buckle

Abstract

To provide a buckle which can obtain a strong connection state despite its simple structure. [Solution] The buckle 1 comprises a first buckle member 2 having a first buckle body 4, an operating part 5 operably attached to the first buckle body 4, and a locking part 6 actuated by the operating part 5, a second buckle member 3 having a locking receiving part to which the locking part 6 can be engaged and disengaged, and a magnetic body 25 provided on the first buckle member 2 and the second buckle member 3, which exerts magnetic interaction to maintain a locked state in a locking position where the locking part 6 is engaged with the locking receiving part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are buckles that use magnets (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this buckle, magnetic components are provided on both the male buckle component and the female buckle component, and the connected state is achieved by magnetic force.

[0003] However, in a buckle of the above configuration, if the magnetic force of the magnetic part is weak, the connection state is easily released, while if you want to maintain a secure connection state, you must use a magnetic part with a strong magnetic force, which makes the buckle heavy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2025-124935 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a buckle that can obtain a strong connection despite its simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problem, the present invention provides a buckle comprising a first buckle member having a first buckle body, an operating part operably attached to the first buckle body, and a locking part actuated by the operating part, a second buckle member having a locking receiving part with which the locking part can be engaged and disengaged, and a magnetic body provided on the first buckle member and the second buckle member, which exerts magnetic interaction to maintain the locking state in the locking position where the locking part is engaged with the locking receiving part.

[0007] According to this configuration, an operating unit is provided on the first buckle body, and the locking portion can be engaged with and disengaged from the locking receiving portion of the second buckle member by operating the operating unit, and the locked state can be maintained by magnetic interaction at the locked position. This simple configuration makes it possible to achieve both a physical locked state and a locked and maintained state by magnetic interaction, achieving a strong connection. As a result, even when vibration or external force is applied, the locking portion is prevented from unintentionally disengaging, and the buckle can be maintained in a highly reliable connected state.

[0008] It is preferable that the operating part is rotatably provided on the first buckle body, and that the operating part and the first buckle body have a rotation restricting mechanism that restricts the rotation range of the operating part.

[0009] This configuration allows the user to determine whether or not the operation is being performed appropriately without any hesitation.

[0010] It is preferable that the operating part has a shaft part rotatably supported on the first buckle body, and the rotation restriction mechanism is composed of a protrusion extending from the shaft part and a fan-shaped recess formed on the first buckle body that restricts the range of movement of the protrusion as the operating part rotates.

[0011] With this configuration, the operating unit is rotatably supported relative to the first buckle body via the shaft, allowing for stable rotation of the operating unit. Furthermore, the rotation restriction mechanism is formed by the ridge extending from the shaft and the fan-shaped recess formed in the first buckle body, so the rotation angle of the operating unit is reliably restricted by the range within which the ridge can move within the recess. This prevents the operating unit from rotating excessively and moving to an undesired position, improving the accuracy of setting the operating position. Furthermore, the clearly defined restriction range makes it easy for the user to identify the rotation limit, contributing to an improved operating feel. Furthermore, the rotation restriction mechanism formed by the ridge and recess does not increase the number of parts, resulting in a simple structure, which contributes to the miniaturization of the entire buckle and improved manufacturability.

[0012] It is preferable that the locking portion is a plate-shaped locking piece extending from one end to the other end, and that the second buckle member is plate-shaped and has an insertion hole through which the locking piece can be inserted and a recess in which the locking piece is rotatably arranged.

[0013] With this configuration, the locking piece is reliably guided through the insertion hole of the second buckle member, preventing misalignment or snagging during operation. Furthermore, because the locking piece is rotatably arranged within the recess, unnecessary rattle is unlikely to occur, enabling stable rotation. Furthermore, by rotating the locking piece while housed within the recess, the locking piece is unlikely to move freely in the direction of removal, and the locked state can be maintained well. Because the second buckle member is plate-shaped, even when the insertion hole and recess are formed, the thickness of the member can be kept from increasing, contributing to a thinner and more compact buckle overall. The configuration of providing the insertion hole and recess in a plate-shaped member is relatively simple and is easy to manufacture without increasing the number of parts.

