Clasp and Timepiece

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2024-093551, filed Jun. 10, 2024 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to a clasp used as a band such as a timepiece band or a decorative tool band, and a timepiece including the clasp.

JP-A-9-56425 discloses a push clasp in which a push operation of a push button can release an engagement between an engagement portion of the push button and an engagement pin of a front panel, and the push operation of the push button can be restricted by moving a lock member. In the push clasp, the lock member is moved to restrict the push operation of the push button, so that it is possible to prevent the engagement of the clasp from being released by an unintended push operation during the diving of a diver and a wristwatch from being dropped.

In the push clasp of JP-A-9-56425, when the lock member is erroneously moved to a position where the push operation is restricted in a state where the engagement of the clasp is released, the engagement portion of the push button and the engagement pin of the front panel cannot be engaged with each other, and there is a problem that the lock member needs to be operated again.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a clasp that couples a first band and a second band, the clasp including a coupling member coupled to a first band side and including an engaged portion, and a clasp main body coupled to a second band side, in which the clasp main body includes an engagement member configured to move to an engagement position where the engagement member is configured to engage with the engaged portion and a release position where the engagement member is configured to release an engagement with the engaged portion, an operation member that moves the engagement member from the engagement position to the release position, and a lock member configured to move to an operation restriction position where an operation of the operation member is restricted and an operation permission position where the operation of the operation member is permitted, the engagement member is configured to be engaged with the engaged portion without operating the operation member in a state where the engagement member is not engaged with the engaged portion, and the engagement is released by moving the engagement member to the release position by the operation member in a state where the engagement member is engaged with the engaged portion, and when the lock member is moved to the operation restriction position, the engagement member is restricted from being moved to the release position by the operation member.

The timepiece of the present disclosure includes a clasp, the first band, and the second band coupled to the clasp.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As illustrated in, a wristwatchas a timepiece is provided with an exterior case, a first band, and a second band. Each of bowsA is integrally provided in the six o'clock direction and the twelve o'clock direction of the exterior case. The first bandis coupled to the bowA in the six o'clock direction using a coupling pin, and the second bandis coupled to the bowA in the twelve o'clock direction using a coupling pin. The first bandand the second bandare constituted by coupling the plurality of band blockswith pins (not illustrated). Open end portions of the first bandand the second bandare fastened to each other by a claspillustrated in.

is a perspective view of the claspin an open state of a middle fold member, andis an exploded perspective view of the clasp. In the following description, the X axis is an axis along the longitudinal direction of the first bandand the second band. The Y axis is an axis along the width direction of the first bandand the second band, and is orthogonal to the X axis. The Z axis is an axis orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis. On the X axis, the direction from the clasp main bodyto the first bandis referred to as an X1 direction, and the direction from the clasp main bodyto the second bandis referred to as an X2 direction. One direction of the Y axis is referred to as a Y1 direction, and the other direction is referred to as a Y2 direction. On the Z axis, the direction in which the clasp coveris separated from the middle fold memberis referred to as a Z1 direction, and the direction in which the clasp coverapproaches the middle fold memberis referred to as a Z2 direction. In addition, the Z1 direction side of the clasp main bodymay be expressed as the front surface side of the clasp, the Z2 direction side may be expressed as the rear surface side of the clasp, the Y1 direction side may be expressed as the left side, and the Y2 direction side may be expressed as the right side.

As illustrated in, the claspis provided with a middle fold memberand a clasp main body. The middle fold memberis provided with a middle plateand an outer plate. The middle plateis a member elongated along the X axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the first band, and an end portion on the X1 direction side is rotatably coupled to the first bandby a coupling pin. An end portion of the middle plateon the X2 direction side is rotatably coupled to one end portion of the outer plateby a coupling pin. In addition, the middle plateis provided with a lock pinas an engaged portion that protrudes to the front surface side. Therefore, the middle plateis a coupling member coupled to the first bandside and has an engaged portion. In addition, the lock pinis provided with a shaft portionprotruding from the middle plateand an umbrella portionprovided at a tip end of the shaft portion. The outer plateis provided with a shaft portionrotatably coupled to the clasp main body, and a pair of outer plate armsextending from both ends of the shaft portionin the Y axis direction along the X axis direction and disposed on both left and right sides of the middle plate. As described above, a tip end of the outer plate armis rotatably coupled to the end portion of the middle plateby the coupling pin. Therefore, when the middle fold memberis folded, the outer plate armis disposed on both left and right sides of the middle plate, each of the front surface and the rear surface of the middle plateand the outer plateis positioned on substantially the same plane, and the lock pinis constituted to protrude from the front surface of the middle plateand the outer plate.

As illustrated in, the clasp main bodyis provided with a clasp cover, a clasp frame portion, a clasp coupling portion, an engagement unit, and a lock mechanism.

