JP3559794B2

JP3559794B2 - Clock connection structure and clock

Info

Publication number: JP3559794B2
Application number: JP34069999A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 行雄岩崎
Original assignee: Takashima Sangyo KK
Current assignee: Takashima Sangyo KK
Priority date: 1999-11-30
Filing date: 1999-11-30
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-30
Also published as: EP1106096A2; CN1262910A; CN1212790C; JP2001153970A; HK1028325A1; EP1106096A3

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、時計用連結構造および当該構造を採用した時計に関わり、特に、その時計用連結部に連結用のピンを固定させる連結構造に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図１２および図１３は、従来の時計に用いられる連結方法の１例を示したものである。長いピン３４と短いパイプ３５を連結部材として利用している。具体的には、時計のケースの連結部３０とバンドの連結部３２とを連結する際、まず、中空のパイプ３５を予めケースの連結部３０の挿入用孔３１に入れる。そして、バンドの連結部３２を持ち上げ、そのバンドの連結部３２の挿入用孔３３，３３をケースの連結部３０の挿入用孔３１と合わせ、ピン３４をその３つの孔３３，３１，３３に押し込む。押し込みが完了すると、時計のケースとバンドとが一体化する。
【０００３】
また、時計の使用中にピン３４が抜け落ちないように、そのピン３４の中央部に小外径部３６が設けられている。両連結部３０，３２を連結する時、ピン３４の小外径部３６は、パイプ３５の中央部に設けられた小外径部３７に嵌め込まれ、ピン３４は固定される。
【０００４】
図１４は、特開平０８−２２４１１４号公報に示されている従来の他の時計の連結部分の構造を示す図である。時計ケース４０の二股状連結部４２，４２には、両端に段５３，５３を有する挿入用ピン５０を挿入させるためのピン挿入用孔４１，４１が設けられる。バンドの連結部４５にまゆ状の断面を有する貫通孔４６を設け、この貫通孔４６に断面が同じ形状のスペーサー４７を入れておく。また、断面の中央のくびれ部６３で分段される大径中空部６１および小径中空部６２を有する断面まゆ形のリング６０を、スペーサー４７の中空部４８，４９へ差し込む。
【０００５】
リング６０の大径中空部６１は、挿入用のピン５０の大径部５２，５２を緩く挿入できる位の内径を有し、小径中空部６２は、挿入用のピン５０の小径部５１の径と略同程度の内径を有している。くびれ部６３は、小径部６２の内径より狭い巾を有するように形成されている。そして、スペーサー４７およびリング６０を備えたバンドの連結部４５を時計ケース４０の二股状連結部４２，４２の間に差し込み、リング６０の大径中空部６１が二股状連結部４２のピン挿入用孔４１，４１に一致させてからピン５０を押し込む。その後、時計ケース４０とバンドとを互いに引き離す方向へ引っ張ると、ピン５０の小径部５１はリング６０の小径中空部６２に移り、その両連結部４２，４５の連結作業が完成する。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
図１２および図１３に現した連結構造は、ピン３４およびパイプ３５の構造がシンプルであり、その部品の加工も容易である。しかし、ピン３４をパイプ３５に押し込むとき、パイプ３５の小外径部３７を押し広げる必要があり、極めて大きな力が必要となっている。このため、組み込み作業が困難で、時間がかかるものとなっている。また、５ｋｇ以上の力を細いピン３４に与えると、ピン３４は曲がったり座屈したり、時には時計またはバンドの表面にキズを付けたりという製造上の不具合を生じやすくなる。また、組み込み作業の困難性を解消するため、治具を使用しても良いが、治具が特殊となりコストが上昇し、加えて、ピン３４の曲がり等の問題は依然として残る。
【０００７】
また、そのピン３４が曲がらないように、パイプ３５の固定力を弱くする（パイプ３５の小外径３７の内径を大きくする）と、時計を使用している途中でピン３４が抜け落ちる危険性が高くなる。一方、時計の使用途中にピン３４が抜けないように、その固定力を強くすると、連結を解除するためにピン３４を抜きたい時、その作業が極めて困難となる。また、パイプ３５の小外径部３７は、塑性変形させられるものであり、パイプ３５の小外径部３７の内径より大きな外径のピン３４を押し込むことはかなり無理があり、しかも押し込む力にばらつきができやすい。
【０００８】
図１４に示した特開平０８−２２４１１４号公報の連結構造は、時計ケース４０とバンドの連結部４５の間の着脱に際し、大きな力を必要とせず、しかも、バンドと時計ケース４０とを相対移動させれば簡単にできる。しかし、その連結構造は、部品が多く、コストが上昇し、着脱するとき部品を無くす危険性が高くなる。また、バンドの移動を許容するスペースを時計ケース４０側に設ける必要があるため、デザイン上の制約を生じてくる。
【０００９】
また、その断面まゆ状の貫通孔４６の加工方法は、かなり複雑な工程を必要とし、コストが上昇する。なお、貫通孔４６の形成に当たって、バンドの連結部４５を上下に分断して（図１３の点線参照）貫通孔４６のための半孔を形成してから両者を接合固定する方法もあるが、部品点数の増大と、作業工程の増加によって、生産効率が悪化し、時計のコストが高くなる。
【００１０】
本発明は、上記した問題を解決するためになされたものであり、部品の数が少なく、加工及び組み立てが簡単で、コストが低く、さらに、着脱し易く、時計の使用途中で連結用ピンが抜けてしまうことが無い時計用連結構造およびその連結構造を用いる時計を提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
このような目的を達成するために、本発明の時計用連結構造は、時計用ケースに設けた連結用のケース連結部と、バンドに設けた連結用のバンド連結部とを横方向に隣接して配置し、横方向に連通する係合孔を両連結部にそれぞれ設け、時計用ケースとバンドとを一体化する連結用ピンを各係合孔に連通させてなる時計用連結構造において、両連結部のいずれか一方を二股状の突出部とし、いずれか他方を二股状の突出部の間に入り込む突出状部とし、二股状の突出部と突出状部のそれぞれに係合孔を貫通孔として設け、突出状部の貫通孔内にその外径が二股状の突出部に設けられる貫通孔の孔径より大きくされたコイルスプリングを挿入し、３つの貫通孔内にまたがりかつコイルスプリングの内径部分によって係止されるように連結用ピンを配設している。
【００１２】
このような構造にすると、部品点数が少なくと共にいため、簡単に連結作業ができる。しかも、コイルスプリングは、簡単に加工でき、加工工数が減少し、コスト低減を図ることができる。また、コイルスプリングの内径部分を利用して連結用ピンを係止しているので、コイルスプリングの弾性力を有効に活用でき、連結させやすく、簡単には抜けず、しかも、それほど大きな力を必要とせず、取り外せるといった機能を容易に実現できる。なお、コイルスプリングの内径全体を使用するときは１つずつのコイルは、ピンの外径の表面をそれぞれ包み、総合的な摩擦力が強くなり、ピンが勝手に抜け落ちる可能性がなくなる。さらに、ピンの固定力は、そのコイルスプリングの弾性力に帰因する摩擦力や係止力であるので、着脱作業を行う時、大きな力および特殊な工具を使わなくても簡単にできるようになり、時計にキズが付いたり、ピンが曲がったりすることが無くなる。
【００１３】
また、このような構造によって、その連結部の間に予め隙間をあけて置く必要が無くなり、デザイン上の制約がなくなると共に一体感が高まりデザイン上好ましいものとなる。また、中央の突出状部にコイルスプリングを挿入しているので、コイルスプリングが抜け出してしまうのを確実に防止することが可能となる。また、３つの貫通孔をピン径よりわずかに大きめの穴とすることで、連結部を薄くできるため、デザイン性の向上を図ることができる。
【００１４】
