Helmet buckle and helmet

Abstract

A helmet buckle according to the present disclosure comprises: a base configured so that a band having a claw part on one surface is inserted in such a manner that the other surface opposite to the one surface of the band is in contact with a bottom plate; a locking member provided with a locking part configured to be locked with the claw part of the band; and an operation member configured to rotate the locking member in the anti-locking direction opposite to the locking direction in which the claw part and the locking part are locked, to release the locked state between the claw part and the locking part. The operation member is configured to: when operated in a first operation direction, move from a standby position in which the operation member is not in coordination with the locking member to a releasable position in which the operation member can coordinate with the locking member; and when operated in a second operation direction intersecting the first operation direction, directly or indirectly rotate the locking member in the anti-locking direction, thereby rendering the locking member from the locked state in which the claw part and the locking part are locked to a release state in which the locked state between the claw part and the locking part can be released.

Description

Helmet buckle and helmet

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a helmet buckle and a helmet.

[0002] Helmets such as motorcycle helmets are equipped with a pair of left and right chin straps, one of which has a band with a ratchet and the other has a buckle.

[0003] For example, the buckle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a base unit, a lock unit, and an operation unit. The lock unit is rotatable relative to the base unit. The operation unit is slidable relative to the base unit. When the operation unit is slid in one direction, an inclined portion at the tip of the operation unit rotates the lock unit so as to lift it up. This releases the lock unit from the claw portion on the band. In other words, with this buckle, the user can remove the band from the buckle simply by performing a single operation of sliding the operation unit in one direction.

[0004] European Patent No. 3238558

[0005] From the viewpoint of ease of use, it is desirable for the buckle used in the chin strap of a helmet to be able to release the band from the buckle with a simple operation. On the other hand, it is undesirable for the lock to be released against the user's will. The buckle must be able to be unlocked with a simple operation when the user wishes to unlock it.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a helmet buckle is a buckle configured to secure a band having a claw portion on one surface thereof, the buckle comprising: a base including a bottom plate and a pair of side plates, the base being configured to insert the band into an inner space defined by the bottom plate and the pair of side plates so that the other surface of the band opposite to the one surface thereof contacts the bottom plate; a locking portion configured to be locked to the claw portion; a locking member rotated in a locking direction in which the locking portion is locked to the claw portion of the band inserted between the locking portion and the bottom plate along the band insertion direction; and a buckle that directly or indirectly moves the locking member forward. and an operating member configured to rotate in a counter-locking direction opposite to the locking direction to release the locked state between the claw portion and the locking portion, wherein the operating member is configured to be moved from a standby position not linked to the locking member to a lock-release position where it can be linked when operated in a first operating direction, and to rotate the locking member directly or indirectly in the counter-locking direction when operated in a second operating direction intersecting the first operating direction, thereby moving the locking member from the locked state in which the claw portion and the locking portion are locked to an unlocked state in which it is possible to release the locked state between the claw portion and the locking portion.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a helmet includes a first chin strap having a band, and a second chin strap having a buckle configured to secure the band, wherein the band has a claw portion on one side, and the buckle includes a bottom plate and a pair of side plates, and includes a base configured to insert the band into an inner space defined by the bottom plate and the pair of side plates so that another side of the band opposite to the one side contacts the bottom plate, and a locking portion configured to be locked to the claw portion, and the locking portion is rotated in a locking direction so that the locking portion is locked to the claw portion of the band inserted between the locking portion and the bottom plate along an insertion direction of the band. and an operating member configured to directly or indirectly rotate the locking member in an anti-locking direction opposite to the locking direction to release the locked state between the claw portion and the locking portion, wherein the operating member is configured to be moved from a standby position not linked to the locking member to an unlockable position where it can be linked when operated in a first operating direction, and to be configured to directly or indirectly rotate the locking member in the anti-locking direction when operated in a second operating direction intersecting the first operating direction, to move the locking member from the locked state in which the claw portion and the locking portion are locked to an unlocked state in which it is possible to release the locked state between the claw portion and the locking portion.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a helmet. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a buckle and a band in a first embodiment that is applied to the helmet of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the buckle and the band in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the buckle and the band in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the buckle in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a side view of the buckle in FIG. 2 before the band is inserted. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle in FIG. 6 before the band is inserted. FIG. 8 is a side view of the buckle in FIG. 2 showing an engaged state between the claw portion and the locking portion when the band is inserted. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle in FIG. 8 when the claw portion and the locking portion are engaged. FIG. 10 is a side view of the buckle in FIG. 2 when the operating member is pushed in a first operating direction. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle in FIG. 10 when the operating member is pushed in the first operating direction. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle in FIG. 2 when the operating member is pushed in a second operating direction, which is the release direction, to release the lock. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a buckle and a band in a second embodiment that is applied to the helmet of Fig. 1. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the buckle and band of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a side view of the buckle of Fig. 13 before the band is inserted. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle of Fig. 15 before the band is inserted. Fig. 17 is a side view of the buckle of Fig. 13 when the operating member is pushed in a first operating direction. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle of Fig. 17 when the operating member is pushed in the first operating direction. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle of Fig. 13 when the lock is released by pulling up the operating member in a second operating direction, which is the release direction.