As illustrated in, the clasp coveris provided with a plate-shaped front surface portioncurved in an arc shape along the X axis direction, and a pair of side wall portionsprotruding from an outer edge in the Y axis direction when viewed from the front surface side of the front surface portionto the rear surface side. On the front surface portion, a pair of protrusion portionscontinuous along the X axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the clasp cover, is formed at a predetermined interval in the Y axis direction. In addition, an elongated holealong the X axis direction is formed between the protrusion portionsof the front surface portion.

Each of the side wall portionsis provided with the elongated holealong the X axis direction. Each push button, which will be described later, is disposed in the elongated hole. In addition, the pair of side wall portionsis formed with through-holesandinto which screwsfor fixing the clasp coverto the clasp frame portionare inserted.

As illustrated in, the clasp frame portionis provided with a pair of framescoupled to the shaft portionof the outer plateby a coupling pin(refer to). Each of the framesis fixed to each side wall portionof the clasp coverwith a screw. Each of the framesis formed with a guide groove portionin which a coupling position with the clasp coupling portioncan be changed in a plurality of stages.

The clasp coupling portionis coupled to the second bandand is provided with a holding unitthat holds an engagement pinengaged with the guide groove portion. The engagement pinis disposed between the clasp coverand the clasp frame portion. The holding unitis biased to the clasp frame portionside with respect to the clasp coverby a built-in spring, and engages the engagement pinwith the guide groove portion. By pushing the holding unitfrom the rear surface side toward the clasp coverside, the engagement pincan be moved to the other guide groove portion, and thus the clasp coverand the clasp frame portioncan be slid with respect to the second bandin a plurality of stages.

As illustrated in, the engagement unitis provided with a guide frame, a pair of slide platesas engagement members, a pair of coil springsas biasing members, and a pair of push buttonsas operation members. The guide frameis provided with a bottom surface portion, side surface portionsand, and guide portionsand. The bottom surface portionis formed in a rectangular plate shape, and an insertion holeinto which the lock pinis inserted is formed. The side surface portionsandare formed to protrude from the outer edge of the bottom surface portionin the X1 direction and the X2 direction toward the front surface side. The interval between the side surface portionsandin the X axis direction is a dimension that matches the width dimension of the slide plate. A rectangular recessed groovein which a lock memberdescribed later is disposed is formed at the central position of the side surface portionin the Y axis direction. The guide portionsare projected from the side surface portionin the X2 direction, and a pair of the guide portionsis formed in the left and right sides sandwiching the recessed groove. The guide portionis formed in a substantially ¼ circular shape in a plan view, and has a shape along the lock member. The guide portionis projected from the side surface portionin the X1 direction and is continuously formed along the Y axis direction. Therefore, the length dimension of the guide portionin the Y axis direction is set to a length dimension reaching from one guide portionto the other guide portion. The bottom surface portionand the guide portionsandare separated from each other in the Z axis direction. Therefore, when the pair of slide platesis inserted between the bottom surface portionand the guide portionsand, the slide platesare disposed to be movable only in the Y axis direction. In addition, the interval between the guide portionand the guide portionin the X axis direction is set to a dimension in which the lock member, which will be described later, can be moved to an operation restriction position and an operation permission position.

As illustrated in, each slide plateis provided with a main body portion, an engagement portion, and a coupling portionthat couples the main body portionand the engagement portion. The engagement portionof one slide plateis disposed between the engagement portionof the other slide plateand the main body portion. Similarly, the engagement portionof the other slide plateis disposed between the engagement portionof one slide plateand the main body portion. Therefore, when each of the engagement portionsis disposed to face each other, and each of the slide platesapproaches each other, each of the engagement portionsmoves in a direction in which the engagement portionsare separated, and when each of the slide platesmoves in a direction in which the slide platesare separated, each of the engagement portionsmoves in a direction in which the engagement portionsapproach each other. Therefore, the pair of slide platesas the engagement members can be moved between an engagement position where the pair of engagement portionsis close to each other and can be engaged with the lock pinas an engaged portion, and a release position where the pair of engagement portionsis separated from each other and the engagement with the lock pinas an engaged portion can be released. As illustrated in, a first recessed groove portionthat holds the lock memberat the operation restriction position and a second recessed groove portionthat holds the lock memberat the operation permission position are formed in the end surface of the main body portionin the Y axis direction. The first recessed groove portionand the second recessed groove portionare partitioned by a protrusion. As illustrated in, on the facing surfaces of the engagement portionsfacing each other, inclined surfacesinclined in a direction away from each other from the front surface side toward the rear surface side are formed. The inclined surfaceis continuously formed from the intermediate position on the facing surface of the engagement portionin the Z axis direction to the lower end in the Z2 direction. Therefore, each engagement portionhas a claw shape in which the thickness dimension in the Z axis direction is reduced toward the engagement portionfacing each other.

As illustrated in, the coil springas a biasing member is disposed between the main body portionand the coupling portion, and biases the pair of slide platesin a direction in which the slide platesare separated from each other in the Y axis direction. When each slide platemoves in a direction in which the slide platesare separated from each other, each engagement portionmoves in a direction in which the engagement portionsapproach each other. At this time, when the shaft portionof the lock pinis disposed between the engagement portions, the interval between the engagement portionsis smaller than that of the umbrella portionand is prevented from falling out, and thus, each engagement portioncan be engaged with the lock pinas an engaged portion.