[0014] The magnetic body comprises one fixed to the operating portion and one fixed to the second buckle body, and the first buckle body has a recess into which the magnetic body fixed to the second buckle body engages and disengages, and it is preferable that magnetic interaction occurs between the magnetic bodies when the locking piece is positioned in the locking position of the recess.

[0015] According to this configuration, magnetic interaction occurs between the magnetic body fixed to the operating section and the magnetic body fixed to the second buckle body when the locking piece is positioned in the locking position of the recess, allowing the magnetic force to effectively hold the locking piece in the locked position. As a result, the locking piece is prevented from unintentionally rotating and moving to the unlocked position, improving the stability of the locked state. In addition, because the magnetic holding force acts without contact, there is little wear or rattle, allowing for stable locking over a long period of time. Furthermore, a configuration using a magnetic body does not require additional complex mechanical structures or an increase in the number of parts, which contributes to simplifying the configuration and improving manufacturability.

[0016] It is preferable that when the first buckle member and the second buckle member are overlapped and the locking piece is positioned in an unlocked position where it can be detached from the second buckle member, a magnetic body is provided on the first buckle member that exerts magnetic interaction with the magnetic body provided on the second buckle body.

[0017] With this configuration, even when the first buckle member and the second buckle member are overlapped and the locking piece is in the unlocked position where it can be released from the second buckle member, magnetic interaction occurs between the magnetic material provided on the first buckle member and the magnetic material provided on the second buckle body. This makes it difficult for the buckle members to shift relative to each other, and the relative positions of the members can be well maintained even before the locking operation begins. Because the magnetic force maintains the position without contact, it is less susceptible to wear due to sliding, ensuring stable operability over a long period of time. Furthermore, a retention mechanism using a magnetic material has a simple structure, contributing to manufacturability and miniaturization without increasing the number of parts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the locking portion of the first buckle member is locked to the locking receiving portion of the second buckle member, and the locked state is maintained by magnetic interaction using a magnetic material, so despite the simple structure, a strong connection can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the buckle according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the buckle of FIG. 1 in a state where the first buckle member and the second buckle member are disengaged. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the buckle according to the present embodiment, seen from the opposite direction to that of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view showing the buckle of FIG. 4 in a state where the first buckle member and the second buckle member are disengaged. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 8] 1 with the operation unit removed to show the opposite side, and a perspective view showing the state where the locking piece is in the unlocking position. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the operating portion is operated from FIG. 8 to move the locking piece to the locking position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "upper," "lower," "side," and "end") will be used as necessary. However, the use of these terms is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., may differ from those of the actual objects.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a buckle 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, this buckle 1 comprises a first buckle member 2 and a second buckle member 3. Each of these components is made of a non-magnetic metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first buckle member 2 is composed of a first buckle body 4, an operating portion 5, and a locking piece 6.

[0023] The first buckle body 4 is a plate-like body having a rectangular shape in a plan view. One end of the first buckle member 2 forms a diagonally extending inclined portion 7. A first elongated hole 8 extending in the width direction is formed in the inclined portion 7. One end of a belt-like string (not shown) is connected to the first elongated hole 8. The other end of the first buckle body 4 is formed with a first through-hole 9 and a second through-hole 10 at two locations along the center line. A first fan-shaped recess 11 is formed around the first through-hole 9 on the surface of the first buckle member 2. Both ends of one end of the first buckle member 2 are formed with an arc-shaped rounded surface, and both ends of the other end are chamfered to smoothly connect. Although not shown, a through-hole is formed on the side of the second through-hole 10, into which a first magnet 12 is fixed and integrated by means of adhesive or the like.

[0024] The operating unit 5 includes a disk 13 and a shaft 14 extending from the center thereof. A female threaded hole 14a is formed in the center of the shaft 14. A protrusion 15 extending from the shaft 14 is formed on one side of the disk 13. The shaft 14 is inserted into a first through-hole 9 of the first buckle member 2 and is rotatably supported. The protrusion 15 is located in a first recess 11 formed in the first buckle member 2 and restricts the rotation range of the operating unit 5 to between a locked position and an unlocked position. In other words, the first recess 11 and the protrusion 15 provide a rotation restriction mechanism. A circular first recess 16 is formed on one side of the disk 13 at a position rotated 90 degrees from the protrusion 15 on the outer periphery of the shaft 14, and a second magnet 17 is disposed therein.

