Abstract
There is provided a band length extension mechanism that allows switching between a folded state and a deployed state, the band length extension mechanism including: an adjustment link; a link piece; an extension piece that couples the adjustment link and the link piece to each other; and a locking member, in which the extension piece is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link at a first shaft and is rotatably coupled to the link piece at a second shaft, in the folded state, the extension piece is stored in an overlapping manner with the adjustment link and the link piece, in the deployed state, the adjustment link, the extension piece, and the link piece are deployed and extended, the locking member is slidably provided on one surface of the adjustment link, and in the folded state, the locking member is engaged with the extension piece to achieve locking.
Claims
1. A band length extension mechanism that switches between a folded state and a deployed state, the band length extension mechanism comprising: an adjustment link; a link piece; an extension piece that couples the adjustment link and the link piece to each other; and a locking member, wherein the extension piece is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link at a first shaft and is rotatably coupled to the link piece at a second shaft, in the folded state, the extension piece is stored in an overlapping manner with the adjustment link and the link piece, in the deployed state, the adjustment link, the extension piece, and the link piece are deployed and extended, the locking member is slidably provided on one surface of the adjustment link, and in the folded state, the locking member is engaged with the extension piece to achieve locking.
2. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the engagement is meshing of a projection portion of the locking member with a recess portion of the extension piece.
3. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 2, wherein an elastic member is provided between the adjustment link and the locking member, and in the folded state, the projection portion of the locking member is pressed by the elastic member toward the recess portion of the extension piece.
4. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.
5. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising: a clasp portion including a length adjustment mechanism including an engagement pin attached to the adjustment link, wherein the lock is released by sliding the locking member to remove the projection portion of the locking member from the recess portion of the extension piece in a state where the adjustment link is raised with respect to the clasp portion.
6. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising: a clasp portion including a length adjustment mechanism including an engagement pin attached to the adjustment link, wherein in the folded state, when the length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length, only the link piece is exposed in an appearance between the clasp portion and a first band.
7. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the link piece has a top plate portion that covers the extension piece in the folded state.
8. The band length extension mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the length adjustment mechanism is provided to change a position of the engagement pin by pressing the adjustment link toward the clasp portion in a state where the adjustment link is raised, and when the lock is released, the locking member slides in a direction away from the clasp portion.
9. A band comprising: the band length extension mechanism according to claim 5; and a first band and a second band that is paired with the first band, wherein the band length extension mechanism is provided between the clasp portion and the first band.
10. A timepiece comprising the band according to claim 9.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an overview of a band according to Embodiment 1.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of a timepiece.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a transparent perspective view of an adjustment portion in a state where a clasp portion is folded.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of a main portion in a state where an adjustment link is raised.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state where the adjustment link is raised and the extension mechanism is deployed.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of a cover member in a folded state.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the extension mechanism in a deployed state as viewed from a rear surface side.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the extension mechanism in a deployed state as viewed from a front surface side.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a locking member.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clasp portion in a folded state.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in a deployed state.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of a cover member in a folded state according to Embodiment 2.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a transparent perspective view of a clasp portion in a folded state.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a side view of a main portion in a state where an adjustment link is raised.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a state where the adjustment link is raised and the extension mechanism is deployed.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a clasp portion in a folded state.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in a deployed state.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective rear view of a cover member in a folded state according to Embodiment 3.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a transparent perspective view of a clasp portion in a folded state.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a state where the adjustment link is raised and the extension mechanism is deployed.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of FIG. 20 as viewed from the opposite side.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a side sectional view mainly illustrating a locking member in a locked state.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of the locking member in an unlocked state.
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in a folded state.
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in a deployed state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1
Overview of Timepiece and Band
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an overview of a band. FIG. 2 is a front view of a timepiece.
[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a band 100 is composed of a first band 10, a second band 15, a clasp portion 35, an extension mechanism 50, and the like.
[0038] The first band 10 and the second band 15 are coupled via the clasp portion 35 and the extension mechanism 50. The clasp portion 35 is composed of the cover member 30, a middle plate 31, a lower plate 32, and the like, and a latch pin 41 is configured to be released by pressing a button 33 provided on both side surfaces of the cover member 30, and to be deployed and extended as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the end of the first band 10 is coupled to a can 5 on the 12 o'clock side of a timepiece 150. Similarly, the end of the second band 15 is coupled to a can 6 on the 6 o'clock side of the timepiece 150. In FIG. 2, the timepiece 150 is a three-hand analog watch, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the timepiece 150 may be any device worn on the arm, for example, a digital watch or a smart watch. Further, the first band 10 and the second band 15 may be coupled to each other in an interchangeable manner. In other words, the timepiece 150 includes the band 100.