他の発明の時計用連結構造は、時計本体に接続されるバンドの連結構造であって少なくとも２つの連結体が連結される時計用連結構造において、連結体の一方に設けられた連結用の係合連結部と、この一方の連結体に対しその連結方向に隣接して配置される他方の連結体に係合連結部に対して横方向に隣接して設けられる連結用の被係合連結部とを備え、横方向に連通する係合孔を両連結部にそれぞれ設け、両連結部のいずれか一方を二股状の突出部とし、いずれか他方を二股状の突出部の間に入り込む突出状部とし、二股状の突出部と突出状部のそれぞれに係合孔を貫通孔として設け、突出状部の貫通孔内にその外径が二股状の突出部に設けられる貫通孔の孔径より大きくされたコイルスプリングを挿入し、３つの貫通孔内にまたがりかつコイルスプリングの内径部分によって係止されるように連結用ピンを配設している。
【００１５】
このような構造によって、連結体が連結される時、少ない部品点数のため、バンド全体が軽くなる。また、連結部の着脱作業が簡単にできるため、作業効率が向上すると共にバンドもきれいに仕上げることができる。さらに、コイルスプリングが使用されるため、加工工数が減少し、コスト低減を図ることが可能となる。また、コイルスプリングの内径部分を利用して連結用ピンを係止しているので、コイルスプリングの弾性力を有効に活用でき、連結させやすく、簡単には抜けず、しかも、それほど大きな力を必要とせず、取り外せるといった機能を容易に実現できる。
【００１６】
また、このような構造によって、その連結部の間に予め隙間をあけて置く必要が無くなり、デザイン上の制約がなくなると共に一体感が高まりデザイン上好ましいものとなる。また、中央の突出状部にコイルスプリングを挿入しているので、コイルスプリングが抜け出してしまうのを確実に防止することが可能となる。また、３つの貫通孔をピン径よりわずかに大きめの穴とすることで、連結部を薄くできるため、デザイン性の向上を図ることができる。
【００１７】
また、他の発明は、上述の各発明の時計用連結構造に加え、コイルスプリングの一部の内径を他の部分より小径の小径スプリング部とし、連結用ピンの一部の外径を他の部分より小径の小径外径部とし、小径スプリング部を小径外径部にはめ合わせ、連結用ピンを係止している。
【００１８】
このような構造によって、連結用ピンは、コイルスプリングの小径スプリング部を通過する際、この小径スプリング部が弾性変形し拡張するため、ピンを軽く押すことでコイルスプリングの内径中に挿入することができる。また、小径スプリング部の弾性により変形した部分は元に戻るため、連結用ピンの小径外径部に嵌め合わせられると、クリック感が感じられ、組み付けの確認が容易となると共に、小径スプリング部が係止作用を持つこととなり、ピンを確実に係止できることとなる。
【００１９】
コイルスプリングの小径スプリング部は、連結用ピンの小径外径部との嵌め合わせにより、連結用ピンを係止する。このような構造は、ピンを固定する力が一層強くなる。また、ピンを引き抜くとき、スプリングの弾性により、引き抜きが容易となると共にその引き抜き力のばらつきが生じにくくなる。また、特殊な工具を使用する必要がないため、コストが上昇したり連結部にキズが付いたしなくなる。
【００２０】
また、他の発明は、上述の各発明の時計用連結構造に加え、コイルスプリングの内径を連結用ピンの外径よりわずかに小さくし、両者の接触摩擦によって、連結用ピンを係止する。コイルスプリングの中央部に小径スプリング部を設けない場合、連結用のピンを挿入する時、コイルスプリングの内径をピンの外径よりわずか小さくするのが好ましい。このような構成とすると、コイルスプリングの内径より太いピンが挿入される際、コイルスプリングが拡張変形し、その弾性変形後元に戻る弾性力によって、ピンの表面に作用する摩擦力が大きくなる。従って、コイルスプリングとピンの外表面との摩擦力、即ち、連結用ピンの固定力は大きくなり、ピンの抜け落ちという不具合が無くなる。
【００２１】
また、本発明の時計は、連結用のケース連結部が設けられた時計用ケースを有する時計本体と、ケース連結部に隣接して配置されるバンド連結部を有するバンドとを備え、両連結部を側面方向に連通する係合孔を両連結部にそれぞれ設け、各係合孔に連結用ピンを連通させることで時計用ケースとバンドとを一体化する時計において、両連結部のいずれか一方を二股状の突出部とし、いずれか他方を二股状の突出部の間に入り込む突出状部とし、二股状の突出部と突出状部のそれぞれに係合孔を貫通孔として設け、突出状部の貫通孔内にその外径が二股状の突出部に設けられる貫通孔の孔径より大きくされたコイルスプリングを挿入し、３つの貫通孔内にまたがりかつコイルスプリングの内径部分によって係止されるように連結用ピンを配設している。
【００２２】
このような構造にすると、部品点数が少なくと共にいため、簡単に連結作業ができる。しかも、コイルスプリングは、簡単に加工でき、加工工数が減少し、コスト低減を図ることができる。また、コイルスプリングの内径部分を利用して連結用ピンを係止しているので、コイルスプリングの弾性力を有効に活用でき、連結させやすく、簡単には抜けず、しかも、それほど大きな力を必要とせず、取り外せるといった機能を容易に実現できる。なお、コイルスプリングの内径全体を使用するときは１つずつのコイルは、ピンの外径の表面をそれぞれ包み、総合的な摩擦力が強くなり、ピンが勝手に抜け落ちる可能性がなくなる。
【００２３】
さらに、ピンの固定力は、そのコイルスプリングの弾性力に帰因する摩擦力や係止力であるので、着脱作業を行う時、大きな力および特殊な工具を使わなくても簡単にできるようになり、時計にキズが付いたり、ピンが曲がったりすることが無くなる。このため、組み立て易くしかも修理し易い時計となると共に時計のコストを下げることができる。
【００２４】
また、この発明では、その連結部の間に予め隙間をあけておく必要が無くなり、デザイン上の制約がなく、デザイン性の良い時計が得られると共に一体感が高まりデザイン上好ましいものとなる。また、中央の突出状部にコイルスプリングを挿入しているので、コイルスプリングが抜け出してしまうのを確実に防止することが可能となる。また、３つの貫通孔をピンよりわずかに大きめの円の孔とすることで、加工が簡単になり、連結部自体を薄く軽くでき、デザイン性の面でさらによいものとなる。
【００２５】
また、他の発明は、上述の各発明の時計に加え、コイルスプリングの一部の内径を他の部分より小径の小径スプリング部とし、連結用ピンの一部の外径を他の部分より小径の小径外径部とし、小径スプリング部を小径外径部に嵌め合わせ、連結用ピンを係止している。
【００２６】
その連結用ピンがコイルスプリングの小径スプリング部を通過する際、小径スプリング部の拡張弾性により、ピンの装着作業をスムーズに行うことができる。また、コイルスプリングの小径スプリング部は、連結用ピンの小径外径部と嵌め合わせると、クリック感が感じられ、組み付けの確認が容易となる。また、その嵌め込みにより、ピンに対する係止力が強くなる一方、スプリングの弾性力によってピンの抜き取りも容易となる。このような構造を用いる時計は、部品が増加せず、組み立てし易く、修理し易いものとなると共に連結部の確実な固定が可能となり腕等から外れてしまうという事故が生じなくなる。
【００２７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照しつつ説明する。
【００２８】
図１は、本発明の時計用連結構造および時計の第１の実施の形態を示す分解斜視図である。図示されているように、時計用ケース１には、ケース連結部となる突出状部２が設けられている。その突出状部２には１つの係合孔３が横方向に貫通するように設けられている。時計のバンド４に時計用ケース１と繋がるようにするバンド連結部４ａが設けられ、このバンド連結部４ａの先端に二股状の突出部５，５が設けられている。この二股状の突出部５，５は、それぞれ横方向に貫通した係合孔６，６を有している。３つの係合孔６，３，６は、突出状部２と二股状の突出部５，５とが係合したとき直線状に並び連結用ピン７がケース１とバンド４をまたがるように挿入可能とされている。
【００２９】
時計用ケース１の突出状部２の係合孔３の内径Ｄ３は、図２に示すように、バンド連結部４の係合孔６，６の内径Ｄ６より大きめに設けられ、予め円筒状のコイルスプリング８が入れられている。この円筒状のコイルスプリング８の外径Ｄ８（図３参照）は、コイルスプリング８を係合孔３にスムーズに挿入できるように、内径Ｄ３より小さめに設けられている。たとえば、係合孔３の内径Ｄ３が１．４０ｍｍの場合に、コイルスプリング８の外径Ｄ８は１．３７ｍｍとする。
【００３０】
また、この実施の形態では、図１および図２に示すように、ステンレス製の連結用ピン７の中央部に他の部分より小径の小径外径部９を設け、一方、コイルスプリング８の中央部にも小径スプリング部１０を設けている。
【００３１】
連結用ピン７には、図２に示すように、その両端にテーパーとなる斜面部７ａ，７ａが、その小径外径部９の両側に同形状のテーパーとなる斜面部７ｂ，７ｂがそれぞれ設けられている。両端の斜面部７ａ，７ａは、コイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０に挿入し易くし、かつ小径スプリング部１０を押し広げし易くするものである。小径外径部９の斜面部７ｂ，７ｂは、一旦係合した、コイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０がある程度の力（引き抜き力または押し力）でその係合が外れるように働く。