[0009] A helmet to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 19. [First embodiment] [Overall configuration] The helmet 1 shown in Figure 1 is, as an example, a helmet for a motorcycle or the like. The helmet 1 has a spherical shell 2. The shell 2 forms the outer shell of the helmet. The shell 2 is a resin member having a hemispherical shape. The shell 2 houses, for example, an impact absorbing liner 3, which is an interior member for absorbing impact. The shell 2 has a vision opening to ensure visibility. The helmet 1 has a shield, which is a colorless, transparent plate member that is light-transmitting. The shield opens and closes the vision opening.

[0010] The shell 2 has a mounting opening 4. The mounting opening 4 is formed in a lower region of the shell 2. The mounting opening 4 is an opening for inserting the user's head. A pair of left and right chin straps 6, 7 are attached to the mounting opening 4. The base ends of each of the left and right chin straps 6, 7 are fixed to the shell 2. A band 8 having a ratchet is attached to the free end of one of the first chin straps 6. A buckle 9 is attached to the free end of the other second chin strap 7. The pair of left and right chin straps 6, 7 become continuous when the band 8 and buckle 9 are connected.

[0011] [Band] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the chin straps 6, 7 are strip-shaped members made of synthetic resin and flexible in the thickness direction. The band 8 is a metal sheet made of stainless steel or other metal and has an arc-shaped tip. This arc-shaped portion is the insertion end 16 into the buckle 9. One surface (first surface) of the band 8 is configured as a ratchet. Specifically, the band 8 has multiple pawls 11 that form the ratchet, arranged along the longitudinal direction. The multiple pawls 11 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction at a central position in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Recesses 12 are formed between adjacent pawls 11. Each pawl 11 has an inclined surface 13 on the side closer to the tip of the band 8 (tip side) and a locking surface 14 on the opposite side (base side). The locking surface 14 is, for example, a vertical surface to which the locking portion of the buckle 9 can be locked. Band 8 has a flat second surface opposite to the first surface on which the ratchet is formed, which is the surface that comes into contact with the bottom plate of base 21. Band 8 has a base end provided with attachment hole 15 for attaching first chin strap 6. Band 8 functions as an adjuster for adjusting the length of chin straps 6, 7 by engaging claw portion 11 at any position with locking portion 35 of locking member 31.

[0012] 2 and 3, the helmet buckle 9 includes a base 21, a locking member 31, and an operating member 41. The buckle 9 further includes a cover 51.

[0013] [Base] The base 21 includes a bottom plate 22 and a pair of side plates 23, and defines an internal space 24. The base 21 is formed by bending a metal plate. The internal space 24 accommodates the locking member 31 and the cover 51. The band 8 is inserted into the internal space 24 between the bottom plate 22 and the locking member 31. The inner surface of the bottom plate 22 is flat to facilitate movement of the band 8. The bottom plate 22 has an insertion end 22a at its base end and an attachment end 22b at its tip end. The band 8 is inserted along the bottom plate 22 via the insertion end 22a. The insertion end 22a of the bottom plate 22 has an arc shape. The insertion end 22a is curved downward to serve as an insertion guide. The second chin strap 7 is attached to the attachment end 22b of the bottom plate 22, opposite the insertion end 22a. The bottom plate 22 has an attachment hole 25 near the attachment end 22b for attaching the second chin strap 7.

[0014] The pair of side plates 23 are configured so that the base ends closer to the insertion end 22 a are taller than the tip ends closer to the attachment end 22 b. The pair of side plates 23 are provided with support holes 26 near the insertion end 22 a. The pair of support holes 26 support both ends of a support shaft 29 that rotatably supports the locking member 31. The pair of side plates 23 also have positioning recesses 27 for attaching the cover 51 on the vertical side edges closer to the attachment end 22 b.

[0015] [Latching Member] The locking member 31 includes a locking plate 32, a pair of rotation support pieces 33, and a pair of operated pieces 34.