[0040] The description returns to FIG. 1.
[0041] The first band 10 is composed of a plurality of coupled pieces 2 and the like. An end piece 2b at the end portion of the first band 10 is coupled to a link piece 12 of the extension mechanism 50 via a coupling piece 11. The extension mechanism 50 will be described later.
[0042] The second band 15 is composed of a plurality of coupled pieces 2 and the like. An end piece 2c at the end portion of the second band 15 is coupled to one end of the lower plate 32. The latch pin 41 is provided on the lower plate 32. The other end of the lower plate 32 is coupled to one end of the middle plate 31. The other end of the middle plate 31 is coupled to one end of the cover member 30.
[0043] The lower plate 32 is rotatably coupled to the end piece 2c of the second band 15 and one end of the middle plate 31. The middle plate 31 is rotatably coupled to one end of the cover member 30 and the other end of the lower plate 32. As a result, the clasp portion 35 is configured to allow switching between a state where the middle plate 31 and the lower plate 32 are folded in a Z shape and a state where the middle plate 31 and the lower plate 32 are deployed and extended.
[0044] The cover member 30 is a buckle and has a curved shape as a whole in consideration of the wearability on the arm. The cover member 30 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed in the longitudinal direction thereof toward the extending direction of the first band 10. In addition, the width of the cover member 30 in the lateral direction is substantially the same as the width of the first band 10. The middle plate 31 and the lower plate 32 have the same curvature as the cover member 30 following the rear surface of the cover member 30 in the folded state.
[0045] In the following description, the extending direction of the long side of the cover member 30 is also referred to as a longitudinal direction, and the extending direction of the short side is also referred to as a width direction. In a preferred example, each part constituting the band 100 is made of titanium. The metal is not limited to titanium, and any hard metal with excellent texture may be used, such as stainless steel. In other words, the band 100 includes the extension mechanism 50, the first band 10, and the second band 15 that is paired with the first band 10, and the extension mechanism 50 is provided between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10.
Band Length Adjustment Mechanism
[0046] FIG. 3 is a transparent perspective view of a clasp portion in a folded state. FIG. 4 is a side view of the main portion in a state where the adjustment link is raised. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state where the adjustment link is raised and the extension mechanism is deployed. FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of the cover member in a folded state.
[0047] The band 100 includes the extension mechanism 50 that allows adjustment of the length by 10 mm or more in addition to a standard length adjustment mechanism that performs length adjustment in millimeter units. Here, the band length adjustment mechanisms will be described in detail.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cover member 30 includes a pair of side walls 30a and 30b along two long sides. The inside of the cover member 30 surrounded by the side walls 30a and 30b is referred to as the inside of the cover member 30. The side wall 30a is provided with two holes 3 along the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the side wall 30b has two holes 3 at positions corresponding to the holes 3 in the side wall 30a in the longitudinal direction.
[0049] The adjustment link 14 of the extension mechanism 50 is accommodated inside the cover member 30. An engagement pin 57 is inserted into one end of the adjustment link 14. The engagement pin 57 is a spring rod, and both ends thereof are engaged with a pair of holes 3 on the button 33 side of the cover member 30. As a result, the adjustment link 14 is coupled to the cover member 30.
[0050] The standard length adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that selects the position of the pair of holes 3 provided in the cover member 30 with the engagement pin 57. In FIG. 3, the position of the pair of holes 3 is set to two places, but three or more places may be provided. In other words, the clasp portion 35 includes a length adjustment mechanism including the engagement pin 57 attached to the adjustment link 14.
