Band and watch

Abstract

A band according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first piece in which is formed a through hole extending in the width direction of the band, a second piece which is arranged adjacently to the first piece in the width direction and in which is formed a hole extending in the width direction, a pin which is inserted into the through hole and the hole, and an elastic member which is inserted into the through hole and which holds the pin, wherein: the elastic member is disposed so as to have a body region that holds the pin between the pin and the inner walls of the through hole, and a protruding region that protrudes from the through hole; and the protruding region is positioned between the first piece and the second piece.

Description

Bands and watches

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a band and a watch.

[0002] Conventionally, bands for attaching a watch to the body, such as the wrist, have been known that have multiple links connected by pins. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-180414 discloses a band in which metal links are connected to each other by pins.

[0003] The bands that connect the metal links together may cause contact noise (metallic noise) when the links rub against each other after being connected.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a band and a timepiece that prevent links from coming into contact with each other.

[0005] The band according to the present disclosure comprises a first link having a through hole formed therein that extends in the width direction of the band, a second link arranged adjacent to the first link in the width direction and having a hole formed therein that extends in the width direction, the through hole and a pin inserted into the hole, and an elastic member that is inserted into the through hole and holds the pin, wherein the elastic member is arranged to have a main body region that holds the pin between the pin and the inner wall of the through hole, and a protruding region that protrudes from the through hole, and the protruding region is located between the first link and the second link.

[0006] In addition, in the band according to the present disclosure, the protruding region is preferably formed so that the outer diameter decreases toward the end of the elastic member.

[0007] In addition, in the band according to the present disclosure, it is preferable that the second link has a recess formed on the surface facing the first link, the recess being capable of accommodating at least a portion of the protruding region.

[0008] In addition, in the band according to the present disclosure, the outer diameter of the protruding region is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the main body region.

[0009] In addition, in the band according to the present disclosure, the elastic member is preferably made of PTFE, nylon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or polyimide.

[0010] In the band according to the present disclosure, the first link and the second link are preferably made of titanium or a titanium alloy.

[0011] The watch according to the present disclosure is characterized by having the band according to the present disclosure.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a band and a watch that prevent contact between links.

[0013] 1. A perspective view of a timepiece. An exploded perspective view of an adjustment piece. (a) is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment piece taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1, and (b) is a top view showing the positional relationship between the elastic member and the center link. (a) is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece according to Modification 1, and (b) is a top view showing the positional relationship between the elastic member and the center link according to Modification 1. (a) is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece according to Modification 2, and (b) is a top view showing the positional relationship between the elastic member and the center link according to Modification 2. A cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece according to Modification 3. (a) is a top view of an adjustment piece according to Modification 4, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the area indicated by dotted line X1 in (a). (a) is a top view of an adjustment piece according to Modification 5, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the area indicated by dotted line X2 in (a), and (c) is a perspective view of the center link according to Modification 5. (a) is a top view of the adjusting piece according to Modification 6, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjusting piece according to Modification 6, (c) is a top view of the adjusting piece according to Modification 7, and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjusting piece according to Modification 7. (a) is a top view of the adjusting piece according to Modification 8, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the adjusting piece according to Modification 8.

[0014] The band and watch according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a timepiece 1 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustment piece 14. Note that Fig. 2 shows only one connecting pin to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0016] The watch 1 includes a main body 11 and a band 12. The main body 11 is a mechanical watch with a timekeeping function, a quartz analog watch, or a digital watch. The band 12 has a 12 o'clock side band 121 connected to the 12 o'clock side of the main body 11 and a 6 o'clock side band 122 connected to the 6 o'clock side of the main body 11. The end of the 12 o'clock side band 121 not connected to the main body 11 and the end of the 6 o'clock side band 122 not connected to the main body 11 are connected to each other via a clasp (not shown) to form a ring. The user wears the watch 1 by putting their arm or the like through the ring-shaped band 12.

[0017] The band 12 has a plurality of links arranged along its extension direction S. Each of the links has a connecting pin, and is connected to the other links in the extension direction S of the band 12 by holding the connecting pins of the other links. The plurality of links includes fixed links 13 connected to the other links so that they cannot be removed by the user, and adjustable links 14 connected to the other links so that they can be removed by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of links are arranged so that the link closest to the main body 11 is the fixed link 13, and the link closest to a clasp (not shown) is the adjustable link 14. The user can adjust the length of the band 12 by removing the adjustable link 14 from the band 12.