【００３２】
時計用ケース１とバンド４との連結作業を行う際、３つの突出状部５，２，５を長手方向に隣接させる。バンド連結部４ａの二股状の突出状部５，５の係合孔６，６を、予めコイルスプリング８を入れた係合孔３に合わせる。そして、連結用ピン７を一方の係合孔６から挿入し、コイルスプリング８の内径に差し入れ、さらに、他方の係合孔６に挿入させることで、図２に示す状態となり、ケース１とバンド４たが一体化する。
【００３３】
連結用ピン７を一方の係合孔６に挿入していくと、その先端が小径スプリング部１０に突き当たる。その突き当たり力に抗してさらに挿入させると、小径スプリング部１０が斜面部７ａで押し広げられさらに進入していく。そして、連結用ピン７が係合孔６，３，６に挿入された時、連結用ピン７の小径外径部９とコイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０とが嵌め込まれ、クッリク感を感じると連結作業は完成となる。
【００３４】
連結用ピン７を係合孔６およびコイルスプリング８に挿入するため、その係合孔６の内径Ｄ６とコイルスプリング８の内径ｄ８に対し、連結用ピン７の外径Ｄ７が一定の余裕を持つのが好ましい。本実施の形態では、連結用ピン７の外径Ｄ７を１．００ｍｍとし、コイルスプリング８の内径ｄ８を１．０５ｍｍとし、係合孔６の内径Ｄ６を１．１０ｍｍとしている。なお、コイルスプリング８の長さＬ８は、ケース連結部となる突出状部２の長さと同じくらいの長さに設定されている。
【００３５】
また、この実施の形態では、上述のように、バンド連結部４ａの係合孔６，６の内径Ｄ６が１．１０ｍｍとされ、コイルスプリング８の外径Ｄ８が１．３７ｍｍとされている。このため、係合孔６，６の内縁は、ちょうどコイルスプリング８の両端に当たって、コイルスプリング８の横方向への移動を阻止する。この結果、コイルスプリング８は、連結用ピン７を抜かない限り係合孔３から抜け落ちることない。
【００３６】
また、この実施の形態では、コイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０の内径Ｓは、０．９５ｍｍと設定されている。また、連結用ピン７の両端の先細の先端の径ｄ７は、内径Ｓに比べ、わずかに小さくされている。しかし、線径の中心間の距離Ｓ１より小さくすれば挿入作業はかなりやすいものとなる。
【００３７】
連結用ピン７をそのコイルスプリング８内に挿入して小径スプリング部１０を通す際、コイルスプリング８の弾性によって、小径スプリング部１０は拡張する。その小径スプリング部１０の弾性復帰力より、連結用ピン７の小径外径部９に嵌め込まれ、クリック感を感じると連結用ピン７が係止される。
【００３８】
このような係合方法で連結したケース１とバンド４は、部品点数が減少し、低コスト化と作業が向上する。また、コイルスプリング８の挿入脱着作業が１ｋｇ以下の安定した力で簡単に行えるようになり、作業能率が向上する。また、各係合孔６，３，６の加工が簡単にできると共に連結部５，２，５が薄くできるため、デザイン性の良い連結部が得られる。この様な連結構造を用いる時計は、連結用ピン７の小径外径部９をコイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０に嵌め込むことによって、使用途中で連結用ピン７が抜け落ちることがなくなり安全かつ低コストの時計が得られる。また、斜面部７ａによって、連結用ピン７の挿入が容易となり、斜面部７ｂ，７ｂによって、連結用ピン７の抜き取りが容易となる。
【００３９】
本実施の形態では、コイルスプリング８は弾性ステンレス材を使用している。小径スプリング部１０は、図４に示すように、円形となっている。その小径スプリング部１０の内径Ｓは、コイルスプリング８の大部分を占める内径ｄ８より０．１ｍｍ小さくし、両端に行くに従い徐々に径を大きくし、全長Ｌ８の１２分の１程度小径スプリング部１０から離れた所で内径ｄ８となる。
【００４０】
なお、小径スプリング部１０は、図５に示すように、楕円状小径スプリング部１０ａとなるようにしても良い。この楕円状の小径スプリング部１０ａの短手方向の内径Ｓは、コイルスプリング８の他の内径ｄ８より短く、長手方向の内径Ｓ２は、ｄ８より長くしている。このような構造の場合、連結用ピン７を挿入し小径スプリング部１０ａを通過させる時、短手方向の内径Ｓを伸して挿入し、連結用ピン７の小径外径部９にその短手方向部分が嵌め込まれ、連結用ピン７が係止される。
【００４１】
本発明の第２の実施の形態を、図６から図８に示す。なお、だい１の実施の形態と同一部材には同一符号を付して説明することとする。
【００４２】
この第２の実施の形態では、中央部縮径がない円柱状の連結用ピン１２および小径部なしの円筒状のコイルスプリング１１を使用する。時計用ケース１とバンド４との連結作業を行う時、第１の実施の形態と同じように、コイルスプリング１１を予め係合孔３に入れておき、そして、バンド４の連結部４ａの二股状の突出部５，５の係合孔６，６を、時計用ケース１の突出状部２に設けられた係合孔３に合わせて、連結用ピン１２を挿入する。
【００４３】
本実施の形態では、各係合孔３，６，６の内径Ｄ３を１．４０ｍｍとし、内径Ｄ６を１．１０ｍｍとし、そのコイルスプリング１１の外径Ｄ１１を１．３０ｍｍとし、内径ｄ１１を０．９８〜０．９９ｍｍとしている。このように、コイルスプリング１１が係合孔６，６の内方の両縁部に挟まれて係合孔３内に配置されている。連結用ピン１２の外径Ｄ１２はコイルスプリング１１の内径ｄ１１より０．０１〜０．０２ｍｍ位大きく、１．００ｍｍとする。
【００４４】
このような設定によって、連結用ピン１２をコイルスプリング１１の内径部分に挿入する際、コイルスプリング１１は弾性により拡張変形する。この拡張変形後、元に戻る弾力により、連結用ピン１２の表面に締め付け力が作用する。従って、コイルスプリング１１と連結用ピン１２との間に摩擦力が発生し、連結用ピン１２が固定される。これによって、連結用ピン１２の抜け落ちという不良が無くなる。
【００４５】
また、連結部２，４ａの着脱作業時、連結用ピン１２の抜き取り挿入作業がやはり１ｋｇ以下の安定した力で行えると共に特殊な工具や強い力も必要なく、挿入や抜き取りが簡単に行える。しかも、時計用ケース１やバンド４の表面にキズが付かないようにして作業を行うことができる。
【００４６】
上述の２つの実施の形態は、本発明の好適な実施の形態の例であるが、これらに限ることはなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施可能である。たとえば、図９に示したように、時計のバンド部の連結構造であって、複数の連結体２０，２０’の間に使用しても良い。この複数の連結体２０，２０’は、連結方向に次々隣接して配置すると、バンドとなる。
【００４７】
連結体２０は、長手方向の一方を被係合連結部となる二股状の突出部２２，２２とし、他方を係合連結部となる突出状部２１とする。連結体２０’は、連結体２０と同様に二股状の突出部２２’，２２’および突出状部２１’をそれぞれ両端に有している。上述した２つの実施の形態と同じように、予めコイルスプリング２５を突出状部２１，２１’の係合孔２３，２３’に入れておく。そして、その突出状部２１が二股状の突出部２２’，２２’の間に入り込んで、連結用ピン２６を両連結体２０，２０’の係合孔２４’，２３，２４’に横方向に挿入する。
【００４８】
このバンド４に使用されるコイルスプリング２５と連結用ピン２６は、先に示した第２の実施の形態のコイルスプリング１１と連結用ピン１２とそれぞれ同様の形状となっているが、第１の実施の形態のコイルスプリング８と連結用ピン７の組み合わせとしても良い。
【００４９】
このような連結構造を時計のバンド４の連結部分に用いると、装着作業およびピン抜き作業が容易となり、作業効率が向上すると共に部品点数が減少し低価格化させることができる。また、着脱し易いため、作業途中でバンド４にキズが付くのを避けることができ、時計のバンドの長さの調整が従来に比べ容易となる。
【００５０】
また、図１０に示すように、中央部に小径スプリング部１０を有するコイルスプリング８に対して、中央部に小径無しの連結用ピン１２を組み合わせて使用しても良い。コイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０の内径は、連結用ピン１２の外径より０．０１〜０．０３ｍｍ位小さくされている。このため、連結用ピン１２をこの小径スプリング部１０に挿入すると、小径スプリング部１０が拡張される。この小径スプリング部１０の弾性復帰力によって、小径スプリング部１０は、連結用ピン１２を締め付け、連結用ピン１２に対して摩擦力を発揮する。そのため、連結用ピン１２はコイルスプリング８の係止され、連結用ピン１２の抜け落ちという不具合は生じない。