Details of Extension Mechanism
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the extension mechanism 50 is a band length extension mechanism, and is composed of the link piece 12, the extension piece 13, the adjustment link 14, a locking member 7, and the like. FIG. 5 illustrates a state where the extension mechanism 50 is deployed. The extension mechanism 50 is an extender that can be mounted on a diver timepiece, and can extend the length of the band in addition to the standard length adjustment function. In other words, in the deployed state of the extension mechanism 50, the adjustment link 14, the extension piece 13, and the link piece 12 are deployed and extended.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the extension mechanism in a deployed state as viewed from a rear surface side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the extension mechanism in the deployed state as viewed from the front surface side.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the link piece 12 is a plate-shaped member having an H shape in plan view, and is rotatably coupled to the end piece 2b of the first band 10 by an engagement pin 63. The plate-shaped portion constituting the surface of the link piece 12 is referred to as a top plate 12b. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a recess portion 12c is provided on the rear surface side of the link piece 12. The extension piece 13 is stored in the recess portion 12c when being folded. The bottom of the recess portion 12c is the top plate 12b. In other words, the link piece 12 has the top plate 12b as a top plate portion that covers the extension piece 13 in the folded state. In the preferred example, the link piece 12 is formed by machining, for example, a solid titanium material.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the adjustment link 14 is a plate-like member that widens toward the cover member 30 and narrows toward the extension piece 13 in plan view, and the other end is rotatably coupled to the extension piece 13 by an engagement pin 61.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the extension piece 13 is a plate-shaped member having a rectangular shape in plan view, and couples the link piece 12 and the adjustment link 14. The other end of the extension piece 13 is rotatably coupled to the link piece 12 by the engagement pin 62. The engagement pin 61 is also referred to as a first shaft, and the engagement pin 62 is also referred to as a second shaft. In other words, the extension piece 13 is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link 14 by the engagement pin 61 as the first shaft, and is rotatably coupled to the link piece 12 by the engagement pin 62 as the second shaft. In the preferred example, the adjustment link 14 and the extension piece 13 are formed by machining a solid metal material, similarly to the link piece 12.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the folded state of the extension mechanism 50, the extension piece 13 is stored in the link piece 12. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the extension piece 13 is also stored inside the link piece 12 in the width direction. As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5, the extension piece 13 rotates around the engagement pin 62 as a rotation center and is folded into the link piece 12. In the deployed state illustrated in FIG. 5, the engagement pin 61, the engagement pin 62, and the engagement pin 63 are arranged in this order from the adjustment link 14 side. In the folded state illustrated in FIG. 4, the engagement pin 62, the engagement pin 61, and the engagement pin 63 are arranged in this order from the adjustment link 14 side.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the locking member 7 is provided to overlap the adjustment link 14, and is provided to be slidable on the adjustment link 14. In other words, the extension mechanism 50 is a band length extension mechanism that allows switching between the folded state and the deployed state, and includes the adjustment link 14, the link piece 12, the extension piece 13 that couples the adjustment link 14 and the link piece 12, and the locking member 7.
[0058] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the cover member 30 in FIG. 1, and the extension mechanism 50 in the folded state is stored inside the cover member 30. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the link piece 12, the extension piece 13, and the adjustment link 14 are stored in an overlapping manner in this order from the outside in the width direction of the cover member 30. Since the locking member 7 is positioned between the cover member 30 and the adjustment link 14, the locking member 7 is not observed in FIG. 6, which is a rear view of the cover member 30. In other words, in the folded state of the extension mechanism 50, the extension piece 13 is stored overlapping the adjustment link 14 and the link piece 12.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the locking member 7 is exposed by raising the adjustment link 14 against the cover member 30. In the folded state, the locking member 7 is pressed toward the extension piece 13, and the extension mechanism 50 is locked as the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes with a recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13. The locking member 7 is provided along the front surface side of the first band 10. In other words, the locking member 7 is slidably provided on one surface of the adjustment link 14, and in the folded state, the lock is achieved as the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes with the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13. The lock is released by sliding the locking member 7 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4, and the extension mechanism 50 can be deployed.
[0060] The recess portion 48 is a notch part provided in the frame into which the engagement pin 62 of the extension piece 13 is inserted, and is positioned next to the locking member 7 in the folded state. In the deployed state, the recess portion 48 is positioned on the link piece 12 side as illustrated in FIG. 5. In other words, the lock is released by sliding the locking member 7 to remove the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 from the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13 in a state where the adjustment link 14 is raised with respect to the clasp portion 35.
