CONNECTION MEMBER, BAND AND TIMEPIECE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-086011, filed May 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a connection member for wristwatches, clothes, handbags, briefcases, and the like, a band equipped with the connection member, and a timepiece equipped with the band.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. 2019-060844 discloses a wristwatch in which bands are attached to band attachment sections provided on the twelve o'clock side and six o'clock side of a wristwatch case by connection members called spring bars.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention is a connection member comprising: a cylindrical member; a connection portion which is inserted into at least one end portion of the cylindrical member; and a spring member which is arranged in the cylindrical member and forces the connection portion toward outside of the cylindrical member, wherein the spring member is formed of a corrosion-resisting material.

The above and further objects and novel features of one embodiment will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a wristwatch in which the present invention has been applied;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a first band main body on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connection member attached to the first band main body and taken along the A-A arrow view in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a connection member attached to the first band main body in a second embodiment of the wristwatch in which the present invention has been applied; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the wristwatch in which the present invention has been applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment

A first embodiment of a wristwatch in which the present invention has been applied will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.

This wristwatch includes a wristwatch case 1, as shown in FIG. 1. On the two o'clock side, three o'clock side, four o'clock side, eight o'clock side, and ten o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1, switch sections 2 are provided.

Conventionally, there is a wristwatch in which bands are attached to band attachment sections provided on the twelve o'clock side and six o'clock side of a wristwatch case by connection members called spring bars.

Each connection member of this type of wristwatch is structured such that connecting pins are inserted into both ends of a cylinder section, a coiled spring member is arranged inside the cylinder section, and the connecting pins are forced toward the outside of the cylinder section by the spring force of the spring member. The spring member of this connection member is made of a cobalt-nickel alloy which is a non-magnetic material so that a magnetic sensor mounted in the wristwatch is not affected thereby.

However, the connection member of this wristwatch has a problem in that, since the spring member is made of a cobalt-nickel alloy which is a non-magnetic material, the spring member is easily corroded by seawater or the like when the wristwatch is used in the sea, etc.

An object of the present invention is to improve this situation and solve the problem by increasing corrosion resistance so as to prevent corrosion.

On the twelve o'clock side and six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1, band attachment sections 4 are provided to which bands 3 are attached, as shown in FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the bands 3 include a first band main body 5 which is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side and a second band main body 6 which is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side, which are made of synthetic leather or synthetic resin such as urethane resin.

On a middle portion of the band attachment section 4 of the twelve o'clock side in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first band main body 5, an attachment projection section 4a is provided, as shown in FIG. 1. This attachment projection section 4a on the twelve o'clock side is formed such that its projecting length from the wristwatch case 1 is longer than those of attachment side sections 4b located to its sides in the transverse direction of the first band main body 5.

Similarly, on a middle portion of the band attachment section 4 of the six o'clock side in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second band main body 6, an attachment projection section 4a is provided, as shown in FIG. 1. This attachment projection section 4a on the six o'clock side is formed such that its projecting length from the wristwatch case 1 is longer than those of attachment side sections 4b located to its sides in the transverse direction of the second band main body 6.

In one end section 5a of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, or more specifically, in the one end section 5a of the first band main body 5 which is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side, an attachment recess section 7 where the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side is inserted and arranged is formed, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As a result, the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is attached to the band attachment section 4 by a screw member 9 with the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 being inserted into and arranged in the attachment recess section 7 in the one end section 5a. That is, the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is structured such that band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 are attached to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side by the screw member 9.

Similarly, In one end section 6a of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side, or more specifically, in the one end section 6a of the second band main body 6 which is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side, an attachment recess section 8 where the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side is inserted and arranged is formed, as shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is attached to the band attachment section 4 by a screw member 9 with the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 being inserted into and arranged in the attachment recess section 8 in the one end section 6a. That is, the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is structured such that band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 are attached to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side by the screw member 9.

Although not shown in the drawings, the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side in the present embodiment is constituted by two types of members, which are a first screw member having a male screw portion and a second screw member having a female screw portion into which the male screw portion is screwed. In the case of the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side, the first screw member is structured to be inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side through one of the band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the second screw member is structured to be inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side through the other one of the band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side.

Also, the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side is structured such that the male screw portion of the first screw member is screwed into the female screw portion of the second screw member with the male screw portion of the first screw member and the female screw portion of the second screw member being arranged in the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side, as shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side attaches the band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1.

Similarly, although not shown in the drawings, the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side is constituted by two types of members, which are a first screw member having a male screw portion and a second screw member having a female screw portion into which the male screw portion is screwed. In the case of the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side as well, the first screw member is structured to be inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side through one of the band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side, as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the second screw member is structured to be inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side through the other one of the band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side.

