement restriction portion 34, and a positioning portion 35.

[0014] The second member main body 31 is formed in a flat plate shape, and is provided with a distance adjustment portion 32 that protrudes along the +X-axis direction. As described above, the distance adjustment portion 32 is configured to be able to protrude from the distance adjustment hole 212 of the first member main body 21. Although not shown in the drawings including FIGS. 1 to 4, a connection portion is provided on the side surface in the +X-axis direction of the distance adjustment portion 32 that protrudes from the second member main body 31 to connect to a band separate from the band connected to the first member main body 21. That is, in this embodiment, the length of the band can be adjusted by the first member main body 21 and the second member main body 31.

[0015] The second member main body 31 is formed with a storage recess 33 configured to be able to store the third member 4. A part of the side surface of the second member main body 31 on the -Y axis direction side is opened and communicates with the storage recess 33. A second engagement portion 45 formed on the third member 4, which will be described later, is configured to be inserted into the opening of the second member main body 31. Additionally, the second member main body 31 is provided with cylindrical movement restricting portions 34 in the storage recess 33. In this embodiment, two movement restricting portions 34 are provided in the storage recess 33. The movement restricting portions 34 are configured to be inserted into elongated holes 43 of the third member 4, which will be described later. Furthermore, cylindrical positioning portions 35 are formed near the edge on the +Y axis direction side and near the edge on the −Y axis direction side of the second member main body portion 31. The positioning portions 35 are configured to be insertable into positioning holes 54 of the fourth member 5, which will be described later.

[0016] [Third member] The third member 4 is made of metal or resin and is configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the +Y-axis direction and the −Y-axis direction, relative to the second member 3. In this embodiment, the third member 4 includes a third member main body portion 41, a through hole 42, an elongated hole 43, a biasing recess 44, and a second engagement portion 45.

[0017] The third member main body 41 is formed in a flat plate shape and is configured to be able to be stored in the storage recess 33 of the second member main body 31. In other words, the third member 4 is held by the second member 3. A through hole 42 is formed in the center of the third member main body 41. The through hole 42 is configured so that a force converting protrusion 53 of the fourth member 5, which will be described later, can be inserted into it. The inner surface 421 of the through hole 42 and the outer surface 531 of the force converting protrusion 53 form a force converting section 6. Details of the force converting section 6 will be described later.

[0018] Further, the third member main body 41 is formed with an elongated hole 43. The elongated hole 43 is elongated along the Y-axis direction, and two holes are provided corresponding to the movement restricting portions 34 of the second member 3. When the third member main body 41 is housed in the housing recess 33 of the second member main body 31, the movement restricting portions 34 of the second member 3 are inserted into the elongated holes 43. As a result, the outer surface of the movement restricting portion 34 on the X-axis direction abuts against the inner surface of the elongated hole 43 on the X-axis direction, restricting movement of the third member 4 in the X-axis direction relative to the second member 3. On the other hand, because the elongated hole 43 is elongated along the Y-axis direction, the movement restricting portions 34 can move within the elongated hole 43 along the Y-axis direction. Therefore, movement of the third member 4 in the Y-axis direction relative to the second member 3 is permitted. In other words, the third member 4 can move in the Y-axis direction relative to the second member 3 according to the longitudinal length of the elongated hole 43.

[0019] The biasing recess 44 is provided by recessing the side surface on the +Y-axis direction side of the third member main body portion 41, and is configured to be able to house the elastic portion 7. In this embodiment, the biasing recess 44 is provided in two locations according to the elastic portion 7.

[0020] The second engagement portion 45 is provided to protrude from a part of the side surface on the −Y-axis direction side of the third member main body portion 41. That is, in this embodiment, the second engagement portion 45 is configured as a protrusion. The second engagement portion 45 is configured to be able to engage with a plurality of first engagement portions 213 formed on the first member main body portion 21. Specifically, the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are configured to be engaged with each other by inserting the second engagement portion 45, which is configured as a protrusion, into the first engagement portion 213, which is configured as a recess.

[0021] [Fourth member] The fourth member 5 is made of metal or resin, and is configured to transmit a first force P1 acting in the X-axis direction, i.e., the +X-axis direction and the −X-axis direction, to the second member 3 and the third member 4. In this embodiment, the fourth member 5 includes a fourth member main body 51, an operating portion 52, a force converting protrusion 53, and a positioning hole 54.

