Adjustment ring, adjustment component, and ring

Abstract

To provide an adjustment ring, adjustment member, and ring with excellent mounting properties. [Solution] One form of the adjustment ring (1) comprises a ring (10) having a plurality of locking portions (13) formed at different positions in the circumferential direction on its inner surface, and an adjustment member (20) that is attached to the ring (10) and has a plurality of engaging portions (23) formed thereon that engage with at least two of the plurality of locking portions (13) of the ring (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment ring, an adjustment member, and a ring.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a size-adjustable ring including a ring body made of metal having a recess formed on its inner peripheral surface, a size adjustment means composed of a U-shaped metal leaf spring and a metal attachment portion, and the attachment portion of the size adjustment means is fitted and fixed in the recess of the ring body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the method of fixing the ring body and the size adjustment means, when the size-adjustable ring falls, the size adjustment means is likely to come off the ring body, resulting in poor attachment. On the other hand, if the size adjustment means is welded or adhered to the ring body, it becomes impossible to replace or remove it.

[0005] The present invention is for improving and solving the problems in such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide an adjustment ring, an adjustment member, and a ring with excellent attachment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An adjustment ring according to one aspect includes a ring in which a plurality of locking portions are formed at different positions in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface, and an adjustment member that is attached to the ring and in which a plurality of engaging portions are formed to respectively engage with at least two of the plurality of locking portions of the ring.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an adjustment ring, an adjustment member, and a ring that offer excellent attachability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the adjustment ring according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the adjustment ring. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the ring body of the adjustable ring. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ring body of the adjustable ring. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the spacers in the adjustable ring. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing part of the components of an adjustable ring. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the spacer of the adjustment ring, seen from the inside. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the spacer of the adjustment ring, seen from the outside. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the spacer in the adjustment ring. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the second spacer of the adjustment ring. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the adjustment ring with the second spacer attached. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the second spacer, seen from the inner side. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of the second spacer as seen from the outside. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second spacer. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an adjustable ring with the spacer attached to the face portion. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the structure of an adjustable ring, with the two spacers attached to the ring body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, the adjustment ring 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0010] The adjustment ring 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a ring body 10 (ring) and a spacer 20 as an adjustment member attached to the ring body 10.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ring body 10 includes an annular band portion 11 attached to the outer periphery of the finger and a face portion 12 provided on the outer side of a part in the circumferential direction of the band portion 11.

[0012] The band portion 11 is made of a metal such as SUS, for example. For example, the band portion 11 is configured in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the finger, and forms a finger hole 11a through which the finger is passed from the tip. The finger hole 11a is configured in a shape into which the finger to be worn can be inserted. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a part of the inner wall surface of the band portion 11 may be configured to be flat. As an example, the inner peripheral surface of the band portion 11 according to the present embodiment has a curved surface portion 111 that forms an arc along a reference circle CC (see FIG. 4) corresponding to a preset size, and a flat surface portion 112 located on the back side of the face portion 12. For example, in the present embodiment, the band portion 11 is configured such that a part of the inner surface on the back side of the face portion 12 is flat, and other parts are configured in an arc shape that curves along the reference circle CC. As shown in FIG. 4, the flat surface portion 112 is located at a position overlapping the reference circle CC of the curved surface portion 111 or outside the reference circle CC. For example, both ends in the circumferential direction of the curved surface portion 111 extend slightly toward the outer peripheral side and are connected to both ends of the flat surface portion 112 arranged outside the circle of the curvature of the curved surface portion 111.

[0013] Incidentally, the thickness t1 of the band portion 11 orthogonal to the width direction and the circumferential direction of the band portion 11 may vary depending on the part. The thickness t1 of the band portion 11 is configured to be thinnest at the second reference position P2 on the opposite side of the first reference position P1 where, for example, the face portion 12 is arranged in the circumferential direction of the band portion 11. Also, regarding the width dimension of the arc-shaped curved surface portion 111 of the band portion 11, the widths of both end portions continuous with the face portion 12 are the widest, and the width of the second reference position P2 is configured to be the narrowest. That is, the width dimension of the band portion 11 gradually decreases from both end portions continuous with the face portion 12, for example, toward the second reference position P2 on the opposite side of the face portion 12. Further, in the curved surface portion 111 of the band portion 11, mounting portions 14 having hole portions 13 as locking portions that engage with the engaging portions of the spacer 20 are provided on one side and the other side of the face portion 12 in the circumferential direction, respectively.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the mounting portions 14 are provided, for example, on one side and the other side with respect to the face portion 12 in the circumferential direction, respectively. The mounting portion 14 has a plurality of hole portions 13 arranged in the circumferential direction. For example, in the mounting portions 14 on one side and the other side, three hole portions 13 are arranged at equal intervals, respectively. Therefore, a total of six hole portions 13 are formed in the band portion 11. In each mounting portion 14, the axial directions of the three hole portions 13 are configured to be parallel. For example, the axis of the central one of the three hole portions 13 is along the radial direction of the circle of the curved surface portion 111. Each hole portion 13 is a through hole that penetrates the band portion 11 in the thickness direction. For example, the mounting portion 14 may have a recessed portion 14a in which a predetermined region of the outer surface is recessed at a predetermined depth. As an example, a rectangular recessed portion 14a is formed as shown in FIG. 1, and a plurality of hole portions 13, which are through holes, are formed in the recessed portion 14a. As an example, among the three hole portions 13 of each mounting portion 14, the two hole portions 13 on the second reference position side serve as locking portions that engage with the pins 23 of the spacer 20.