[0016] The locking plate 32 has locking portions 35 between the pair of pivot support pieces 33 that are locked onto the locking surfaces 14 of the claw portions 11 of the band 8. The locking portions 35 are composed of edges and steps that face the locking surfaces 14. In the first embodiment, two rows of locking portions 35 are provided: locking portions 35 formed by the edges of the locking plate 32 and locking portions 35 formed by steps formed on the locking plate 32 (see FIG. 9). Of course, the number of locking portions 35 may be one row, or three or more rows.

[0017] The pair of rotation support pieces 33 have through holes 36 through which the support shafts 29 are inserted. The locking portions 35 are located on the tip side, opposite the rotation fulcrum of the locking member 31. The locking portions 35 move toward or away from the bottom plate 22 by rotating around the support shafts 29. The rotation support pieces 33 also have operated pieces 34 that are bent inward. A portion of the operating member 41 fits under the operated piece 34. As a portion of the operating member 41 fits under the operated piece 34, the locking member 31 rotates while being lifted by the operating member 41.

[0018] [Cover] The cover 51 includes a covering portion 52, a support portion 53, and a side wall portion 54. The covering portion 52 is a portion that covers the inner space 24, and covers the locking member 31 arranged in the inner space 24 from above. The support portion 53 includes an insertion hole 55 through which the support shaft 29 is inserted. The covering portion 52 includes an operation recess 59 that is recessed relative to the end of the side wall portion 54. The operation recess 59 exposes the user operation portion 42 of the operation member 41 to the outside.

[0019] The side wall portions 54 are provided with positioning steps 56 that engage with positioning recesses 27 provided on the pair of side plates 23 of the base 21. The cover 51 is attached to the base 21 by inserting the support shafts 29 into the insertion holes 55 and engaging the positioning steps 56 with the positioning recesses 27. The cover 51 is a member that is fixed integrally to the base 21 and does not rotate or slide relative to the base 21.

[0020] The side wall portion 54 is provided with a guide groove 57 that guides the movement of the operating member 41. The guide groove 57 is a long, narrow groove that penetrates the operating member 41 and extends in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the band 8. The end of the guide groove 57 on the side where the band 8 is inserted (the base end side) is configured with an arc-shaped recess 57a that serves as a pivot point when the operating member 41 is pressed downward.

[0021] 5, the support portion 53 is a portion located above the insertion end portion 22a of the bottom plate 22, and includes a guide recess 58 that forms the insertion opening 19 for the band 8. The guide recess 58 limits the size of the insertion opening 19, making it easier for the insertion end (tip) of the band 8 to be inserted between the bottom plate 22 and the locking plate 32.

[0022] A first biasing member 39 is attached to the support shaft 29 to urge the locking portion 35 of the locking member 31 toward the bottom plate 22. The first biasing member 39 is, for example, a torsion coil spring and includes a coil portion and a pair of arms extending from the coil portion. The support shaft 29 is inserted inside the coil portion. One of the arms is engaged with the rear surface of the cover 51. The other arm is engaged with the locking plate 32. As a result, the biasing force of the first biasing member 39 biases the locking member 31 to rotate around the support shaft 29 in the locking direction (direction of arrow D2) in which the locking portion 35 approaches the bottom plate 22. In other words, the biasing force of the first biasing member 39 reliably engages the locking portion 35 with the claw portion 11 of the band 8.

[0023] [Operation Member] The operation member 41 includes a user operation portion 42 and a rotation operation portion 43. The operation member 41 is a member disposed below the cover 51. The user operation portion 42 is located on the side (tip side) of the attachment side end portion 22b of the bottom plate 22, and is exposed to the outside through an operation recess 59 of the cover 51.

[0024] The rotation operation portion 43 extends on the opposite side of the user operation portion 42. The rotation operation portion 43 has two legs 44, with a space defined between them. The upper surface of each rotation operation portion 43 has a cam portion 45. The cam portion 45 is configured as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the tip of the leg 44. When the cam portion 45 enters the underside of the operated piece 34, it lifts the locking member 31 against the biasing force of the first biasing member 39.

[0025] A second biasing member 49 is disposed in the space between the two legs 44. The second biasing member 49 biases the operating member 41 in the opposite first operating direction (opposite the direction of arrow D1), which is also the insertion direction of the band 8. One example of the second biasing member 49 is a compression coil spring. The second biasing member 49 has one end supported by a retaining portion 48a provided on the inner surface of the cover 51 and the other end supported by a retaining portion 48b provided on the side wall of the space between the two legs 44. The retaining portions 48a and 48b are configured, for example, as recesses into which the coil fits, or as protrusions into which the coil fits.

