Patent Description:
Conventionally, there has been known various kinds of connecting structures used for connecting a device body and a band of a wearable device such as a wristwatch to each other, or for connecting a plurality of pieces constituting the band to each other. In a typical connecting structure, two members of a connecting object are connected by a connecting pin inserted into through holes in the respective two members. A connecting structure of this kind is disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a band connecting structure comprising a locking element that requires rotation and depression using specialized tools, such as a screwdriver, to transition between locked and unlocked states. This structure primarily ensures the engagement or disengagement of bracelet links. The locking element, once in position, is irremovably held within a cavity, making it fixed and non-detachable. This design, although functional, necessitates a complex double-action process for operation and lacks provisions for easy maintenance or component replacement.

It discloses a bracelet link with a body traversed by a transverse channel, interrupted by a link portion for engaging a second link. It includes a bar that moves between an assembled position, crossing the link portion, and a free position. A locking member, movable between positions to lock or free the bar, is activated by direct user pressure on an associated pusher. An elastic member applies force to maintain the locking member in the locked position, enhancing the bracelet's assembly and disassembly simplicity.

<CIT> includes: an engaging recess that is located in the center of a connecting pin in its longitudinal direction and circles its circumference; and a pin catch that is provided in a storage space of one of the two members and moves in a direction perpendicular to the connecting pin. The engaging recess engages the tip of the pin catch, so that the connecting pin is caught so as not to come off the through holes.

In the connecting structure disclosed in <CIT>, the pin catch is prevented from falling by being stored in the storage space of one of the two members such that it cannot be removed from the storage space. Therefore, once pin catch is stored in the storage space, it is not possible to repair or replace the stored pin catch and other parts. Thus, there are problems related to maintenance, which requires a lot of time and money.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a connecting structure comprising:.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a wearable device comprising:.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a configuration of a timepiece <NUM> of the present embodiment.

The timepiece <NUM> (wearable device) is a wristwatch having a device body <NUM> and a band <NUM> used when worn on a wrist. The device body <NUM> has an outer member (case) and various components (for example, a dial, hands, mechanisms and circuits for operating the hands, and the like) incorporated in this outer member. In the following, the side of the device body <NUM> on which the hands are located is referred to as a front surface, and the side opposite to the front surface is referred to as a back surface. The device body <NUM> has band attachments 2a to which the band <NUM> is attached at respective portions corresponding to the <NUM> o'clock position and <NUM> o'clock position of the dial on an outer circumference of the outer member. On the other hand, the band <NUM> has attachment ends 3a that are attached to the respective two band attachments 2a. Each of the attachment ends 3a may be, for example, one of a plurality of pieces constituting the band <NUM>. The timepiece <NUM> has band connecting structures <NUM> (connecting structures) that each connect one of the band attachments 2a and one of the attachment ends 3a of the band <NUM> to each other. In other words, the band connecting structure <NUM> connects the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> to each other. There are two band connecting structures <NUM> corresponding to the two band attachments 2a. Each of the band connecting structures <NUM> connects the device body <NUM> (band attachment 2a) and the band <NUM> (attachment end 3a) and can be attached and detached in response to user operation. Therefore, the user can replace the band <NUM> according to his/her preference or situation. In the present embodiment, the device body <NUM> corresponds to a connecting object by the band connecting structures <NUM>, and the band <NUM> corresponds to a connected object by the band connecting structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the band connecting structure <NUM>.

The band attachment 2a of the device body <NUM> is on the outer circumference of the device body <NUM> and protrudes to form a connection protrusion. On the other hand, the attachment end 3a of the band <NUM> has a connection recess 3b shaped such that the band attachment 2a fits into the connection recess 3b. A pair of tips 3c of the attachment end 3a that are separated because of the connection recess 3b have respective band-side insertion holes <NUM> ((second) insertion hole) extending in the width direction of the band <NUM>. The band attachment 2a has a body-side insertion hole <NUM> ((first) insertion hole) extending in the width direction of the band <NUM>. When the band attachment 2a fits into the connection recess 3b of the attachment end 3a, the body-side insertion hole <NUM> and the two band-side insertion holes <NUM> are on a single line and communicate with each other, to form a single communicating insertion hole <NUM> through the band attachment 2a and the attachment end 3a. The band connecting structure <NUM> includes a connecting pin <NUM> that is inserted into this communicating insertion hole <NUM> and connect the band attachment2a and the attachment end 3a. When the connecting pin <NUM> is detached from the communicating insertion hole <NUM>, the connection between the band attachment 2a and the attachment end 3a can be released.