【００５１】
また、図１１に示すように、連結用ピン７，１２，２６は自体の外径より細い内径を有するコイルスプリング８，１１，２５に挿入しやすくするため、その連結用ピン７，１２，２６の両端にそれぞれ斜面部７ａ，７ａ，１４，１４を設けるのが好ましい。しかし、斜面部７ａ，７ａ，１４，１４を設けず垂直状態としたり、斜面部をさらに長くしても良い。
【００５２】
また、小径外径部９を有するピン７において、図１１（Ａ）に示すように、小径外径部９の外径と繋がる同一形状の斜面部７ｂ，７ｂの代わりに、傾斜角度が異なる緩斜面部７ｃと急斜面部７ｄを設置しても良い。このように構成すると、連結用ピン７は、小径スプリング部１０を有するコイルスプリング８に嵌め込む時、スムーズにでき、一方、連結用ピン７を抜け取る作業を行う時、緩斜面部７ｃ部分を使うことで、大きな力または特殊な工具を使わなくても簡単に取り外すことができることとなる。
【００５３】
また、上述した各実施の形態では、小径外径部９を持つ連結用ピン７およびコイルスプリング８の小径スプリング部１０は、１カ所としているが、それぞれ２カ所や３カ所等複数箇所としても良い。コイルスプリング８，１１，２５の材料としては、ステンレス以外にゴムや樹脂類の水に強い弾性材料を使っても良い。また、連結用ピン７，１２，２６もステンレス以外にセラミック、エンジニアリングプラスチック等強度を有する他の部材としても良い。
【００５４】
コイルスプリング８，１１，２５が置かれる場所は、突出状部の係合孔に入れずに、二股状の突出部の係合孔に１つづつ入れたり、全ての係合孔に入れるようにしても良い。そのコイルスプリング８，１１，２５や連結用ピン７，１２，２６の長さや太さは、部品及び作業能率によって、長くしたり短くしたり、太くしたり、細くしたりしても良い。さらに、両連結部は、突出状部２が二股状の突出部５，５の間に差し込むように連結するだけではなく、ケース１側に二股状の突出部を設け、バンド４側に１つの突出状部を設けるようにしても良い。さらには、１つの突出状部と１つの突出状部の連結、二股状の突出状部と二股状の突出状部の連結、二股状の突出状部と三股状の突出状部の連結等としても良い。
【００５５】
また、各係合孔３，６，２３，２３’，２４，２４’は、全て貫通孔としているが、一方向からのみ連結用ピンが挿入できるように、他端側の孔を塞ぐようにしても良い。さらに、実施の形態では、腕時計のケース本体とバンドとの連結、バンドの各連結体の連結について系しているが、腕時計以外に、ネックレス等の装飾品、鎖等の実用品等にも本発明を適用することができる。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように、本発明の時計用連結構造によれば、コイルスプリングで連結用ピンを係止するため、連結部品が少なくなり、組み立て易くなり、着脱作業が簡単となり、時計の使用途中で連結用ピンが抜けてしまう不具合もなくなる。さらに、作業中に連結用ピンが曲がってしまう不具合もなくなる。また、連結部分の各部品の加工が簡単にできしかも小型化も容易であるため、連結部に対する各種の制約がなくなり、連結部のデザインが自由になり、デザインを向上させることができる。
【００５７】
また、本発明の時計によれば、上述した連結構造を用いるため、上述の効果を有するのに加え、時計の製造工数および部品の加工工数が少なくなり、製造効率が上がると共に低コストの時計が得られる。また、連結部に対する各種のデザイン的制約が無くなるため、デザイン的に向上したより自由で美しい時計が得られるようになる。強い力での作業が不要となるため、時計本体やケース、バンド部等を傷受けたりする危険性が大幅に減少する。さらに、連結部分の部品点数が少なくなり、小型化も可能となるため、時計自体を軽くすることが可能となると共に手触り性も向上させることができる。
【００５８】
さらに、この連結構造を用いた時計のバンド部は、連結部分の着脱が容易となるため、バンドの長さの調整が簡単となると共に修理等の作業が手早くできるようになる。また、バンドの形状も各種のものとできると共に小型軽量なバンドとすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態の時計用連結構造および時計の分解斜視図である。
【図２】図１の時計用連結構造のピンを挿入した状態を示す部分断面拡大図である。
【図３】図１の時計用連結構造に使用されるコイルスプリングの構造を示す縦断面図である。
【図４】図３のコイルスプリングのＡ−Ａ線で切った時の小径スプリング部とその周辺を示す横断面図である。
【図５】図１の時計用連結構造に使用されるコイルスプリングの他の小径スプリング部の例を示す図で、楕円状の小径スプリング部を有する例を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の第２の実施の形態の時計用連結構造の分解斜視図である。
【図７】図６の時計用連結構造のピンを挿入した構造を示す部分断面図拡大図である。
【図８】図６の時計用連結構造に使用されるコイルスプリングの構造を示す図である。
【図９】本発明の時計用連結構造を時計のバンドの連結体の連結に使用された例を示す部分分解斜視図である。
【図１０】本発明の他の変形例で、時計のケースとバンドとの連結構造の他の例を示す図である。
【図１１】本発明の時計用連結構造や時計に使用される連結用ピンの構造を示す図であり、（Ａ）は小径外径部を有する連結用ピンの他の例を示す図であり、（Ｂ）は小径部無しの連結用ピンを示す図である。
【図１２】従来の時計用連結構造の１例を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１３】図１２の従来の時計用連結構造において、連結用ピンを挿入した状態の部分断面拡大図である。
【図１４】従来の時計用連結構造の他の例を示す分解斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１時計用ケース
２突出状部（ケース連結部）
３突出状部の係合孔
４バンド
４ａバンド連結部
５二股状の突出部
６二股状の突出部の係合孔
７連結用ピン
８コイルスプリング
９小径外径部
１０小径スプリング部
１１コイルスプリング
１２連結用ピン
２０，２０’ 時計のバンド部の連結体
２１，２１’ 突出状部（係合連結部）
２２，２２’ 二股状の突出部（被係合連結部）
２３，２３’ 突出状部の係合孔
２４，２４’ 二股状の突出部の係合孔
２５コイルスプリング
２６連結用ピン[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a timepiece connecting structure and a timepiece employing the structure, and more particularly to a connecting structure for fixing a connecting pin to the timepiece connecting portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
12 and 13 show an example of a connection method used in a conventional timepiece. Long pins 34 and short pipes 35 are used as connecting members. Specifically, when connecting the connecting part 30 of the watch case and the connecting part 32 of the band, first, the hollow pipe 35 is inserted into the insertion hole 31 of the connecting part 30 of the case in advance. Then, the band connecting portion 32 is lifted, the insertion holes 33, 33 of the band connecting portion 32 are aligned with the insertion holes 31 of the case connecting portion 30, and the pin 34 is inserted into the three holes 33, 31, 33. Push in. When the push-in is completed, the watch case and the band are integrated.