[0018] The adjusting piece 14 includes a center piece 15, a pair of outer pieces 16 arranged to sandwich the center piece 15, a bushing 20, and a connecting pin P1 made of metal.

[0019] The center link 15 is an example of a first link and is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. A first through-hole 151 is formed in the approximate center of a pair of side surfaces of the center link 15 extending in the extension direction S of the band 12, penetrating the pair of side surfaces; in other words, extending in the width direction W of the band 12. A third through-hole 153 is formed in the vicinity of the other end of the center link 15 in the extension direction S of the band 12, penetrating the pair of side surfaces. Note that "near the other end in the extension direction S of the band 12" refers to a position closer to the other end than the center in the extension direction S of the band 12.

[0020] The outer link 16 is an example of a second link and is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The outer link 16 is arranged adjacent to the middle link 15 in the width direction W. The pair of outer links 16 are connected to each other by a columnar connecting portion 161. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 161 is formed approximately in the center of the outer link 16 in the extension direction S and has a square columnar shape. Because the pair of outer links 16 are connected by the connecting portion 161, they have an H-shape when viewed from above.

[0021] The pair of outer links 16 are each formed with an outer link through hole 162 or the like, facing each other. The outer link through hole 162 is an example of a hole extending in the width direction W, and has a shape that allows the insertion of a connecting pin P1 that connects the center link 15 and the pair of outer links 16 to form the adjustment link 14. Note that to prevent the connecting pin P1 from coming out of the outer link through hole 162 during assembly, the diameter of the outer link through hole 162 is formed smaller than the diameter Φ1 of the first through hole 151. However, the diameter of the outer link through hole 162 may be equal to or larger than the diameter Φ1, as long as the connecting pin P1 can be inserted therethrough.

[0022] The bushing 20 is an example of an elastic member and is a cylindrical member made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The bushing 20 is inserted into the first through hole 151 to hold the connecting pin P1. The bushing 20 is compressible and is accommodated in a compressed state inside the first through hole 151 of the center piece 15. In one example, the outer diameter Φ2 of the bushing 20 is the same as the hole diameter Φ1 of the first through hole 151. When the bushing 20 is inserted into the first through hole 151, the bushing 20 is compressed by the inner wall of the first through hole 151. Note that the outer diameter Φ2 of the bushing 20 does not need to be the same as the hole diameter Φ1, and may be any outer diameter that allows the bushing 20 to be lightly press-fitted between the inner wall of the first through hole 151 (in one example, a press-fit state that allows the bushing 20 to be inserted into and removed from the first through hole 151).

[0023] The connecting pin P1 is inserted into the first through hole 151 of the center link 15 and each of the outer link through holes 162 of the pair of outer links 16, with the first through hole 151 of the center link 15 and each of the outer link through holes 162 aligned in the width direction W. The inserted connecting pin P1 passes through the bushing 20 that has been inserted into the first through hole 151 in advance. This holds the connecting pin P1 on the inner periphery of the bushing 20. Furthermore, the penetration of the connecting pin P1 expands the outer diameter of the bushing 20, and the bushing 20 is positioned in a compressed state between the connecting pin P1 and the inner wall of the first through hole 151. In this way, the connecting pin P1 is held inserted in the first through hole 151 and each of the outer link through holes 162.

[0024] By inserting the connecting pin P1 into the first through-hole 151 of the center link 15 and the outer link through-hole 162 of the outer link 16, the center link 15 and the outer link 16 are pivotally supported by the connecting pin P1 and are connected to each other in a state where they can rotate around the connecting pin P1. In this way, the center link 15 and the outer link 16 are connected by the connecting pin P1.

[0025] Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the adjusting piece 14 taken along line A-A' in Figure 1, and (b) is a top view showing the relative positions of the bushing 20 and the center piece 15. In Figure 3(b), the center piece 15 is shown with a dotted line to clarify the relative positions of the bushing 20 and the center piece 15. The same applies to the center pieces shown in Figures 4(b) and 5(b), which will be described later.

[0026] In the width direction W, the width W1 of the center link 15 is narrower than the width W2 between the pair of outer links 16. The reason for making the width W1 narrower than the width W2, in other words, the reason for providing a gap between the center link 15 and the outer links 16, is to prevent contact between the center link 15 and the outer links 16, and also to ensure space for the user's sweat to evaporate when the watch 1 is worn by the user, since the adjustment links 14, which are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, do not absorb the user's sweat. In one example, if the gap between the center link 15 and the outer links 16 is referred to as the inter-link gap WG, the inter-link gap WG is 0.2 millimeters.