[0025] The locking piece 6 is plate-shaped and extends on both sides from a circular center. A through-hole 6a is formed in the center. Both ends are semicircular. The locking piece 6 is integrated with the operating unit 5 by threading a screw through the through-hole 6a into a female screw hole 14a provided in the shaft portion 14 of the operating unit 5.

[0026] The second buckle member 3 is composed of a second buckle body 18 and a cover 19.

[0027] The second buckle body 18 is made of a rectangular plate-like body in a plan view, and one end is thinner to form an extending thin-walled portion 20. A second elongated hole 21 extending in the width direction is formed in the thin-walled portion 20. One end of a belt-like string (not shown) is connected to the second elongated hole 21. A second recess 22 is formed in one surface (first surface) of the second buckle body 18. The first buckle member 2, excluding the inclined portion 7, is positioned in the second recess 22 without any gaps. The second buckle member 3 is formed with a communication hole 23 extending in the width direction. The center of the communication hole 23 is circular, and both ends are semicircular, and the hole is sized to allow the locking piece 6 to pass through. A second recess 24 is formed near the communication hole 23. A cylindrical third magnet 25 is positioned in the second recess 24. A portion of the third magnet 25 protrudes from the second recess 24 and can be positioned within the second through-hole 10 of the first buckle member 2. The other surface (second surface) of the second buckle member 3 is formed with a circular recess 26 into which the communication hole 23 fits and into which the locking piece 6 can rotate. The bottom surface of the circular recess 26 functions as a locking receiving portion with which the locking piece 6 is locked.

[0028] The cover 19 is a rectangular plate-like body in a plan view, with a through-hole 19a formed in the center. The cover 19 is integrated with the other surface of the second buckle member 3 with double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like. With the cover 19 integrated with the second buckle member 3, the center portion of the locking piece 6 is visible through the through-hole 19a.

[0029] The buckle 1 having the above structure is manufactured as follows.

[0030] The second magnet 17 is fixed to the first recess 16 of the operating unit 5 by adhesive or other means and integrated. The shaft 14 of the operating unit 5 is inserted into the first through-hole 9 from the front side of the first buckle body 4. The locking piece 6 is fixed to the inserted shaft 14 by screws. This completes the first buckle member 2. The third magnet 25 is fixed to the second recess 24 of the second buckle body 18 by adhesive or other means and integrated. The cover 19 is fixed to the second surface of the second buckle body 18 by double-sided tape, adhesive or other means and integrated, thereby completing the second buckle member 3. A strap-like cord (not shown) is connected to the first elongated hole 8 of the first buckle member 2 and the second elongated hole 21 of the second buckle member 3, respectively.

[0031] The buckle 1 thus completed is used as follows.

[0032] Before the first buckle member 2 and the second buckle member 3 are connected, the operating unit 5 of the first buckle member 2 is rotated to the unlocking position, and the locking pieces 6 are oriented in the width direction of the first buckle body 4. In this state, the first magnet 12 of the first buckle member 2 and the second magnet 17 of the operating unit 5 are attracted to each other by their magnetic forces, and the operating unit 5 is positioned in the unlocking position.

[0033] When connecting the first buckle member 2 and the second buckle member 3, the locking piece 6 of the first buckle member 2 is inserted into the communication hole 23 of the second buckle body 18, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The second recess 22 of the second buckle body 18 matches the shape of the first buckle body 4, so by inserting the locking piece 6 into the communication hole 23, the first buckle body 4 and the second buckle body 18 can be accurately aligned. Furthermore, when the third magnet 25 provided on the second buckle body 18 is inserted into the second through hole 10 formed in the first buckle body 4, a magnetic attraction force acts between the third magnet 25 and the first magnet 12 provided near the second through hole 10, which also stabilizes the overlapping state of the two components.