[0022] The fourth member main body 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. An operating unit 52 is formed on the top surface of the fourth member main body 51, protruding upward in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The operating unit 52 is operated by an operator to adjust the length of a band or the like. In this embodiment, the operating unit 52 is substantially square-shaped and configured to be inserted into the operating hole 211 of the first member main body 21 described above. The operating unit 52 is configured to protrude slightly beyond the top surface of the first member main body 21 when inserted into the operating hole 211 of the first member main body 21. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the operating unit 52. Note that the configuration is not limited to the above. For example, the top surface of the operating unit 52 and the top surface of the first member main body 21 may be configured to be flush with each other. This configuration can prevent malfunction of the operating unit 52.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation hole 211 of the first member main body 21 is rectangular and elongated along the X-axis direction, so movement of the fourth member 5 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2 is permitted. That is, the fourth member 5 can move in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2 in accordance with the longitudinal length of the operation hole 211. Meanwhile, the side surface of the operation unit 52 on the Y-axis direction and the inner surface of the operation hole 211 on the Y-axis direction are in contact with each other, so movement of the fourth member 5 in the Y-axis direction relative to the first member 2 is restricted. Thus, in this embodiment, the fourth member 5 is configured to move only in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2.

[0024] The force converting protrusion 53 is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the fourth member main body 51 toward the third member 4. In this embodiment, the force converting protrusion 53 is formed so that the outer surface 531 of a part of the side surface of the quadrangular prism is an arcuate surface. As described above, the force converting protrusion 53 is configured to be inserted into the through hole 42 of the third member main body 41.

[0025] The positioning holes 54 are formed near the edge on the +Y axis direction side and near the edge on the −Y axis direction side of the fourth member main body portion 51 in accordance with the positioning portions 35 of the second member main body portion 31. As described above, the positioning portions 35 of the second member main body portion 31 are inserted into the positioning holes 54. This determines the position of the fourth member 5 relative to the second member 3.

[0026] [Force conversion unit 6] The force conversion unit 6 is a mechanism that converts a first force P1 acting on the fourth member 5 along the X-axis direction into a second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction and transmits the second force P2 to the third member 4. In this embodiment, as described above, the force conversion unit 6 is configured by the inner surface 421 of the through hole 42 and the outer surface 531 of the force conversion protrusion 53. Specifically, the force conversion unit 6 is configured by the inner surface 421 having an arcuate surface and the outer surface 531 having an arcuate surface. As a result, when the force conversion protrusion 53 of the fourth member 5 moves along the X-axis direction and the inner surface 421 and the outer surface 531 come into contact with each other, a force acts in a direction V perpendicular to a tangent T at the tangent point between the inner surface 421 and the outer surface 531. Then, as a component of the force in the direction V, a second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction is transmitted to the third member 4. That is, the force conversion unit 6 can convert the acting direction of the first force P1 by 90 degrees and transmit it as the second force P2. As a result, the third member 4 moves in the +Y-axis direction relative to the second member 3 within the storage recess 33 of the second member 3. In this embodiment, the inner surface 421 and the outer surface 531 constituting the force converting portion 6 are provided on the +X-axis direction side and the −X-axis direction side of the through-hole 42 and the force converting protrusion 53. This makes it possible to convert the first force P1 into the second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction, regardless of whether the first force P1 acts in the +X-axis direction or the −X-axis direction. The inner surface 421 of the through hole 42, which is an arcuate surface, is an example of the first conversion surface of the present disclosure, and the outer surface 531 of the force conversion protrusion 53, which is an arcuate surface, is an example of the second conversion surface of the present disclosure.

[0027] At this time, when the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are engaged with each other, movement in the X-axis direction of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 and the third member 4 held by the two members 3 is restricted. More specifically, when the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are engaged with each other, the flat inner surface of the first engagement portion 213 and the flat outer surface of the second engagement portion 45 come into contact with each other, so movement in the X-axis direction of the third member 4 relative to the first member 2 is restricted. On the other hand, when the engagement state between the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 is released, movement of the second member 3 and the third member 4 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2 is not restricted. Therefore, the first force P1 acting along the X-axis direction is transmitted to the second member 3 and the third member 4 through the force conversion unit 6, and the second member 3 and the third member 4 move in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2.