With reference to <FIG>, an overall configuration of the band connecting structure <NUM> is explained.

<FIG> is a diagonal view showing a configuration of the band connecting structure <NUM>. The band <NUM> is omitted, and the device body <NUM> is illustrated transparently in <FIG>, in order that the configuration of the band connecting structure <NUM> can be easily seen. In <FIG>, the back surface of the device body <NUM> is oriented upward. In the following, an XYZ coordinate system is used to explain the orientation of each member of the band connecting structure <NUM>. The X direction is parallel to an insertion axis A1 passing through the center of the insertion hole <NUM>. (In a view from the longitudinal direction of the body-side insertion hole <NUM> and the band-side insertion holes <NUM>, the insertion axis A1 passes through the center of their cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body-side insertion hole <NUM> and the band-side insertion holes <NUM>. ) The (+)Z direction is parallel to the thickness direction of the device body <NUM> and directed from the front surface to the back surface. The (+)Y direction is perpendicular to the X and Z directions and directed from the band <NUM> to the device body <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams each showing a cross section of the band connecting structure <NUM> perpendicular to the X direction. <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams each showing a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction of the band connecting structure <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the band <NUM> is omitted.

The band connecting structure <NUM> includes the connecting pin <NUM>, a pin catch <NUM>, a lid <NUM> (holder), and a spring <NUM> (biasing member). Among these, the spring <NUM> is omitted in <FIG>. The materials of the band attachment 2a, the attachment end 3a, the connecting pin <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM>, the lid <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> may be a metal such as a titanium alloy or stainless steel. However, the materials are not limited to a metal, but may be any materials of a certain level of strength such as a resin. The band attachment 2a has a recess <NUM> that communicates with the body-side insertion hole <NUM> from the back surface side in the -Z direction. The recess <NUM> extends in a direction parallel to the Z direction and perpendicular to the insertion axis A1. The pin catch <NUM> and the spring <NUM> are located in the recess <NUM> (stored in the recess <NUM>). The lid <NUM> is detachably attached to an opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is attached to the opening edge <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> and the spring <NUM> are stored in the recess <NUM> so as not to come off the recess <NUM>. The pin catch <NUM> can move in the Z direction in the recess <NUM>. <FIG> each show a cross section through the central axis A2 of the pin catch <NUM> (an axis passing the center of the cross section that is perpendicular to the moving directions of the pin catch <NUM>) located in the recess <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> is, for example, a compression coil spring, located between the bottom of the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM>, and biases the pin catch <NUM> toward the lid <NUM> (toward the opening of the recess <NUM>). When no force is externally applied to the pin catch <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> biased by the spring <NUM> keeps abutting on the lid <NUM>. Thus, the lid <NUM> holds the pin catch <NUM> in cooperation with the spring <NUM>. The lid <NUM> has an opening <NUM> through which the inside and the outside of the recess <NUM> are communicated (that is, the opening <NUM> penetrates the lid <NUM>). Through the opening <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> can be pushed (moved) in the -Z direction against the elastic force of the spring <NUM>. That is, the pin catch <NUM> can move in moving directions (Z direction, -Z direction) that are not parallel to the extending direction in which the insertion hole <NUM> extends (the direction of the insertion axis A1; X direction). The pin catch <NUM> has a pin insertion path 30a (cutout) at a portion where the insertion axis A1 passes having a size that allows the connecting pin <NUM> inserted into the body-side insertion hole <NUM> (communicating insertion hole <NUM>) to pass through. The connecting pin <NUM> has an almost round bar shape and has a first portion <NUM> and second portions <NUM> that are located on both sides of the first portion <NUM> and have a larger diameter than the first portion <NUM> (thicker than the first portion).