Also, the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side is structured such that the male screw portion of the first screw member is screwed into the female screw portion of the second screw member with the male screw portion of the first screw member and the female screw portion of the second screw member being arranged in the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side, as shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side attaches the band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1.

To the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, that is, to the other end section 5b located on the opposite side of the one end section 5a of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side which is provided with the attachment recess section 7, a buckle 10 and a band keeper 11 are attached, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The buckle 10 is a metal fitting for connecting the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side and the other end section 6b side of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side to each other.

More specifically, the buckle 10 includes a buckle main body 13 which is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side by a connection member 12 called a spring bar, and a locking pin 14 which is attached to the connection member 12, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The buckle main body 13 is a metal fitting into which the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is inserted while overlapping with the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. This buckle main body 13 is a frame member acquired by side portions of a stick-shaped member being bent in the same direction so as to achieve a U-shape, and includes a locking main body section 13a and locking side sections 13b located on side portions of the locking main body section 13a.

This buckle main body 13 is structured such that the locking side sections 13b on its side portions are attached to the sides of the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5, which is located on the twelve o'clock side, in the transverse direction by the connection member 12, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. That is, this buckle main body 13 is structured such that the locking side sections 13b on its sides are arranged on the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5. In the present embodiment, the locking side sections 13b on the side portions of the buckle main body 13 are provided with lock attachment holes 13c into which a pin section 16b of a later-described connecting pin 16 of the connection member 12 and a connection projection section 18 of the connection member 12 are inserted.

As a result, the buckle main body 13 is structured such that, with the locking side sections 13b on its side portions being arranged on the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 of the connection member 12 attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 and the connection projection section 18 of the connection member 12 are inserted into the lock attachment holes 13c formed in the locking side sections 13b on the side portions of the buckle main body 13, whereby the buckle main body 13 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5.

The locking pin 14 is a pin acquired by two pin lock sections 14a being connected in an H-shape by a connection piece 14b, as shown in FIG. 2. These two pin lock sections 14a are structured to be inserted into two band holes 6c located adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the second band main body 6 among a plurality of band holes 6c formed in two lines in the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

As a result, the locking pin 14 is structured such that, with lock attachment ring sections 14d on end portions of the two pin lock sections 14a on the opposite side of tip end sections 14c that are the other end portions of the two pin lock sections 14a being attached to a later-described cylindrical member 15 of the connection member 12 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the tip end sections 14c of the two pin lock sections 14a come in contact and engage with the locking main body section 13a of the buckle main body 13. In the present embodiment, each lock attachment ring section 14d on the end portions of the pin lock sections 14a has a ring shape into which the cylindrical member 15 of the connection member 12 is inserted, as shown in FIG. 3.

In the use of the bands 3, the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 is inserted into the buckle main body 13. Here, the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 are inserted into two band holes 6c located adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the second band main body 6 among the plurality of band holes 6c formed in the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side. As a result, the buckle 10 connects the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 and the other end section 6b side of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side to each other such that they overlap with each other.

On the other hand, the band keeper 11 is to restrict a space that causes the slippage or the like of the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1, and is attached to the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side in a manner to be movable in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 2. This band keeper 11 is structured such that, when the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 is overlapped with and attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side by the buckle 10, this other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is inserted into the band keeper 11.

The connection member 12 includes the cylindrical member 15 which is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side in the transverse direction of the first band main body 5, the connecting pin 16 which is a connection section to be inserted into one end of the cylindrical member 15, and a spring member 17 which is arranged in the cylindrical member 15 and forces the connecting pin 16 toward the outside of the cylindrical member 15, as shown in FIG. 3. The cylindrical member 15 is inserted into and attached to a cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 while extending in the transverse direction of the first band main body 5.

The cylindrical member 15 includes a cylinder main body section 15a having a round bar shape, as shown in FIG. 3. In one end side of this cylinder main body section 15a, a housing hole 15b in which the connecting pin 16 and the spring member 17 are housed is formed in an axial direction. More specifically, the housing hole 15b is formed extending from one end of the cylinder main body section 15a to a middle portion thereof in the axial direction. That is, the length of the housing hole 15b is substantially half the length of the cylinder main body section 15a in the axial direction. Also, on the other end of the cylinder main body section 15a, the connection projection section 18 having a pin shape is formed.

The connecting pin 16 includes a slide section 16a which is slidably inserted into the housing hole 15b in the cylinder main body section 15a of the cylindrical member 15, and the pin section 16b which is formed on one end of the slide section 16a and retractably project toward the outside of the cylinder main body section 15a, as shown in FIG. 3. The slide section 16a is formed such that its outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing hole 15b, and its axial length is slightly shorter than the length of the inner diameter of the housing hole 15b.