[0028] [Elastic part] The elastic portion 7 is a member provided between the second member 3 and the third member 4, and biases the third member 4 in the -Y axis direction relative to the second member 3. In this embodiment, the elastic portion 7 is configured as a coil spring, and is housed in the biasing recess 44 of the third member main body portion 41. That is, in this embodiment, two elastic portions 7 are provided. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above configuration, and for example, the elastic portion 7 may be configured as a leaf spring, or may be configured from an elastic body such as rubber, as long as it is a member that urges the third member 4 in the -Y axis direction relative to the second member 3. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to providing two elastic portions 7, and for example, three or more elastic portions 7 may be provided, or a case where one elastic portion 7 is provided is also included in the present disclosure.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the third member 4 is biased in the −Y-axis direction relative to the second member 3 by the elastic portion 7. Therefore, normally, when the first force P1 is not acting, the third member 4 is biased in the −Y-axis direction, causing the second engagement portion 45 to be inserted into and engaged with the first engagement portion 213. At this time, in this embodiment, the tip of the second engagement portion 45 is formed as an arcuate surface, and the inner surface of the first member main body 21 where the first engagement portion 213 is not formed is also formed as an arcuate surface. Therefore, even if the positions of the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are slightly misaligned and the tip of the second engagement portion 45 abuts against the inner surface of the first member main body 21, the biasing force of the elastic portion 7 causes the tip of the second engagement portion 45 to slide against the inner surface of the first member main body 21, so that the second engagement portion 45 is inserted into one of the adjacent first engagement portions 213 and engaged.

[0030] [How to assemble the distance adjustment mechanism] Next, a method for assembling the distance adjustment mechanism 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the third member main body portion 41 of the third member 4 is stored in the storage recess 33 of the second member 3. At this time, the third member main body portion 41 is positioned so that the second engagement portion 45 of the third member main body portion 41 protrudes from an opening in a part of the side surface on the -Y axis direction side of the second member main body portion 31 and so that the movement restricting portion 34 of the second member main body portion 31 is inserted into the elongated hole 43 of the third member main body portion 41. Then, the elastic portion 7 is stored in the biasing recess 44 of the third member main body portion 41.

[0031] Next, the force converting protrusion 53 of the fourth member 5 is inserted into the through-hole 42 of the third member 4. Then, in this state, the second member 3, the third member 4, the fourth member 5, and the elastic portion 7 are stored inside the first member main body 21. At this time, the second member 3, the third member 4, the fourth member 5, and the elastic portion 7 are stored inside the first member main body 21 so that the operating portion 52 of the fourth member 5 is inserted into the operating hole 211 of the first member main body 21. Finally, the first member lid 22 is placed so as to cover the opening of the first member main body 21, thereby completing the assembly of the distance adjustment mechanism 1. As described above, in this embodiment, the distance adjustment mechanism 1 can be assembled by storing the second member 3, the third member 4, the fourth member 5, and the elastic portion 7 in the first member main body portion 21, and then covering the opening of the first member main body portion 21 with the first member lid portion 22. This makes it easy to assemble the distance adjustment mechanism 1.

[0032] [About the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism] Next, the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism 1 will be described. 5 to 10 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the distance adjustment mechanism 1 in this embodiment. First, as shown in Figure 5, when the first force P1 is not acting on the distance adjustment mechanism 1, the third member 4 is urged in the -Y axis direction relative to the second member 3 by the elastic portion 7, so that the second engagement portion 45 is inserted into the first engagement portion 213, and the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are engaged with each other. 5 shows a state in which the second member 3 is most fully housed in the first member 2, in other words, a state in which the second member 3 is located furthest in the −X axis direction relative to the first member 2. In this case, in this embodiment, the side surface of the first member main body 21 on the +X axis direction side and the side surface of the distance adjustment portion 32 of the second member main body 31 on the +X axis direction side are configured to be flush with each other. However, this is not limited to the above configuration. For example, when the second member 3 is located furthest in the −X axis direction relative to the first member 2, the distance adjustment portion 32 of the second member main body 31 may be configured to protrude from the distance adjustment hole 212 of the first member main body 21. This configuration makes it easier to provide a connecting portion (not shown) on the side surface of the distance adjustment portion 32 in the +X axis direction.

[0033] Next, in the distance adjustment mechanism 1 in the state shown in Fig. 5, when the operator applies a first force P1 in the +X-axis direction to the operating portion 52 of the fourth member 5, the inner surface 421 of the through-hole 42 and the outer surface 531 of the force converting protrusion 53 come into contact with each other, as shown in Fig. 6. As a result, as described above, the second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction is transmitted to the third member 4, and the third member main body 41 moves in the +Y-axis direction relative to the second member 3. Therefore, the second engagement portion 45 moves in the +Y-axis direction, and the engagement between the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 is released.