[0026] The side wall of the operating member 41 includes a shaft 46. The shaft 46 is engaged with a guide groove 57 of the cover 51. The shaft 46 is a horizontally elongated boss, and the portion of the shaft 46 facing the arc-shaped recess 57a of the guide groove 57 is an arc-shaped protrusion 46a. This allows the operating member 41 to move linearly along the guide groove 57. The operating member 41 becomes rotatable when the arc-shaped protrusion 46a abuts against the arc-shaped recess 57a. The shaft 46 also includes a linear engaging protrusion 46b on the tip side, opposite the arc-shaped protrusion 46a. The guide groove 57 includes a linear engaging recess 57b corresponding to the engaging protrusion 46b. That is, the guide groove 57 has an arc-shaped arc-shaped recess 57a on the base end side and a linear engaging recess 57b on the tip end side. On the other hand, the shaft portion 46 has an arcuate protrusion 46a on the base end side which has an arcuate shape corresponding to the arcuate recess 57a, and an engaging protrusion 46b on the tip end side which has a linear shape corresponding to the engaging recess 57b.

[0027] [Assembly] The buckle 9 configured as described above is assembled as follows. Specifically, the operating member 41 is assembled to the cover 51 by engaging the shaft portion 46 with the guide groove 57. At this time, the second biasing member 49 is disposed between the holding portions 48a, 48b. The user operating portion 42 is exposed to the outside through the operation recess 59. The cover 51 is then assembled between the pivot support pieces 33 of the locking member 31. The locking member 31 is then disposed in the inner space 24 of the base 21. The support shaft 29 is then inserted through the support hole 26, the through-hole 36, and the insertion hole 55. Both ends of the support shaft 29 are then supported by the support hole 26. At this time, the support shaft 29 is inserted into the coil portion of the first biasing member 39. In the buckle 9 assembled as described above, the second chin strap 7 is attached to the mounting hole 25 of the base 21. On the other hand, the first chin strap 6 is attached to the attachment hole 15 of the band 8 .

[0028] [Locking Operation] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, before the band 8 is inserted, the operating member 41 is biased in the counter-first operating direction (counter-arrow D1 direction) by the biasing force of the second biasing member 49. As a result, the shaft portion 46 is positioned at the tip end (right side in Figures 6 and 7) of the guide groove 57, opposite the arc-shaped recess 57a (standby position). The cam portion 45 of the rotating operating portion 43 is retracted from the operated piece 34 of the locking member 31 and is not linked to the operated piece 34. The locking member 31 is biased in the locking direction (arrow D2 direction) by the biasing force of the first biasing member 39. As a result, the locking portion 35 contacts the bottom plate 22 of the base 21.

[0029] 8 and 9, the insertion end 16 of the band 8 is inserted into the insertion opening 19 of the buckle 9 (in the direction of arrow D3). The band 8 is then inserted between the bottom plate 22 and the locking plate 32 while sliding against the bottom plate 22. As the band 8 moves, the locking portions 35, which are biased to rotate in the direction of arrow D2 by the first biasing member 39, overcome the claws 11 one by one against the biasing force. As the band 8 moves in the insertion direction (in the direction of arrow D3), the locking portions 35 can easily overcome the inclined surfaces 13 of the claws 11. At this time, the user feels a clicking sensation.

[0030] On the other hand, movement of the band 8 in the counter-insertion direction (counter-arrow D3 direction), i.e., movement in the removal direction, is prevented by the locking portion 35 being locked by the locking surface 14. Even if the operating member 41 is pushed in the second operating direction (arrow D4 direction) before being operated in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction), the engaging protrusion 46b of the shaft 46 is engaged with the engaging recess 57b of the guide groove 57. Therefore, movement in the second operating direction (arrow D4 direction) is prevented. Furthermore, in this state, the cam portion 45 and the operated piece 34 are separated, meaning that they are not linked together. In this way, the locking member 31 is prevented from rotating in the counter-locking direction (counter-arrow D2 direction). This prevents the operating member 41 from being released without being pushed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction).

[0031] [Unlocking Operation] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , to release the band 8 from the buckle 9, first, the operating member 41, which is in the standby position, is pushed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction). Specifically, the user-operated portion 42 of the operating member 41 is pushed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction) against the biasing force of the second biasing member 49. As a result, the operating member 41, which is in the standby position, moves linearly relative to the cover 51 until the arcuate protrusion 46 a of the shaft portion 46 abuts against the arcuate recess 57 a of the guide groove 57. Then, the engaging protrusion 46 b disengages from the engaging recess 57 b of the guide groove 57. As a result, the operating member 41 moves to a disengageable position where the engagement between the claw portion 11 and the locking portion 35 can be released. Then, the cam portion 45 enters below the operated piece 34 of the locking member 31. That is, the cam portion 45 enters between the operated piece 34 of the locking member 31 and the locking portion 45. In this state, the locking state between the claw portion 11 and the locking portion 35 is still maintained.