[0003]
Further, a small outer diameter portion 36 is provided at the center of the pin 34 so that the pin 34 does not fall off during use of the watch. When connecting both the connection parts 30 and 32, the small outer diameter part 36 of the pin 34 is fitted in the small outer diameter part 37 provided in the center part of the pipe 35, and the pin 34 is fixed.
[0004]
FIG. 14 is a view showing the structure of a connecting portion of another conventional timepiece disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-224114. The bifurcated connecting portions 42 and 42 of the watch case 40 are provided with pin insertion holes 41 and 41 for inserting insertion pins 50 having steps 53 and 53 at both ends. A through hole 46 having an eyebrow-shaped cross section is provided in the band connecting portion 45, and a spacer 47 having the same cross section is placed in the through hole 46. In addition, an eyebrows-shaped ring 60 having a large-diameter hollow portion 61 and a small-diameter hollow portion 62 divided by a constricted portion 63 at the center of the cross section is inserted into the hollow portions 48 and 49 of the spacer 47.
[0005]
The large-diameter hollow portion 61 of the ring 60 has an inner diameter that allows the large-diameter portions 52, 52 of the insertion pin 50 to be loosely inserted, and the small-diameter hollow portion 62 is the diameter of the small-diameter portion 51 of the insertion pin 50. The inner diameter is approximately the same. The constricted portion 63 is formed to have a width narrower than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 62. Then, the band connecting portion 45 including the spacer 47 and the ring 60 is inserted between the bifurcated coupling portions 42 and 42 of the watch case 40, and the large-diameter hollow portion 61 of the ring 60 is used for pin insertion of the bifurcated coupling portion 42. The pin 50 is pushed in after matching with the holes 41 and 41. Thereafter, when the watch case 40 and the band are pulled in a direction in which they are separated from each other, the small-diameter portion 51 of the pin 50 moves to the small-diameter hollow portion 62 of the ring 60, and the connecting operation of both the connecting portions 42 and 45 is completed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The connection structure shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 has a simple structure of the pin 34 and the pipe 35, and its parts can be easily processed. However, when the pin 34 is pushed into the pipe 35, it is necessary to spread the small outer diameter portion 37 of the pipe 35, and an extremely large force is required. For this reason, the assembling work is difficult and takes time. Further, when a force of 5 kg or more is applied to the thin pin 34, the pin 34 is liable to be bent or buckled, and sometimes has a manufacturing defect such as scratching the surface of the watch or the band. In addition, a jig may be used to eliminate the difficulty of assembling work, but the jig becomes special and the cost increases, and in addition, problems such as bending of the pin 34 still remain.
[0007]
Further, if the fixing force of the pipe 35 is weakened so that the pin 34 does not bend (the inner diameter of the small outer diameter 37 of the pipe 35 is increased), there is a risk that the pin 34 will fall off while using the watch. Get higher. On the other hand, if the fixing force is increased so that the pin 34 does not come off during use of the timepiece, the operation becomes extremely difficult when the pin 34 is to be pulled out to release the connection. Further, the small outer diameter portion 37 of the pipe 35 is plastically deformed, and it is quite impossible to push the pin 34 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the small outer diameter portion 37 of the pipe 35, and the pushing force is increased. It is easy to vary.
[0008]
The connection structure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-224114 shown in FIG. 14 does not require a large force when attaching / detaching between the watch case 40 and the connecting portion 45 of the band, and the band and the watch case 40 are relatively moved. If you do it, you can do it easily. However, the connecting structure has many parts, which increases the cost and increases the risk of losing the parts when attaching and detaching. In addition, since it is necessary to provide a space for allowing movement of the band on the watch case 40 side, there is a design restriction.
[0009]
Moreover, the processing method of the through-hole 46 having the cross-sectional eyebrow requires a considerably complicated process, and the cost increases. In forming the through hole 46, there is a method in which the band connecting portion 45 is divided vertically (see the dotted line in FIG. 13) to form a half hole for the through hole 46, and then both are joined and fixed. Due to the increase in the number of parts and the number of work processes, the production efficiency deteriorates and the cost of the watch increases.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The number of parts is small, the processing and assembly are simple, the cost is low, and it is easy to attach and detach. It is an object of the present invention to provide a timepiece connecting structure that does not come off and a timepiece using the timepiece connecting structure.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, the timepiece connection structure of the present invention has a connection case connection portion provided in a timepiece case and a connection band connection portion provided in a band adjacent in the lateral direction. In the timepiece connecting structure in which engaging holes communicating in the lateral direction are provided in both connecting portions, and connecting pins for integrating the watch case and the band are connected to each engaging hole.Either one of the two connecting parts is a forked projecting part, and the other is a projecting part that enters between the forked projecting part, and the engaging hole penetrates each of the forked projecting part and the projecting part. A coil spring having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole provided in the bifurcated protrusion is inserted into the through hole of the protruding portion, and the inner diameter of the coil spring spans the three through holes. A connecting pin is disposed so as to be locked by the portion.
[0012]
With such a structure, since the number of parts is small, the connecting operation can be easily performed. Moreover, the coil spring can be easily processed, the number of processing steps can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the connecting pin is locked using the inner diameter part of the coil spring, the elastic force of the coil spring can be used effectively, it is easy to connect, it does not come off easily, and a large force is required. It is possible to easily realize the function of being able to be removed. When the entire inner diameter of the coil spring is used, each coil wraps around the surface of the outer diameter of the pin, increasing the overall frictional force and eliminating the possibility of the pin falling off without permission. Furthermore, the pin fixing force is a frictional force or locking force attributed to the elastic force of the coil spring, so that it can be easily done without using a large force and special tools when attaching and detaching. The watch will not be scratched or the pins will not be bent.
[0013]
In addition, such a structure eliminates the need to leave a gap between the connecting portions in advance, which eliminates design restrictions and enhances the sense of unity, which is preferable in design. Further, since the coil spring is inserted in the central protruding portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the coil spring from coming out. In addition, by making the three through holes slightly larger than the pin diameter, the connecting portion can be thinned, so that the design can be improved.
[0014]
A timepiece connecting structure according to another aspect of the present invention is a timepiece connecting structure for a watch connected to a timepiece body, wherein at least two connecting bodies are connected to each other. A jointed connection part and an engaged connection part for connection provided adjacent to the one connection body in the lateral direction with respect to the engagement connection part in the other connection body arranged adjacent to the connection direction. And provided with engaging holes that communicate with each other in the lateral direction, one of the two connecting portions being a bifurcated projecting portion, and the other being between the bifurcated projecting portions. The engaging hole is provided as a through hole in each of the bifurcated protrusion and the protruding part, and the outer diameter of the engaging hole is larger than the hole diameter of the through hole provided in the bifurcated protruding part. Inserted into the three through holes and It is disposed a connecting pin configured to be locked with the inner diameter portion of the yl spring.
[0015]
With such a structure, when the connecting body is connected, the whole band is lightened due to the small number of parts. Moreover, since the attaching / detaching operation of the connecting portion can be easily performed, the working efficiency is improved and the band can be finished cleanly. Furthermore, since the coil spring is used, the number of processing steps can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the connecting pin is locked using the inner diameter part of the coil spring, the elastic force of the coil spring can be used effectively, it is easy to connect, it does not come off easily, and a large force is required. It is possible to easily realize the function of being able to be removed.