The pair of push buttonsis an operation member that moves each of the pair of slide platesas an engagement member from the engagement position to the release position. The push buttonis provided with a button main bodyand a flange portionformed in an end surface of the button main body. The button main bodyis inserted into the elongated holeof the side wall portionfrom the inside of the clasp cover, and the flange portionis locked to the side wall portion, so that the push buttonis prevented from falling out to the outside. In addition, a storage grooveis formed along the Z axis direction on the end surface of the button main bodyin which the flange portionis formed. The storage grooveis formed at a position facing the second recessed groove portionof the slide platein the Y axis direction. In each push button, the end surface on which the flange portionis formed abuts on the slide plate, and the slide plateis biased in a direction in which the slide plateis separated from each other by the coil spring. Therefore, each push buttonis also biased in a direction in which the push buttonsare separated from each other in the Y axis direction, the flange portionabuts on the inner surface of the side wall portion, and the button main bodyprotrudes from the elongated holeto the outside of the side wall portion. In addition, when the button main bodyof the push buttonis pressed by the user and approaches each other, each slide platemoves in a direction in which the slide platesapproach each other in the Y axis direction, and each engagement portionmoves in a direction in which the engagement portionsare away from each other. At this time, when each engagement portionis engaged with the lock pin, the interval between the engagement portionsis larger than the diameter of the umbrella portionof the lock pin, and the engagement portioncan be released from the lock pin. Furthermore, since the inclined surfaceis formed in the engagement portionof the slide plate, when the umbrella portionof the lock pinabuts on the inclined surfacefrom the rear surface side of the engagement portion, the inclined surfaceis pushed to the outside by the umbrella portion. Therefore, the slide platemoves in a direction in which the slide platesapproach each other against the biasing force of the coil spring, and the engagement portionsmove in a direction in which the engagement portionsare separated from each other. When the umbrella portionpasses over the engagement portion, the slide plateis biased in a direction away from each other by the coil spring, the engagement portionsapproach each other, and are engaged with the shaft portionof the lock pin.

The lock mechanismis set to switch between an operation restriction state in which the push operation of the push buttonas an operation member is restricted and an operation permission state in which the push operation is permitted. As illustrated in, the lock mechanismis provided with a lock member, a movement operation memberthat moves the lock member, and a fixing screwthat fixes the movement operation memberto the lock member.

The lock memberis provided with a main body portiondisposed in the recessed grooveof the guide frame, a pair of extension portionsextending from the main body portionin each of the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, and a pair of restriction portionshaving a round shaft shape protruding from the tip end of each extension portionin the Z2 direction. Therefore, when the main body portionand the extension portionare disposed on the front surface side of the slide plate, that is, on the Z1 direction side, the restriction portionprotruding on the Z2 direction side from the main body portionand the extension portioncan be engaged with the first recessed groove portionand the second recessed groove portion. The main body portionis formed with a through-holepenetrating in the Z axis direction and a groove portionopened on the X2 direction side. By forming the groove portion, it is possible to prevent the lock memberfrom interfering with the umbrella portionof the lock pin.

The movement operation memberis provided with an operation paneldisposed between the protrusion portionsof the clasp coverand slide-operated by the user in the X axis direction, and a fixing shaft portionprojecting from the lower surface of the operation paneland inserted into the elongated holeof the clasp coverand the through-holeof the lock member. The operation panelis provided with a logo display portionon which a logo is displayed. The logo displayed on the logo display portionincludes at least one of a character, a number, a symbol, and a figure, and represents a brand or a manufacturer of the timepiece.

As illustrated in, two protrusion portionsare formed in the lower surface of the operation panelalong the X axis direction. The contact area between the operation paneland the front surface portioncan be reduced by the protrusion portion, and the operation panelcan be smoothly slid and moved. There is a possibility that the front surface portionmay be scratched by the contact of the protrusion portionwith the front surface portion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length dimension of the protrusion portionin the X axis direction is shorter than that of the operation panel, and the protrusion portionis always covered with the operation panelin the range where the protrusion portioncomes into contact with the front surface portionwhen the operation panelslides. Therefore, even when the front surface portionis damaged, the scratch is not exposed on the front surface side of the clasp main body. The fixing screwis screwed into the fixing shaft portioninserted through the through-holesandwiching the lock member, and fixes the movement operation memberto the lock member. Therefore, the lock memberand the movement operation memberare integrally moved in the X axis direction. As illustrated in, a recessed portionin which a head portion of the fixing screwis stored is formed in the rear surface of the lock member. When the lock memberis moved in the X axis direction by sliding the movement operation member, and the restriction portionmoves between the first recessed groove portionand the second recessed groove portion, the restriction portionis configured to push the protrusionand move the slide platein the direction in which the slide platesapproach each other, so that the restriction portioncan be moved over the protrusion. When the restriction portionmoves to the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portionover the protrusion, the slide platemoves in a direction in which the slide plateis separated from each other by the biasing force of the coil spring, and the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portionabuts on the restriction portion. Therefore, when the user slides the movement operation member, the click feeling is transmitted when the restriction portionpasses over the protrusion, and the user can recognize that the lock memberis moved to the operation restriction position or the operation permission position.