[0032] Next, as shown in FIG. 12 , while the operating member 41 is being pressed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction), the user further presses the user-operated portion 42 in a second operating direction (arrow D4 direction) that intersects with the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction) and disengages the pawl portion 11 from the locking portion 35. This causes the operating member 41 to rotate around the arc-shaped protrusion 46a of the shaft 46, and the cam portion 45, located on the opposite side of the user-operated portion 42 and the shaft 46, lifts the locking member 31 through the operated piece 34 against the biasing force of the first biasing member 39. The locking member 31 then rotates around the support shaft 29 in the counter-locking direction (counter-arrow D2 direction). This releases the locking state between the pawl portion 11 and the locking portion 35. By maintaining this state, the band 8 can be pulled out of the buckle 9.

[0033] As described above, the first embodiment provides the following advantages. (1-1) In the buckle 9, the operating member 41, which is in the standby position, is operated in a first operating direction (arrow D1 direction). As a result, the operating member 41 moves to a disengageable position where the engagement between the claw portion 11 and the locking portion 35 can be released. Next, while the operating member 41 is being pressed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction), it is further operated in a second operating direction (arrow D4 direction) that intersects with the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction). This causes the operating member 41 to rotate the locking member 31 in the counter-locking direction (counter-arrow D2 direction). This releases the engagement between the claw portion 11 and the locking portion 35. By maintaining this state, the band 8 can be pulled out of the buckle 9.

[0034] Thus, unlocking the buckle 9 requires operation in two different directions. The multiple operation directions prevent the buckle 9 from being unlocked against the user's will. Furthermore, the lock is released by operating the operating member 41 in the first operation direction (arrow D1 direction) and then continuously operating it in the second operation direction (arrow D4 direction). This prevents the operation method for unlocking from becoming complicated.

[0035] Even if the operating member 41 is pushed in the second operating direction (arrow D4 direction) before being operated in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction), the locking member 31 is prevented from rotating in the counter-locking direction (counter-arrow D2 direction), thereby preventing accidental unlocking.

[0036] (1-2) The cover 51 covers the inner space 24 of the base 21, which can prevent the locking member 31 and the operating member 41 arranged in the inner space 24 from malfunctioning due to, for example, being struck by a foreign object. The operating member 41 can be operated from the portion of the cover 51 that faces the outside through the operating recess 59.

[0037] (1-3) The insertion opening 19 is defined by the guide recess 58 of the cover 51 and the opening is limited, making it easier to insert the insertion end 16 of the band 8 between the bottom plate 22 of the base 21 and the locking portion 35.

[0038] (1-4) The biasing force of the first biasing member 39 can reliably lock the locking portion 35 to the claw portion 11. (1-5) The biasing force of the second biasing member 49 can be configured to move the operating member 41 to the unlockable position only when the user operates it in the first operating direction (the direction of arrow D1). In other words, the operating member 41 can maintain the standby position unless the user presses it in the direction of arrow D1.

[0039] (1-6) The number of parts can be reduced because the locking member 31 can be directly rotated by operating the operating member 41. For example, the number of parts can be reduced by eliminating the need for the indirect member 61 in the second embodiment described below.

[0040] 13 and 14 , a buckle 60 according to the second embodiment differs from the buckle 9 according to the first embodiment in the direction of operation of the operating member. In the buckle 9 according to the first embodiment, the user operation portion 42 of the operating member 41 is pushed in the direction of arrow D4, whereas in the buckle 60 according to the second embodiment, the operating member is pulled up in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow D4 (the direction of arrow D5).

[0041] Specifically, the buckle 60 includes a base 21, a locking member 31, an operating member 41, a cover 51, and an indirect member 61. The buckle 60 includes the indirect member 61 as an additional member compared to the buckle 9 of the first embodiment. The buckle 60 includes the indirect member 61, so that the operating member 41 indirectly operates the locking member 31.

[0042] The base 21 has shaft holes 63 that support each end of a shaft member 62 for rotatably supporting the indirect member 61. The locking member 31 is the same member as in the first embodiment. The cover 51 is also the same member as in the first embodiment.