The pin section 16b is formed such that its outer diameter is substantially half the outer diameter of the cylindrical member 15, and its axial length is longer than the axial length of the slide section 16a and substantially equal to the length of the outer diameter of the cylindrical member 15, as shown in FIG. 3. In the present embodiment, on one end of the cylinder main body section 15a, or more specifically, on one end of the cylinder main body section 15a on the opening side of the housing hole 15b, a stopper section 15c having a ring shape is formed toward the medial side of the housing hole 15b by swaging.

As a result, the connecting pin 16 is structured such that, when the pin section 16b is pressed by the spring force of the spring member 17 toward the outside of the cylinder main body section 15a through the ring-shaped stopper section 15c, the outer side surface of the slide section 16a comes in contact with the inner surface of the stopper section 15c so that the slide section 16a does not slip out of the housing hole 15b of the cylinder main body section 15a, as shown in FIG. 3.

Also, the pin-shaped connection projection section 18 of the cylinder main body section 15a is formed such that its outer diameter is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16, as shown in FIG. 3. The axial length of this pin-shaped connection projection section 18 is substantially equal to the axial length of the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 projecting from the cylinder main body section 15a.

In the present embodiment, on the outer circumferential surface of the other end side of the cylinder main body section 15a, a mark 19 for distinguishing the pin-shaped connection projection section 18 is provided, as shown in FIG. 3. This mark 19 is a V-shaped groove and annularly formed in the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder main body section 15a. In addition, this mark 19 is provided not to be seen from the outside when the buckle main body 13 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 by the cylindrical member 15 with the cylinder main body section 15a being arranged in the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5.

The spring member 17, which is a coil spring, is formed such that its outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing hole 15b formed in the cylinder main body section 15a of the cylindrical member 15, as shown in FIG. 3. The axial length of the spring member 17 in a free state is equal to or longer than the axial length of the housing hole 15b. This spring member 17 is arranged in a compressed state in the housing hole 15b, and forces the slide section 16a of the connecting pin 16 toward the outside of the cylinder main body section 15a by the spring force of the spring member 17 so as to press the pin section 16b toward the outside of the cylinder main body section 15a.

In the present embodiment, the spring member 17 is formed of a corrosion-resisting material. More specifically, this spring member 17 is formed of a titanium alloy having a spring property, that is, β titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a body-centered cubic structure called β-phase. This β titanium alloy is a material whose strength is highest among all the titanium alloys, and corrosion resistance level and workability level are high. Here, the titanium has a high corrosion resistance level by a strong titanium oxide coating being formed on the material surface.

Also, the cylindrical member 15 having the connection projection section 18 provided on the cylinder main body section 15a and the connecting pin 16 are formed of a high-strength titanium alloy. More specifically, the cylindrical members 15 and the connecting pin 16 are formed of α-β titanium alloy where aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) have been mixed at a ratio of about 6:4 (JIS60 species). This α-β titanium alloy, which is 64 titanium alloy, has properties of both α titanium alloy and titanium alloy, and has a two-phase system where ductility and strength are especially well-balanced. Note that the α titanium alloy herein refers to a titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a hexagonal close packed structure called α-phase.

Next, the mechanical property and physical property of titanium are described. Firstly, the tensile strength (MPa) in descending order is α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy, JIS60 species) ≥895, β titanium alloy ≥800, pure titanium (JIS2 species) ≥340. Secondly, the proof stress (MPa) in descending order is α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy, JIS60 species) ≥828, β titanium alloy ≥690, pure titanium (JIS2 species) ≥210. Thirdly, the hardness (Hv) in descending order is α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy, JIS60 species) ≥320, β titanium alloy ≥270, pure titanium (JIS2 species) ≥130.

As such, the tensile strength (MPa), the proof stress (MPa), and the hardness (Hv) in descending order are all α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy), β titanium alloy, pure titanium. Thus, when 64 titanium alloy is used for the connecting pin 16 and the cylindrical member 15, and β titanium alloy is used for the spring member 17, the tensile strength (MPa), the proof stress (MPa), and the hardness (Hv) of the connecting pin 16 are equal to those of the cylindrical member 15, and the tensile strength (MPa), the proof stress (MPa), and the hardness (Hv) of the spring member 17 are smaller than those of the cylindrical member 15 and the connecting pin 16.

Next, the thermal conductivity [W/(mK)] in descending order is pure titanium (JIS2 species) 17.0, β titanium alloy 8.1, and α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy, JIS60 species) 7.5. The degree of elongation (%) in descending order is pure titanium (JIS2 species) ≥23, β titanium alloy 212, and α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy, JIS60 species) ≥10.