[0015] In the band portion 11, the first spacer 20 is mounted in a predetermined range that includes a second reference position P2 opposite to the first reference position P1 where the face portion 12 is located. For example, in the circumferential direction, it is provided in a range that extends to the mounting portions 14 on both sides. As an example, the second reference position P2 corresponds to the center position in the extension direction of the first spacer 20 in the circumferential direction. For example, an alignment mark 15 is formed at the second reference position P2 of the band portion 11, which serves as a guide when mounting the first spacer 20.

[0016] The face portion 12 may be fitted with decorative elements such as gemstones, or it may be a ring-shaped device equipped with various devices. For example, the ring body 10 may be configured in the shape of a wristwatch. Furthermore, the face portion 12 of the ring body 10 may be a watch equipped with a watch module that includes a display unit with a dial and hands for displaying information such as the time and date, a movement for operating the display unit, a circuit board equipped with electronic components such as ICs and antennas, a battery, and various other components necessary for watch functions.

[0017] The first spacer 20 is attached to the inner surface of the band portion 11 and positioned in the opening of the finger hole 11a within the band portion 11, thereby narrowing the opening of the finger hole 11a according to its thickness and adjusting the size. For example, a user can select and attach a spacer (either the first spacer 20 or the second spacer 20A) that is suitable for the user's finger size from among several types of spacers (the first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A), thereby adjusting the size according to the size of the spacer. As an example, in this embodiment, the ring body 10 is configured to be a size 22. Figures 1, 2, and 6 show an example in which the ring body 10 is fitted with the first spacer 20 corresponding to a size 16. Figure 11 also shows another embodiment in which the same ring body 10 is fitted with the second spacer 20A corresponding to a size 19. The two types of spacers (the first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A) differ in dimensional conditions such as thickness and the configuration of identification marks 26 and 26A used to distinguish between types, but are otherwise configured similarly.

[0018] For example, the first spacer 20 shown in Figures 5 to 9 and the second spacer 20A shown in Figures 10 to 14 are made of a soft resin such as silicone resin and are elastically deformable. The first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A integrally include a base plate 21 as a base portion that is positioned opposite the inner circumferential surface of the band portion 11, a pair of edge covers 22 as cover portions that are erected from both sides in the width direction of the base plate 21, and a plurality of pins 23 as protrusions provided at predetermined locations on the base plate 21. For example, the first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A are molded products, and the plurality of pins 23 and edge covers 22 are integrally formed on the base plate 21.

[0019] The base plate 21 is configured, for example, as a curved plate that follows the inner circumferential surface of the band portion 11 when attached. The thickness of the base plate 21 is configured to match the adjustment size. That is, the base plate 21 has an arc-shaped outer surface that follows the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface of the band portion 11, and an arc-shaped inner circumferential surface corresponding to the adjustment size, and its thickness is set according to the adjustment size. For example, the thickness t3 of the second spacer 20A for size 19 is configured to be thinner than the thickness t2 of the first spacer 20 for size 16. Note that the thickness of the base plate 21 may differ depending on the position. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the base plate 21 of the first spacer 20 is configured to be thickest in the central part that is positioned at the second reference position P2, and gradually becomes thinner towards both ends.

[0020] In the first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A, mounting portions 24 having pins 23 as engaging parts are provided on one side and the other side in the circumferential extension direction. In this embodiment, the mounting portions 24 are provided on the outer surface of the curve of the base plate 21. The mounting portions 24 have, for example, a plurality of pins 23 arranged in the circumferential direction. For example, two pins 23 are arranged at equal intervals in each of the mounting portions 24 on one side and the other side. Therefore, a total of four pins 23 are formed in each of the first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A.

