JP2007061352A - Connecting tool, band, watch, and production method of connecting tool - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connecting tool capable of securing stable push-in force and pull-out force. <P>SOLUTION: The connecting tool 3 is provided with: a pipe 5; and a shaft member 4 having a shaft body 41 and a smaller diameter part 42 with a smaller diameter than that of the shaft body and put through to a pipe 5. The pipe 5 is formed to have dimensions covering the smaller diameter part 42 and at least a part of the shaft body 41. The pipe 5 has a protrusion 51 formed by deforming a part of the pipe 5 at a position corresponding to the smaller diameter part 42. When the connecting tool 3 is put through a through hole, the protrusion 51 is deformed elastically and pressurizes the inner periphery of the through hole by prescribed pressurizing force. Then, the connecting tool 3 is engaged to the inner periphery of the through hole. A part of the shaft body 41 is covered with the pipe 5, so that deviation of the pipe 5 and the center axis of the shaft member 4 is reduced to stabilize fluctuation of the push-in force and the pull-out force of the connecting tool 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector for connecting adjacent members to each other, a band including the same, a timepiece including the same, and a method for manufacturing the connector. For example, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting pieces of a watch band, a band including the same, a timepiece including the same, and a method for manufacturing the connector.

  Conventionally, as a method of connecting a plurality of pieces used for a watch band or the like, a method is known in which through holes are formed in the end portions of the pieces, and a common connecting pin is inserted and connected to these through holes. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 15, the connecting pin has a small-diameter portion 91 formed in a part of the shaft member 90 of the connecting pin 9, and a spring member 92 having a circular cross section is wound around the small-diameter portion 91. Configured. The spring member 92 has a protrusion 93 formed on the outer periphery. When the connecting pin 9 is inserted into the through hole of the connecting portion, the protrusion 93 comes into contact with the inner periphery of the through hole, and the spring member 92 contracts radially inward. While being press-fitted and fixed to the inner periphery of the through hole, the pieces are connected to each other.

JP 2003-204811 A (FIG. 2)

  However, in the connection pin 9 having such a structure, the spring member 92 must be contracted in the radial direction when the connection pin 9 is inserted into the through hole of the connection portion between the pieces. A play amount equal to or greater than the contraction amount of the spring member 92 must be ensured between the pin 9 and the small diameter portion 91. That is, in a state where the connecting pin 9 is not attached to the through hole, the central axis of the shaft member 90 and the central axis of the inner diameter of the spring member 92 are shifted, and thus the connecting pin 9 is inserted into the through hole. In this case, the position of the spring member 92 with respect to the shaft member 90 varies, and there is a problem that the variation in pushing force and pulling force becomes large.

  The objective of this invention is providing the coupling tool which can ensure the stable pushing force and extraction force, the band provided with this coupling tool, the timepiece provided with this band, and the manufacturing method of a coupling tool.

  The connector of the present invention is a connector for connecting the piece members to each other by being inserted through through holes respectively formed in adjacent piece members, and has a pipe, a shaft main body, and a smaller diameter than the shaft main body. A shaft member that has a small-diameter portion and is inserted into the pipe, the pipe covering the small-diameter portion and at least a part of the shaft main body, and a part of the pipe at a position corresponding to the small-diameter portion. It is characterized by comprising a protrusion formed by deforming and projecting toward the outer peripheral side.

  According to the present invention, when the connector is inserted through the through hole of the piece member, the projection of the pipe is engaged with the inner periphery of the through hole. Here, the protrusion is formed by deforming a part of the pipe, and since the small diameter part is formed on the shaft member of the protrusion part and the gap between the protrusion and the small diameter part is large, the protrusion is pressed toward the center axis side of the pipe. When it is done, it easily elastically deforms in that direction. Therefore, when the connector is inserted into the through hole and the protrusion is pressed by the inner periphery of the through hole, the protrusion is elastically deformed and presses the inner periphery of the through hole with a predetermined pressing force. Engaged. Further, since the protrusion can be easily elastically deformed, excessive stress is not applied to the protrusion, and plastic deformation of the protrusion can be satisfactorily prevented. Thereby, durability of a coupler improves.