[0016]
Also,Such a structure eliminates the need to leave a gap between the connecting portions in advance, which eliminates design restrictions and enhances the sense of unity, which is preferable in design. Further, since the coil spring is inserted in the central protruding portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the coil spring from coming out. Three through holesThepinDiameterSlightly moreInLarge holeBy doingSince the connecting portion can be made thin, the design can be improved.
[0017]
In addition, in addition to the timepiece connection structure of each of the above-mentioned inventions, another invention is such that the inner diameter of a part of the coil spring is a smaller diameter spring part smaller than the other part, and the outer diameter of a part of the connection pin is other than The small diameter outer diameter portion is smaller than the portion, the small diameter spring portion is fitted to the small diameter outer diameter portion, and the connecting pin is locked.
[0018]
With such a structure, when the coupling pin passes through the small-diameter spring portion of the coil spring, the small-diameter spring portion elastically deforms and expands, so that the pin can be inserted into the inner diameter of the coil spring by lightly pressing the pin. it can. In addition, since the part deformed by the elasticity of the small diameter spring part returns, when it is fitted to the small diameter outer diameter part of the connecting pin, a click feeling is felt, the assembly can be easily confirmed, and the small diameter spring part is The pin has a locking action, and the pin can be locked securely.
[0019]
The small-diameter spring portion of the coil spring engages the coupling pin by fitting with the small-diameter outer diameter portion of the coupling pin. Such a structure further increases the force for fixing the pin. When the pin is pulled out, the elasticity of the spring makes it easy to pull out and makes it difficult for variations in the pulling force to occur. Further, since it is not necessary to use a special tool, the cost increases and the connecting portion is not damaged.
[0020]
According to another invention, in addition to the timepiece connecting structure of each of the above inventions, the inner diameter of the coil spring is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting pin, and the connecting pin is locked by contact friction between the two. When the small diameter spring portion is not provided at the center portion of the coil spring, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the coil spring is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the pin when the connecting pin is inserted. With such a configuration, when a pin thicker than the inner diameter of the coil spring is inserted, the coil spring expands and deforms, and the elastic force that returns to its original state after the elastic deformation increases the frictional force acting on the surface of the pin. Therefore, the frictional force between the coil spring and the outer surface of the pin, that is, the fixing force of the connecting pin is increased, and the problem of the pin falling off is eliminated.
[0021]
The watch of the present invention includes a watch body having a watch case provided with a connecting case connecting portion, and a band having a band connecting portion disposed adjacent to the case connecting portion, and both connecting portions. In a watch that integrates a watch case and a band by providing engagement holes that communicate with each other in the side surface direction, and connecting a connection pin to each engagement hole.Either one of the two connecting parts is a forked projecting part, and the other is a projecting part that enters between the forked projecting part, and the engaging hole penetrates each of the forked projecting part and the projecting part. A coil spring having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole provided in the bifurcated protrusion is inserted into the through hole of the protruding portion, and the inner diameter of the coil spring spans the three through holes. A connecting pin is disposed so as to be locked by the portion.
[0022]
With such a structure, since the number of parts is small, the connecting operation can be easily performed. Moreover, the coil spring can be easily processed, the number of processing steps can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the connecting pin is locked using the inner diameter part of the coil spring, the elastic force of the coil spring can be used effectively, it is easy to connect, it does not come off easily, and a large force is required. It is possible to easily realize the function of being able to be removed. When using the entire inner diameter of the coil spring, each coil wraps around the surface of the outer diameter of the pin, increasing the overall frictional force and eliminating the possibility of the pin falling off without permission..
[0023]
Furthermore, the pin fixing force is a frictional force or locking force attributed to the elastic force of the coil spring, so that it can be easily done without using a large force and special tools when attaching and detaching. The watch will not be scratched or the pins will not be bent. For this reason, the timepiece can be easily assembled and repaired, and the cost of the timepiece can be reduced.
[0024]
In the present invention,There is no need to leave a gap between the connecting parts in advance, and there are no design restrictions.TheA watch having a good design is obtained, and a sense of unity is enhanced, which is preferable in terms of design. Further, since the coil spring is inserted in the central protruding portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the coil spring from coming out. Three through holesTheSlightly more than the pinInLargeofCircular holeBy doingThe processing becomes simple, the connecting part itself can be made thin and light, and the design is further improved.
[0025]
In another invention, in addition to the timepiece of each of the above-described inventions, a part of the inner diameter of the coil spring is a small-diameter spring part having a smaller diameter than the other part, and a part of the connecting pin has a smaller outer diameter than the other part. The small-diameter outer diameter portion, the small-diameter spring portion is fitted into the small-diameter outer diameter portion, and the connecting pin is locked.
[0026]
When the connecting pin passes through the small-diameter spring portion of the coil spring, the pin mounting operation can be smoothly performed by the expansion elasticity of the small-diameter spring portion. Further, when the small-diameter spring portion of the coil spring is fitted with the small-diameter outer diameter portion of the connecting pin, a click feeling is felt, and assembly can be easily confirmed. Further, the fitting force increases the locking force with respect to the pin, while the spring can be easily pulled out by the elastic force of the spring. A watch using such a structure does not increase the number of parts, and is easy to assemble and repair, and the connecting portion can be securely fixed, so that the accident of being detached from the arm or the like does not occur.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a timepiece connecting structure and a timepiece according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the timepiece case 1 is provided with a protruding portion 2 serving as a case connecting portion. One protrusion hole 3 is provided in the protruding portion 2 so as to penetrate in the lateral direction. A band connecting portion 4a is provided on the watch band 4 so as to be connected to the watch case 1, and bifurcated protrusions 5 and 5 are provided at the tip of the band connecting portion 4a. The bifurcated protrusions 5 and 5 have engaging holes 6 and 6 penetrating in the lateral direction, respectively. The three engaging holes 6, 3, 6 are arranged in a straight line when the projecting portion 2 and the bifurcated projecting portions 5, 5 are engaged, so that the connecting pin 7 extends across the case 1 and the band 4. It is possible.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the inner diameter D3 of the engagement hole 3 of the protruding portion 2 of the watch case 1 is larger than the inner diameter D6 of the engagement holes 6 and 6 of the band connecting portion 4, and is previously cylindrical. A coil spring 8 is inserted. The outer diameter D8 (see FIG. 3) of the cylindrical coil spring 8 is set smaller than the inner diameter D3 so that the coil spring 8 can be smoothly inserted into the engagement hole 3. For example, when the inner diameter D3 of the engagement hole 3 is 1.40 mm, the outer diameter D8 of the coil spring 8 is 1.37 mm.
[0030]
Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 having a smaller diameter than other portions is provided in the central portion of the stainless steel connecting pin 7, while the coil spring 8 has a central portion. A small-diameter spring portion 10 is also provided in the portion.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting pin 7 is provided with sloped portions 7a and 7a that are tapered at both ends, and sloped portions 7b and 7b that are tapered with the same shape on both sides of the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9, respectively. It has been. The slope portions 7a and 7a at both ends make it easy to insert into the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8 and make the small-diameter spring portion 10 easy to push and spread. The slope portions 7b and 7b of the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 work so that the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8 once engaged is disengaged by a certain amount of force (pulling force or pushing force).
[0032]
When the timepiece case 1 and the band 4 are connected, the three projecting portions 5, 2, and 5 are adjacent in the longitudinal direction. The engagement holes 6 and 6 of the bifurcated projecting portions 5 and 5 of the band connecting portion 4a are aligned with the engagement holes 3 in which the coil springs 8 are inserted in advance. Then, the connecting pin 7 is inserted from one engagement hole 6, inserted into the inner diameter of the coil spring 8, and further inserted into the other engagement hole 6, so that the state shown in FIG. 4 are integrated.
[0033]
When the connecting pin 7 is inserted into one of the engaging holes 6, the tip of the connecting pin abuts against the small diameter spring portion 10. When further insertion is performed against the abutting force, the small-diameter spring portion 10 is pushed out by the slope portion 7a and further enters. When the connecting pin 7 is inserted into the engagement holes 6, 3, 6, the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 of the connecting pin 7 and the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8 are fitted, and a feeling of a click is felt. The connection work is completed.