[0027] In the width direction W, the length L1 of the bushing 20 is longer than the width W1 but is equal to or less than the width W2. The reason for making the length L1 longer than the width W1 is to form a protruding region 202 and prevent contact between the inner link 15 and the outer link 16, as will be described later. The reason for making the length L1 equal to or less than the width W2 is that if the length L1 were longer than the width W2, there is a possibility that the end 202E of the bushing 20 would be inserted into the outer link through-hole 162 of the outer link 16. If the end 202E of the bushing 20 were inserted into the outer link through-hole 162, for example, when the outer link 16 rotates, a torsional moment would be applied to the bushing 20, and excessive shear force would be applied to the bushing 20, which could result in damage to the bushing 20.

[0028] The bushing 20 is arranged to have a main body region 201 that is positioned between the connecting pin P1 and the inner wall of the first through hole 151 and holds the connecting pin P1, and a protruding region 202 that protrudes from the first through hole 151.

[0029] The main body region 201 is a region in which the bushing 20 is accommodated in a compressed state inside the first through-hole 151 when the bushing 20 is inserted into the first through-hole 151. The main body region 201 of the bushing 20 holds the connecting pin P1 by inserting the connecting pin P1 into its cylindrical interior.

[0030] The protruding region 202 is a region formed by the bushing 20 protruding from the first through-hole 151 because the length L1 of the bushing 20 is longer than the width W1 of the first piece 15. The protruding regions 202 are formed on both ends of the first through-hole 151. The connecting pin P1 is inserted into the cylindrical interior of the bushing 20 in the protruding region 202 as well.

[0031] The protruding region 202 is located between the inner link 15 and the outer link 16. In other words, the end 202E of the bushing 20 is within the range of the inter-link gap WG in the width direction W. The end 202E refers to the portion farthest from the inner link 15 in the width direction W.

[0032] The outer diameter Φ3 of the protruding region 202 is larger than the outer diameter Φ2 of the main body region 201. In other words, the bushing 20 has a large diameter portion 202A in the protruding region 202 that is larger in diameter than the outer diameter Φ2 of the main body region 201.

[0033] The large diameter portion 202A is formed when the bushing 20 is inserted into the first through hole 151 and the connecting pin P1 is inserted into the cylindrical interior of the bushing 20, causing the outer diameter of the bushing 20 to expand by the connecting pin P1. In other words, the bushing 20 does not have the large diameter portion 202A before the bushing 20 is inserted into the first through hole 151, and the large diameter portion 202A is formed after assembly. This allows the bushing 20 to be easily inserted into the first through hole 151 during assembly of the band 12.

[0034] In the band 12 of this embodiment, the bushing 20 is arranged to have a main body region 201 that holds the connecting pin P1 between the connecting pin P1 and the inner wall of the first through-hole 151 of the center link 15, and a protruding region 202 that protrudes from the first through-hole 151. In the main body region 201 of the band 12, frictional forces are generated between the bushing 20 and the connecting pin P1 and between the bushing 20 and the inner wall of the center link 15, which prevents the connecting pin P1 from being pulled out and prevents contact between the connecting pin P1 and the center link 15.

[0035] Furthermore, in the band 12, the protruding area 202 is located between the center link 15 and the outer link 16. As a result, the protruding area 202 of the band 12 comes into contact with the outer link 16, thereby suppressing contact between the center link 15 and the outer link 16. This contributes to suppressing the generation of contact noise (metallic noise), and suppressing contact noise also contributes to improving the luxury feel of the band.

[0036] Furthermore, in the band 12, the outer diameter Φ3 of the protruding region 202 is larger than the outer diameter Φ2 of the main body region 201. This allows the outer link 16 to easily come into contact with the bushing 20 when the outer link 16 is tilted, thereby preventing contact between the inner link 15 and the outer link 16. Furthermore, the band 12 prevents the bushing 20 from coming out of the first through-hole 151 during assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, the bushing 20 of the band 12 is made of PTFE. This allows the bushing 20 of the band 12 to be easily inserted and reinserted into the first through-hole 151 during assembly. Furthermore, because the bushing 20 of the band 12 is made of PTFE, a chemical-resistant material, the band 12 can be easily cleaned.

[0038] Furthermore, the center link 15 and outer link 16 of the band 12 are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Titanium and titanium alloys are biocompatible, so the band 12 can be worn by users with metal allergies, for example. In particular, by making the bushing 20 out of PTFE and the center link 15 and outer link 16 out of titanium or a titanium alloy, the band 12 can provide a watch 1 that takes into consideration users with metal allergies.