At this time, the pipe is not provided only in the small diameter part of the shaft member, but is provided so as to cover a part of the shaft main body, and the pipe in this part does not need to be deformed like the protruding part. The gap dimension with the shaft member can also be made smaller than the gap dimension between the pipe on which the protrusion is formed and the small diameter portion. That is, since it is not necessary to provide a large gap for the deformation of the spring member on which the protrusion is formed as in the conventional case, the amount of deviation between the central axis of the pipe and the shaft member can be made smaller than in the conventional case. Therefore, when the coupling tool is inserted into the through hole, the shift amount of the central axis between the pipe and the shaft member is reduced, and the coupling tool is inserted into the through hole with a fixed positional relationship. In addition, problems such as fluctuations in the push-in force and pull-out force of the connecting tool are eliminated, and stable push-in force and pull-out force can be secured.
Further, in the present invention, since the projection is formed by deforming a part of the pipe, for example, the connecting tool can be easily manufactured as compared with the case where the projection is joined to the peripheral surface of the pipe.

In the connector according to the present invention, it is preferable that the protrusions are formed at a plurality of positions at equal intervals on the same circumference of a cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the pipe.
For example, when only one protrusion is formed, the center of the connector is biased from the center of the through hole to the opposite side of the protrusion when the connector is inserted into the through hole. Since the side outer peripheral portion is engaged with the inner periphery of the through hole, the connection tool cannot be smoothly inserted.
In this regard, in the present invention, since a plurality of protrusions are formed at equal intervals on the same circumference of the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the pipe, these protrusions are respectively pressed toward the central axis side of the pipe and elastically deformed. . Then, when the coupling tool is located at the center of the through hole, the elastic force of each protrusion is balanced. Therefore, the center of the connector can be easily aligned with the center of the through-hole as compared with the one with one protrusion, and the connector can be smoothly inserted.

In the connector according to the present invention, it is preferable that the protrusion has a curved outer peripheral shape in an axial cross section of the pipe.
For example, a connector in which the outer peripheral shape of the axial cross section of the protrusion is formed in a straight line is conceivable. Specifically, the cross section is a trapezoidal or umbrella-shaped protrusion. However, it is difficult to form a protrusion having a straight section by deforming a part of the pipe.
In this regard, according to the present invention, since the outer peripheral shape of the axial cross section of the protrusion is a curve, the protrusion can be easily formed. For example, when forming a projection by pressing a pipe, the shape of the mold can be simplified.
Here, the protrusion having a curved section may have, for example, a semicircular or semi-elliptical cross section.

In the connector according to the present invention, it is preferable that a reduced diameter portion that is gradually reduced in diameter from the shaft body and continues to the small diameter portion is formed at the end portion of the small diameter portion.
According to this invention, when the piece members connected in a state where the connecting tool is inserted into the through hole move with each other, the inner periphery of the through hole and the connecting tool come into contact, and stress is applied to the connecting tool. According to this invention, since the reduced diameter portion is formed at the end portion of the small diameter portion, no step is generated in the connecting portion between the small diameter portion and the shaft body, and the stress concentration in the connecting portion is alleviated by the reduced diameter portion. . Therefore, durability of a shaft member can be improved and durability of a connecting pin can be improved.

In the connector according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pipe covers substantially the entire length of the shaft member and includes crimping portions that are caulked against the shaft member at both ends thereof.
According to the present invention, since the pipe covers almost the entire length of the shaft member, when the piece members connected in a state in which the coupling tool is inserted into the through hole move with respect to each other, the pipe extends in the through hole over almost the entire length of the coupling tool. The shaft member is protected by contact with the circumference. Therefore, the stress applied to the shaft member is suppressed to the minimum and stress concentration on the small diameter portion is prevented, so that the durability of the coupler can be improved.
Also, since the pipe covers almost the entire length of the shaft member and the caulking portions are provided at both ends thereof, the pipe is securely fixed to the shaft member, and the center axis of the pipe and the center axis of the shaft member are in good agreement Can be made.

The band of the present invention includes a plurality of piece members and the above-described coupling member inserted into a through hole formed in the piece member, and a concave portion in which a protrusion is engaged is formed in the through hole. It is characterized by that.
According to this invention, since the band includes the above-described coupling tool, the same effect as that of the above-described coupling tool can be obtained, and the pushing force when inserting the coupling tool into the piece member or when pulling out from the piece member The pull-out force can be stabilized.
Moreover, since the recessed part is formed in the through-hole of a piece member, when a protrusion of a connection tool is engaged with this recessed part, a connection tool is positioned inside a through-hole. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the connector from coming off from the piece member.

In the band of the present invention, it is preferable that the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the through hole including the recess is formed to be greater than the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the connector including the protrusion.
According to this invention, since the dimension of the through hole in the portion where the recess is formed is appropriately set with respect to the dimension of the connection tool in the portion where the protrusion is formed, the connection tool is inserted into the through hole. When the protrusion is engaged with the recess, the protrusion is not pressed against the inner periphery of the recess. Therefore, no stress is applied to the tip of the protrusion, and the plastic deformation of the protrusion can be satisfactorily prevented. Thereby, the pushing force and pull-out force of the connector can be stabilized even by repeated use of the connector.

