JP4368023B2 - Band with buckle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a structure of a band (or belt) having a buckle at an engaging end, and in particular, a wristwatch, a mobile phone, a portable personal computer, a portable information terminal such as a PDA or GPS, a portable television, a portable radio, and portable music. The present invention relates to a band with a buckle for attaching a precision instrument such as a player to an arm.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Bands with a buckle are excellent in that they can be easily attached and detached, and various types are known. Further, conventionally, as shown in the cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 7, the engagement groove 4 having a sawtooth cross-section on the outer surface of the band 10 is formed as a band (or belt) whose perimeter can be adjusted. A band is known in which the hook 6 of the buckle 20 is elastically engaged with the engaging groove and the locked state can be released at any time. In this type of band, the buckle 20 including the hook 6 is high-pitched. Therefore, no matter how thin the band thickness is, a band with a buckle with a flat surface cannot be obtained due to the limitation due to the buckle thickness.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to obtain a band with a buckle whose surface is as flat as possible by reducing the thickness of the buckle.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The band with a buckle according to the present invention is a band with a buckle that is inserted into a cylindrical buckle provided at the other end of the band and is connected in an annular shape while adjusting the peripheral length. A serrated engagement recess is formed along the edge of the belt, and an engagement projection is provided in the insertion space of the buckle. When the engagement projection and the engagement recess are locked, the band One end of the insertion space can advance in the insertion space but cannot retract, and further, the band swings in a plane perpendicular to the advance direction of the band at least in a position close to the engagement convex portion of the insertion space. It is characterized by providing a regulating guide.
[0005]
It is preferable that the engaging recess is formed symmetrically at the opposing edge of the one end.
In the insertion space, an operation piece having the engagement convex portion is arranged substantially parallel to the advancing direction of the band, and by operating the operation piece, the engagement concave portion and the engagement convex portion are engaged. It is preferable that release is possible.
The guide is preferably formed by partially narrowing the inner wall of the buckle.
Preferably, the serrated engaging recess is formed by retreating inside the band, and the edge of the one end is linear.
The outer surface of the band is preferably provided with a latching portion that allows the one end to advance into the insertion space with a fingertip of one hand.
It is preferable to provide a stopper at one end of the band.
[0006]
[Action]
If you pull the buckle and the band's hooking part with one fingertip, etc., the band will advance into the insertion space while the engagement concave part at one end rubs against the engagement convex part in the buckle. And can be adjusted to the optimum ring diameter of the wearer. In this state, the engagement concave portion and the engagement convex portion are locked, so that the band does not loosen even if a reverse force is applied to one end of the band. On the other hand, in order to release the engagement between the engagement concave portion and the engagement convex portion and to retract the one end portion in the direction opposite to the advance direction, the operation piece may be operated.
The guide facilitates smooth insertion of the band, and not only accurately engages the engagement concave portion and the engagement convex portion, but also when the band is inadvertently stressed from a direction other than the advancing direction. Further, it is possible to prevent the operation piece including the engaging convex portion from being damaged or the band from buckling.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a band with a buckle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking an embodiment of a wristwatch as an example.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wristwatch as viewed from the buckle side. Bands 10 connected to both ends of the disc-shaped watch body 2 are locked by a buckle 20 and connected in an annular shape.
[0008]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the buckle 20 of the watch shown in FIG. 2 cut along a horizontal plane parallel to the band 10, and the inside of the buckle 20 is shown.
Sawtooth-shaped engaging recesses 13 and 13 are formed symmetrically on opposing edges 12 and 12 near the one end 11 of the band 10.
The depth of excision of the engagement recess 13 (the length in the width direction of the band 10) is preferably about 3 to 10 mm, and the interval between the adjacent engagement recesses 13 and 13 is preferably about 3 to 7 mm. .
[0009]
The shape of the engagement recess 13 is not limited to the sawtooth shape, but it is necessary to ensure engagement with the engagement projection described later. The length, width and thickness of the band 10 are appropriately determined depending on the purpose of use of the band 10.
In the above embodiment, the engagement recess 13 is completely cut out in the thickness direction of the band 10. However, if the band 10 has a sufficient thickness, the cut-out is made halfway in the thickness direction of the band 10 as shown in FIG. 3. It is also possible to use the engaging recess 13a.