[0039] (Modification 1) Fig. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece 14A according to Modification 1, and (b) is a top view showing the relative positions of the bushings 21 and the center piece 15 according to Modification 1. The adjustment piece 14A differs from the adjustment piece 14 in that a pair of bushings 21 (elastic members) is disposed at both ends of the first through-hole 151. Note that the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, in the following Modifications 2 to 8, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment and each modification are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0040] The adjustment piece 14A includes a center piece 15, an outer piece 16, a pair of bushings 21, a connecting pin P1, etc. The pair of bushings 21 are an example of a first elastic member and a second elastic member.

[0041] Each bushing 21 is a cylindrical member made of PTFE and has compressibility. A pair of bushings 21 is disposed at each end of the first through hole 151. Each bushing 21 is disposed within the first through hole 151 so as to have a main body region 211 that holds the connecting pin P1 between the connecting pin P1 and the inner wall of the first through hole 151 of the center link 15, and a protruding region 212 that protrudes from the main body region 211. The protruding region 212 is located between the center link 15 and the outer link 16. In other words, the end 212E of the bushing 21 is within the range of the inter-link gap WG.

[0042] In the band equipped with the adjustment piece 14A according to the first modified example, the elastic member includes a pair of bushings 21 (first elastic member and second elastic member), and the pair of bushings 21 are respectively arranged at both ends of the first through hole 151, thereby suppressing contact between the middle piece 15 and the outer piece 16 and suppressing the generation of contact noise.

[0043] 5A is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece 14B according to Modification 2, and FIG. 5B is a top view showing the positional relationship between the bushing 22 and the center piece 15 according to Modification 2. The adjustment piece 14B differs from the adjustment piece 14 in the shape of the protruding region 222 of the bushing 22 (elastic member).

[0044] The adjusting piece 14B includes a center piece 15, an outer piece 16, a bushing 22, a connecting pin P1, and the like.

[0045] The bushing 22 is a cylindrical member made of PTFE and has compressibility. The bushing 22 is disposed in the first through-hole 151 of the center link 15 so as to have a main body region 221 that holds the connecting pin P1 between the connecting pin P1 and the inner wall of the first through-hole 151, and a protruding region 222 that protrudes from the first through-hole 151. The protruding region 222 is formed on both ends of the first through-hole. The protruding region 222 is located between the center link 15 and the outer link 16.

[0046] The bushing 22 is formed so that a portion of the outer diameter of the protruding region 222 is larger than the outer diameter of the main body region 221, and the outer diameter decreases toward the end 222E of the bushing 22. In other words, the bushing 22 has, in the protruding region 222, a large diameter portion 222A whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the main body region 221, and a small diameter portion 222B whose diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body region 221. The small diameter portion 222B has a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward the end 222E of the bushing 22, and the tapered surface has a convex curve.

[0047] In the band equipped with the adjusting link 14B according to the second modification, the protruding area 222 is located between the center link 15 and the outer link 16. This prevents the links from coming into contact with each other, thereby reducing the generation of contact noise.

[0048] Furthermore, in the band according to Modification 2, the protruding region 222 is formed so that the outer diameter decreases toward the end 222E of the bushing 22, which reduces contact between the bushing 22 and the outer link 16 when the links 15, 16 rotate as a whole band. Therefore, the band according to Modification 2 ensures quietness while allowing the links to rotate more smoothly as a whole band.

[0049] Furthermore, in the band according to Modification 2, the small diameter portion 222B has a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward the end 222E. Therefore, the band according to Modification 2 can increase the contact area between the small diameter portion 222B and the outer link 16 when the outer link 16 is tilted. As a result, the band according to Modification 2 can reduce the pressure applied to the bushing 22 from the outer link 16, thereby suppressing deterioration of the bushing 22.

[0050] Furthermore, in the band according to variant 2, the tapered surface of the small diameter portion 222B has a convex curve, so that the contact area with the outer link 16 when the outer link 16 is tilted can be increased more than when the tapered surface does not have a curve or when the tapered surface has a concave curve.

[0051] The bushing 22 may have only the small diameter portion 222B in the protruding region 222 without the large diameter portion 222A. The small diameter portion 222B may not have a tapered surface as long as the diameter of the small diameter portion 222B is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body region 221. Furthermore, even if the small diameter portion 222B has a tapered surface, the tapered surface does not have to be formed in a curved shape, and may be formed in a straight shape, for example.

[0052] 6 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece 14C according to modification 3. The adjustment piece 14C differs from the adjustment piece 14 in that an outer link 16C has a recess 165 on the surface facing the inner link 15.