The timepiece of the present invention is characterized in that the aforementioned band is attached to a timepiece case.
According to the present invention, since the timepiece has the above-described band, the same effect as that of the above-described band can be obtained, the pushing force and pulling-out force of the connecting tool can be stabilized, and the connecting piece It is possible to reliably prevent the member from falling off.

A method of manufacturing a connector according to the present invention is a method of manufacturing a connector for connecting the piece members to each other by being inserted through through holes formed in adjacent piece members, the pipe, A shaft member having a small diameter portion smaller than the shaft main body is inserted, and an insertion process for covering the small diameter portion and at least a part of the shaft main body and a portion covering the small diameter portion of the pipe project toward the outer peripheral side. And a pressing step of press-molding the protrusions.
According to this invention, it is possible to manufacture a connector that can ensure a stable pushing force and pulling force.

In the method for manufacturing a connector according to the present invention, the pipe is formed to have a dimension that covers substantially the entire length of the shaft member, and both ends of the pipe are connected to the shaft member between the insertion step and the pressing step. It is preferable to provide a caulking step.
According to the present invention, the pipe and the shaft member are fixed, and the protrusion is formed at a position covering the small diameter portion of the pipe. Therefore, it is necessary to hold the relative position between the pipe and the shaft member so as not to move in the pressing process. The manufacturing can be facilitated.

  According to the present invention, an effect that the pushing force and the pulling force can be stabilized is obtained.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a timepiece 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the band 1 of the timepiece 100. 1 and 2, the band 1 is attached to the watch case 100A of the watch 100, and a plurality of pieces (piece members) 2 are connected to each other to form a band shape.
The piece 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a convex portion 21 is formed in the approximate center of the long side. A concave portion 22 is formed at the approximate center of the long side opposite to the convex portion 21. Through-holes 23 penetrating in the long side direction are respectively formed in the protruding portions on the front end side of the convex portion 21 and on both sides of the concave portion 22. The through hole 23 of the convex portion 21 and the through hole 23 of the concave portion 22 are arranged on a straight line when the convex portion 21 is engaged with the adjacent concave portion 22. A large-diameter portion (concave portion) 231 having a larger diameter than other portions is formed at the end of the through hole 23 formed in the convex portion 21 over a predetermined length.
These pieces 2 are connected to each other by inserting a common connecting pin (connector) 3 into the through hole 23 in a state where the convex portion 21 is engaged with the concave portion 22 of the adjacent piece 2. Yes.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the connecting pin 3. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the connecting pin 3, FIG. 4 (A) is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. It is. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting pin 3 includes a shaft member 4 and a pipe 5 provided on the outer periphery of the shaft member 4.
The shaft member 4 includes a shaft main body 41 and a small diameter portion 42 formed in a part of the shaft main body 41.
The shaft body 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the through hole 23. A shaft end small diameter portion 43 for fixing the pipe 5 to the shaft member 4 is formed at both ends of the shaft main body 41 to a predetermined length.
The small-diameter portion 42 is formed at a position corresponding to the large-diameter portion 231 when the connecting pin 3 is inserted through the through hole 23 in the shaft main body 41, and is formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the shaft main body 41. . On both sides of the small diameter portion 42, a reduced diameter portion 42 </ b> A that gradually decreases from the diameter of the shaft main body 41 to the diameter of the small diameter portion 42 is formed so as to be continuous with the shaft main body 41.

The pipe 5 is cylindrical and is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft member 4. Since the inner diameter dimension of the pipe 5 is larger than the outer diameter dimension of the shaft main body 41, a gap 41 </ b> A is formed between the pipe 5 and the small diameter portion 42. In a cross section orthogonal to the axial direction at a position corresponding to the small diameter portion 42 of the pipe 5, as shown in FIG. 4B, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) projections 51 are formed at equal intervals on the same circumference. Has been. The equal interval here means an equal interval including an error range of the formation position of the projection 51 by press molding.
The protrusion 51 is formed by press-molding a part of the pipe 5. Further, the protrusion 51 is formed such that the outer peripheral shape of the cross section in the axial direction of the pipe 5 is curved.
In the cross section shown in FIGS. 4, 10, and 11, the dimension R <b> 1 from the center of the pipe 5 to the protrusion 51 is formed longer than the radius R of the pipe where there is no protrusion 51. Also, a plurality of portions (dimensions R2) where the dimension from the center of the pipe 5 to the outer periphery of the pipe is shorter than the radius R of the pipe in the same cross section are formed.
The longitudinal dimension of the pipe 5 is longer than the longitudinal dimension of the shaft member 4 not including the shaft end small diameter portions 43 at both ends, and shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the shaft member 4 including the shaft end small diameter portions 43 at both ends. Has been. At both ends of the pipe 5, a caulking portion 53 that is caulked against the shaft member 4 is formed in order to fix the pipe 5 to the shaft member 4.