As shown in <FIG>, when the pin catch <NUM> is biased by the spring <NUM> to abut on the lid <NUM>, the step <NUM> between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> is caught by the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a of the pin catch <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). As a result, the pin catch <NUM> catches the connecting pin <NUM>. In the following, the position of the pin catch <NUM> in abutting on the lid <NUM> (when the pin catch <NUM> is held in response to cooperation of the spring <NUM> and the lid <NUM>) is referred to as a "first position". In the present embodiment, the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a in the pin catch <NUM> corresponds to a "pin engagement portion" that engages the step <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>.

On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, when the pin catch <NUM> is pushed through the opening <NUM> in response to user operation, for example, against the elastic force (biasing force) of the spring <NUM> and moves to a "second position (the position of the pin catch <NUM> shown in <FIG>)" which is on the -Z direction of the first position, the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a no longer catches the step <NUM>, and the entire connecting pin <NUM> can pass through the pin insertion path 30a. Therefore, the connecting pin <NUM> can be taken out of the body-side insertion hole <NUM> (communicating insertion hole <NUM>) to release the connection between the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM>.

Hereinafter, detailed configurations of the recess of the band attachment 2a and each part of the band connecting structure <NUM> are described.

As shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> has an opening edge <NUM> located at an end in the +Z direction and a major portion <NUM> located on the -Z direction of the opening edge <NUM>. The major portion <NUM> extends in the -Z direction beyond the body-side insertion hole <NUM>. The recess <NUM> (major portion <NUM>) has a bottom 40a (wall) parallel to the X-Y plane. A part of the major portion <NUM> intersects the body-side insertion hole <NUM>. The sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> corresponds to the sidewall surface among the walls of the recess <NUM> extending in the moving directions of the pin catch <NUM>. The sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> abuts on the side surface of the pin catch <NUM> (the side surface of the pin catch <NUM> extending in the moving directions of the pin catch <NUM>).

<FIG> is a diagram showing the recess <NUM> in a view from the +Z direction.

In <FIG>, the recess <NUM> is illustrated with the connecting pin <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM>, the lid <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> are removed. The shape of the major portion <NUM>, in a view from the direction in which the central axis A2 extends (hereinafter referred to as a "central axis A2 direction"), has a smaller size in the X direction (the first direction) than in the Y direction (second direction). The major portion <NUM> of the present embodiment has a shape of an oval (rounded rectangle) that is long in the Y direction in a view from the central axis A2 direction. In other words, the major portion <NUM> has a shape formed by hollowing out the band attachment 2a such that an oval cylinder, whose cross section perpendicular to the central axis A2 is an oval, is cut out from the band attachment 2a. The sidewall surface of the main part <NUM> has the shape of the side surface of the oval cylinder. The major portion <NUM> may have a shape formed by cutting out an elliptical cylinder from the band attachment 2a. In this case, the shape of the major portion <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction is an ellipse.

The opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> has a circular shape in a view from the central axis A2 direction, which fits into the outer circumference of the lid <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the opening edge <NUM> has a thread groove on its cylindrical sidewall surface for screwing the lid <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the central axis A2 of the pin catch <NUM> in the recess <NUM> does not intersect the insertion axis A1 of the body-side insertion hole <NUM>, but is shifted in the +Y direction relative to the insertion axis A1.

<FIG> are diagrams each showing the configuration of the lid <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the lid <NUM> in a view from the +Z direction, and <FIG> is a diagram showing a cross section of the lid <NUM> perpendicular to the X direction, passing through the center of the opening <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is an approximately cylindrical member having a base <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM>. The base <NUM> has the opening <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> protrude from the base <NUM> outwardly in the moving direction (+Z direction) of the pin catch <NUM>. The opening <NUM> penetrates the base <NUM> in the Z direction so that the inside and outside of the recess <NUM> are communicated. The opening <NUM> is at the center of the lid <NUM> in a view from the Z direction. The sidewall surface of the opening <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a cylindrical surface, but is not limited to this.

The side surface of the base <NUM> has a thread ridge <NUM> that fits into the thread groove on the sidewall of the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. This thread ridge <NUM> allows the base <NUM> of the lid <NUM> to be screwed into the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is thus detachably attached to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. The state in which the lid <NUM> is attached to the opening edge <NUM> is a "first state" in which the lid <NUM> holds the pin catch <NUM> in cooperation with the spring <NUM>.