[0053] The adjusting piece 14C includes a center piece 15, an outer piece 16C, a bushing 22, a connecting pin P1, and the like.

[0054] The outer link 16C is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The outer link 16C has a recess 165 formed on its surface facing the center link 15, which can accommodate at least a portion of the protruding region 222, such as the small diameter portion 222B. The wall of the recess 165 is formed to conform to the small diameter portion 222B. Specifically, since the small diameter portion 222B has a tapered surface with a convex curve, the wall of the recess 165 is formed with a convex curve facing the inside of the outer link 16C. It is sufficient for the recess 165 to be able to accommodate a portion of the protruding region of the bushing (elastic member). For example, if the tapered surface of the small diameter portion is not convexly curved, the recess 165 does not need to have a convex curve.

[0055] When focusing on one of the pair of protruding regions 222 protruding from both ends of the first through-hole 151, the length L3 of the recess 165 in the width direction W is shorter than the length L2 of the protruding region 222. Furthermore, the diameter Φ4 of the recess 165 is equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the protruding region 222. In Modification 3, the maximum diameter of the protruding region 222 is the same as the outer diameter Φ3 of the large diameter portion 222A. That is, the diameter Φ4 of the recess 165 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter Φ3 of the large diameter portion 222A.

[0056] In a band equipped with an adjusting link 14C according to Modification 3, the outer link 16C has a recess 165 formed on the surface facing the center link 15 that can accommodate a portion of the bushing 22, in this modification, the small diameter portion 222B. This prevents contact between the bushing 22 and the outer link 16C when the outer link 16C is not tilted, while increasing the contact area between the small diameter portion 222B and the outer link 16C when the outer link 16C is tilted. In other words, the band according to Modification 3 prevents contact of the bushing 22 with the outer link 16C and reduces the pressure from the outer link 16C applied to the bushing 22 when the bushing 22 and the outer link 16C are in contact, thereby preventing deterioration of the bushing 22.

[0057] Furthermore, in the band according to Modification 3, the wall surface of the recess 165 is formed to fit the small diameter portion 222B of the bushing 22, which increases the contact area between the small diameter portion 222B and the outer link 16C when the outer link 16C is tilted. This reduces the pressure applied to the bushing 22 from the outer link 16C, and thus further suppresses deterioration of the bushing 22.

[0058] In the band according to Modification 3, the length L3 of the recess 165 in the width direction W is shorter than the length L2 of the protruding region 222 of the bushing 22, and the diameter Φ4 of the recess 165 is greater than the maximum diameter Φ3 of the protruding region 222. As a result, the band according to Modification 3 can further reduce contact between the central link 15 and the outer link 16C when the outer link 16C is not tilted, while increasing the contact area between the small diameter portion 222B and the outer link 16C when the outer link 16C is tilted. In other words, the band according to Modification 3 can reduce contact between the bushing 22 and the outer link 16C and reduce the pressure from the outer link 16C applied to the bushing 22 when the bushing 22 and the outer link 16C are in contact, thereby further suppressing deterioration of the bushing 22.

[0059] 7A is a top view of an adjustment piece 14D according to modification 4, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the area indicated by the dotted line X1 in FIG. 7A. The adjustment piece 14D differs from the adjustment piece 14 in the arrangement of the pieces 15D, 16D, and bushings 22. Note that in FIG. 7B, some of the pieces 15D and connecting pins P are omitted from the illustration to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0060] The adjustment piece 14D includes a piece 15D, a piece 16D that is shaped differently from the piece 15D, a bushing 22, a connecting pin P1, etc. The piece 15D is an example of a first piece, and the piece 16D is an example of a second piece. Note that the pieces 15D and 16D may have the same shape.

[0061] The adjustment piece 14D has two pieces 15D and three pieces 16D in the width direction W. More specifically, the adjustment piece 14D has a piece 16D disposed between a pair of pieces 15D, and pieces 16D disposed on both ends of each pair of pieces 15D and 16D. In other words, the pieces 15D and pieces 16D are arranged alternately and closely to each other in the width direction W of the band.

[0062] The links 15D and 16D are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Each link 15D, 16D has a through-hole formed therein that extends in the width direction W of the band. When the links 15D, 16D are arranged, a connecting pin P is inserted into the through-hole of each link that extends in the arrangement direction.