Here, the difference t between the radial dimension of the small-diameter portion 42 and the radial dimension of the shaft body 41, that is, the radial distance of the gap 41 </ b> A is the radial dimension of the virtual circumference including the tip of the protrusion 51 and the radial dimension of the through hole 23. It is set larger than the difference. That is, the radial distance of the gap 41 </ b> A is set larger than the deformation amount of the protrusion 51 when the protrusion 51 is inserted into the through hole 23.
The radial dimension of the virtual circumference including the tip of the protrusion 51 is set larger than the radial dimension of the through hole 23 by a predetermined dimension, and the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the through hole 23 including the large diameter portion 231 is the protrusion 51. Is set to be equal to or larger than the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the connecting pin 3.

[Method of manufacturing connecting pin]
A method for manufacturing the connecting pin 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 shows a front view of the connecting pin 3 in a state where the shaft member 4 is inserted into the pipe 5. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the connecting pin 3 of FIG. FIG. 7 shows a front view of the connecting pin 3 in a state where the caulking portion 53 is formed. 8 is a side sectional view of the connecting pin 3 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a side sectional view of the state in which the connecting pin 3 is set in the press machine 6. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the projection 51 is formed on the pipe 5 by the press machine 6.

First, an insertion process is performed in which the shaft member 4 is inserted into the pipe 5 to obtain the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The pipe 5 here is cut from a pipe material to a predetermined length, and the projection 51 and the caulking portion 53 are not yet formed. The shaft member 4 is in a state where a shaft main body 41, a small diameter portion 42, a reduced diameter portion 42A, and a shaft end small diameter portion 43 are formed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a caulking process is performed in which both ends of the pipe 5 are reduced in diameter and caulked with respect to the shaft end small diameter portion 43 to form the caulking portion 53. In this step, the pipe 5 covering almost the entire length of the shaft member 4 can be fixed to the shaft member 4. Further, at this stage, as shown in FIG. 9, the gap 41 </ b> A between the pipe 5 and the small diameter portion 42 is ensured uniformly along the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 42.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 10, the connecting pin 3 is set in the press machine 6, and as shown in FIG. The press machine 6 includes an upper die 61 and a lower die 62 that faces the upper die 61. Then, the upper mold 61 and the lower mold 62 are moved to a predetermined position by hydraulic pressure or electric drive in a direction approaching each other, and protruded at a position corresponding to the small diameter portion 42 of the pipe 5 set between the upper mold 61 and the lower mold 62. 51 is press-molded.
The upper die 61 and the lower die 62 have recesses 61A and 62A on their press surfaces. The widths of the recesses 61 </ b> A and 62 </ b> A (dimensions B and C in FIG. 10) are set according to the protrusion amount of the protrusion 51. Further, the depth of the upper mold 61 and the lower mold 62 (the axial length of the pipe 5) is set according to the axial length of the protrusion 51.
In this way, the protrusions 51 are press-molded so as to protrude radially outward at equal intervals on the same circumference of the pipe 5.

[How to connect pieces]
A method for connecting the pieces 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 12 shows a diagram in the middle of inserting the connecting pin 3 into the through hole 23 of the piece 2. FIG. 13 shows a view after the connecting pin 3 is inserted into the through hole 23.
First, the connecting pin 3 is inserted in a state in which the convex portions 21 and the concave portions 22 of the adjacent pieces 2 are engaged with each other and the through holes 23 thereof are continuous. Then, the protrusion 51 is brought into contact with the end of the through hole 23. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, since there is a gap 41 </ b> A between the protrusion 51 and the small diameter portion 42, when the protrusion 51 is pressed against the central axis of the pipe 5, it elastically deforms in that direction. Therefore, when the connecting pin 3 is further pushed into the through hole 23, as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 51 is pressed by the inner periphery of the through hole 23, and the outer diameter of the pipe 5 including the protrusion 51 is equal to the through hole. It is elastically deformed until it matches the inner peripheral dimension of 23 and is engaged with the inner periphery of the through hole 23.
At this time, the distance in the radial direction of the gap 41A is set to be larger than the deformation amount of the protrusion 51, so that even if the protrusion 51 is elastically deformed toward the central axis, it does not contact the small diameter portion.
When the projection 51 of the pipe 5 is elastically deformed toward the central axis, the portion of the dimension R2 shown in FIGS. It can be elastically deformed.