[0034] 7, with the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 disengaged from each other, a first force P1 acting in the +X-axis direction is transmitted to the second member 3 and the third member 4. This releases the restriction on the movement of the second member 3 and the third member 4 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2, and the second member 3 and the third member 4 move in the +X-axis direction relative to the first member 2.

[0035] At this time, as shown in FIG. 8 , the tip of the second engagement portion 45, which has an arcuate surface, slides while abutting against the inner surface of the first member main body 21, which also has an arcuate surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the second member 3 and the third member 4 move in the +X-axis direction relative to the first member 2, the action of the first force P1 is released. In other words, when the operator stops operating the operation unit 52, the second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction is also released, and the third member 4 is biased by the elastic portion 7 to move in the -Y-axis direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 , the tip of the second engagement portion 45 of the third member main body 41 moves in the -Y-axis direction while sliding against the inner surface of the first member main body 21. As a result, the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are engaged with each other, and movement of the second member 3 and the third member 4 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2 is restricted. In this way, the second member 3 moves one step in the +X-axis direction relative to the first member 2. In other words, the distance in the direction in which the band or the like is connected becomes longer in the distance adjustment mechanism 1. This makes it possible to adjust the length of a strip-shaped member such as a band connected to the distance adjustment mechanism 1. In the distance adjustment mechanism 1, when shortening the distance in the direction in which a band or the like is connected, a first force P1 can be applied to the operating unit 52 in the -X-axis direction. This allows the length of a strip-shaped member such as a band connected to the distance adjustment mechanism 1 to be shortened.

[0036] Thus, in this embodiment, the operator can release the restriction on movement of the second member 3 and the third member 4 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2 by simply applying the first force P1 to the operating unit 52 in the X-axis direction, and move the second member 3 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2. This allows the operator to operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1 with one hand, making it easier to operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of first engagement portions 213 that engage with the second engagement portions 45 to restrict movement of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 are provided in the first member main body 21 along the X-axis direction, so that the first engagement portions 213 that engage with the second engagement portions 45 can be changed in stages. Therefore, the position of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 can be adjusted in stages, making it easy to fine-tune the position of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2. Furthermore, a clicking sound and impact are generated when the tip of the second engagement portion 45 passes over the arcuate inner surface of the first member main body 21. Therefore, even if the operator does not visually recognize the distance adjustment mechanism 1, the operator can recognize that the length has been adjusted.

[0038] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the distance adjustment mechanism 1 of this embodiment, when the third member 4 is biased by the elastic portion 7 and moves in the −Y-axis direction, the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are engaged with each other, and movement of the second member 3 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2 is restricted. In this state, when a first force P1 is applied to the fourth member 5 in the X-axis direction, the force conversion unit 6 converts this first force P1 into a second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction and transmits it to the third member 4. Then, the second force P2 moves the third member 4 in the +Y-axis direction, disengaging the first engagement portion 213 from the second engagement portion 45. This releases the restriction on movement of the second member 3 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2. As a result, the first force P1 transmitted to the second member 3 by the fourth member 5 moves the second member 3 in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2. In this way, in this embodiment, the second member 3 can be moved in the X-axis direction simply by applying the first force P1 to the fourth member 5, so the operator can operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1 with one hand, making it easier to operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of first engagement portions 213 that engage with the second engagement portions 45 to restrict movement of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 are provided on the first member main body 21 along the X-axis direction, and therefore the position of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 can be adjusted in stages by gradually changing the first engagement portions 213 that engage with the second engagement portions 45. This makes it easy to fine-tune the position of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the force conversion unit 6 is configured to have an inner surface 421 and an outer surface 531 that are arcuate surfaces, thereby simplifying the mechanism for converting a first force P1 acting in the X-axis direction into a second force P2 acting in the +Y-axis direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the distance adjustment mechanism 1 can be assembled by storing the second member 3, the third member 4, the fourth member 5, and the elastic portion 7 in the first member main body portion 21, and then covering the opening of the first member main body portion 21 with the first member lid portion 22. This makes it easy to assemble the distance adjustment mechanism 1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the tip of the protruding second engagement portion 45 and the inner surface of the first member main body portion 21 on which the first engagement portion 213 configured as a recess is formed are arcuate surfaces. Therefore, even if the positions of the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 are misaligned, the tip of the second engagement portion 45 can be slid against the inner surface of the first member main body portion 21 by the biasing force of the elastic portion 7, so that the first engagement portion 213 and the second engagement portion 45 can be reliably engaged with each other.