Further, as shown in a side view of one end portion 11 of the band 10 in FIG. 4, an engagement recess 13b is provided in an intermediate portion in the thickness direction of the band 10, that is, the sawtooth engagement recess 13b is provided inside the band. It is also possible to recede and form the edge 12 of the band one end 11 to be linear. In this case, since the band width in the longitudinal direction of the band 10 is ensured, the band 10 does not easily buckle. Moreover, since the shape cut in a sawtooth shape does not appear in the appearance, the degree of freedom in the design surface can be increased.
[0010]
The other end 15 of the band 10 is integrally provided with a buckle 20 configured in a flat cylindrical shape by opposing top and bottom plates 20a and 20b and side walls 20c and 20c connecting the two. Insertion space 22. The insertion space 22 is provided with an engagement projection 23 that engages with the engagement recess 13. In the present embodiment, a long and narrow operation piece 24 is arranged in parallel with the edge 12 of the band 10, and one end of the operation piece 24 is a hook-like engagement convex portion 23. The other end portion of the operation piece 24 bulges in the opposite direction to the engagement convex portion 23 as an operation button 25 and protrudes from a small window 26 provided on the side walls 20 c and 20 c of the buckle 20. The operation piece 24 has a support shaft 27 in the middle in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the operation piece 24 is mounted around the support shaft 27 by supporting the support shaft 27 on the top plate 20a and / or the bottom plate 20b of the buckle 20. It can swing freely.
[0011]
In the stationary state of the band 10 shown in FIG. 1, the operation piece 24 is parallel to the edge 12 of the band 10, and the engaging convex portion 23 is locked to the engaging concave portion 13. If the operation piece 24 is advanced, the operation piece 24 rotates around the support shaft 27 (left rotation in the figure), and the engagement convex portion 23 is disengaged from the engagement concave portion 13 and meshes with the adjacent engagement concave portion 13. The one end 11 of the band advances into the insertion space 22 while repeating this operation. Further, by selecting the angle of inclination of the sawtooth in the engaging recess 13, the end portion 11 of the band is inserted in the insertion space 22 to the right in FIG. 1 in a state where the engaging protrusion 23 and the engaging recess 13 are locked. Can move leftward from left to right, but cannot move backwards.
[0012]
The size of the insertion space 22 of the buckle 20 is not limited as long as the band 10 can be smoothly inserted. However, this is not sufficient, and it is indispensable to provide a guide 30 that regulates the swinging of the band 10 in a plane perpendicular to the advancing direction of the band 10 at a position close to the engaging convex portion 23. By installing the guide 30, not only the band 10 can be smoothly inserted, but also the engagement concave portion 13 of the band 10 and the engagement convex portion 23 of the buckle 20 are accurately engaged, and the engagement convex portion 23 is obtained. Problems such as breakage of the operation piece 24 in the vicinity or buckling of the band 10 in the vicinity of the engagement recess 13 can be avoided. In order to install the guide 30 in the insertion space 22 of the buckle 20, it is desirable to form the insertion space 22 by partially narrowing the inner wall of the buckle 20 at a position close to the engaging projection 23. It is not necessary to install a separate guide member. The vertical and horizontal lengths of the guide 30 are preferably as close as possible to the width and thickness of the band 10 and are in contact with the periphery of the band 10. The length of the guide 30 in the band advancing direction is preferably equal to or longer than the interval between the adjacent engaging recesses 13 and 13.
[0013]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 16 a is a protrusion serving as a latching portion 16 for allowing the one end 11 of the band 10 to easily advance between the insertion spaces 22 of the buckle 20. The protrusion 16a is preferably configured to be able to stand up and lie down so that it does not protrude from the surface of the band 10 except when it is operated. The latching part 16 is good also as the through-hole 16b which penetrates the band 10 as shown in FIG. 5 in the thickness direction. It is sufficient that each of the hooks 16 has a size and shape that can be taken with a fingertip or hooked. Further, the number of the latching portions 16 is not limited to one, and a plurality of the latching portions 16 may be provided at intervals.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to provide a stopper 18 at one end 11 of the band 10. When the band 10 is loosened, the stopper 18 comes into contact with the buckle 20, and even when the operation button 25 is disengaged, the one end 11 of the band 10 comes out of the insertion space 22, and the ring 10 is released from the ring state. Is prevented.
6 shows a modified example of the stopper 18, and the ring-shaped stopper 18 a surrounding the other end 15 of the band 10 has an action of binding the one end 11 of the band 10. is doing.