In addition, since the slide plateis biased in a direction in which the slide platesare separated from each other by the coil spring, the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portionof the slide plateis pressed against the restriction portionof the lock member. Therefore, the lock memberis maintained in one state of an operation restriction position where the restriction portionis disposed in the first recessed groove portionor an operation permission position where the restriction portionis disposed in the second recessed groove portion, unless the user slides the movement operation member. That is, the restriction portionof the lock memberis engaged with the first recessed groove portion, and thus the lock memberis held at the operation restriction position. Therefore, a positioning portion is configured with the restriction portion, and a holding portion is configured with the first recessed groove portion.

Next, an operation permission state and an operation restriction state of the push buttonby the lock mechanismwill be described with reference to.

A state in which the movement operation memberis moved to the X1 direction side is an operation permission state. In the operation permission state, as illustrated in, the lock memberis moved to the X1 direction side, and the restriction portionis positioned in the second recessed groove portionof the slide plate. Even in the operation permission state illustrated in, each slide plateis biased in a direction in which the slide platesare separated from each other by the coil spring, and each engagement portionis moved in a direction in which the engagement portionsapproach each other and is engaged with the lock pin. In addition, the slide plateabuts on the push button, and the push buttonis biased to a state where the flange portionabuts on the side wall portion.

In the operation permission state, the restriction portionis disposed at a position facing the storage grooveof the push button. Therefore, as illustrated in, when the user performs a push operation of the push button, the restriction portionis stored in the storage groove, and the push buttoncan be pushed. As a result, the pair of slide platesmoves in the direction of approaching each other and moves to the release position. Therefore, the interval between the engagement portionsis larger than the umbrella portionof the lock pin, and the engagement state with the lock pincan be released. In the present embodiment, the release position of the slide plateis a position where one engagement portionabuts on the other main body portion, and is a position where the restriction portionabuts on the bottom portion of the storage groove. Therefore, the user can reliably move the slide plateto the release position by pressing the push buttonuntil the push buttoncannot be moved.

A state in which the movement operation memberis moved to the X2 direction side is the operation restriction state. In the operation restriction state, as illustrated in, the lock memberis moved to the X2 direction side, and the restriction portionis held at the first recessed groove portionof the slide plate. Even in the operation restriction state illustrated in, each slide plateis biased in a direction in which the slide platesare separated from each other by the coil spring, and each engagement portionis moved in a direction in which the engagement portionsapproach each other and is engaged with the lock pin.

In the operation restriction state, the restriction portionis disposed at a position that does not face the storage grooveof the push button. Therefore, even when the user performs a push operation of pushing the push button, since the push buttonabuts on the restriction portion, the movement of the push buttonis restricted. Therefore, the operation of the push buttonis restricted, the slide plateis maintained in a separated state by the coil spring, and the engagement state between the lock pinand the engagement portionis also maintained.

Next, a method of wearing the wristwatchon the wrist of the user will be described. In the operation restriction state illustrated in, the lock memberrestricts the push operation of the push button, but does not restrict the movement of the pair of slide platesin the direction of approaching each other. Therefore, as illustrated in, in a state where the middle plateand the outer plateof the middle fold memberare open, not only when the lock memberis at the operation permission position, that is, the restriction portionis positioned in the second recessed groove portion, but also when the lock memberis at the operation restriction position, that is, the restriction portionis positioned in the first recessed groove portion, the middle plateand the outer plateare closed and the slide plateof the clasp main bodyis pressed against the lock pin. Therefore, the wristwatchcan be worn by engaging the slide platewith the lock pinwithout performing the push operation of the push button. That is, the upper end of the lock pinis a conical trapezoidal umbrella portion, and the diameter of an upper bottom of the umbrella portionis smaller than the diameter of a lower bottom of the umbrella portion. In addition, the lower side of the facing surfaces of the pair of engagement portionsis an inclined surfaceinclined in a direction away from each other. The dimension between the lower ends of each inclined surfaceis larger than the diameter of the upper bottom of the umbrella portion, and the dimension between the upper ends of each inclined surfaceis smaller than the diameter of the lower bottom of the umbrella portion. Therefore, when the middle fold memberis closed and the umbrella portionis inserted between the engagement portions, the side surface of the umbrella portionabuts on the inclined surface, and the pair of engagement portions, that is, the pair of slide platesis pushed outward against the biasing force of the coil spring. Therefore, the side surface of the umbrella portionof the lock pinas the engaged portion and the inclined surfaceof the slide plateas the engagement member are guide surfaces that move the slide platefrom the engagement position to the release position against the biasing force of the coil springwhen the engagement portionof the slide plateabuts on the lock pin. Furthermore, when the clasp main bodyis pushed toward the middle plateside, the umbrella portionof the lock pinis removed from the facing surface of the engagement portion, and the shaft portionis disposed between the engagement portions. Therefore, the engagement portionwhich is pushed by the umbrella portionmoves in the direction in which the engagement portionsapproach each other by the biasing force of the coil spring. As a result, each engagement portionabuts on and engages with the shaft portionof the lock pin. In this manner, the wristwatchcan be worn on the wrist.