As such, the thermal conductivity [W/(mK)] and the degree of elongation (%) in descending order are all pure titanium, β titanium alloy, and α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy). Thus, when β titanium alloy is used for the spring member 17 and 64 titanium alloy is used for the connecting pin 16 and the cylindrical member 15, the thermal conductivity [W/(mK)] and the degree of elongation (%) of the connecting pin 16 are equal to those of the cylindrical member 15, and the thermal conductivity [W/(mK)] and the degree of elongation (%) of the spring member 17 are larger than those of the cylindrical member 15 and the connecting pin 16.

Next, a procedure for attaching the bands 3 to the wristwatch case 1 is described.

In this procedure, first, the band keeper 11 is fitted around the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, and the buckle 10 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 by the connection member 12. Here, before this attachment, the connection member 12 is assembled. In the assembly of the connection member 12, first, the coiled spring member 17 is arranged in the housing hole 15b formed on one end side of the cylinder main body section 15a.

Then, the slide section 16a of the connecting pin 16 is inserted into the housing hole 15b of the cylinder main body section 15a with the spring member 17 being compressed. In this state, one end portion of the cylinder main body section 15a located on the opening side of the housing hole 15b is swaged so as to form the ring-shaped stopper section 15c on this one end of the cylinder main body section 15a. As a result, the slide section 16a of the connecting pin 16 is pressed against the stopper section 15c by the spring force of the spring member 17, and the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 is pushed out of the one end of the cylinder main body section 15a, whereby the assembly of the connection member 12 is ended.

Next, the buckle 10 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side by the connection member 12 assembled as described above. Here, the connection member 12 is attached to the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side while extending in the transverse direction of the first band main body 5, and the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 is attached to this connection member 12. Here, before this attachment, the lock attachment ring sections 14d provided on the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 are arranged in cutout sections 5d formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side while extending across the cylinder attachment hole 5c, as shown in FIG. 3.

In this state, the cylinder main body section 15a of the connection member 12 is inserted into the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. Here, the cylinder main body section 15a is inserted into the lock attachment ring sections 14d of the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 arranged in the cutout section 5d of the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. As a result, the cylindrical member 15 is inserted into the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, and the locking pin 14 is rotatably attached to the cylinder main body section 15a of the cylindrical member 15.

In addition, the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 protruding from one end of the cylinder main body section 15a of the cylindrical member 15 is arranged protruding from one side of the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. At the same time, the pin-shaped connection projection section 18 provided on the other end of the cylinder main body section 15a of the cylindrical member 15 is arranged protruding from the other side of the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side.

In this state, the buckle main body 13 of the buckle 10 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. In this attachment, first, the connection projection section 18 on the other end of the cylinder main body section 15a which is protruding from the other side of the cylinder attachment hole 5c in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is inserted into the lock attachment hole 13c formed in one of the locking side sections 13b of the side portions of the buckle main body 13, as shown in FIG. 3.

In this state, the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 of the connection member 12 protruding from the one side of the cylinder attachment hole 5c in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is pressed against the spring force of the spring member 17 toward the inside of the housing hole 15b of the cylinder main body section 15a. Then, the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 of the connection member 12 pressed toward the inside of the housing hole 15b of the cylinder main body section 15a is positioned corresponding to the lock attachment hole 13c formed in the other one of the locking side sections 13b of the side portions of the buckle main body 13.

As a result, the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 of the connection member 12 is pressed by the spring force of the spring member 17 toward the outside of the housing hole 15b of the cylinder main body section 15a. Accordingly, the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 pressed thereby is inserted into the lock attachment hole 13c formed in the other one of the locking side sections 13b of the side portions of the buckle main body 13, as shown in FIG. 3.

As a result, the pin-shaped connection projection section 18 of the connection member 12 is inserted into the lock attachment hole 13c in one of the locking side sections 13b of the buckle main body 13, and the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 of the connection member 12 is inserted into the lock attachment hole 13c in the other one of the locking side sections 13b of the buckle main body 13, as shown in FIG. 3. Consequently, the buckle main body 13 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side by the connection member 12.

Then, the first band main body 5 which is on the twelve o'clock side and to which the buckle 10 and the band keeper 11 have been attached is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1. Here, the attachment recess section 7 formed in the one end section 5a of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is positioned corresponding to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side, and the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side is arranged in the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5. In this state, the first band main body 5 is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side by the corresponding screw member 9.

In this attachment, the first screw member which constitutes the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side is inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side through one of the band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5, and the second screw member which also constitutes the screw member 9 is inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side through the other one of the band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side.