[0061] When the extension mechanism 50 is deployed, the length of the extension piece 13 is extended by substantially twice. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the length of the extension piece 13 is the length L, the length is extended by a length of L2 when deployed. The length L of the extension piece 13 is the distance between the engagement pin 61 and the engagement pin 62. For example, when the length L is 8 mm, the length of the band 100 is extended by 16 mm when deployed.
[0062] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the locking member, and the main portion is a sectional view.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the locking member 7 is incorporated in the adjustment link 14 via the elastic member 43 provided inside the adjustment link 14. The elastic member 43 is a coil spring in a preferred example. The elastic member 43 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be an elastic member having necessary elasticity, for example, rubber or an elastomer may be used.
[0064] As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9, the locking member 7 is in a state where the projection portion 47 is pressed by the elastic member 43 toward the extension piece 13. In other words, the elastic member 43 is provided between the adjustment link 14 and the locking member 7, and in the folded state, the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 is pressed by the elastic member 43 toward the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13.
External Appearance of Extension Mechanism
[0065] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in the folded state, and corresponds to FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in the deployed state, and corresponds to FIG. 10.
[0066] FIG. 10 is an external view of the vicinity of the clasp portion 35 in the folded state of the extension mechanism 50 in a state where the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 10, only the link piece 12 is exposed between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 in the folded state. The width of the link piece 12 is substantially the same as the width of the first band 10, and the top plate 12b has a smooth curved surface finish similar to the cover member 30. With such a configuration, the appearance between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 can be continuous and excellent in aesthetic appearance. In particular, the same design performance as the configuration without the extension mechanism 50 can be achieved. In other words, in the folded state, when the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length, only the link piece 12 is exposed in the appearance between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10.
[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the adjustment link 14, the extension piece 13, and the link piece 12 are observed between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 in the deployed state of the extension mechanism 50. Since these parts constituting the extension mechanism 50 are parts obtained by machining a solid metal material, the texture is higher and the aesthetic appearance is superior as compared with a sheet metal part.
[0069] As described above, according to the band length extension mechanism 50, the band 100, and the timepiece 150 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0070] The extension mechanism 50 is a band length extension mechanism that allows switching between a folded state and a deployed state, the band length extension mechanism including: the adjustment link 14; the link piece 12; the extension piece 13 that couples the adjustment link 14 and the link piece 12 to each other; and the locking member 7, in which the extension piece 13 is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link 14 at the engagement pin 61 serving as a first shaft and is rotatably coupled to the link piece 12 at the engagement pin 62 serving as a second shaft, in the folded state, the extension piece 13 is stored in an overlapping manner with the adjustment link 14 and the link piece 12, in the deployed state, the adjustment link 14, the extension piece 13, and the link piece 12 are deployed and extended, the locking member 7 is slidably provided on one surface of the adjustment link 14, and in the folded state, the locking member 7 is engaged with the extension piece 13 to achieve locking.
[0071] Accordingly, in the folded state, the lock is achieved as the locking member 7 is engaged with the extension piece 13, and thus, unlike extension mechanisms of the related art, in which the opening/closing durability is insufficient due to the biting structure between metals, the lock is achieved through structural mesh, resulting in excellent opening/closing durability.
[0072] Therefore, the band length extension mechanism 50 having excellent opening/closing durability can be provided.
[0073] Further, the engagement between the extension piece 13 and the locking member 7 is that the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes with the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13.
[0074] Accordingly, the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13 and the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 mesh with each other, and thus the recess portion 48 and the projection portion 47 are structurally engaged with each other, and thus the opening/closing durability is excellent. The present disclosure is not limited to the structure in which the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes with the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13, and may be a structure in which the extension piece 13 and the locking member 7 are structurally engaged with each other.
[0075] In addition, the elastic member 43 is provided between the adjustment link 14 and the locking member 7, and in the folded state, the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 is pressed by the elastic member 43 toward the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13.
[0076] As a result, in the folded state, the locked state between the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13 and the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 can be reliably maintained.
[0077] In addition, the elastic member 43 is a coil spring.
[0078] Accordingly, the pressing force of the locking member 7 can be stably maintained by the biasing force of the coil spring having little change over time.
[0079] The lock is released by sliding the locking member 7 to remove the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 from the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13 in a state where the clasp portion 35 including the length adjustment mechanism having the engagement pin 57 attached to the adjustment link 14 is provided and the adjustment link 14 is raised with respect to the clasp portion 35. Accordingly, the locking member 7 can be exposed by raising the adjustment link 14, and then the lock can be released by sliding the locking member 7 to switch to the deployed state.