Next, a method of locking the wristwatchso that the wristwatchis not removed from the wrist by diving or the like will be described. When the wristwatchis worn on the wrist and in a case in which the lock memberis at the operation permission position, the movement operation membermay be moved to the X2 direction side, and may be moved to the operation restriction position where the restriction portionof the lock memberis held at the first recessed groove portion. In addition, when the wristwatchis worn on the wrist, the state may be maintained when the lock memberis already at the operation restriction position. When the lock memberis at the operation restriction position, even in a case in which an unintended external force is applied to the push button, the push buttonis restricted from being pushed by the restriction portionof the lock member, and it is possible to prevent the engagement between the lock pinand the slide platefrom being released.

Next, a method of removing the wristwatchfrom the wrist will be described. When the wristwatchis removed, in a case in which the lock memberis at the operation restriction position, the movement operation memberis moved to the X1 direction side to move the lock memberto the operation permission position. As a result, the restriction portionof the lock membercan move to the second recessed groove portion, and the push buttonis in an operable state. In a state where the lock memberis at the operation permission position, each of the push buttonsis pressed to move the engagement portionin a direction away from each other, and the middle plateand the outer platethat are folded are opened in a state where the engagement between the lock pinand the slide plateis released. As a result, the umbrella portionof the lock pinpasses through a space between the engagement portionsand is pulled out from an insertion holeof the guide frame. In this manner, the wristwatchcan be removed from the wrist.

According to the claspof the first embodiment, the push operation of the push buttonis restricted by moving the lock memberto the operation restriction position, and the slide platecannot be moved to the release position. Therefore, even when an unintended external force is applied to the push button, the engagement between the slide plateand the lock pincan be maintained. Therefore, by moving the lock memberto the operation restriction position, it is possible to reliably prevent the claspfrom being removed during the diving or the like. In addition, since the slide plateand the push buttonare configured separately and the lock memberhas a structure that restricts only the push operation of the push button, the slide platecan be engaged with the lock pinwithout operating the push buttonin a state where the slide plateis not engaged with the lock pin. Therefore, even when the lock memberis erroneously moved to the operation restriction position at the time of opening the clasp, that is, in a state where the slide plateis not engaged with the lock pinby opening the middle fold member, the slide platecan be moved to be engaged with the lock pin. Therefore, the arm can be reliably worn with the wristwatchhaving the claspwithout the claspin a state of not being closed or being damaged by forcibly closing the clasp.

In a state where the lock memberis moved to the operation permission position, the claspcan be opened by operating the push button. Therefore, in daily use, the operability when wearing or removing the wristwatchdoes not deteriorate, and the wristwatchcan be used in the same operation as a normal clasp not provided with the lock mechanism.

Since the slide plateabuts on the push buttonby the coil spring, it is not necessary to separately provide a spring that biases the push button, which is separate from the slide plate, and the number of components can be reduced accordingly, and the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since the push operation of the push buttoncan be restricted only by disposing the restriction portionof the lock memberbetween the slide plateand the push button, it is not necessary to adopt a complicated structure, and the cost can be reduced in this respect. In addition, when the restriction portionof the lock memberis disposed in the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portion, since the slide plateis biased to the restriction portionside by the coil spring, the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portioncan abut on the restriction portion. Therefore, the restriction portioncan be reliably held at the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portion, and even when the arm to which the wristwatchis worn moves, the lock membercan be held at the operation restriction position or the operation permission position. Furthermore, when the movement operation memberis operated to move the restriction portionof the lock memberbetween the first recessed groove portionand the second recessed groove portion, the restriction portionabuts on the protrusionand pushes the slide plateagainst the biasing force of the coil spring. Therefore, resistance occurs when the movement operation memberis operated. After the lock memberis slid, the first recessed groove portionor the second recessed groove portionabuts on the restriction portion, and the resistance at the time of sliding is also eliminated. Therefore, the position of the slide platecan be fixed, and a click feeling at the time of operation can be obtained. In addition, since these functions use the biasing force of the coil spring, the resistance force during the sliding movement can also be reduced, the operability of the movement operation memberdoes not deteriorate, and the durability when the lock memberis repeatedly moved can also be improved.

The lock memberis disposed between the front surface portionof the clasp coverand the engagement unit, and the lock memberand the engagement unitare disposed to be overlapped in the Z axis direction. Therefore, the length dimension of the clasp main bodyin the X axis direction can be shortened as compared with a case where the lock member is disposed on the side of the engagement unit, that is, in the X axis direction. In addition, since the groove portionis formed in the lock memberto prevent interference with the lock pin, it is not necessary to dispose the lock memberto be shifted in the X axis direction with respect to the lock pin, and the length dimension of the clasp main bodyin the X axis direction can be shortened in this respect. In addition, since it is not necessary to set the height position of the lock memberin the Z axis direction to be higher than that of the umbrella portionof the lock pin, the thickness dimension of the clasp main bodycan also be reduced.