Then, with the male screw portion of the first screw member of the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side and the female screw portion of the second screw member thereof being positioned in the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side, the male screw portion of the first screw member is screwed into the female screw portion of the second screw member. As a result, the band side sections 7a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 7 of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is attached to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 by the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side.

Similarly, the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1. Here, before this attachment, the band holes 6c into which the tip end sections 14c of the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 are inserted are formed in two lines in the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side in a manner to extend in the longitudinal direction of the second band main body 6. Then, the attachment recess section 8 formed in the one end section 6a of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is positioned corresponding to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side.

In this state, the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side is arranged in the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side. Then, the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side by the corresponding screw member 9. In this attachment, the first screw member which constitutes the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side is inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side through one of the band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side, and the second screw member which also constitutes the screw member 9 is inserted into the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side through the other one of the band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side.

Then, with the male screw portion of the first screw member of the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side and the female screw portion of the second screw member thereof being positioned in the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side, the male screw portion of the first screw member is screwed into the female screw portion of the second screw member. As a result, the band side sections 8a located to the sides of the attachment recess section 8 of the second band main body 5 on the six o'clock side is attached to the attachment projection section 4a of the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 by the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side.

Next, a procedure for using this wristwatch is described.

In the use of this wristwatch, first, the wristwatch case 1 is worn on an arm by the bands 3. Here, the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is inserted into the buckle main body 13 of the buckle 10 attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, with the wristwatch case 1 being arranged on the arm. Then, the other end section 6b side of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is arranged on top of the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side.

In this state, the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is pulled toward the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 so that the wristwatch case 1 tightly comes in contact with the arm. Then, the leading end sections 14c of the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 provided on the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side is inserted into two band holes 6c aligned in the transverse direction of the second band main body 6, among the plurality of band holes 6c formed in the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side which has been inserted into the buckle main body 13.

Then, the leading end sections 14c of the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 are pressed against the lock body section 13a of the buckle main body 13 with the other end section 6b side of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side being arranged on top of the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. Consequently, the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side and the other end section 6b side of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side are connected to each other. In this state, the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is inserted into in the band keeper 11 provided on the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side so that a space that causes the slippage or the like of the other end section 6b of the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is restricted. As a result, the wristwatch case 1 is worn on the arm by the bands 3.

In the case of this wristwatch, even when the user dives in the sea with the wristwatch being worn on his or her arm, the wristwatch can be used in a good condition. That is, since the spring member 17 of the connection member 12 which attaches the buckle 10 to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch is made of a corrosion-resisting material, this spring member 17 is highly resistant to corrosion, and thereby favorably prevented from being corroded by sea water or the like.

In the present embodiment, the spring member 17 is formed of a titanium alloy having a spring property, that is, β titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a body-centered cubic structure called β-phase. This β titanium alloy is a material whose strength is highest among all the titanium alloys, and corrosion resistance level and workability level are high. Here, by a strong titanium oxide coating being formed on the material surface, the titanium achieves high corrosion resistance.

Also, in the case of the connection member 12, the cylindrical member 15 having the connection projection section 18 provided on the cylinder main body section 15a and the connecting pin 16 are formed of a high-strength titanium alloy, whereby high corrosion resistance is achieved with high strength. More specifically, the cylindrical members 15 and the connecting pin 16 are formed of α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy) where aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) have been mixed at a ratio of about 6:4, whereby the corrosion resistance level and the strength are further increased.

As described above, the connection member 12 of this wristwatch includes the cylindrical member 15, the connecting pin 16 which is a connection section to be inserted into at least one end portion of the cylindrical member 15, and the spring member 17 which is arranged in the cylindrical member 15 and forces the connecting pin 16 toward the outside of the cylindrical member 15. In addition, the spring member 17 is formed of a corrosion-resisting material. Accordingly, the corrosion resistance is enhanced, whereby corrosion is reliably and favorably prevented.

That is, in the case of the connection member 12 of this wristwatch, the spring member 17 is formed of a titanium alloy having a spring property, whereby this spring member 17 reliably has a spring property. In addition, since this spring member 17 is formed of a titanium alloy, the corrosion resistance of the spring member 17 is reliably enhanced, whereby the corrosion of the spring member 17 is reliably prevented. In the present embodiment, by a strong titanium oxide coating being formed on the material surface, the titanium achieves high corrosion resistance.

Also, in the case of the connection member 12 of this wristwatch, the spring member 17 is formed of a titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a body-centered cubic structure, which further raises the corrosion resistance level of the spring member 17. In addition, since the workability of the spring member 17 is excellent, the spring member 17 can be easily and favorably manufactured.