[0034]
Since the connecting pin 7 is inserted into the engaging hole 6 and the coil spring 8, the outer diameter D7 of the connecting pin 7 has a certain margin with respect to the inner diameter D6 of the engaging hole 6 and the inner diameter d8 of the coil spring 8. Is preferred. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter D7 of the connecting pin 7 is 1.00 mm, the inner diameter d8 of the coil spring 8 is 1.05 mm, and the inner diameter D6 of the engagement hole 6 is 1.10 mm. The length L8 of the coil spring 8 is set to be approximately the same as the length of the protruding portion 2 serving as a case connecting portion.
[0035]
Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the inner diameter D6 of the engagement holes 6 and 6 of the band connecting portion 4a is 1.10 mm, and the outer diameter D8 of the coil spring 8 is 1.37 mm. For this reason, the inner edges of the engagement holes 6 and 6 just hit both ends of the coil spring 8 and prevent the coil spring 8 from moving in the lateral direction. As a result, the coil spring 8 does not fall out of the engagement hole 3 unless the connecting pin 7 is pulled out.
[0036]
In this embodiment, the inner diameter S of the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8 is set to 0.95 mm. The diameter d7 of the tapered tip at both ends of the connecting pin 7 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter S. However, if the distance S1 is smaller than the distance S1 between the centers of the wire diameters, the insertion operation becomes considerably easy.
[0037]
When the connecting pin 7 is inserted into the coil spring 8 and the small-diameter spring portion 10 is passed through, the small-diameter spring portion 10 is expanded by the elasticity of the coil spring 8. Due to the elastic return force of the small-diameter spring portion 10, the coupling pin 7 is locked when it is fitted into the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 of the coupling pin 7 and a click feeling is felt.
[0038]
The case 1 and the band 4 connected by such an engagement method have a reduced number of parts, and cost reduction and work are improved. Further, the insertion / removal operation of the coil spring 8 can be easily performed with a stable force of 1 kg or less, and the work efficiency is improved. In addition, since each of the engagement holes 6, 3, 6 can be easily processed and the connecting portions 5, 2, 5 can be made thin, a connecting portion with good design can be obtained. A watch using such a connecting structure is safe and low in that the connecting pin 7 does not fall off during use by fitting the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 of the connecting pin 7 into the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8. Cost clock is obtained. Further, the slope portion 7a facilitates the insertion of the connecting pin 7, and the slope portions 7b and 7b facilitate the extraction of the connecting pin 7.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the coil spring 8 uses an elastic stainless material. The small diameter spring portion 10 is circular as shown in FIG. The inner diameter S of the small-diameter spring portion 10 is 0.1 mm smaller than the inner diameter d8 occupying most of the coil spring 8, gradually increases in diameter toward both ends, and the small-diameter spring portion 10 is about 1/12 of the total length L8. The inner diameter is d8 away from the center.
[0040]
The small-diameter spring portion 10 may be an elliptical small-diameter spring portion 10a as shown in FIG. The inner diameter S in the short direction of the elliptical small-diameter spring portion 10a is shorter than the other inner diameter d8 of the coil spring 8, and the inner diameter S2 in the longitudinal direction is longer than d8. In the case of such a structure, when the connecting pin 7 is inserted and the small-diameter spring portion 10a is passed through, the inner diameter S in the short direction is extended and inserted, and the short pin is inserted into the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 of the connecting pin 7. The direction portion is fitted and the connecting pin 7 is locked.
[0041]
A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The same members as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0042]
In the second embodiment, a cylindrical connecting pin 12 having no central diameter reduction and a cylindrical coil spring 11 having no small diameter portion are used. When the timepiece case 1 and the band 4 are connected, the coil spring 11 is placed in the engagement hole 3 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the fork of the connecting portion 4a of the band 4 is placed. The connecting pins 12 are inserted by aligning the engaging holes 6 and 6 of the protruding portions 5 and 5 with the engaging holes 3 provided in the protruding portion 2 of the watch case 1.
[0043]
In the present embodiment, the inner diameter D3 of each engagement hole 3, 6, 6 is 1.40 mm, the inner diameter D6 is 1.10 mm, the outer diameter D11 of the coil spring 11 is 1.30 mm, and the inner diameter d11 is 0. .98 to 0.99 mm. Thus, the coil spring 11 is disposed in the engagement hole 3 so as to be sandwiched between the inner edges of the engagement holes 6 and 6. The outer diameter D12 of the connecting pin 12 is about 0.01 to 0.02 mm larger than the inner diameter d11 of the coil spring 11 and is set to 1.00 mm.
[0044]
With this setting, when the connecting pin 12 is inserted into the inner diameter portion of the coil spring 11, the coil spring 11 is expanded and deformed by elasticity. After this expansion deformation, the tightening force acts on the surface of the connecting pin 12 by the elastic force that returns to the original state. Therefore, a frictional force is generated between the coil spring 11 and the connecting pin 12, and the connecting pin 12 is fixed. This eliminates the defect that the connecting pin 12 is dropped.
[0045]
Further, when the connecting portions 2 and 4a are attached / detached, the connecting / extracting operation of the connecting pin 12 can be performed with a stable force of 1 kg or less, and a special tool and a strong force are not required, and insertion and extraction can be performed easily. In addition, the work can be performed without scratching the surface of the watch case 1 or the band 4.
[0046]
The above-described two embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is a connecting structure of a band part of a watch, and may be used between a plurality of connecting bodies 20 and 20 '. When the plurality of connected bodies 20 and 20 ′ are arranged adjacent to each other in the connecting direction, a band is formed.
[0047]
The connecting body 20 has one of the longitudinal directions as bifurcated protrusions 22 and 22 serving as an engaged connection part, and the other as a protrusion 21 serving as an engagement connection part. Similarly to the connection body 20, the connection body 20 ′ has bifurcated protrusions 22 ′ and 22 ′ and protrusions 21 ′ at both ends. As in the above-described two embodiments, the coil spring 25 is previously placed in the engagement holes 23 and 23 'of the protruding portions 21 and 21'. Then, the projecting portion 21 enters between the bifurcated projecting portions 22 ′ and 22 ′, and the connecting pin 26 is laterally inserted into the engaging holes 24 ′, 23 and 24 ′ of both the connecting bodies 20 and 20 ′. Insert into.
[0048]
The coil spring 25 and the connecting pin 26 used for the band 4 have the same shapes as the coil spring 11 and the connecting pin 12 of the second embodiment described above, respectively. A combination of the coil spring 8 and the connecting pin 7 of the embodiment may be used.
[0049]
When such a connecting structure is used for the connecting portion of the watch band 4, the attaching operation and the pinning operation are facilitated, the working efficiency is improved, the number of parts is reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since it is easy to attach and detach, it is possible to avoid scratching the band 4 during the operation, and it becomes easier to adjust the length of the watch band than in the past.
[0050]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a coupling pin 12 having no small diameter at the center may be used in combination with the coil spring 8 having the small diameter spring 10 at the center. The inner diameter of the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8 is made smaller by 0.01 to 0.03 mm than the outer diameter of the connecting pin 12. For this reason, when the connecting pin 12 is inserted into the small-diameter spring portion 10, the small-diameter spring portion 10 is expanded. Due to the elastic restoring force of the small-diameter spring portion 10, the small-diameter spring portion 10 tightens the connecting pin 12 and exerts a frictional force on the connecting pin 12. Therefore, the connecting pin 12 is locked by the coil spring 8, and there is no problem that the connecting pin 12 falls off.
[0051]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the connecting pins 7, 12, 26 are easily inserted into coil springs 8, 11, 25 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting pins 7, 12, 26. It is preferable to provide slopes 7a, 7a, 14, and 14 at both ends of each. However, the inclined portions 7a, 7a, 14, and 14 may be provided in a vertical state, or the inclined portions may be made longer.
[0052]
Further, in the pin 7 having the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), instead of the same-shaped inclined surface portions 7b, 7b connected to the outer diameter of the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9, the inclination angle is different. You may install the slope part 7c and the steep slope part 7d. With this configuration, the connecting pin 7 can be made smooth when fitted into the coil spring 8 having the small-diameter spring portion 10, while the gentle slope portion 7c portion is removed when the connecting pin 7 is removed. By using it, it can be easily removed without using a large force or special tools.