After that, when the connecting pin 3 is further pushed in and the protrusion 51 moves to a position corresponding to the large diameter portion 231 of the through hole 23, the protrusion 51 returns to the original state by the elastic force of the pipe 5, and the large diameter as shown in FIG. Engage with the portion 231. At this time, the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the through hole 23 including the large-diameter portion 231 is set to be equal to or larger than the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the connecting pin 3 including the protrusion 51, so In this state, the protrusion 51 is not pressed against the large diameter portion 231.
When the piece 2 moves and the connecting pin 3 moves in the through hole 23 when the timepiece 100 is used, the protrusion 51 is brought into contact with the step portion between the large diameter portion 231 and the through hole 23 to prevent further movement. . Even when the connecting pin 3 further moves and the stepped portion rides on the protrusion 51, the connecting pin 3 returns to the original position by the elastic force of the protrusion 51. Thereby, the piece 2 is connected by the connecting pin 3 and the connecting pin 3 is prevented from falling off from the through hole 23.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the connecting pin 3 is inserted into the through hole 23 of the piece member 2, the protrusion 51 of the pipe 5 is engaged with the inner periphery of the through hole 23. Here, the protrusion 51 is formed by deforming a part of the pipe 5, the small diameter portion 42 is formed in the shaft member 4 of the protrusion 51, and the size of the gap 41 </ b> A between the protrusion 51 and the small diameter portion 42 is large. Therefore, when it is pressed toward the central axis of the pipe 5, it is easily elastically deformed in that direction. Accordingly, when the connecting pin 3 is inserted into the through hole 23 and the protrusion 51 is pressed by the inner periphery of the through hole 23, the protrusion 51 is elastically deformed and presses the inner periphery of the through hole 23 with a predetermined pressing force. 3 is engaged with the inner periphery of the through hole 23. Moreover, since the protrusion 51 can be easily elastically deformed, excessive stress is not applied to the protrusion 51, and plastic deformation of the protrusion 51 can be prevented well. Thereby, even if it uses the connection pin 3 repeatedly, the fall of pushing force and drawing-out force can be prevented, and durability of the connection pin 3 can be improved.
At this time, the pipe 5 is not provided only in the small diameter portion 42 of the shaft member 4 but is provided so as to cover a part of the shaft main body 41, and the pipe 5 in this portion is like a projection 51 portion. Since there is no need to deform, the gap dimension with the shaft member 4 can be made smaller than the gap dimension between the pipe 5 on which the protrusion 51 is formed and the small diameter portion 42. That is, since it is not necessary to provide a large gap for the deformation of the spring member 92 formed with the projection 93 shown in FIG. 15 as in the prior art, the amount of deviation between the central axes of the pipe 5 and the shaft member 4 is made smaller than in the prior art. be able to. Therefore, when the connecting pin 3 is inserted into the through hole 23, the pipe 5 is not displaced in the radial direction with respect to the shaft member 4, and can be satisfactorily engaged with the through hole 23. Therefore, variations in the pushing force and the pulling force of the connecting pin 3 when the connecting pin 3 is inserted into and removed from the through hole 23 can be minimized, and a stable pushing force and pulling force can be obtained.

(2) Since the projection 51 is formed by deforming a part of the pipe 5, for example, the connecting pin 3 can be easily manufactured as compared with the case where the projection is joined to the circumferential surface of the pipe 5. it can.

(3) When the projection 51 of the pipe 5 is elastically deformed toward the central axis, the dimension R2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 is formed to be shorter than the radius R of the pipe where the projection 51 is not provided. Since a gap is secured between them, the dimension R2 portion can be easily elastically deformed in the outer circumferential direction of the pipe 5. Therefore, the projection 51 portion of the pipe 5 can be smoothly elastically deformed toward the central axis of the pipe, and the plastic deformation of the projection 51 portion of the pipe 5 can be reliably prevented.

(4) Since the two protrusions 51 are formed at equal intervals on the same circumference of the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the pipe 5, these protrusions 51 are respectively pressed toward the central axis side of the pipe 5 and elastically deformed. Then, when the connecting pin 3 is positioned at the center of the through hole 23, the elastic force of each protrusion 51 is balanced. Therefore, the center of the connecting pin 3 can be easily aligned with the center of the through hole 23 as compared with the one having the protrusion 51, and the connecting pin 3 can be smoothly inserted.