Moreover, in the case of the connection member 12 of this wristwatch, the connecting pin 16 is inserted into one end portion of the cylindrical member 15 and the connection projection section 18 is formed on the other end portion of the cylindrical member 15. As a result of this structure, in the manufacture of the connection member 12, it is only required that the housing hole 15b is formed in the one end portion of the cylindrical member 15, and the connecting pin 16 and the spring member 17 are inserted into this housing hole 15b. Accordingly, the connection member 12 of this wristwatch can be easily manufactured having the simple structure with a few components. In addition, this connection member 12 can be attached to the first band main body 5 by merely one end of the connecting pin 16 being operated, which simplifies the attachment.

In the connection member 12 of this wristwatch in the present embodiment, the mark 19 for distinguishing the pin-shaped connection projection section 18 is provided on the other end side of the cylindrical member 15. Accordingly, although the shape of the pin section 16b of the connecting pin 16 on the movable side and that of the connection projection section 18 on the fixed side are the same, the fixed side can be easily distinguished by the mark 19, which enhances the attachment workability. Also, this mark 19 is provided in a manner not to be seen from the outside when the cylindrical member 15 is inserted into the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5, which enhances the design.

Also, in the case of the connection member 12 of this wristwatch, the cylindrical member 15 having the connection projection section 18 provided on the cylinder main body section 15a and the connecting pin 16 are formed of a high-strength titanium alloy, which enhances the corrosion resistance and strength of the cylindrical member 15 and the connecting pin 16. As a result of this structure, the strength of the cylindrical member 15 and the connecting pin 16 is ensured.

More specifically, in the connection member 12 of this wristwatch, the cylindrical member 15 having the connection projection section 18 provided on the cylinder main body section 15a and the connecting pin 16 are formed of α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy) where aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) have been mixed at a ratio of about 6:4. Thus, the connection member 12 of this wristwatch has properties of both α titanium alloy and βtitanium alloy, in which ductility and strength are especially well-balanced. As a result, the strength and the corrosion resistance level are further increased.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention has been applied in a wristwatch is described with reference to FIG. 4. Note that sections that are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are described using the same reference numerals.

This wristwatch has a substantially same structure as the first embodiment except that a connection member 20 which is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side has a structure different from the structure of the connection member 12 in the first embodiment.

More specifically, the connection member 20 includes a cylindrical member 21 having a pipe shape, connecting pins 16 which are connection sections to be inserted into both ends of the cylindrical member 21, and a spring member 22 which is arranged in the cylindrical member 21, and forces the connecting pins 16 in the end portions toward the outside through the sides 10 of the cylindrical member 21, as shown in FIG. 4.

In the present embodiment, the cylindrical member 21 includes a cylinder main body section 21a having a cylindrical shape. On the ends of this cylinder main body section 21a, stopper sections 21b are formed as with the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the connection member 20 is structured such that, even when the connecting pins 16 inserted into the end portions of the cylinder main body section 21a are forced in directions to be pressed outward by the spring force of the spring member 22 arranged inside the cylinder main body section 21a, the connecting pins 16 do not slip out of the end portions of the cylinder main body section 21a by the stopper sections 21b formed on the ends of the cylinder main body section 21a.

Here, the spring member 22 is formed such that its outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder main body section 21a, as shown in FIG. 4. Also, the axial length of the spring member 22 in a free state is equal to or longer than the axial length of the cylinder main body section 21a. As a result of this structure, when being arranged in the cylinder main body section 21a, the spring member 22 is in a compressed state. Then, by the spring force, the spring member 22 forces the connecting pins 16 on both sides in directions in which the connecting pins 16 are pressed outward.

This spring member 22 of the connection member 20 is formed of a corrosion-resisting material, as with the first embodiment. More specifically, this spring member 22 is formed of a titanium alloy having a spring property, that is, β titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a body-centered cubic structure called β-phase. This β titanium alloy is a material whose strength is highest among all the titanium alloys, and corrosion resistance level and workability level are high. In this embodiment as well, the titanium has a high corrosion resistance level by a strong titanium oxide coating being formed on the material surface.

Also, the connecting pins 16 are formed of a high-strength titanium alloy, whereby high corrosion resistance is achieved with high strength, as with the first embodiment. More specifically, each connecting pin 16 is formed of α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy) where aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) have been mixed at a ratio of about 6:4, and therefore has properties of both α titanium alloy and β titanium alloy, in which ductility and strength are especially well-balanced so as to further increase the corrosion resistance level and the strength.

On the other hand, the cylindrical member 21 is formed of titanium whose purity is high, that is, pure titanium (JIS2 species). This pure titanium is single-phase titanium constituted by only-phase where the crystal structure is a hexagonal close packed structure. The cylindrical member 21 formed of this pure titanium is inexpensive, and has a high corrosion resistance level with high strength.