[0043] [Second embodiment] Next, a distance adjustment mechanism 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The distance adjustment mechanism 1A of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an operation portion 52A of a fourth member 5A is provided so as to protrude from an operation hole 211A on the side surface on the Y-axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21A. Note that in the second embodiment, the same or similar configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a distance adjustment mechanism 1A according to the second embodiment. 11, the distance adjustment mechanism 1A of this embodiment includes a first member 2A, a second member 3A, a third member 4A, a fourth member 5A, a force conversion unit 6A, and an elastic unit 7A. The second member 3A, the third member 4A, the force conversion unit 6A, and the elastic unit 7A have substantially the same shapes as the second member 3, the third member 4, the force conversion unit 6, and the elastic unit 7 of the first embodiment described above.

[0045] [First member] The first member 2A is made of metal or resin and has a box shape, similar to the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the first member 2A has a first member main body 21A and a first member lid 22A.

[0046] The first member main body 21 is in the shape of a rectangular cylinder with a bottom, and is configured to be able to house the second member 3, the third member 4, the fourth member 5A, and the elastic member 7 inside. In this embodiment, the first member main body 21A is formed with an operation hole 211A and a distance adjustment hole 212A. In this embodiment, an operation hole 211A that opens onto the side surface on the +Y axis direction side and the -Y axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21A is formed in the first member main body portion 21A in accordance with the operation portion 52A of the fourth member 5A.

[0047] First member lid portion 22A is flat and configured to cover the opening of first member main body portion 21 A. In this embodiment, first member lid portion 22A includes a lid main body portion 221A, a guide portion 222A, and a first engagement portion 223A.

[0048] The lid main body 221A is a flat plate-shaped member and is configured to cover the opening of the first member main body 21A. Guide portions 222A are provided near the edge of the lid main body 221A on the +Y axis direction side and near the edge of the lid main body 221A on the -Y axis direction side so as to stand in the Z axis direction. Specifically, the guide portions 222A are in the shape of a substantially rectangular flat plate and are provided so as to stand in the Z axis direction with respect to the lid main body 221A with their longitudinal direction aligned with the X axis direction. In this embodiment, two guide portions 222A are provided for the lid main body 221A.

[0049] The guide portion 222A is provided in accordance with the operating portion 52A of the fourth member 5A, and is configured to restrict movement of the fourth member 5A in the Y axis direction relative to the first member 2A. Specifically, the guide portion 222A is inserted into the gap between the arm-shaped operating portion 52A and the fourth member main body portion 51A, thereby restricting movement of the fourth member 5A in the Y axis direction relative to the first member 2A. This makes it possible in the present embodiment to prevent the fourth member 5A from shifting in the Y axis direction relative to the first member 2A.

[0050] The first engagement portion 223A is formed as a recess that opens to the inner surface of the guide portion 222A on the -Y axis direction side. In this embodiment, a plurality of first engagement portions 223A are provided on the guide portion 222A along the X axis direction.

[0051] [Fourth member] The fourth member 5A is made of metal or resin as in the first embodiment described above, and is configured to transmit a first force P1 acting in the X-axis direction, i.e., the +X-axis direction and the −X-axis direction, to the second member 3A and the third member 4A. In this embodiment, the fourth member 5A includes a fourth member main body 51A, an operating portion 52A, a force converting protrusion (not shown), and a positioning hole 54A.

[0052] The fourth member main body 51A is formed in a flat plate shape. In this embodiment, arm-shaped operating units 52A are provided at the end of the fourth member main body 51A on the +Y axis direction side and the end of the fourth member main body 51A on the -Y axis direction side. Specifically, the operating unit 52A has extension units 521A extending along the Y axis direction from the end of the fourth member main body 51A on the +Y axis direction side and the end of the -Y axis direction side, and an operating position 522A extending along the +X axis direction from the tip of the extension unit 521A. As such, in this embodiment, the operating units 52A are provided in two locations.