The lock memberand the movement operation memberare coupled to each other with the fixing screwvia the elongated holeof the clasp cover. Therefore, the width dimension of the movement operation memberin the Y axis direction can be shorter than that of the lock member, the movement operation membercan be disposed at the center in the width direction on the front surface portionof the clasp cover, and the elongated holecan be hidden. Therefore, the appearance of the claspcan be improved. Since the logo display portionis provided on the movement operation member, the logo such as the brand or the manufacturer can be displayed, the brand name or the manufacturer name can be emphasized, and the appearance of the claspcan be further improved. In addition, since the movement operation memberis coupled to the lock memberwith the fixing screw, the movement operation membercan be replaced, and the maintenance can be easily performed when the movement operation memberis scratched or the like. Furthermore, the material of the movement operation membercan be different from that of the lock member, and customization using different materials can be realized.

A claspB of a second embodiment will be described with reference to. In each of the second embodiment and the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted. The claspB is provided with a clasp coverB, an engagement unit, and a lock mechanismB. The clasp coverB is formed with a flat rectangular openingB. The engagement unithas the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is provided with the guide frame, the slide plate, the coil spring, and the push button. The lock mechanismB is provided with a lock memberB. The lock memberB is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped main body portionB, a pair of restriction portionsB protruding from the lower surface of the main body portionB, and an operation lever portionB protruding from the main body portionB to the front surface side. For example, the lock memberB can be formed of an injection molded product made of synthetic resin. The operation lever portionB protrudes from the main body portionB to the front surface side, and is inserted into the openingB formed in the clasp coverB to protrude to the front surface side of the clasp coverB. In, in order to make the slide plateand the push buttoneasy to see, a part of the components such as the lock mechanismB, the coil spring, the lock pin, and the openingB are illustrated by various dotted lines.

Also in the claspB of the second embodiment, the operation lever portionB is slid and moved in the X axis direction in the openingB. Therefore, the restriction portionB of the lock memberB can be moved from one to the other of the first recessed groove portion, which is the operation restriction position, and the second recessed groove portion, which is the operation permission position. By positioning the restriction portionB in the first recessed groove portion, the push operation of the push buttoncan be restricted. By positioning the restriction portionB in the second recessed groove portion, the push operation of the push buttoncan be permitted. Therefore, also in the claspB of the second embodiment, by moving the lock memberB to the operation restriction position, even when the push buttonis unintentionally pressed during the diving or the like, the engagement state between the lock pinand the slide platecan be maintained, and the same effect as that of the claspof the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the lock memberB provided with the main body portionB, the restriction portionB, and the operation lever portionB can be manufactured by integral molding, the workability of the assembly can be improved as compared with the lock mechanismin which the lock memberand the movement operation memberare assembled with the fixing screw.

A claspC of the third embodiment will be described with reference to. The claspC is provided with a clasp coverC, an engagement unitC, and a lock mechanismC. An opening grooveC is formed in the side surface of the clasp coverC on the X1 direction side. The engagement unitC is provided with the guide frame, the slide plateC, the coil spring, and the push buttonC. The first recessed groove portionC and a protrusionC are formed in the slide plateC. The push buttonC is formed with a storage grooveC on the X1 direction side from a position facing the apex of the protrusionC. The lock mechanismC is provided with a lock memberC. The lock memberC is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped main body portionC, a pair of extension portionsC extending from the main body portionC, and an operation lever portionC protruding from a short portion of the main body portionC in the X1 direction toward the front surface side. The main body portionC is disposed in the opening grooveC of the clasp coverC, and the operation lever portionC is disposed at a position protruding from the side surface of the clasp coverC on the X1 direction side. For example, the lock memberC can be formed of an injection molded product made of synthetic resin. A recessed portionis formed in the inner side surface of each extension portionC, and a tip end side of the recessed portionserves as a restriction portionC.

In the claspC of the third embodiment, the operation lever portionC protruding from the clasp coverC is slid and moved in the X axis direction. Therefore, the operation restriction state in which the restriction portionC of the lock memberC is disposed in the first recessed groove portionC as illustrated inand the operation permission state in which the restriction portionC of the lock memberC is disposed on the X1 direction side of the protrusionC as illustrated incan be switched. In order to switch from the operation permission state to the operation restriction state, it is necessary for the user to slide the operation lever portionC in the X2 direction so that the restriction portionC passes over the protrusionC. Therefore, the user does not switch from the operation permission state to the operation restriction state without operating the operation lever portionC. In addition, in the operation restriction state, the protrusionC is fitted in the recessed portion, and thus the lock memberC is held at the operation restriction position. Therefore, the user can switch the operation restriction state to the operation permission state only when the user slides the operation lever portionC in the X1 direction and the restriction portionC passes over the protrusionC. In the operation restriction state, as illustrated in, the restriction portionC is held at the first recessed groove portionC and abuts on the push buttonC, and thus, the push operation of the push buttonC can be restricted. In the operation permission state, as illustrated in, the restriction portionC is disposed at a position facing the storage grooveC, and thus, the push operation of the push buttonC can be permitted. Therefore, also in the claspC of the third embodiment, by moving the lock memberC to the operation restriction position, even when the push buttonC is unintentionally pressed during the diving or the like, the engagement state between the lock pinand the slide plateC can be maintained, and the same effect as that of the claspof the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the lock memberC is disposed on the X1 direction side of the slide plateC and is not disposed to overlap the slide plateC on the front surface side, the thickness dimension of the claspC can be reduced.