[0021] The pins 23 are projections formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base plate 21 at multiple locations corresponding to the holes 13 when mounted. The pins 23 are cylindrical in shape and protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the base plate 21. For example, the pins 23 are configured to be insertable into the holes 13, and in each mounting portion 24, two pins 23 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction, with each pin at the center in the width direction. In each mounting portion 24, the two pins 23 are configured to be parallel in their axial direction. In each mounting portion 24, the pins 23 engage with at least two of the multiple holes 13. For example, in the mounting portion 14, the pins 23 are inserted into and engage with the two central holes 13.

[0022] The edge cover 22 is a wall-like member that is erected on both sides of the base plate 21 in the width direction, facing outward from the curvature of the base plate 21. The edge cover 22 covers the sides of both ends of the band portion 11 in the width direction when the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are attached to the band portion 11. For example, the edge cover 22 has a height dimension equivalent to the thickness dimension of the band portion 11. The base end of the edge cover 22 is connected to the base plate 21, and the tip end abuts against the side surface of the ring body 10 in the width direction, gripping the ring body 10. In addition, the pair of edge covers 22 formed on both sides in the width direction have thicker tips that face outward from the curvature, and the distance between the pair of edge covers 22 is narrower at the outer tip than at the base end that faces the base plate 21. That is, the pair of edge covers 22 have an inclined surface in which the distance between the pair of opposing wall surfaces 22a narrows from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the ring. Therefore, the opening groove 27, which is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the base plate 21 and the opposing wall surfaces 22a where the pair of edge covers 22 face each other, is configured such that its opening width narrows towards the outer peripheral side. For example, the width dimensions W1 and W2 at the narrowest tip of the opening groove 27 of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are configured to be smaller than the width dimension of the corresponding part of the band portion 11 that is sandwiched in the groove 27. Therefore, in the mounted state, both end faces in the width direction of the band portion 11 abut against the opposing wall surfaces 22a of the pair of edge covers 22, and the band portion 11 is sandwiched between the edge covers 22. In addition, alignment marks 25 are formed on the outer surface of the edge cover 22 on the outside in the width direction, which serve as guides when mounting it to the band portion 11. The edge covers 22 are formed in the area of ​​the base plate 21 excluding the area where the mounting portions 24 at both ends are formed in the extending direction of the base plate 21. For example, in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 21, the edge cover 22 is formed in a predetermined central area that avoids the area where the pin 23 is formed. That is, the mounting portion 24 where the pin 23 is formed and the edge cover 22 are positioned so that they do not overlap in the circumferential direction.

[0023] For example, identification marks 26 and 26A are formed on the surface of the edge cover 22 of the spacers (first spacer 20 and second spacer 20A), respectively, which serve as indicators for distinguishing between multiple types of spacers (first spacer 20 and second spacer 20A). For example, the identification marks 26 and 26A are recesses formed on the outer surface of the base plate 21. As an example, the first spacer 20 has one circular identification mark 26 formed at the second reference position P2. Next, the second spacer 20A has two circular identification marks 26A formed at two locations on either side of the second reference position P2.

[0024] For example, in the first spacer 20 and the second spacer 20A, the base plate 21 and the edge cover 22 are made of silicone resin and are elastically deformable. When installed, they deform to enlarge the opening width of the opening groove 27, allowing them to be installed, and after installation, they return to their original state so that the pair of edge covers 22 clamp the band portion 11.

[0025] When attaching the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) to the ring body 10, first the base plates 21 of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are curved and deformed so that they are positioned opposite to the inner surface of the finger hole 11a. At this time, the alignment marks 25 of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are aligned with the alignment marks 15 of the ring, and the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are fitted into the finger hole 11a of the ring body 10. Then, the distance between the pair of edge covers 22 is widened, and the band portion 11 is positioned in the opening grooves 27 of the pair of edge covers 22. Furthermore, pins 23 are positioned opposite to each hole 13, and the pair of edge covers 22 sandwich both sides of the band portion 11, restoring the shape of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A), thereby sandwiching the band portion 11 between the pair of edge covers 22.

[0026] In other words, the base plate 21 and edge cover 22 are made of, for example, silicone resin and are elastically deformable. When installed, they are deformed so that the groove width of the opening groove 27 expands, and then restored to their original state. This causes both sides of the band portion 11 in the width direction to contact the opposing wall surfaces 22a of the edge cover 22, covering it. The band portion 11 is then sandwiched between the pair of edge covers 22, thereby fitting the first spacer 20 and the band portion 11 together. After that, each pin 23 is pressed and inserted into each hole 13. As an example, of the three holes 13, the pins 23 are inserted into the two holes 13 other than the hole 13 closest to the face portion 12.