[0080] In addition, the clasp portion 35 including a length adjustment mechanism including the engagement pin 57 attached to the adjustment link 14, and in the folded state, when the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length, only the link piece 12 is exposed in an appearance between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10.
[0081] As a result, in the folded state, in the length state that can be selected by the standard length adjustment mechanism, only the link piece 12 is observed between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10, ensuring continuity and excellent aesthetics.
[0082] Further, the link piece 12 has the top plate 12b that covers the extension piece 13 in the folded state. As a result, only the link piece 12 is observed in the folded state, ensuring continuity and excellent aesthetics.
[0083] The band 100 includes the extension mechanism 50, the first band 10, and the second band 15 that is paired with the first band 10, and the extension mechanism 50 is provided between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10. As a result, the band 100 is provided with the extension mechanism 50 having excellent aesthetics and excellent opening/closing durability. Therefore, the band 100 having excellent opening/closing durability of the extension mechanism 50 and excellent aesthetics can be provided. The timepiece 150 includes the band 100.
[0084] As a result, the timepiece 150 is provided with the band 100 having excellent opening/closing durability of the extension mechanism 50 and excellent aesthetics.
[0085] Therefore, the timepiece 150 having excellent opening/closing durability of the band 100 and excellent aesthetics can be provided.
Embodiment 2
Different Configuration of Standard Length Adjustment Mechanism
[0086] FIG. 12 is a perspective rear view of the cover member in the folded state according to Embodiment 2, and corresponds to FIG. 6. FIG. 13 is a transparent perspective view of the clasp portion in the folded state, and corresponds to FIG. 3. FIG. 14 is a side view of the main portion in a state where the adjustment link is raised, and corresponds to FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a state where the adjustment link is raised and the extension mechanism is deployed, and corresponds to FIG. 5.
[0087] In the above embodiment, the standard length adjustment mechanism is described as a mechanism in which the position of the pair of holes 3 provided in the cover member 30 is selected by the engagement pin 57, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a mechanism having a similar length adjustment function may be used. Hereinafter, the same parts will be given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0088] A clasp portion 35b of the present embodiment is provided with a length adjustment mechanism (FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and the like) described in JP-A-2023-113263 as a standard length adjustment mechanism. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the clasp portion 35b includes a rail member 21 having the four length adjustment grooves 29 inside the cover member 30, and a pressing portion 73 into which the engagement pin 57 is inserted. At the time of the length adjustment, the adjustment link 14b is raised in a state where the clasp portion 35b is deployed, and an adjustment link 14b is pushed toward the cover member 30 as indicated by the white arrow, and the pressing portion 73 is pressed and slid toward the cover member 30. Accordingly, the engagement pin 57 can select any of the four grooves 29.
[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 13, a pair of rail members 20 and 21 are provided along the side walls 30a and 30b of the cover member 30. The pressing portion 73 is provided to face the inner surface of the cover member 30 between the rail members 20 and 21.
[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the wide portion of the adjustment link 14b is branched into two legs, and a pressing portion 73 is provided between the two legs. The engagement pin 57 is inserted between the two legs of the adjustment link 14b and the pressing portion 73. A coil spring (not illustrated) is provided inside the pressing portion 73 and has a function of pressing the engagement pin 57 (FIG. 13) against the groove 29. The details of the length adjustment mechanism, including the pressing portion 73 and the rail members 20 and 21, are described in detail in JP-A-2023-113263.
[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the locking member 7 is slid toward the cover member 30, the lock is released, and the adjustment link 14b, the extension piece 13, and the link piece 12 are deployed.
External Appearance of Extension Mechanism
[0092] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in the folded state, and corresponds to FIG. 10. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in the deployed state, and corresponds to FIG. 11.
[0093] FIG. 16 is an external view of the vicinity of the clasp portion 35b in the folded state of the extension mechanism 50 in a state where the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length.
[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 16, only the link piece 12 is exposed between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 in the folded state. The width of the link piece 12 is substantially the same as the width of the first band 10, and the top plate 12b has a smooth curved surface finish similar to the cover member 30. With such a configuration, the appearance between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 can be continuous and excellent in aesthetic appearance. In particular, the same design performance as the configuration without the extension mechanism 50 can be achieved. In other words, in the folded state, when the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length, only the link piece 12 is exposed in the appearance between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10.