[0043] The operating member 41 does not have the rotation operation portion 43 that is included in the operating member 41 of the first embodiment. Instead, the operating member 41 has a linking portion 47 for rotating the indirect member 61. The linking portion 47 is provided on the opposite side of the user operation portion 42. The linking portion 47 has an inclined surface, and when the operating member 41 is pulled up, it presses the indirect member 61 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0044] The indirect member 61 includes a pressed portion 66 operated by the linking portion 47 of the operating member 41, and a rotation operation portion 67. The pressed portion 66 is a portion that is pressed by the linking portion 47 when the operating member 41 is pulled up. The rotation operation portion 67 extends on the opposite side of the pressed portion 66. The rotation operation portion 67 includes two legs. The upper surface of each rotation operation portion 67 includes a cam portion 68. The cam portion 68 enters the underside of the operated piece 34 and lifts the locking member 31 against the biasing force of the first biasing member 39. The indirect member 61 includes an insertion hole 69, through which the shaft member 62 is inserted, at a position intermediate between the pressed portion 66 and the rotation operation portion 67.

[0045] [Assembly] The buckle 60 configured as described above is assembled as follows. Specifically, the operating member 41 is combined with the cover 51 by engaging the shaft portion 46 with the guide groove 57. At this time, the second biasing member 49 is disposed between the holding portions 48a, 48b. The user operating portion 42 is exposed to the outside through the operating recess 59. The shaft member 62 is inserted into the insertion hole 69 of the intermediate member 61, and both ends of the shaft member 62 are supported in the shaft holes 63.

[0046] The cover 51 is combined between the pivot support pieces 33 of the locking member 31. The locking member 31 is then placed in the inner space 24 of the base 21. The support shaft 29 is then inserted through the support hole 26, the through-hole 36, and the insertion hole 55. Both ends of the support shaft 29 are supported in the support hole 26. At this time, the support shaft 29 is inserted inside the coil portion of the first biasing member 39. In the indirect member 61, the pressed portion 66 is adjacent to the linking portion 47 of the operating member 41, and the pivot operating portion 67 is inserted below the operated piece 34. In the buckle 9 assembled as described above, the second chin strap 7 is attached to the mounting hole 25 of the base 21. Meanwhile, in the band 8, the first chin strap 6 is attached to the mounting hole 15.

[0047] [Locking Operation] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, before the band 8 is inserted, the operating member 41 is biased in the counter-first operating direction (counter-arrow D1 direction) by the biasing force of the second biasing member 49. As a result, the shaft portion 46 is positioned in the guide groove 57 on the opposite side from the arcuate recess 57a (right side in Figures 15 and 16) (standby position). The linking portion 47 is retracted by moving away from the pressed portion 66 and is in a non-linked state. The locking member 31 is biased in the locking direction (arrow D2 direction) by the biasing force of the first biasing member 39. As a result, the locking portion 35 contacts the bottom plate 22 of the base 21.

[0048] The insertion end 16 of the band 8 is then inserted into the insertion opening 19 of the buckle 9 (in the direction of arrow D3). The band 8 is then inserted between the bottom plate 22 and the locking plate 32 while in contact with the bottom plate 22. As the band 8 moves, the locking portions 35, which are biased to rotate by the first biasing member 39 (in the direction of arrow D2), push up the claws 11 one by one against the biasing force. As the band 8 moves in the insertion direction (in the direction of arrow D3), the locking portions 35 can easily ride over the inclined surfaces 13 of the claws 11.

[0049] On the other hand, movement of the band 8 in the counter-insertion direction (counter-arrow D3 direction), i.e., movement of the band 8 in the removal direction, is prevented by the locking portion 35 engaging with the locking surface 14. Even if the operating member 41 is pulled up in the second operating direction (arrow D5 direction) before being operated in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction), the engaging protrusion 46b of the shaft 46 engages with the engaging recess 57b of the guide groove 57. Therefore, movement in the second operating direction (arrow D5 direction) is prevented. Furthermore, in this state, the linking portion 47 and the pressed portion 66 are separated, so they do not link with each other. In this way, the locking member 31 is prevented from rotating in the counter-locking direction (counter-arrow D2 direction). This prevents the lock from being released without the operating member 41 being pushed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction).

[0050] [Unlocking Operation] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , to release the band 8 from the buckle 9, first, the operating member 41, which is in the standby position, is pushed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction). Specifically, the user-operated portion 42 of the operating member 41 is pushed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction) against the biasing force of the second biasing member 49. This causes the operating member 41, which is in the standby position, to move linearly relative to the cover 51 until the arcuate protrusion 46 a of the shaft 46 abuts against the arcuate recess 57 a of the guide groove 57. As a result, the operating member 41 moves to a disengageable position where the engagement between the claw portion 11 and the locking portion 35 can be released. Then, the linking portion 47 contacts the pressed portion 66 and enters a linked state. In this state, the engagement between the claw portion 11 and the locking portion 35 is still maintained.