[0027] With the adjustment ring 1, ring body 10, and spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) configured as described above, the size can be adjusted by attaching the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) to the inner circumference of the ring body 10, and the ease of attachment can be improved by engaging multiple engagement parts and locking parts. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the widthwise retention can be improved by clamping the band part 11 with the edge cover 22, and even if the finger moves relative to the other finger in the widthwise direction when wearing the ring, for example, a configuration can be achieved in which the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are less likely to come off. In addition, radial and circumferential positioning is possible with the pin 23 and hole 13, and widthwise positioning can be achieved with the pair of edge covers 22, so that the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) can be removed while preventing misalignment in multiple directions.

[0028] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inner wall surface of the ring body 10 has a curved surface portion 111 and a flat surface portion 112, and by ensuring a reference circle CC, it is possible to prevent localized pressure from being applied to the finger. In addition, the base plate 21 of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) is thicker in the central part that is positioned at the second reference position P2, and gradually becomes thinner towards both ends, so that when worn, the difference in height between the inner wall surface of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) and the inner wall surface of the band portion 11 is reduced, thereby improving the wearing comfort.

[0029] Furthermore, since the band portion 11 is configured to gradually decrease in width toward the second reference position P2 where the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are attached, when the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are attached, the outer surface of the edge cover 22 of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) and the band portion 11 form a smooth continuous shape, improving ease of attachment and appearance. In addition, since the mounting portion 24 where the pins 23 are formed and the edge cover 22 of the base plate 21 are positioned so that they do not overlap in the circumferential direction, the base plate 21 can be easily bent and deformed, improving the workability of inserting the pins 23 at both ends.

[0030] The embodiments described above are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the engaging portion and the locking portion are arranged with a pin 23 which is a convex portion and a hole 13 which is a concave portion, respectively, but for example, the concave portion and the convex portion may be reversed. Also, although the engaging portion is exemplified as a hole 13 which is a through hole, it may be a concave portion with a bottom instead of a through hole. Furthermore, the positions of the mounting portions 14 and 24 are not limited to those described above. For example, two concave portions and two convex portions may be formed side by side at the circumferential center of the base plate 21 and at a position opposite to it.

[0031] Furthermore, although the mounting positions of the spacers (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) are shown to be on the opposite side from the face portion 12, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 15, spacer 20B may be mounted on the face portion 12 side. Also, the ring body 10 may not have a face portion 12, and the inner wall surface may not have a flat portion 112, and the entire circumference may be circular in shape along the reference circle.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which one spacer (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) is attached to the band portion 11 of the ring body 10, and one spacer (first spacer 20, second spacer 20A) is provided spanning two mounting portions 14, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 16, in another embodiment, separate spacers 20C, 20C may be attached to each of the two mounting portions 14 that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the band portion 11, and each spacer 20C may be provided with multiple engaging portions. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the band portion 11 is provided with mounting portions 14 on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction with respect to the face portion 12, and separate spacers 20C, 20C are attached to each of the multiple mounting portions 14. The multiple spacers 20C, 20C have pins 23 that are inserted into and engage with at least two of the holes 13 of the mounting portions 14. As an example, each spacer 20C has two pins 23 formed on it.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the pins 23 and holes 13 are shown to be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base plate 21 and the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion, but this is not the only example. For example, they may be formed on the opposing surface of the edge cover 22 and on the sides in the width direction of the band portion 11 that faces the edge cover 22. Also, in the above embodiment, the ring is shown to be watch-shaped, but this is not the only example.

[0034] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is included within the scope of the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1...Adjustment ring, 10...Ring body (ring), 13...Hole (locking part), 20...First spacer (size adjustment member), 23...Pin (engaging part).

Claims

1. A ring having multiple locking parts formed at different positions in the circumferential direction on its inner surface, An adjustment member is attached to the ring and has a plurality of engaging portions formed thereon that engage with at least two of the plurality of locking portions of the ring, An adjustable ring equipped with features.

2. The adjustment ring according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is a recess or a through hole, and the engaging portion is a convex portion.

3. The adjustment ring according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment member comprises a base portion having a plurality of engagement portions, and a pair of cover portions provided on both sides of the base portion in the width direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction and arranged opposite to both sides of the ring in the width direction.

4. The adjustment ring according to claim 3, wherein the opposing surfaces of the pair of cover portions of the adjustment member are formed inclined surfaces such that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of cover portions narrows from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the ring.

5. The adjustment ring according to claim 4, wherein the base end of the cover portion is connected to the base portion, the tip end of the cover portion abuts against the side surface of the ring in the width direction, and the ring is held between the pair of cover portions.

6. An adjustment member having a base portion that follows the inner circumferential surface of a ring, and engaging portions formed at multiple different locations in the circumferential direction of the base portion, which engage with locking portions formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring.

7. A ring having multiple locking portions formed on its inner circumference that engage with multiple engaging portions formed on the outer circumference of an adjustment member mounted on its inner circumference, The locking portion is arranged at multiple different locations in the circumferential direction of the ring.

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