[0053]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the connecting pin 7 having the small-diameter outer diameter portion 9 and the small-diameter spring portion 10 of the coil spring 8 are provided at one place, but may be provided at a plurality of places such as two places or three places. . As a material for the coil springs 8, 11 and 25, an elastic material resistant to water such as rubber or resin other than stainless steel may be used. Further, the connecting pins 7, 12, and 26 may be other members having strength such as ceramic and engineering plastic in addition to stainless steel.
[0054]
The coil springs 8, 11, and 25 are not placed in the engagement holes of the projecting portion, but one by one in the engagement holes of the bifurcated projecting portion, or in all the engagement holes. May be. The lengths and thicknesses of the coil springs 8, 11, 25 and the connecting pins 7, 12, 26 may be lengthened, shortened, thickened, or thinned depending on parts and work efficiency. Furthermore, both the connecting portions are not only connected so that the protruding portion 2 is inserted between the forked portions 5 and 5, but also provided with a forked portion on the case 1 side, and one on the band 4 side. A protruding portion may be provided. Further, as a connection between one projecting portion and one projecting portion, a connection between a bifurcated projecting portion and a bifurcated projecting portion, a connection between a bifurcated projecting portion and a trifurcated projecting portion, etc. Also good.
[0055]
Each of the engagement holes 3, 6, 23, 23 ', 24, 24' is a through-hole, but the other end side hole is closed so that the connecting pin can be inserted only from one direction. May be. Further, in the embodiment, the connection between the case body of the watch and the band and the connection of each connection body of the band is used, but in addition to the watch, the present invention is also applied to a decorative product such as a necklace, a practical product such as a chain, etc. The invention can be applied.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the timepiece connecting structure of the present invention, the connecting pin is locked by the coil spring, so that the number of connecting parts is reduced, the assembly is facilitated, the attaching / detaching work is simplified, and the timepiece is being used. This eliminates the problem that the connecting pin comes off. Further, there is no problem that the connecting pin is bent during the operation. In addition, since each part of the connecting portion can be easily processed and can be easily reduced in size, various restrictions on the connecting portion are eliminated, the connecting portion can be freely designed, and the design can be improved.
[0057]
In addition, according to the timepiece of the present invention, since the above-described connecting structure is used, in addition to the above-described effects, the time for manufacturing the timepiece and the number of processing steps for the parts are reduced, so that the manufacturing efficiency is increased and a low-cost timepiece is provided. can get. In addition, since various design restrictions on the connecting portion are eliminated, a more free and beautiful watch that is improved in terms of design can be obtained. Since work with a strong force is not required, the risk of scratching the watch body, case, band, etc. is greatly reduced. Furthermore, since the number of parts at the connecting portion is reduced and the size can be reduced, the timepiece itself can be lightened and the touch can be improved.
[0058]
Furthermore, since the band part of the timepiece using this connection structure can be easily attached and detached, the adjustment of the band length is simplified and work such as repair can be performed quickly. Further, the shape of the band can be various, and the band can be made small and light.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a timepiece connecting structure and a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a pin of the timepiece connection structure of FIG. 1 is inserted. FIG.
3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a coil spring used in the timepiece connection structure of FIG. 1;
4 is a cross-sectional view showing a small-diameter spring portion and its periphery when the coil spring of FIG. 3 is cut along the line AA. FIG.
5 is a view showing an example of another small-diameter spring portion of a coil spring used in the timepiece connection structure of FIG. 1, and is a view showing an example having an elliptical small-diameter spring portion.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a timepiece connection structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a structure in which a pin of the timepiece connection structure of FIG. 6 is inserted.
8 is a view showing the structure of a coil spring used in the timepiece connection structure of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example in which the timepiece connecting structure of the present invention is used for connecting timepiece band connecting bodies.
FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of a connecting structure between a watch case and a band in another modification of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a view showing a timepiece connecting structure of the present invention and a structure of a connecting pin used in a timepiece, and (A) is a view showing another example of a connecting pin having a small-diameter outer diameter portion. (B) is a figure which shows the pin for a connection without a small diameter part.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a conventional timepiece connecting structure.
13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the conventional timepiece connecting structure of FIG. 12 with a connecting pin inserted.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a conventional timepiece connecting structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Watch case
2 Protruding part (case connecting part)
3 Engagement hole of protruding part
4 bands
4a Band connection part
5 Bifurcated protrusion
6 Engagement hole of bifurcated protrusion
7 Connecting pin
8 Coil spring
9 Small diameter outer diameter
10 Small diameter spring
11 Coil spring
12 Connecting pin
20, 20 'Timepiece band joint
21, 21 ′ protruding portion (engagement connecting portion)
22, 22 'Bifurcated protrusion (engaged connecting portion)
23, 23 'Protruding part engaging hole
24, 24 'engagement hole of bifurcated protrusion
25 Coil spring
26 Pin for connection

Claims

The connecting case connecting portion provided in the watch case and the connecting band connecting portion provided in the band are disposed adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, and the engaging holes communicating in the horizontal direction are provided in the both connecting portions, respectively. A timepiece connection structure in which a connection pin for integrating the timepiece case and the band is connected to the engagement holes, and either one of the two connection portions is a bifurcated protrusion, Either one of them is a projecting portion that enters between the forked projecting portion, the engaging hole is provided as a through hole in each of the forked projecting portion and the projecting portion, and the penetration of the projecting portion A coil spring having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole provided in the bifurcated protrusion is inserted into the hole, spans the three through holes, and is locked by the inner diameter portion of the coil spring. So that the connection Watch coupling structure characterized in that arranged pins.

In the watch connecting structure at least two of the connector a connection structure is connected to the band that is connected to the watch body, and the engagement coupling portion for coupling provided on one of the connecting body, communicating the one The other connection body arranged adjacent to the connection body in the connection direction is provided with an engaged connection portion for connection provided adjacent to the engagement connection portion in the horizontal direction, and in the horizontal direction. An engaging hole that communicates with each other is provided in each of the connecting portions, and either one of the connecting portions is a bifurcated protruding portion, and the other is a protruding portion that enters between the bifurcated protruding portions, The engagement hole is provided as a through hole in each of the bifurcated protrusion and the protrusion, and the outer diameter of the through hole provided in the bifurcated protrusion is within the through hole of the protrusion. Insert a coil spring larger than the hole diameter, and Watch coupling structure characterized in that arranged the joint pin to be engaged by a span and an inner diameter portion of the coil spring in the through hole.

The inner diameter of a part of the coil spring is a small diameter spring part having a smaller diameter than the other part, the outer diameter of a part of the connecting pin is a smaller diameter outer diameter part than the other part, and the small diameter spring part is the small diameter part. The timepiece connecting structure according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the connecting pin is fitted to an outer diameter portion and the connecting pin is locked .

To reduce the inner diameter of the coil spring or not I than the outer diameter of the joint pin, by contact friction therebetween, connecting timepiece according to claim 1 or 2 further characterized in that locked the coupling pin Construction.

A watch body having a watch case provided with a connecting case connecting portion and a band having a band connecting portion disposed adjacent to the case connecting portion, and communicating both the connecting portions in a side surface direction. In the timepiece in which the watch case and the band are integrated by providing an engagement hole in each of the connection portions and connecting the connection pins to the engagement holes, either one of the connection portions is bifurcated. A projecting portion that is inserted between the forked projections, and the engaging hole is provided as a through hole in each of the forked projection and the projecting portion, A coil spring having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole provided in the bifurcated projecting portion is inserted into the through hole of the projecting portion, spans the three through holes, and Inner diameter Watch, characterized in that arranged the joint pin to be locked by.

The inner diameter of a part of the coil spring is a small diameter spring part having a smaller diameter than the other part, the outer diameter of a part of the connecting pin is a smaller diameter outer diameter part than the other part, and the small diameter spring part is the small diameter part. The timepiece according to claim 5, wherein the timepiece is fitted to an outer diameter portion and the connecting pin is locked .