[0053] In this embodiment, the operating point 522A operated by the operator is flat along the X-axis direction and is configured to protrude from the operating hole 211A that opens on the side surface on the +Y-axis direction side and the side surface on the -Y-axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21A. This allows the operator to operate the operation unit 52A, for example, by holding the operation part 522A between the thumb and index finger. This makes it easier to operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1A. For example, if the belt-shaped member is configured as a wristwatch band, holding and operating the operation part 522A between the thumb and index finger can prevent the distance adjustment mechanism 1A and the band from rotating around the wrist, making it easier to operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1A.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation hole 211A is provided on the side surface on the Y-axis direction side of the first member main body 21A, so the distance that the fourth member 5A can move in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2A can be made longer compared to the first embodiment in which the operation hole 211 is provided on the top surface of the first member main body 21. Therefore, the adjustment margin for the length of the band, etc., by the distance adjustment mechanism 1A can be made larger.

[0055] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In this embodiment, an operation hole 211A from which an operation location 522A protrudes is provided on a side surface on the Y-axis direction side of the first member main body 21A, so that the operator can, for example, hold the operation location 522A between the thumb and index finger to operate the operation unit 52A. This makes it easier to operate the distance adjustment mechanism 1A. Also, compared to the first embodiment in which the operation hole 211 is provided on the top surface of the first member main body 21, the distance that the fourth member 5A can move in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2A can be made longer, so the adjustment margin for the length of a band or the like using the distance adjustment mechanism 1A can be increased.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first member 2A has a guide portion 222A that restricts the movement of the fourth member 5A in the Y-axis direction, thereby preventing the fourth member 5A from shifting in the Y-axis direction relative to the first member 2A.

[0057] [Third embodiment] Next, a distance adjustment mechanism 1B according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. The distance adjustment mechanism 1B of the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that an operation portion 52B of a fourth member 5B is provided so as to protrude from an operation hole 211B on the side surface on the -Y-axis direction side of a first member main body portion 21B. Note that in the third embodiment, components that are the same as or similar to those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0058] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of a distance adjustment mechanism 1A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the distance adjustment mechanism 1B of this embodiment includes a first member 2B, a second member 3B, a third member 4B, a fourth member 5B, a force conversion part (not shown), and an elastic part 7B.

[0059] [First member] The first member 2B is made of metal or resin and has a box shape, as in the first and second embodiments described above. In this embodiment, the first member 2B has a first member main body 21B and a first member lid 22B. The first member main body 21B is shaped like a rectangular cylinder with a bottom, and is configured to be able to house the second member 3B, the third member 4B, the fourth member 5B, and the elastic portion 7B inside. In this embodiment, the first member main body 21B is formed with an operation hole 211B, a distance adjustment hole 212B, and a first engagement portion 213B. The first member lid 22B is shaped like a flat plate, and is configured to cover the opening of the first member main body 21B.

[0060] The operation hole 211B is formed by opening a rectangular shape on the side surface on the −Y-axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21B. An operation portion 52B of the fourth member 5B (described later) is arranged to protrude into the operation hole 211B.

[0061] As in the first embodiment described above, the first engagement portion 213B is formed on the inner surface of the side surface on the −Y-axis direction side of the first member main body portion 21B. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion 213B is configured by forming a plurality of recesses along the X-axis direction.

[0062] [Fourth member] The fourth member 5B is made of metal or resin as in the first embodiment described above, and is configured to transmit a first force P1 acting in the X-axis direction, i.e., the +X-axis direction and the −X-axis direction, to the second member 3B and the third member 4B. In this embodiment, the fourth member 5B includes a fourth member main body portion 51B, an operating portion 52B, a force converting protrusion (not shown), and a positioning plate portion 55B.

[0063] The fourth member main body 51B is formed in a flat plate shape. In this embodiment, an operation unit 52B is provided at the end of the fourth member main body 51B on the -Y axis direction side. Specifically, the operation unit 52B has an extension portion 521B extending along the Y axis direction from the end of the fourth member main body 51B on the -Y axis direction side, and an operation location 522B extending along the X axis direction from the tip of the extension portion 521B. As such, in this embodiment, the operation unit 52B is provided in one location.

[0064] The positioning plate portion 55B is provided to stand in the Z-axis direction at the end portion on the +Y-axis direction side of the fourth member main body portion 51B. The positioning plate portion 55B is a rectangular flat plate and is provided along the X-axis direction. The positioning plate portion 55B is configured to be inserted into the gap between the first member 2B and the second member 3B. This restricts movement of the fourth member 5B in the Y-axis direction relative to the first member 2B. This makes it possible in this embodiment to prevent the fourth member 5B from shifting in the Y-axis direction relative to the first member 2B.