[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the adjustment link 14b, the extension piece 13, and the link piece 12 are observed between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 in the deployed state of the extension mechanism 50. Since these parts constituting the extension mechanism 50 are parts obtained by machining a solid metal material, the texture is higher and the aesthetic appearance is superior as compared with a sheet metal part.
[0096] As described above, according to the band length extension mechanism 50, the band 100, and the timepiece 150 of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects in the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0097] The extension mechanism 50 is a band length extension mechanism that allows switching between a folded state and a deployed state, the band length extension mechanism including: the adjustment link 14b; the link piece 12; the extension piece 13 that couples the adjustment link 14 and the link piece 12 to each other; and the locking member 7, in which the extension piece 13 is rotatably coupled to the adjustment link 14 at the engagement pin 61 serving as a first shaft and is rotatably coupled to the link piece 12 at the engagement pin 62 serving as a second shaft, in the folded state, the extension piece 13 is stored in an overlapping manner with the adjustment link 14 and the link piece 12, in the deployed state, the adjustment link 14, the extension piece 13, and the link piece 12 are deployed and extended, the locking member 7 is slidably provided on one surface of the adjustment link 14, and in the folded state, the locking member 7 is engaged with the extension piece 13 to achieve locking. In a preferred example, the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13 is locked as the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes therewith.
[0098] Accordingly, in the folded state, the lock is achieved as the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes with the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13, and thus, unlike extension mechanisms or the related art, in which the opening/closing durability is insufficient due to the biting structure between metals, the lock is achieved through structural mesh, resulting in excellent opening/closing durability. The present disclosure is not limited to the structure in which the projection portion 47 of the locking member 7 meshes with the recess portion 48 of the extension piece 13, and may be a structure in which the extension piece 13 and the locking member 7 are structurally engaged with each other.
[0099] Therefore, even in the configuration including the length adjustment mechanism having the rail member 21 having the four length adjustment grooves 29 and the pressing portion 73 into which the engagement pin 57 is inserted, the band length extension mechanism 50 having excellent opening/closing durability can be provided. In addition, the band 100 having excellent opening/closing durability of the extension mechanism 50 and excellent aesthetics can be provided. Further, the timepiece 150 having excellent opening/closing durability of the band 100 and excellent aesthetics can be provided.
Embodiment 3
Different Configuration of Extension Mechanism
[0100] FIG. 18 is a perspective rear view of the cover member in the folded state according to Embodiment 3, and corresponds to FIG. 12. FIG. 19 is a transparent perspective view of the clasp portion in the folded state, and corresponds to FIG. 13. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a state where the adjustment link is raised and the extension mechanism is deployed, and corresponds to FIG. 15. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of FIG. 20 as viewed from the opposite side, and corresponds to FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a side sectional view mainly illustrating the locking member in a locked state, and corresponds to FIG. 14. FIG. 23 is a side sectional view mainly illustrating the locking member in an unlocked state, and corresponds to FIG. 22.
[0101] In the above Embodiment 2, when the lock is released, it is described that the locking member 7 is slid toward the cover member 30 in a state where the adjustment link 14b is raised, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the locking member may be slid in a direction away from the cover member 30. Hereinafter, the same parts will be given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0102] The clasp portion 35c of the present embodiment includes an extension mechanism 51 different from the extension mechanism 50 of the above embodiment. Further, the standard length adjustment mechanism employs the length adjustment mechanism including the rail member 21 and the pressing portion 73 into which the engagement pin 57 is inserted. Hereinafter, the differences from the extension mechanism 50 will be mainly described.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the extension mechanism 51 has a structure in which the adjustment link 14c, the extension piece 13b, and the link piece 12 are coupled from the cover member 30 side. The basic coupling structure is the same as that of the extension mechanism 50.
[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the adjustment link 14c has a wide part branched into two legs similarly to the adjustment link 14b, and the pressing portion 73 is disposed between the two legs. The adjustment link 14c is different from the adjustment link 14b in that a rectangular long hole is provided at the middle in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment link 14c and the locking member 17 is incorporated in the long hole. The locking member 17 is provided in the long hole to be slidable in the long side direction. Since the locking member 17 is provided on the rear surface side of the first band 10, the locking member 17 is exposed without raising the adjustment link 14c.