Thus, when 64 titanium alloy is used for the connecting pins 16, β titanium alloy is used for the spring member 22, and pure titanium is used for the cylindrical member 21, the tensile strength (MPa), the proof stress (MPa), and the hardness (Hv) in descending order are the connecting pins 16, the spring member 22, and the cylindrical member 21. Also, the thermal conductivity [W/(mK)] and the degree of elongation (%) in descending order are the cylindrical member 21, the spring member 22, and the connecting pins 16.

Next, a procedure for attaching the bands 3 to the wristwatch case 1 is described.

In this attachment, the band keeper 11 is inserted into the other end section 5b side of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, and the buckle 10 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 by the connection member 20, as with the first embodiment. Here, before this attachment, the connection member 20 is assembled. In the assembly of the connection member 20, first, the coiled spring member 22 is arranged in the cylinder main body section 21a of the cylindrical member 21.

Then, the slide sections 16a of the two connecting pins 16 are inserted into the ends of the cylinder main body section 21a while the spring member 22 is being compressed. In this state, the open ends of the cylinder main body section 21a are swaged so as to form the ring-shaped stopper sections 21b on the ends of the cylinder main body section 21a. As a result, the slide sections 16a of the two connecting pins 16 are pressed against the stopper sections 21b on the ends of the cylinder main body section 21a by the spring force of the spring member 22, and the pin sections 16b of the connecting pins 16 are pushed out of the ends of the cylinder main body section 21a, whereby the assembly of the connection member 20 is ended.

Next, the buckle 10 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side by the connection member 20 assembled as described above. Here, the connection member 20 is attached to the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side while extending in the transverse direction of the first band main body 5, and the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 is attached to this connection member 20, as with the first embodiment. In the present embodiment as well, before this attachment, the lock attachment ring sections 14d provided on the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14 are arranged in the cutout sections 5d formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side while extending across the cylinder attachment hole 5c.

In this state, the cylinder main body section 21a of the connection member 20 is inserted into the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, as with the first embodiment. Here, the cylinder main body section 21a is inserted into the lock attachment ring sections 14d of the two pin lock sections 14a of the locking pin 14. As a result, the cylindrical member 21 is inserted into the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side, and the locking pin 14 is rotatably attached to the cylinder main body section 21a of the cylindrical member 21.

In addition, the pin sections 16b of the connecting pins 16 protruding from the ends of the cylinder main body section 21a are arranged protruding from the sides of the cylinder attachment hole 5c formed in the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. In this state, the buckle main body 13 of the buckle 10 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. In this attachment, the pin sections 16b of the connecting pins 16 of the connection member 20 protruding from the sides of the cylinder attachment hole 5c of the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side are pressed into the cylinder main body section 21a against the spring force of the spring member 22.

In this state, the pin sections 16b of the connecting pins 16 of the connection member 20 pressed into the cylinder main body section 21a is positioned corresponding to the lock attachment holes 13c formed in the locking side sections 13b on the side portions of the buckle main body 13. As a result, the pin sections 16b of the connecting pins 16 of the connection member 20 are pressed by the spring force of the spring member 22 toward the outside of the cylinder main body section 21a. Accordingly, the pin sections 16b of the connecting pins 16 pressed thereby are inserted into the lock attachment holes 13c formed in the locking side sections 13b of the side portions of the buckle main body 13.

Consequently, the buckle main body 13 is attached to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side by the connecting pins 16 of the connection member 20. Then, the first band main body 5 which is on the twelve o'clock side and to which the buckle 10 and the band keeper 11 have been attached is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 by the same procedure as the first embodiment. Similarly, the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side is attached to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1 by the same procedure as the first embodiment. This wristwatch where the bands 3 have been attached to the wristwatch case 1 as described above can be used in the same manner as the first embodiment.

As described above, the connection member 20 of this wristwatch includes the cylindrical member 21, the connecting pins 16 which are connection sections to be inserted into end portions of the cylindrical member 21, and the spring member 22 which is arranged in the cylindrical member 21 and forces the connecting pins 16 in the end portions toward the outside of the cylindrical member 21. In addition, the spring member 22 is formed of a corrosion-resisting material. Accordingly, the spring member 22 enhances the corrosion resistance, whereby corrosion is reliably and favorably prevented, as with the first embodiment.

That is, in the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch, the spring member 22 is formed of a titanium alloy having a spring property, whereby this spring member 17 reliably has a spring property, as with the first embodiment. In addition, since this spring member 22 is formed of a titanium alloy, the corrosion resistance is reliably enhanced, whereby corrosion is reliably prevented. In this embodiment as well, by a strong titanium oxide coating being formed on the material surface, the titanium achieves high corrosion resistance.