[0015]
In the present invention, the band 10 is preferably molded from vinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, other soft and flexible synthetic resin, or hard rubber. Further, since the buckle 20 has a simple structure, it can be easily integrally formed with a mold using the same synthetic resin as the band 10.
The material of the operation piece 24 of the buckle 20 is preferably made of polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, or other synthetic resin having elasticity, since it needs to be swung. Accordingly, the operation piece 24 may be made of a hard material having elasticity, and the other buckle 20 and the band 10 may be manufactured by integral molding. By selecting an appropriate material, the buckle 20 including the operation piece 24 may be used. And the band 10 may be manufactured by integral molding.
[0016]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the fingertips of one hand are hooked on the buckle 20 and the latching portion 16 and both are pulled, the engaging recess 13 and the engaging projection 23 rub against each other as shown in FIG. 1. However, the one end 11 of the band 10 travels through the insertion space 22 and can be adjusted to the optimum ring diameter of the wearer. In this state, the engagement concave portion 13 and the engagement convex portion 23 are locked, so that the band 10 does not loosen even if a reverse force is applied to the one end portion 11.
[0017]
On the other hand, in order to release the engagement between the engagement recess 13 and the engagement protrusion 23 and to retract the one end 11 in the direction opposite to the advancing direction, the operation buttons 25 and 25 are lightly photographed from the small window 26 with a finger. It ’s fine. As a result of the operation button 25 being energized and the operation piece 24 rotating (rotating counterclockwise in the figure) about the support shaft 27, the engagement between the engagement projection 23 and the engagement recess 13 located on the opposite side is released. Therefore, the band 10 can be freely slid. When the finger is released from the operation button 25, the operation piece 24 returns to the original state due to the elasticity of the synthetic resin.
[0018]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a band with a buckle having a very thin buckle thickness can be obtained. As a result, the band surface including the buckle portion becomes flat, which is suitable as a band for the use described in the heading, as well as a headband for helmets, a band for trousers or a skirt, a band for bags or shoes. . In addition, there is no risk of band buckling, and the degree of freedom in the design surface of the band with a buckle can be increased.
According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the above-described effect, the band can be smoothly inserted and the engagement portions are accurately locked.
According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the above effect, smooth operation is ensured by the reliable engagement / release of the band and the buckle.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effect, there is no possibility that the band or the buckle is damaged even when an inadvertent stress is applied in the band operation. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effect, the adjustment of the perimeter of the band can be easily performed by one-hand operation.
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the above effect, since the band does not separate at any time, such as during adjustment of the band circumference, it is possible to prevent damage caused by dropping of the precision instrument, in particular from the arm portion during attachment / detachment. Can be avoided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a plan view of the buckle of the wristwatch shown in FIG. 2 cut along a horizontal plane parallel to the band.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wristwatch including a band with a buckle according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the engaging recess.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a modification of the engaging recess.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation method of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the stopper.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional band with a buckle.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Band 11 One end part 12 Band edge 13 Engagement recessed part 15 Other end part 16 Band stop part 18 Stopper 20 Buckle 22 Insertion space 23 Engagement convex part 24 Operation piece 25 Operation button 30 Guide

Claims (6)

A band with a buckle that is inserted into a cylindrical buckle provided at the other end of the band and is connected in an annular shape while adjusting the peripheral length, and the edge of the one end is straight and this edge A serrated engagement recess is formed by retreating inside the band along the portion, and an engagement protrusion is provided in the insertion space of the buckle, and the engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are locked. Then, one end portion of the band is allowed to advance in the insertion space but cannot be retracted, and further, the band in a plane perpendicular to the advance direction of the band is located at least in a position near the engagement convex portion of the insertion space. A band with a buckle, characterized in that a guide for restricting the swinging of the buckle is provided.   The band with a buckle according to claim 1, wherein the engagement recesses are formed symmetrically on opposite edges of the one end.   An operating piece having the engaging convex portion is arranged in the insertion space substantially parallel to the advancing direction of the band, and the engagement between the engaging concave portion and the engaging convex portion is released by operating the operating piece. The band with a buckle according to claim 1 or 2, which is made possible. The band with a buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the guide is formed by partially narrowing an inner wall of the buckle. The band with a buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a hooking portion capable of causing the one end to advance into the insertion space with a fingertip of one hand is provided on an outer surface of the band. The band with a buckle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a stopper is provided at one end of the band.

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