(5) Since the protrusion 51 is formed by press-molding a part of the pipe 5, the cross section in the axial direction of the pipe 5 can be naturally formed in a curved shape. Therefore, the outer peripheral shape of the cross section can be press-molded more easily than a linear protrusion such as a trapezoidal shape or an umbrella shape. Furthermore, when the pipe 5 is pressed to form the protrusion 51, the shapes of the upper die 61 and the lower die 62 can be simplified. Further, the projection 51 can be formed with a smaller processing pressure when the cross section is curved than when the cross section is linear.

(6) Since the reduced diameter portions 42 </ b> A are provided on both sides of the small diameter portion 42, the diameter of the shaft member 4 gradually decreases from the shaft main body 41 to the small diameter portion 42. In the conventional connecting pin 9 shown in FIG. 15, since steps are provided on both sides of the small diameter portion 91, stress concentration occurs in the steps, and the shaft member 90 may be broken at the step portion. The durability could not be improved. On the other hand, in the connecting pin 3 of the present embodiment, the reduced diameter portion 42A is formed between the small diameter portion 42 and the shaft main body 41, so that the connected pieces 2 move to each other and the connection in the through hole 23 occurs. Even when force is applied to the pin 3, stress concentration on the portion between the small diameter portion 42 and the shaft main body 41 can be prevented, and the durability of the connecting pin 3 can be improved.

(7) Since the pipe 5 covers almost the entire length of the shaft member 4, when the connecting pin 3 is inserted into the through hole 23, the inner periphery of the through hole 23 and the shaft member 4 are not in direct contact. Therefore, even when a force is applied from the through hole 23 to the connecting pin 3 due to the movement of the piece 2, most of the force can be received by the pipe 5. Therefore, the durability of the shaft member 4 can be improved, and the small-diameter portion 42 can be satisfactorily prevented from breaking even when the connecting pin 3 is used for a long time.

(8) In the conventional connecting pin 9 of FIG. 15, since the spring member 92 is engaged with the small diameter portion 91 and the shaft member 90 is exposed, the connecting pin 9 penetrates when the shaft member 90 is broken. There was a problem that the piece member fell out of the hole and the piece member was disconnected. On the other hand, in the connection pin 3 of the present embodiment, the pipe 5 covers almost the entire length of the shaft member 4 and is caulked to the shaft main body 41 by the caulking portion 53. Even when 4 is broken, the connecting pin 3 is not disassembled, and it is possible to reliably prevent the connecting pin 3 from coming off from the through hole 23 and to prevent the piece 2 from being disconnected.

(9) In the conventional connecting pin 9 of FIG. 15, in the state where the connecting pin 9 is inserted through the through hole, the spring member 92 is press-fitted into the through hole, but the shaft member 90 includes the small diameter portion 91 and the spring member. Since there is play between the shaft member 90 and the shaft member 90, the shaft member 90 wobbles inside the through hole, and the connection state of the pieces becomes uneven. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the pipe 5 covers almost the entire length of the shaft member 4, and the pipe 5 is fixed to the shaft body 41 by the caulking portion 53, so that the pipe 5 moves relative to the shaft member 4. Absent. Therefore, the connected state of the pieces 2 can be made uniform, and the high-quality feeling of the band 1 can be realized.

(10) When caulking both ends of the pipe 5 against the shaft end small-diameter portion 43, the caulking length is uniformly formed along the outer periphery of both ends of the pipe 5, and the end of the caulking portion 53 is the end of the shaft end small-diameter portion. Since it contacts the outer periphery, the central axes of the pipe 5 and the shaft member 4 can be reliably aligned.

(11) The conventional connecting pin 9 of FIG. 15 has a problem that foreign matter such as dust and sweat is likely to enter the play between the small diameter portion 91 and the spring member 92. On the other hand, in the connecting pin 3 of the present embodiment, the pipe 5 covers almost the entire length of the shaft member 4 and is caulked to the shaft main body 41 by the caulking portion 53, so that foreign matter enters the inside of the pipe 5. Can be prevented. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of the connecting pin 9 is excellent, and the high-quality feeling of the band 1 can be realized.

(12) Since the large-diameter portion 231 is formed in the through-hole 23, the protrusion 51 engages with the large-diameter portion 231 when the connecting pin 3 is engaged with the through-hole 23. Therefore, the connecting pin 3 is not displaced with respect to the through hole 23, and the connecting pin 3 can be reliably prevented from falling off from the piece 2.