On a top surface 50a (end surface in the +Z direction) that is opposite to a surface facing the spring <NUM> (on the side of the recess <NUM>), the protrusion <NUM> has a groove <NUM> that fits a tool (such as a screwdriver) used to rotate the lid <NUM> when attaching the lid <NUM> to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> and when detaching the lid <NUM> from the opening edge <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the groove <NUM> is formed in the X and Y directions to be a cross-shaped groove <NUM> that fits a Phillips screwdriver or the like, but is not limited to this. The groove <NUM> may have a straight line shape that fits a flat-blade screwdriver or the like, or may be a groove shaped to fit any other suitable tool (for example, a hexagonal wrench). Upon manufacture of the timepiece <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is attached to the opening edge <NUM> while the pin catch <NUM> and the spring <NUM> are stored in the recess <NUM>. When there is a problem (failure, deterioration, and the like) with the pin catch <NUM> and/or the spring <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> and/or the spring <NUM> can be taken out with the lid <NUM> removed, which allows for easy maintenance such as repair or replacement. The state in which the lid <NUM> is detached from the opening edge <NUM> is a "second state" in which the pin catch <NUM> can be detached from the recess <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is in the first state when attached to the device body <NUM> and is in the second state when detached from the device body <NUM>. That is, the lid <NUM> can be selectively operated to be in the first state and in the second state.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the connecting pin <NUM> inserted into the body-side insertion hole <NUM> (communicating insertion hole <NUM>) has the first portion <NUM> and the second portions <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is located in the center of the connecting pin <NUM> in the X direction and has a cylindrical shape. The second portions <NUM> are located on both sides of the first portion <NUM> and have a larger diameter than the first portion <NUM>. The cylindrical shape may have a tapered end(s) in the embodiment. The shape of the connecting pin <NUM> can be also described as a shape having a groove around the outer circumference at the first portion <NUM> so that the diameter of the first portion <NUM> is smaller than those of the adjacent second portions <NUM>. The connecting pin <NUM> of such a configuration has a step(s) <NUM> at a border between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion(s) <NUM>. The step <NUM> has a shelf-like stepping surface perpendicular to the X direction. The length of the first portion <NUM> in the X direction is slightly longer than the width of the pin catch <NUM> in the X direction. The end of the connecting pin <NUM> (the end of the second portion <NUM> opposite to the side of the first portion <NUM>) has a taper <NUM> with a chamfered corner on the end surface.

<FIG> are diagrams each showing a configuration of the pin catch <NUM>.

The pin catch <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>, a pusher <NUM> located on the +Z direction of the main body <NUM>, and an abutment <NUM> located on the -Z direction of the main body <NUM>. The central axis A2 of the pin catch <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

The main body <NUM> has a shape of an oval pillar which is oval in a view from the central axis A2 direction, having the pin insertion path 30a (cutout). As shown in <FIG>, the side surface of the main body <NUM> abuts on the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. In other words, the main body <NUM> corresponds to a portion of the pin catch <NUM> that abuts on the recess <NUM>. The side surface of the main body <NUM> corresponds to the side surface of the pin catch <NUM> that extends in the moving directions of the pin catch <NUM>. When the pin catch <NUM> is in the first position, a surface (upper surface) on the +Z direction side of the main body <NUM> abuts on a surface (lower surface) on the -Z direction side of the lid <NUM>. The shape of the main body <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction has a smaller size in the X direction (the first direction) than in the Y direction (the second direction). In order to allow the pin catch <NUM> to move smoothly in the moving directions in the recess <NUM>, the main body <NUM> has a shape in a view from the central axis A2 direction that ensures a certain gap between the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> of the recess <NUM> (a shape such as a similar shape that is one size smaller than the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM>). Thus, for example, when the shape of the major portion <NUM> is ellipse in a view from the central axis A2 direction, the shape of the main body <NUM> is also ellipse. Since the gap is very narrow, the gap is not illustrated in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pin insertion path 30a is sized and located such that all of the first portion <NUM> and the second portions <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> can pass through the pin insertion path 30a when the pin catch <NUM> is in the second position. The pin insertion path 30a has a shape formed by hollowing out the main body <NUM> such that a portion corresponding to an oval column whose axis is perpendicular to the central axis A2, does not intersect the central axis A2, and is parallel to the insertion axis A1 is cut out from the main body <NUM>.