[0051] Next, as shown in FIG. 19 , while the operating member 41 is being pressed in the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction), the user-operated portion 42 is further pulled up in a second operating direction (arrow D5 direction) that intersects with the first operating direction (arrow D1 direction) and disengages the hook portion 11 from the locking portion 35. This causes the operating member 41 to rotate about the arc-shaped protrusion 46a of the shaft 46, and the linking portion 47, located on the opposite side of the shaft 46 from the user-operated portion 42, presses the pressed portion 66 of the indirect member 61. This causes the indirect member 61 to rotate about the shaft 62, and the cam portion 68 of the rotating operating portion 67, located on the opposite side of the pressed portion 66, lifts the locking member 31 through the operated piece 34 against the biasing force of the first biasing member 39. The locking member 31 then rotates in the counter-locking direction (counter-arrow D2 direction) about the support shaft 29. This releases the engagement between the claw portion 11 and the engagement portion 35. By maintaining this state, the band 8 can be pulled out of the buckle 9.

[0052] As described above, the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment, and also has the following unique effects. (2-1) In the buckle 60, by providing the indirect member 61, the rotation of the locking member 31 when the operating member 41 is pulled up in the second operating direction (the direction of arrow D5) can be made to be in the counter-locking direction (the direction of arrow D2). In the second embodiment, the second operating direction of the operating member 41 can be made to be opposite to the second operating direction of the operating member 41 in the first embodiment.

[0053] [Modifications] The first and second embodiments can be modified as follows: The first and second embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the indirect member 61 is provided between the locking member 31 and the operating member 41, but an additional indirect member may be provided between the indirect member 61 and the locking member 31. Also, an additional indirect member may be provided between the operating member 41 and the indirect member 61.

[0055] In the first and second embodiments, the second biasing member 49 is not limited to a compression coil spring. Also, the second biasing member 49 may be omitted. In the first and second embodiments, the first biasing member 39 is not limited to a torsion coil spring. Also, the first biasing member 39 may be omitted.

[0056] In the first and second embodiments, the cover 51 may omit the guide recess 58. If a wall portion for defining the guide recess 58 is not provided, the insertion opening 19 for the band 8 will open widely. On the other hand, by making the guide recess 58 smaller, the insertion opening 19 can be made smaller.

[0057] In the first and second embodiments, the cover 51 may be omitted. In this case, the guide groove 57 with which the shaft 46 of the operating member 41 engages is provided in the side plate 23 of the base 21. Also, even when the guide groove 57 is provided in the side plate 23, the cover may be disposed on the base 21.

[0058] The first operation direction (arrow D1 direction) may be a linear movement or a curved movement that bulges upward or downward. The longer the movement amount of the operating member 41 in the first operation direction (arrow D1 direction), the more erroneous operation can be suppressed, and the operating force in the second operation direction can be reduced, improving the operating feel.

[0059] The claw portion 11 provided on the band 8 only needs to have at least one that can be engaged with the engaging portion 35. The helmet may be a motorcycle helmet, a bicycle helmet, a car helmet, a civil engineering helmet, a light work helmet, an electrical work helmet, or the like.

Claims

1. A buckle configured to fasten a band having a claw portion on one surface, comprising: a base having a bottom plate and a pair of side plates, the base being configured so that the band is inserted into an inner space defined by the bottom plate and the pair of side plates such that the other surface of the band opposite to the one surface comes into contact with the bottom plate; a locking member having a locking portion configured to be locked with the claw portion, the locking member being rotated in a locking direction so that the locking portion locks with the claw portion of the band inserted between the locking portion and the bottom plate along the band insertion direction; and an operating member configured to directly or indirectly rotate the locking member in a counter-locking direction opposite to the locking direction to release the lock between the claw portion and the locking portion, The operating member is configured such that, when operated in a first operating direction, it is moved from a standby position not linked to the locking member to a disengageable position where it can be linked, and when operated in a second operating direction that intersects with the first operating direction, it directly or indirectly rotates the locking member in the anti-locking direction, changing the locking member from the locked state in which the claw portion and the locking portion are engaged to an unlocked state in which it is possible to release the locked state between the claw portion and the locking portion.

2. A helmet buckle as described in claim 1, further comprising a cover disposed on the base and covering the locking member, wherein the operating member comprises a user operation portion exposed to the outside through the cover, and wherein the operating member is movable relative to the cover in the first operating direction via the user operation portion and is rotatable in the second operating direction.