[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the extension piece 13b is a frame-shaped component having an opening at the center. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a recess portion 68 is provided at the center of the frame of the extension piece 13b on the engagement pin 62 side. The recess portion 68 is a notch part provided in the frame of the extension piece 13b, and is positioned next to the locking member 17 in the folded state.
[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 21, a projection portion 67 of the locking member 17 is exposed on the front surface side of the first band 10 in the adjustment link 14c. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the projection portion 67 is a claw-shaped part protruding toward the cover member 30. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the locking member 17 is incorporated in the adjustment link 14c via the elastic member 43 provided inside the adjustment link 14c. The elastic member 43 is a coil spring in a preferred example. The elastic member 43 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be an elastic member having necessary elasticity, for example, rubber or an elastomer may be used.
[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 22, the locking member 17 is in a state where the projection portion 67 is pressed by the elastic member 43 toward the cover member 30, and is pressed and locked in a direction in which the locking member 17 meshes with the recess portion 68 of the extension piece 13b. In other words, the elastic member 43 is provided between the adjustment link 14c and the locking member 17, and in the folded state, the projection portion 67 of the locking member 17 is pressed toward the recess portion 68 of the extension piece 13b by the elastic member 43. The present disclosure is not limited to the structure in which the projection portion 67 of the locking member 17 meshes with the recess portion 68 of the extension piece 13b, and may be a structure in which the extension piece 13b and the locking member 17 are structurally engaged with each other.
[0108] When the lock is released, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 23, the elastic member 43 is compressed by sliding the locking member 17 in the direction away from the cover member 30, and the projection portion 67 of the locking member 17 is removed from the recess portion 68 of the extension piece 13b, and the lock is released. As a result, the extension mechanism 51 can be switched to the deployed state. In other words, when the lock of the extension mechanism 51 is released, the locking member 17 slides in the direction away from the clasp portion 35c.
External Appearance of Extension Mechanism
[0109] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in the folded state, and corresponds to FIG. 16. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the clasp portion in the deployed state, and corresponds to FIG. 17.
[0110] FIG. 24 is an external view of the vicinity of the clasp portion 35c in the folded state of the extension mechanism 51 in a state where the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length.
[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 24, only the link piece 12 is exposed between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 in the folded state. The width of the link piece 12 is substantially the same as the width of the first band 10, and the top plate 12b has a smooth curved surface finish similar to the cover member 30. With such a configuration, the appearance between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 can be continuous and excellent in aesthetic appearance. In particular, the same design performance as the configuration without the extension mechanism 51 can be achieved. In other words, in the folded state, when the standard length adjustment mechanism is set to the longest length, only the link piece 12 is exposed in the appearance between the clasp portion 35 and the first band 10.
[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the adjustment link 14c, the extension piece 13b, and the link piece 12 are observed between the cover member 30 and the first band 10 in the deployed state of the extension mechanism 51. Since these parts constituting the extension mechanism 51 are parts obtained by machining a solid metal material, the texture is higher and the aesthetic appearance is superior as compared with a sheet metal part.
[0113] As described above, according to the band length extension mechanism 50, the band 100, and the timepiece 150 of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects in the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0114] The length adjustment mechanism is provided to allow a position of the engagement pin 57 to be changed by pressing the engagement pin 57 toward the clasp portion 35c in a state where the adjustment link 14c is raised, and when the lock of the extension mechanism 51 is released, the locking member 17 slides in a direction away from the clasp portion 35c.
[0115] Accordingly, since the direction in which the adjustment link 14c is pressed when the length adjustment is performed and the slide direction of the locking member 17 when the extension mechanism 51 is deployed are opposite to each other, erroneous operation can be reliably prevented.
[0116] Further, since the locking member 17 is exposed on the rear surface side of the first band 10, the lock can be released without raising the adjustment link 14c.
[0117] The standard length adjustment mechanism is not limited to the length adjustment mechanism including the rail member 21 and the pressing portion 73 into which the engagement pin 57 is inserted, and may be a length adjustment mechanism that allows adjustment of the length in millimeter units, for example, a length adjustment mechanism that selects the position of the pair of holes 3 provided in the cover member 30 by the engagement pin 57.