A claspD of a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to. The claspD is provided with a clasp coverD, an engagement unitC, and a lock mechanismD. An openingD is formed in the front surface of the clasp coverD. Since the engagement unitC has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted with the same reference numerals. The lock mechanismD is provided with a lock memberD and a movement operation memberD. The lock memberD is provided with a rod-shaped main body portionD, a pair of extension portionsD extending from the main body portionD, and a coupling portionD extending from the main body portionD in the X1 direction. The movement operation memberD is disposed on the front surface side of the clasp coverD, and is fixed to the coupling portionD with a pin or a screw through the openingD. A recessed portionis formed in the inner side surface of each extension portionD, and a tip end side of the recessed portionserves as a restriction portionD.

Also in the claspD of the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the movement operation memberD provided on the front surface side of the clasp coverD is slid and moved in the X axis direction. Therefore, the operation restriction state in which the restriction portionD of the lock memberD is disposed in the first recessed groove portionC as illustrated inand the operation permission state in which the restriction portionD of the lock memberD is disposed on the X1 direction side of the protrusionC as illustrated incan be switched. In the operation restriction state, as illustrated in, the restriction portionD is held at the first recessed groove portionC and abuts on the push buttonC, and thus, the push operation of the push buttonC can be restricted. In the operation permission state, as illustrated in, the restriction portionD is disposed at a position facing the storage grooveC, and thus, the push operation of the push buttonC can be permitted. Therefore, also in the claspD of the fourth embodiment, by moving the lock memberD to the operation restriction position, even when the push buttonC is unintentionally pressed during the diving or the like, the engagement state between the lock pinand the slide plateC can be maintained, and the same effect as that of the claspof the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the lock memberD is disposed on the X1 direction side of the slide plateC and is not disposed to overlap the slide plateC on the front surface side, the thickness dimension of the claspD can be reduced. Furthermore, since the movement operation memberD is provided, the logo can be displayed similarly to the movement operation member.

A claspE of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to. The claspE is provided with a clasp coverE, an engagement unitE, and a lock mechanismE. Two through-holesE are formed in the front surface of the clasp coverE. The engagement unitE is provided with the guide frame, a slide plateE, the coil spring, and a push buttonE. Here, the first recessed groove portionE is formed in the surface of the slide plateE facing the push buttonE. The lock mechanismE is provided with a lock memberE. The lock memberE is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped main body portionE and a pair of restriction portionsE protruding from the lower surface of the main body portionE. The main body portionE of the lock memberE is disposed on the front surface side of the clasp coverE and serves as a movement operation member. In addition, the pair of restriction portionsE of the lock memberE is formed in a round shaft shape and is inserted into the through-holesE of the clasp coverE.

In the claspE of the fifth embodiment, the main body portionE disposed on the front surface of the clasp coverE is moved in the Z axis direction. Therefore, the operation restriction state in which the restriction portionE of the lock memberE is positioned in the clasp coverE and is disposed in the first recessed groove portionE, as illustrated inand the operation permission state in which the restriction portionE of the lock memberE is pulled up from the inside of the clasp coverE and is not disposed in the first recessed groove portionE, as illustrated incan be switched. In the operation restriction state, as illustrated in, the restriction portionE is disposed in the first recessed groove portionE and abuts on the push buttonE, and thus, the push operation of the push buttonE can be restricted. In the operation permission state, as illustrated in, the restriction portionE is pulled up from the first recessed groove portionE to a position not facing the push buttonE, and thus, the push operation of the push buttonE can be permitted. Therefore, also in the claspE of the fifth embodiment, by moving the lock memberE to the operation restriction position, even when the push buttonE is unintentionally pressed during the diving or the like, the engagement state between the lock pinand the slide plateE can be maintained, and the same effect as that of the claspof the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the lock memberE has a simple shape including only the main body portionE and the restriction portionE, and the push buttonE has a simple shape without a storage groove, and thus the manufacturing cost of each of the components can be reduced.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope of achieving the object of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. The configurations of the engagement member and the engaged portion are not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which an engagement member moves in the X axis direction and engages with an engaged portion. That is, the engaged portion is constituted by forming a claw portion protruding in the X2 direction and an engagement groove opened in the X2 direction on a middle plate. In addition, the engagement member is provided which is biased on the X1 direction side and abuts on a push button on the inclined surface to move on the X2 direction side when the push button is pressed. Even in such a configuration, the same effect as that of each of the embodiments can be obtained by providing the lock member that can restrict the push operation of the push button. In addition, the operation member is not limited to the pair of push buttons, and may be one button, may be only a lever, a rotary knob, or the like, and may be a member that can move an engagement member such as a slide plateby an operation such as a push operation, a slide operation, or a rotation operation. A biasing unit is not limited to the coil springseparated from the slide plate, and various spring members such as a torsion spring can be used. Furthermore, a spring portion may be formed integrally with an engagement member such as the slide plateand the engagement member also may be served as a biasing member.