3. A helmet buckle as set forth in claim 2, wherein the cover and the base define an insertion opening for the band.

4. A helmet buckle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a first biasing member that biases the locking member to rotate in the locking direction.

5. A helmet buckle according to claim 1, further comprising a second biasing member that biases the operating member in a direction opposite to the first operating direction.

6. A helmet buckle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating member is configured to directly rotate the locking member in the anti-locking direction when pressed in the second operating direction.

7. A helmet buckle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an indirect member that rotates the locking member in the anti-locking direction when the operating member is pulled up in the second operating direction.

8. A helmet buckle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cover disposed on the base and covering the locking member, wherein the band is inserted from the base end side of the base and the cover towards the tip end side, wherein the operating member comprises a user operation portion facing outwards from the tip end side of the cover and a guide groove extending parallel to the insertion direction of the band, wherein the operating member comprises a shaft portion engaged with the guide groove, wherein the guide groove has an arc-shaped arc recess on the base end side and a linear engaging recess on the tip end side, wherein the shaft portion has an arc-shaped arc protrusion on the base end side that corresponds to the arc recess and a linear engaging protrusion on the tip end side, wherein the engaging protrusion engages with the engaging recess when the operating member is in the standby position, and wherein the arc protrusion abuts against the arc recess when the operating member is in the unlockable position.

9. A helmet buckle as set forth in claim 8, wherein when the operating member moves from the standby position to the unlockable position, the operating member moves relative to the cover until the arcuate protrusion abuts against the arcuate recess.

10. A helmet buckle as described in claim 9, wherein when the operating member is operated in the second operating direction in the unlockable position, the operating member rotates with the arcuate protrusion abutting against the arcuate recess.

11. A helmet buckle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the operating member is a rotating operating portion extending on the opposite side of the user operating portion and includes a rotating operating portion having a cam portion, the locking member and the cam portion are configured to work together when in the unlockable position, and when the operating member is operated in the second operating direction in the unlockable position, the cam portion pushes the locking member in the anti-locking direction, causing the locking member to rotate in the anti-locking direction.

12. A helmet buckle as described in Claim 11, wherein the locking member comprises a pair of pivoting support pieces provided on both sides of the locking portion and a pair of operable pieces bent inward from the pivoting support pieces, and when the operating member is in the unlockable position, the cam portion is configured to enter between the operable pieces and the locking portion.

13. The helmet buckle according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising an indirect member, wherein the operating member comprises a linking portion having an inclined surface configured to rotate the indirect member, wherein the indirect member comprises a pressed portion pressed by the linking portion, a rotation operating portion extending on the opposite side of the pressed portion and having a cam portion, and an insertion hole through which an axial member is inserted at an intermediate position between the pressed portion and the rotation operating portion, wherein the linking portion and the pressed portion are configured to come into contact and link together when in the unlockable position, and wherein when the operating member is operated in the second operating direction in the unlockable position, the linking portion presses the pressed portion, and the cam portion of the indirect member rotated around the axial member presses the locking member in the anti-locking direction, thereby causing the locking member to rotate in the anti-locking direction.

14. A helmet buckle as described in Claim 13, wherein the locking member comprises a pair of pivoting support pieces provided on both sides of the locking portion and a pair of operable pieces bent inward from the pivoting support pieces, and when the operating member is in the unlockable position, the cam portion is configured to enter between the operable pieces and the locking portion.

15. A helmet comprising a first chin strap having a band and a second chin strap having a buckle configured to secure the band, wherein the band has a claw portion on one side, and the buckle comprises: a base having a bottom plate and a pair of side plates, configured to insert the band into an inner space partitioned by the bottom plate and the pair of side plates so that the other side of the band opposite to the one side comes into contact with the bottom plate; a locking member having a locking portion configured to be locked with the claw portion, the locking member being inserted between the locking portion and the bottom plate along the insertion direction of the band and rotated in a locking direction so that the locking portion locks with the claw portion of the band; and an operating member configured to directly or indirectly rotate the locking member in a counter-locking direction opposite to the locking direction to release the lock between the claw portion and the locking portion. The operating member is configured such that, when operated in a first operating direction, it is moved from a standby position where it is not linked to the locking member to an unlockable position where it can be linked, and when operated in a second operating direction that intersects with the first operating direction, it directly or indirectly rotates the locking member in the anti-locking direction, changing the locking member from the locked state in which the claw portion and the locking portion are locked to an unlocked state in which it is possible to release the locked state between the claw portion and the locking portion.

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