[0034] The outer periphery of the operating unit 5 is grasped with the fingers and rotated. By rotating the operating unit 5, the locking piece 6 rotates within the circular recess 26 of the second buckle member 3, and moves from the unlocked position corresponding to the communication hole 23 to the locked position, as shown in FIG. 9. In the locked position, the bottom surface of the circular recess 26 prevents the locking piece 6 from moving in the direction away from the second buckle member 3, so that the connection between the first buckle member 2 and the second buckle member 3 is maintained. Furthermore, by rotating the operating unit 5, the second magnet 17 moves to a position facing the third magnet 25. As a result, the second magnet 17 and the third magnet 25 are attracted to each other by their mutual magnetic force, and the operating unit 5 is positioned in the locked position.

[0035] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0036] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the operation unit 5 may be provided with a structure for preventing slippage during operation. For example, a straight or helical jagged structure may be formed on the outer periphery of the operation unit 5 by knurling or the like, or a separate ring-shaped member with high friction resistance, such as rubber, may be integrated with the outer periphery.

[0037] In the above embodiment, a magnet is used to position the locking piece 6 in the locking position or the unlocking position, but one of the magnets may be a soft magnetic material such as iron, as long as they are a combination of materials that mutually exert magnetic interaction. A structure may also be added that provides a clicking sensation when the locking piece 6 is positioned in the locking position or both the locking and unlocking positions. For example, a resin protrusion may be provided so that the locking piece 6 can ride over the protrusion.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the operating unit 5 is a rotary mechanism, but this is not limiting and a sliding mechanism may also be adopted. For example, the locking piece 6 may have a flange at the tip of the shaft, the operating unit 5 may be configured to be slidable in the width direction relative to the first buckle body 4, and the flange may be configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the second buckle body 18. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1...Buckle 2...First buckle member 3...Second buckle member 4...First buckle body 5...Operation unit 6...Latching piece 6a...Through hole 7…Slope part 8…1st long hole 9...First through hole 10...Second through hole 11...First recess 12...First magnet 13...Disc section 14...Shaft 14a... Female thread hole 15...projection 16...First recess 17...Second magnet 18...Second buckle body 19...Cover 19a...Through hole 20...Thin section 21…Second long hole 22...Second recess 23…Communication hole 24...Second recess 25...Third magnet 26...Circular recess

Claims

1. a first buckle member having a first buckle body, an operating part operably attached to the first buckle body, and a locking part actuated by the operating part; a second buckle member having a locking receiving portion to which the locking portion can be engaged and disengaged; a magnetic body provided on the first buckle member and the second buckle member, the magnetic body exerting magnetic interaction to maintain a locked state at a locking position where the locking portion is locked with the lock receiving portion; Equipped with a buckle.

2. The operating unit is rotatably provided on the first buckle body, and the operating unit and the first buckle body have a rotation restriction mechanism that restricts the rotation range of the operating unit. The buckle according to claim 1 .

3. the operating portion has a shaft portion rotatably supported by the first buckle body, The rotation restriction mechanism is composed of a protrusion extending from the shaft portion and a sector-shaped recess formed in the first buckle body to restrict the movement range of the protrusion associated with the rotation of the operating part. The buckle according to claim 2.

4. The locking portion is a plate-shaped locking piece extending from one end to the other end, and the second buckle member is plate-shaped and has an insertion hole through which the locking piece can be inserted and a recess in which the locking piece is rotatably disposed. The buckle according to claim 1 .

5. The magnetic body includes one fixed to the operating portion and one fixed to the second buckle body, and the first buckle body has a hole or a recess into which the magnetic body fixed to the second buckle body is engaged and disengaged, and when the locking piece is located at the locking position, magnetic interaction occurs between the magnetic bodies. The buckle according to claim 4.

6. a magnetic body provided on the first buckle member that exerts magnetic interaction with the magnetic body provided on the second buckle body when the first buckle member and the second buckle member are overlapped and the locking piece is positioned at an unlocked position where it can be released from the second buckle member; The buckle according to claim 5.

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