(13) Since the protrusion 51 is accommodated in the large diameter portion 231, the difference between the diameter of the shaft body 41 and the pipe 5 and the inner periphery of the through hole 23 can be set small. The amount of stagnation can be minimized. Therefore, the backlash between the through hole 23 and the connecting pin 3 can be reduced by this, and the connected state of the piece 2 can be improved.

(14) Since the diameter dimension (dimension in the cross-sectional direction) of the inner periphery of the through hole 23 including the large-diameter portion 231 is formed to be greater than the diameter dimension (dimension in the cross-sectional direction) of the connecting pin 3 including the protrusion 51. In a state where the protrusion 51 is engaged with the large diameter portion 231, the protrusion 51 is not pressed against the large diameter portion 231. Accordingly, since the pipe 5 is inserted into the through hole 23 without being deformed, the plastic deformation of the protrusion 51 and the pipe 5 can be prevented. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the push-in force and pull-out force of the connecting pin 3 from being lowered and to improve the durability of the connecting pin 3 even after long-term use and repeated use.

(15) After inserting the connecting pin 3 into the through hole 23, even if the protrusion 51 rides up the step between the large diameter portion 231 and the inner periphery of the through hole 23 due to the movement of the piece 2, the connecting pin is caused by the elastic force of the protrusion 51. 3 returns to the original position, and the position of the connecting pin 3 can be maintained.

(16) By a manufacturing method in the order of an insertion step of inserting the shaft member 4 into the pipe 5, a pressing step of press-molding the protrusions 51 on the pipe 5, and a caulking step of caulking both ends of the pipe 5 against the shaft member 4, The connecting pin 3 that can ensure a stable pushing force and pulling force can be manufactured.

(17) Since the pipe 5 and the shaft member 4 are fixed in the caulking process, it is not necessary to hold the pipe 5 and the shaft member 4 so that the relative positions of the pipe 5 and the shaft member 4 do not move in the pressing process, and the manufacturing can be easily performed.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the protrusions 51 are formed at two places, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed at three places as shown in FIG.
When there are two protrusions 51, it is conceivable that when the protrusions 51 are pressed toward the central axis side of the pipe 5 and elastically deformed, the protrusions 51 are not straight toward the central axis but elastically deformed in different directions. Then, there is a possibility that the center of the coupling tool described as the coupling pin 3 is shifted from the center of the through hole 23. In that respect, when there are three protrusions 51, each protrusion 51 is pressed and elastically deformed from three directions toward the central axis of the pipe 5. The center of the through hole can be surely matched. Therefore, the connecting tool can be inserted more smoothly, and the protrusion amount of the protrusion 51 can be kept low, which is effective in reducing the thickness of the pipe 5. Here, when forming the protrusions 51 at three locations, for example, a press machine capable of cam-type bending may be used. In addition, a protrusion may be formed in one place or multiple places more than three places, and can be suitably set according to the use and use conditions of a coupling tool.

It is desirable that the protrusions be arranged at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the pipe so that the distribution of the pushing force is equally divided, but not limited to this, even if the protrusions are arranged at irregular intervals, The objective can be achieved.
The protrusion is not limited to the curved outer peripheral shape of the pipe in the axial direction, and the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the outer peripheral shape of the cross section is a linear shape such as a trapezoidal shape or an umbrella shape. However, in consideration of forming a protrusion by pressing a part of the pipe, the outer peripheral shape of the cross section is preferably a curved shape that can be easily processed.

  It is not necessary to provide a reduced diameter portion at the end of the small diameter portion of the shaft member. For example, if the inner diameter of the pipe provided on the outer periphery of the shaft member is as close as possible to the outer diameter of the shaft body, the pipe can receive an external force that acts on the shaft member, reducing the stress concentration at the step at the end of the small diameter portion. Can be made.

  The pipe is not limited to one that covers almost the entire length of the shaft member, and may have a shape that covers a position corresponding to the small diameter portion and at least a part of the shaft main body. Moreover, the pipe does not need to be formed with caulking portions at both ends. When forming a protrusion, a part of the pipe on the same circumference as the protrusion is pushed into the central axis when the pipe is formed. For example, by making the inner diameter of the pipe as close as possible to the outer diameter of the shaft body, A part of the pipe pushed into the central axis side can be engaged with the small-diameter portion, and the pipe can be prevented from dropping off from the shaft member.

  The pipe is formed to be longer than the longitudinal dimension of the shaft member not including the shaft end small diameter portions at both ends and shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the shaft member including the shaft end small diameter portions at both ends. May be formed so that the pipe length is longer than the diameter of the shaft member, without providing the shaft end small diameter portion. In this case, it is possible to easily align the central axes of the pipe and the shaft member by caulking both ends of the pipe in the center direction of the pipe and engaging the both ends of the shaft member, and to drop the pipe from the shaft member. Can be prevented.