Also, in the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch, the spring member 22 is formed of a titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a body-centered cubic structure, which further raises the corrosion resistance level of the spring member 22, as with the first embodiment. In addition, since the workability of the titanium alloy whose crystal structure is a body-centered cubic structure is excellent, the spring member 22 can be easily and favorably manufactured. Here, since the spring member 22 is formed such that its axial length is equal to or longer than the axial length of the cylindrical member 21, the design and manufacture can be easily achieved as compared to a case where the axial length is short.

Also, in the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch, the connecting pins 16 are inserted into both ends of the cylindrical member 21. As a result of this structure, same components can be used for the connecting pins 16 that are inserted into the ends of the cylindrical member 21, which simplifies the structure and assembly work.

Moreover, in the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch, the cylindrical member 21 is formed of titanium whose purity is high, that is, pure titanium, and therefore has a high corrosion resistance level with high strength. That is, by being formed using the pure titanium which is single-phase titanium constituted by only α-phase where the crystal structure is a hexagonal close packed structure, the cylindrical member 21 is inexpensive, and has a high corrosion resistance level with high strength.

Furthermore, in the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch, the connecting pins 16 are formed of a high-strength titanium alloy which enhances the corrosion resistance and strength of the connecting pins 16, as with the first embodiment. As a result of this structure, the strength of each connecting pin 16 is ensured.

In the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch as well, the connecting pins 16 are formed of α-β titanium alloy (64 titanium alloy) where aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) have been mixed at a ratio of about 6:4. Thus, the connecting pins 16 have properties of both α titanium alloy and βtitanium alloy, in which ductility and strength are especially well-balanced. As a result, in the case of the connection member 20 of this wristwatch, the strength and the corrosion resistance level are further increased.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the connection member 12 or 20 is used to attach the buckle 10 to the other end section 5b of the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the connection member 12 in the first embodiment or the connection member 20 in the second embodiment is used in place of the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side which attaches the first band main body 5 on the twelve o'clock side to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1, or the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side which attaches the second band main body 6 on the six o'clock side to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the first band main body 5 and the second band main body 6 are formed of a synthetic resin such as synthetic leather or urethane resin. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the above-described bands are metal bands 24 including a first band main body 25 and a second band main body 26, as shown in a modification example of FIG. 5.

In this modification example, the first band main body 25 and the second band main body 26 have structures where a plurality of metal band pieces 27 have been sequentially connected by the connection member 12 in the first embodiment being plurally used or the connection member 20 in the second embodiment being plurally used, as shown in FIG. 5. In this modification example as well, a metal connection fitting 28 which connects an end of the first band main body 25 and an end of the second band main body 26 to each other is attached to the first band main body 25 and the second band main body 26 by the connection member 12 in the first embodiment being plurally used or the connection member 20 in the second embodiment being plurally used.

In this modification example as well, the connection member 12 in the first embodiment or the connection member 20 in the second embodiment may be used in place of the screw member 9 on the twelve o'clock side which attaches the first band main body 25 on the twelve o'clock side to the band attachment section 4 on the twelve o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1, or the screw member 9 on the six o'clock side which attaches the second band main body 26 on the six o'clock side to the band attachment section 4 on the six o'clock side of the wristwatch case 1.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 includes the two pin lock sections 14a, and the plurality of band holes 6c into which the two pin lock sections 14a are inserted is formed in two lines in the second band main body 6 while extending in the longitudinal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the locking pin 14 of the buckle 10 includes only one pin lock section, and the plurality of band holes 6c into which this one pin lock section is inserted is formed in a line in the second band main body 6 while extending in the longitudinal direction.

Moreover, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical member 15 in the first embodiment and the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical member 21 in the second embodiment are circular. However, in the case of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical member 15 or 21 is not necessarily required to be circular, and may be polygonal such as quadrilateral, pentagonal, and hexagonal.

Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the spring members 17 and 22 are formed of β titanium alloy. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the material of the spring members 17 and 22 may be any material as long as its corrosion resistance level is high. For example, the spring members 17 and 22 may be formed using gold, platinum, chromium, etc.

Still further, in the above-described first and second embodiments and the modification example, the present invention has been applied to in a wristwatch. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the specific configuration, structure, and positional relationship shown in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modification example may be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not necessarily required to be applied in wristwatches and may be applied in bands for clothes, handbags, and briefcases.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is intended that the invention be not limited by any of the details of the description therein but includes all the embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

CONNECTION MEMBER, BAND AND TIMEPIECE

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Priority Claims (1)