[0065] [Effects of the third embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In this embodiment, an operation hole 211B from which an operation location 522B protrudes is provided on the side surface on the -Y-axis direction side of the first member main body 21B, and therefore the distance that the fourth member 5B can move in the X-axis direction relative to the first member 2B can be made longer compared to the first embodiment in which the operation hole 211 is provided on the top surface of the first member main body 21. Therefore, the adjustment margin for the length of a band or the like by the distance adjustment mechanism 1A can be made larger.

[0066] [Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present disclosure.

[0067] In the first to third embodiments described above, the first members 2, 2A, 2B are provided with the first engagement portions 213, 223A, 213B as recesses, and the third members 4, 4A, 4B are provided with the second engagement portion 45 as a protrusion, but this is not limiting. For example, the third member may be provided with a plurality of first engagement portions as recesses along the X-axis direction, and the first member may be provided with a second engagement portion as a protrusion.

[0068] In the first embodiment described above, the operation hole 211 is formed on the top surface of the first member main body 21, but this is not limiting. For example, the operation hole into which the operation part is inserted may be formed in the first member lid part.

[0069] In the first to third embodiments described above, the inner surface 421 of the through hole 42 that constitutes the first conversion surface of the present disclosure is an arcuate surface, and the outer surface 531 of the force converting protrusion 53 that constitutes the second conversion surface is an arcuate surface, but this is not limiting. For example, the first conversion surface and the second conversion surface may be inclined surfaces that intersect with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, or one of the first conversion surface and the second conversion surface may be an arcuate surface and the other an inclined surface. The first conversion surface and the second conversion surface may be configured to convert a first force acting in the X-axis direction into a second force acting in the +Y-axis direction.

[0070] Summary of this disclosure The distance adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure includes a first member, a second member whose position is adjustable in a first direction relative to the first member and along a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third member held by the second member and movable relative to the second member in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, a fourth member that transmits a first force acting in the first direction or the second direction to the second member and the third member, a force conversion unit that converts the first force into a second force acting in the third direction and transmits the force to the third member, and a force conversion unit that is provided between the second member and the third member and biases the third member in the fourth direction relative to the second member. The device is characterized in that it comprises an elastic portion, a plurality of first engagement portions provided on one of the first member and the third member along the first direction and the second direction, and a second engagement portion provided on the other of the first member and the third member and engageable with the first engagement portions, wherein the first engagement portions and the second engagement portions are biased by the elastic portion to cause the third member to move in the fourth direction, thereby engaging with each other and restricting movement of the second member in the first direction and the second direction relative to the first member, and the engagement state is released when the third member moves in the third direction due to the second force, thereby releasing the restriction on movement of the second member in the first direction and the second direction relative to the first member.

[0071] In the present disclosure, when the third member is biased by the elastic portion and moves in the fourth direction, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged, restricting movement of the second member in the first and second directions relative to the first member. In this state, when a first force is applied to the fourth member in the first or second direction, the force conversion portion converts the first force into a second force acting in the third direction and transmits it to the third member. This second force then causes the third member to move in the third direction, disengaging the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, thereby releasing the restriction on movement of the second member in the first and second directions relative to the first member. As a result, the first force transmitted to the second member by the fourth member moves the second member in the first or second direction relative to the first member. In this way, in the present disclosure, the second member can be moved in the first or second direction simply by applying the first force to the fourth member, allowing the operator to operate the distance adjustment mechanism with one hand, making operation of the distance adjustment mechanism easier. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the first engagement portions that engage with the second engagement portions to restrict movement of the second member relative to the first member are provided in plurality on one of the first member and the third member along the first direction and the second direction, so that the position of the second member relative to the first member can be adjusted in stages by gradually changing the first engagement portions that engage with the second engagement portions, thereby facilitating fine adjustment of the position of the second member relative to the first member.

[0072] In the distance adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure, the force conversion unit may have a first force conversion surface provided on the fourth member and a second force conversion surface provided on the third member and abutting the first conversion surface, and the first conversion surface and the second conversion surface may be arcuate surfaces or inclined surfaces, thereby converting the first force acting in the first direction or the second direction into a second force acting in the third direction. As a result, the force conversion section is configured to have a first conversion surface and a second force conversion surface which are arc surfaces or inclined surfaces, thereby simplifying the mechanism for converting a first force acting in a first direction or a second direction into a second force acting in a third direction.