The pipe is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the object of the present invention can be achieved even when the pipe has a polygonal cross section such as a hexagon or an octagon.
The object of the present invention can be achieved even if the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the recess formed in the through hole and described as the large diameter part in the embodiment is smaller than the dimension in the cross-sectional direction of the connector including the protrusion.
The shape of the piece member is not limited to the one provided with the convex portion and the concave portion, and can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the function and the design.
The connection tool of the present invention is not limited to a watch band, and can be applied to any band, component, product, or the like that needs to connect a plurality of pieces such as a jewelry such as a bracelet or a necklace.

The best configuration, method, and the like for carrying out the present invention have been disclosed above, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the invention has been illustrated and described primarily with respect to particular embodiments, but may be configured for the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art in terms of materials, quantity, and other detailed configurations.
Therefore, the description limited to the shape, material, etc. disclosed above is an example for easy understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The description by the name of the member which remove | excluded the limitation of one part or all of such is included in this invention.

The front view which shows the timepiece concerning one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the piece member and connection tool concerning embodiment same as the above. The front view which shows the connector concerning embodiment same as the above. Side sectional drawing of the coupling tool concerning embodiment same as the above. The front view which shows the manufacturing method (insertion process) of the connector concerning embodiment same as the above. Side sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing method (insertion process) of the connector concerning embodiment same as the above. The front view which shows the manufacturing method (caulking process) of the coupling tool concerning embodiment same as the above. Side sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing method (caulking process) of the coupling tool concerning embodiment same as the above. Another sectional view showing a manufacturing method (caulking process) of a connector concerning an embodiment same as the above. The sectional side view which shows the manufacturing method (before press) of the coupling tool concerning embodiment same as the above. The sectional side view which shows the manufacturing method (after press) of the coupling tool concerning embodiment same as the above. The figure which showed a mode that the connector concerning embodiment same as the above was inserted in the piece member. The figure of the state in which the connector concerning embodiment same as the above was attached to the piece member. The sectional side view which shows the modification of the coupling tool of this invention. The perspective view which shows the conventional connector.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Band, 2 ... Piece (piece member), 3 ... Connection pin (connector), 4 ... Shaft member, 5 ... Pipe, 23 ... Through-hole, 41 ... Shaft main body, 42 ... Small diameter part, 42A ... Reduced diameter part , 51 ... projection, 53 ... caulking part, 100 ... watch, 100A ... watch case, 231 ... large diameter part (concave part).

Claims (10)

A connector that connects the piece members to each other by being inserted through through holes formed in adjacent piece members,
Pipes,
A shaft body and a shaft member having a small diameter portion smaller than the shaft body and inserted through the pipe;
The pipe includes a projection that covers the small-diameter portion and at least a part of the shaft main body and is formed by deforming a part of the pipe and protruding toward the outer peripheral side at a position corresponding to the small-diameter portion. A connector characterized by that. The connector according to claim 1,
The said protrusion is formed in multiple places at equal intervals on the same periphery of the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the said pipe. In the connector according to claim 1 or 2,
The protrusion is formed with a curved outer peripheral shape of an axial cross section of the pipe. In the connector in any one of Claims 1-3,
The small diameter portion end portion is formed with a reduced diameter portion that is gradually reduced in diameter from the shaft main body and continues to the small diameter portion. In the connector in any one of Claims 1-4,
The said pipe is provided with the crimping part crimped with respect to the said shaft member in the both ends while covering the substantially full length of the said shaft member. A plurality of piece members;
The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is inserted into a through hole formed in the piece member,
A band in which the protrusion is engaged is formed in the through hole. The band according to claim 6,
The band of the through hole including the recess is formed to have a dimension greater than the dimension of the connector including the protrusion in the cross-sectional direction. A timepiece, wherein the band according to claim 6 or 7 is attached to a timepiece case. It is a manufacturing method of a connector for connecting the piece members to each other by being inserted through through holes respectively formed in adjacent piece members,
Inserting a shaft body and a shaft member having a smaller diameter portion smaller than the shaft body through the pipe, and inserting the small diameter portion and at least a part of the shaft body;
And a pressing step of press-molding a protrusion protruding toward the outer peripheral side at a portion covering the small-diameter portion of the pipe. In the manufacturing method of the connector according to claim 9,
The pipe is formed in a dimension that covers substantially the entire length of the shaft member,
The manufacturing method of the coupling tool characterized by including the crimping process of crimping the both ends of the said pipe with respect to the said shaft member between the said insertion process and the said press process.

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