[0063] The adjustment piece 14D has a pair of bushings 22 disposed in the through holes of the pair of pieces 15D, and a protruding region 222 of each of the pair of bushings 22 disposed between each of the pair of pieces 15D and 16D. Each bushing 22 is inserted into the through hole of the piece 15D to hold the connecting pin P. The protruding region 222 of each bushing 22 is located between the piece 15D and the piece 16D.

[0064] In a band including an adjustment piece 14D according to the fourth modification, a piece 16D is disposed between a pair of pieces 15D, a pair of bushings 22 are disposed in the through holes of the pair of pieces 15D, and the protruding regions 222 of the pair of bushings 22 are disposed between the pair of pieces 15D and 16D, respectively. This allows the band according to the fourth modification to have improved stability against rotation of the band.

[0065] (Modification 5) Fig. 8(a) is a top view of an adjustment piece 14E according to Modification 5, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the area indicated by dotted line X2 in (a), and (c) is a perspective view of a piece 15E according to Modification 5. The adjustment piece 14E differs from the adjustment piece 14 in the arrangement of the pieces 15E, 16, and bushing 22. The adjustment piece 14E also differs from the adjustment piece 14D in the configuration of the piece 15E. Note that in Fig. 8(b), some of the pieces 15E and connecting pins P are omitted from the illustration to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0066] The adjustment piece 14E includes a piece 15E, a piece 16E having a different shape from the piece 15E, a bushing 22, a connecting pin P1, etc. The piece 15E is an example of a first piece, and the piece 16E is an example of a second piece. The piece 16E has the same configuration as the piece 16D, but differs in sign from the piece 16D.

[0067] The adjusting piece 14E has two pieces 15E and three pieces 16E in the width direction W. More specifically, the adjusting piece 14E has a piece 16E disposed between a pair of pieces 15E, and a piece 16E is disposed on each end of each pair of pieces 15E and 16E. In other words, the pieces 15E and 16E are arranged alternately and closely to each other in the width direction W of the band.

[0068] The adjustment piece 14E has a pair of bushings 22 disposed in the through holes of the pair of pieces 15E, and a protruding region 222 of each of the pair of bushings 22 disposed between each of the pair of pieces 15E and 16E. Each bushing 22 is inserted into the through hole of the piece 15E to hold the connecting pin P. The protruding region 222 of each bushing 22 is located between the piece 15E and the piece 16E.

[0069] The link 15E is formed from eight plate-like members 17 arranged in the width direction W. The plate-like members 17 are an example of a plurality of members, and are members having through holes into which the connecting pins P are inserted and having a narrow width in the width direction W. In one example, the plate-like members 17 are formed by narrowing the width of the outer link 16 in the width direction W. The plate-like members 17 are formed from, for example, titanium or a titanium alloy, and are painted in a predetermined color. The plate-like members 17 may be painted the same color or different colors.

[0070] The band including the adjusting piece 14E according to the fifth modification has the pieces 15D and 16D arranged in the same manner as the adjusting piece 14D according to the fourth modification, and therefore the stability of the band against rotation can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, in the band according to variant 5, the link 15E is formed from a plurality of plate-like members 17, and so in one example, the design of the band can be improved by making the plate-like members 17 different colors.

[0072] Of the multiple plate-like members 17, the plate-like members 17 other than the plate-like member 17 arranged adjacent to the link 16E may be formed of a material other than metal. This allows the band according to Modification 5 to have an improved design. The shapes of the individual plate-like members 17 may also be different as long as they have through holes for inserting the connecting pins. Furthermore, the plate-like members 17 may be used to form the link 16E. In other words, the link 16E (second link) may be formed from multiple members (plate-like members 17) arranged in the width direction.

[0073] 9(a) is a top view of an adjustment piece 14F according to Modification 6, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece 14F according to Modification 6, (c) is a top view of an adjustment piece 14G according to Modification 7, and (d) is a partial cross-sectional view of an adjustment piece 14G according to Modification 7. The adjustment pieces 14F and 14G differ from the adjustment piece 14 in the shapes of the center pieces 15F and 15G and the outer pieces 16F and 16G. The adjustment piece 14G also differs from the adjustment piece 14F in that it has beads 30, which are decorative members.

[0074] 9(a) and (b), the adjustment piece 14F includes a center piece 15F, an outer piece 16F, a bushing 20, a connecting pin P1, etc. The center piece 15F is an example of a first piece, and the outer piece 16F is an example of a second piece.

[0075] The center link 15F is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The center link 15F has a through hole formed therein for inserting the connecting pin P and the bushing 20. The shape of the center link 15F is not particularly limited. As shown in the example in Figures 9(a) and (b) , the center link 15F may be formed with a narrow width W3 so that the length of the protruding region 202 of the bushing 20 in the width direction W is longer than the length of the main body region 201.