[0073] In the distance adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure, the first member may have a guide portion that restricts movement of the fourth member in the third direction and the fourth direction. This makes it possible to prevent the fourth member from shifting and moving in the third direction or the fourth direction relative to the first member.

[0074] In the distance adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure, the first member may be box-shaped to house the second member, the third member, and the fourth member, and may have a first member main body portion in the shape of a rectangular cylinder with a bottom, and a first member lid portion that covers the opening of the first member main body portion. This allows the second member, the third member, and the fourth member to be stored in the first member body, and then the opening of the first member body to be covered with the first member lid, thereby facilitating the assembly of the distance adjustment mechanism.

[0075] In the distance adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure, one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is configured as a protrusion and the other is configured as a recess, thereby making the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engageable, and the tip portion of the protruding first engagement portion or the second engagement portion may be configured as an arc surface. This means that even if the positions of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are misaligned, the protruding tip of the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion can be slid by the biasing force of the elastic portion, thereby ensuring reliable engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1, 1A, 1B... distance adjustment mechanism, 2, 2A, 2B... first member, 3, 3A, 3B... second member, 4, 4A, 4B... third member, 5, 5A, 5B... fourth member, 6, 6A... force conversion portion, 7, 7A, 7B... elastic portion, 21, 21A, 21B... first member main body portion, 22, 22A, 22B... first member cover portion, 31... second member main body portion, 32... distance adjustment portion, 33... storage recess, 34... movement restriction portion, 35... positioning portion, 41... third member main body portion, 42... through hole, 43... elongated hole, 44... biasing recess, 45... second engagement portion, 51, 51A, 51B...fourth member main body portion, 52, 52A, 52B...operation portion, 53...force conversion protrusion, 54, 54A...positioning hole, 55B...positioning plate portion, 211, 211A, 211B...operation hole, 212, 212A, 212B...distance adjustment hole, 213, 223A, 213B...first engagement portion, 221A...lid main body portion, 222A...guide portion, 421...inner surface (first conversion surface), 521A, 521B...extension portion, 522A, 522B...operation location, 531...outer surface (second conversion surface), P1...first force, P2...second force.

Claims

1. A first member; a second member whose position is adjustable along a first direction relative to the first member and along a second direction opposite to the first direction; a third member held by the second member and movable relative to the second member in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction; a fourth member that transmits a first force acting in the first direction or the second direction to the second member and the third member; a force conversion unit that converts the first force into a second force acting in the third direction and transmits the second force to the third member; an elastic portion provided between the second member and the third member and configured to urge the third member in the fourth direction relative to the second member; a plurality of first engaging portions provided on one of the first member and the third member along the first direction and the second direction; a second engaging portion provided on the other of the first member and the third member and engageable with the first engaging portion, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are biased by the elastic portion to move the third member in the fourth direction, thereby bringing the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion into an engaged state and restricting movement of the second member in the first direction and the second direction relative to the first member, and the third member is moved in the third direction by the second force, thereby releasing the engaged state and releasing the restriction on movement of the second member in the first direction and the second direction relative to the first member. A distance adjustment mechanism characterized by:

2. 2. The distance adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, the force conversion unit has a first conversion surface provided on the fourth member and a second conversion surface provided on the third member and in contact with the first conversion surface, The first conversion surface and the second conversion surface are formed as arcuate surfaces or inclined surfaces, and thereby convert the first force acting in the first direction or the second direction into the second force acting in the third direction. A distance adjustment mechanism characterized by:

3. 2. The distance adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, The first member has a guide portion that restricts movement of the fourth member in the third direction and the fourth direction. A distance adjustment mechanism characterized by:

4. 2. The distance adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, The first member is box-shaped to house the second member, the third member, and the fourth member, and has a first member main body portion in the shape of a square cylinder with a bottom, and a first member lid portion that covers an opening of the first member main body portion. A distance adjustment mechanism characterized by:

5. 2. The distance adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is configured as a protrusion and the other is configured as a recess, thereby making the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engageable with each other; The tip of the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion that is formed into a protruding shape is formed into an arcuate surface. A distance adjustment mechanism characterized by:

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