In the first embodiment, the first recessed groove portionand the second recessed groove portionare formed in the slide plate, but the first recessed groove portion and the second recessed groove portion may be formed in the push button. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the dimension of the second recessed groove portion in the Y axis direction is longer than that of the first recessed groove portionand the second recessed groove portion also serves as the storage groove. In another embodiment, a first recessed groove portion or a second recessed groove portion may be formed in the button side. In addition, the configuration in which the lock member is held at the operation restriction position or the operation permission position is not limited to the configuration in which the restriction portion that restricts the movement of the push button is engaged with the first recessed groove portion or the second recessed groove portion. For example, the lock member may be configured to be held at the operation restriction position or the operation permission position by forming a projection portion that is elastically deformable in a guide frame that guides the lock member in the sliding direction and forming a recessed portion on the lock member side. In addition, the lock memberand the movement operation memberare not limited to being coupled to each other with the fixing screw, and may be coupled to each other by bonding, welding, or the like. That is, the lock mechanism is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiments, and may be a member that can switch between the restriction and the permission of the operation of the operation member such as the push button. The claspis not limited to the timepiece band, and can also be used as a band for an ornament such as a bracelet or a necklace.

The present disclosure provides a clasp that couples a first band and a second band, the clasp including a coupling member coupled to a first band side and including an engaged portion, and a clasp main body coupled to a second band side, in which the clasp main body includes an engagement member configured to move to an engagement position where the engagement member is configured to engage with the engaged portion and a release position where the engagement member is configured to release an engagement with the engaged portion, an operation member that moves the engagement member from the engagement position to the release position, and a lock member configured to move to an operation restriction position where an operation of the operation member is restricted and an operation permission position where the operation of the operation member is permitted, regardless of whether the lock member is in the operation restriction position or the operation permission position, the engagement member is configured to be engaged with the engaged portion without operating the operation member in a state where the engagement member is not engaged with the engaged portion, and the engagement is released by moving the engagement member to the release position by the operation member in a state where the engagement member is engaged with the engaged portion, and when the lock member is moved to the operation restriction position, the engagement member is restricted from being moved to the release position by the operation member. According to the present disclosure, by moving the lock member to the operation restriction position, the movement of the engagement member to the release position is restricted, and the engagement state between the engagement member and the engaged portion can be maintained even when an unintended external force is applied to the operation member. Therefore, by moving the lock member to the operation restriction position, it is possible to prevent the clasp from being removed during the diving or the like. In addition, in a state where the engagement member and the operation member are separate, the lock member only restricts the operation of the operation member, and the engagement member is not engaged with the engaged portion, the engagement member can be engaged with the engaged portion without operating the operation member. Therefore, even when the lock member is erroneously moved to the operation restriction position in a state where the engagement of the clasp is released, that is, in a state where the engagement member is not engaged with the engaged portion, the engagement member can be engaged with the engaged portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the state in which the clasp does not close or the clasp from being damaged when trying to forcibly close the clasp.

In the present disclosure, the clasp main body may include a biasing member that biases the engagement member to an engagement position side, and at least one of the engaged portion and the engagement member may have a guide surface that moves the engagement member from the engagement position to the release position against a biasing force of the biasing member when the engagement member abuts on the engaged portion. In the present disclosure, when the engagement member abuts on the engaged portion, the engagement member can be moved from the engagement position to the release position against the biasing force of the biasing member. Therefore, from the state where the clasp is opened, the clasp can be easily closed only by abutting the coupling member and the clasp main body on each other.

In the clasp of the present disclosure, the lock member may include a positioning portion, the engagement member may include a holding portion with which the positioning portion is engaged, and the lock member may be held at the operation restriction position by the positioning portion being engaged with the holding portion. In the present disclosure, the positioning portion of the lock member is engaged with the holding portion of the engagement member, and thus the lock member can be held at the operation restriction position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lock member from moving to the operation permission position without operating by the user, and it is possible to reliably maintain the operation restriction state. In addition, when the lock member is moved to the operation restriction position, the positioning portion is engaged with the holding portion, and thus the user receives a click feeling, and can easily recognize that the lock member is moved to the operation restriction position.

In the clasp of the present disclosure, the lock member may include a movement operation member operated by a user, and the movement operation member may include a logo display portion on which a logo is displayed. In the present disclosure, the logo can be displayed on the movement operation member operated by the user in the lock member, and thus the brand power and the like can be enhanced.