[0076] The outer link 16F is made of titanium or a titanium alloy and is arranged adjacent to the middle link 15F in the width direction W. The outer link 16F has a pair of outer link sections 16FL, 16FR and a connecting section 161F connecting the pair of outer link sections 16FL, 16FR. The outer link sections 16FL, 16FR have through holes into which connecting pins P are inserted. The outer link sections 16FL, 16FR are formed in the extension direction S so that their widths in the width direction W become narrower as they move away from the connecting section 161F. This allows the outer link 16F to secure a space in the width direction W between the pair of outer link sections 16FL, 16FR to accommodate the middle link 15F and bushing 20.

[0077] The length L4 of the bushing 20 in the width direction W is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the length L4 is set so that the protruding region 202 and the outer link 16F are in contact with each other. As shown in the example in Figures 9(a) and (b), the bushing 20 may be inserted into the through hole of the inner link 15F so that the length of the protruding region 202 in the width direction W is longer than the length of the main body region 201. In other words, the length L4 of the bushing 20 in the width direction W and the width W3 of the first link may be formed so that the length of the protruding region 202 is longer than the length of the main body region 201. The bushing 20 is inserted into the through hole of the inner link 15F to hold the connecting pin P.

[0078] The outer diameter of the protruding region 202 is larger than the outer diameter of the main body region 201. In other words, the bushing 20 has large-diameter portions 202A at both ends of the through-hole of the link 15F, and each large-diameter portion 202A sandwiches the link 15F, centering the link 15. Preferably, the length of the large-diameter portions 202A corresponds to the distance between the link 15F and the outer link portion 16FL (16FR) in the width direction W. This allows the band equipped with the adjusting link 14F of Modification 6 to better absorb impacts from the bushing 20 and suppress contact between the links. The design of the band of Modification 6 can also be improved by applying a specific coating to the bushing 20.

[0079] 9(c) and (d), the adjusting link 14G includes a center link 15G, an outer link 16G, a bushing 22, a pair of beads 30, and a connecting pin P1. The center link 15G is an example of a first link, and the outer link 16G is an example of a second link. The center link 15G has the same configuration as the center link 15F, but only has a different reference number, and the outer link 16G has the same configuration as the outer link 16F, but only has a different reference number.

[0080] The bushing 22 is inserted into the through-hole of the link 15G as well as into each of the bead through-holes of the two beads 30. The protruding region 222 passes through the bead through-hole and is positioned between the link 15G and the outer link portion 16GL (16GR). The length L5 of the bushing 22 is longer than the combined length of the width W3 of the center link 15G and the width W4 of each of the two beads 30, so that the protruding region 222 is formed after the bushing 22 is inserted into the center link 15G and the two beads 30. The bushing 22 is inserted into the through-hole of the center link 15G and the bead through-hole to hold the connecting pin P. In other words, the bushing 22 holds the connecting pin P between the connecting pin P and the inner wall of the bead through-hole.

[0081] The protruding region 222 of the bushing 22 is located between the link 15G and the link 16G. The end 222E of the bushing 22 is located between the bead 30 and the outer link portion 16GL (16GR).

[0082] The bead 30 is an example of a decorative member, and is a member that is disposed between the link 15G and one of the outer link portions 16GL (16GR) and has a bead through-hole formed therein. The bead through-hole is an example of a second through-hole. In the seventh modification, a pair of beads 30 is disposed between the link 15G and the outer link portion 16GL, and between the link 15G and the outer link portion 16GR, respectively. In other words, each bead 30 is arranged between the pair of outer link portions 16GL, 16GR of the outer link 16G in the width direction.

[0083] The bead 30 has a bead through-hole formed therein for inserting the connecting pin P and the bushing 22. Preferably, the diameter of the bead through-hole is the same as the diameter of the through-hole of the center link 15G.

[0084] In a band equipped with the adjusting link 14G according to the seventh modification, the protruding region 222 is located between the center link 15G and the outer link portion 16GL (16GR) of the outer link 16G. In particular, the end 222E of the bushing 22 is located between the outer link portion 16GL (16GR) and the decorative member (bead 30) in the width direction, so that even if the decorative member is made of a material such as diamond, the outer link 16G is prevented from being damaged by the decorative member.

[0085] The band according to the seventh modification further includes a bead 30 with a bead through-hole formed therein, which is disposed between the link 15G and one of the outer link sections 16GL (16GR), and the protruding area 222 passes through the bead through-hole and is disposed between the first link 15G and the outer link section 16GL (16GR). As a result, the band according to the seventh modification can prevent the connecting pin P from being pulled out and prevent the connecting pin P from coming into contact with the bead 30, even when a decorative member such as the bead 30 is used.

[0086] Furthermore, in the band according to the seventh modification, beads 30, which are an example of decorative members, are arranged so as to sandwich the center link 15G, thereby improving the design of the band. The decorative members may be any member, and may be formed from any jewel, for example.

[0087] 10A is a top view of an adjustment piece according to Modification 8, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment piece according to Modification 8. An adjustment piece 14H differs from the adjustment piece 14 in that pieces 15H and 16H of the same shape are used for the first and second pieces.

[0088] The adjustment piece 14H includes a piece 15H, a piece 16H, a bushing 22, and a connecting pin P. The piece 15H is an example of a first piece, and the piece 16H is an example of a second piece. The pieces 15H and 16H have the same configuration.

[0089] The links 15H and 16H are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. Each of the links 15H and 16H has a protrusion 157 (167) formed at one end and a recess 158 (168) corresponding to the protrusion 157 (167) formed at the other end. The protrusion 157 (167) and the recess 158 (168) each have a through-hole formed therein for inserting a connecting pin P. In the width direction W, the width W8 of the recessed portion of the recess 168 of the link 16H is longer than the width W7 of the protrusion 157 of the link 15H. As a result, the protrusion 157 of the link 15H and the recess 168 of the link 16H are aligned in the width direction of the band.

[0090] The bushing 22 is inserted into a through-hole formed in the protrusion 157 of the link block 15H and holds the connecting pin P. The protruding region 222 of the bushing 22 inserted into the through-hole of the link block 15H is disposed between the protrusion 157 and the recess 168 of the link block 16H.

[0091] In a band equipped with an adjusting link 14H according to Modification 8, each of links 15H and 16H has a convex portion 157 (167) formed at one end and a concave portion 158 (168) corresponding to convex portion 157 (167) formed at the other end, a through-hole formed in convex portion 157 of link 15H and a through-hole formed in concave portion 168 of link 16H, and protruding region 222 of bushing 22 inserted into the through-hole of link 15H is positioned between convex portion 157 and concave portion 168. As a result, a band equipped with adjusting link 14H according to Modification 8 can suppress contact between links and suppress the generation of contact noise.

[0092] (Other Modifications)

[0093] Each of the adjustment pieces of the third to eighth modifications may be configured to include a pair of elastic members as in the second modification, with each elastic member being disposed on either end of the through-hole of the first piece.

[0094] The bushes of the first embodiment, the first modification, and the second modification and the shapes and arrangements of the bridges of the third to eighth modifications may be combined in any manner.

[0095] The first and second links may be made of other metals such as stainless steel.

[0096] The hole of the second piece does not have to be a through hole as long as it extends in the width direction W and allows the pin to be inserted therein.

[0097] The elastic member may be made of a material other than PTFE, such as nylon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or polyimide, or may be made of a resin other than these materials. By making the elastic member of these resin materials including PTFE, the band of the present invention, compared to a conventional band using a metal C-ring, can eliminate the need for oiling and oil removal required during band assembly, prevent the C-ring from damaging the inner wall of the link and generating metal powder, prevent potential difference corrosion due to contact between dissimilar metals when the C-ring is made of a dissimilar metal, and suppress contact noise (metallic noise) due to contact between the C-ring and the link.

[0098] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A band comprising: a first link having a through hole formed therein that extends in the width direction of the band; a second link arranged adjacent to the first link in the width direction and having a hole formed therein that extends in the width direction; a pin inserted into the through hole and the hole; and an elastic member inserted into the through hole to hold the pin, wherein the elastic member is arranged to have a main body region that holds the pin between the pin and the inner wall of the through hole, and a protruding region that protrudes from the through hole, and the protruding region is located between the first link and the second link.

2. The band according to claim 1, wherein the protruding region is formed so that the outer diameter thereof decreases toward the end of the elastic member.

3. The band according to claim 1, wherein the second link has a recess formed on the surface facing the first link, the recess being capable of accommodating at least a portion of the protruding region.

4. The band of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of said protruding region is greater than the outer diameter of said main body region.

5. The band according to claim 1, wherein said elastic member is made of PTFE, nylon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or polyimide.

6. The band according to claim 5, wherein the first link and the second link are made of titanium or a titanium alloy.

7. A watch having a band according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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