The pusher <NUM> has a cylindrical shape and has a diameter smaller than the minor axis of the oval of the main body <NUM>. The diameter of the pusher <NUM> is sized so as to pass through the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. When the pin catch <NUM> moves in the recess <NUM> in the Z direction, the pusher <NUM> moves in the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM> in the Z direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the end surface 32a on the +Z direction side of the pusher <NUM> is an exposed surface that is exposed through the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM> when the pin catch <NUM> is in the first position. When the pin catch <NUM> is in the first position, the end surface 32a of the pusher <NUM> is closer to the spring <NUM> (bottom 40a of the recess <NUM>) than the top surface 50a (protrusion top surface) of the protrusion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is. In other words, as shown in <FIG>, when the pin catch <NUM> is in the first position, the position P2 in the Z direction of the end surface 32a of the pusher <NUM> is closer to the recess <NUM> than the position P1 of the top surface 50a (holder top surface) of the lid <NUM> is. The protrusion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is around the end surface 32a exposed through the opening <NUM> in a view from the moving direction (the Z direction) of the pin catch <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, even when the pin catch <NUM> moves in the -Z direction to the second position, a part of the pusher <NUM> is located in the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. In other words, even when the pin catch <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position in the recess <NUM>, the pusher <NUM> does not come out of the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. That is, the end surface 32a of the pusher <NUM> moves in the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM> in the central axis A2 direction when the pin catch <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position in the central axis A2 direction.

The end surface 32a of the pusher <NUM> has a hole that is deeper toward the center. This hole makes it easier to push the center of the end surface 32a of the pusher <NUM> through the opening <NUM> with a thin rod member or the like.

The abutment <NUM> has a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the abutment <NUM> is smaller than the short axis of the oval of the main body <NUM>. The diameter of the abutment <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the spring <NUM>, which is a compression coil spring, and the abutment <NUM> is located inside the spring <NUM>. When the pin catch <NUM> is in the second position, the abutment <NUM> abuts on the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM>. In other words, in response to user operation of pushing and moving the pin catch <NUM> (pusher <NUM>) in the -Z direction until the abutment <NUM> abuts on the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> can be in the second position and in a connection pin releasing state.

The pin catch <NUM> in such a shape limits the rotation of the main body <NUM> around the central axis A2, because the shape of the main body <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction is only slightly smaller than the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> of the recess <NUM>, and is not a perfect circle but an oval. That is, the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM> have a shape that limits the rotation of the pin catch <NUM> around the central axis A2 in the recess <NUM>. In detail, the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM> are shaped so as to limit the rotation of the pin catch <NUM> in the recess <NUM> around a virtual axis extending in the moving directions of the pin catch <NUM> (Z direction) and passing through the pin catch <NUM> to a range that allows the edge(s) 30b (pin engagement portion) of the pin insertion path 30a to engage the step(s) <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>. The virtual axis corresponds to the central axis A2 of the pin catch <NUM> in the following example, but may not correspond to the central axis A2.

<FIG> are diagrams each illustrating the limitation of rotation of the pin catch <NUM> in the recess <NUM>. In <FIG>, the hatching (dots) indicate where the pin insertion path <NUM> is formed.

As shown in <FIG>, because of the gap (play) between the sidewall surface of the recess <NUM> and the side surface of the pin catch <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> can rotate slightly around the central axis A2 in the recess <NUM>. <FIG> shows the direction B1 of the major axis of the pin catch <NUM> (main body <NUM>) rotated clockwise to its maximum and the direction B2 of the major axis of the pin catch <NUM> rotated counterclockwise at its maximum. The pin catch <NUM> can rotate within the rotatable range R from a state in which the direction of the major axis is B1 to a state in which the direction of the major axis is B2. In <FIG>, the rotatable range R is exaggerated and drawn larger than it actually is for the sake of explanation.

Here, the pin catch <NUM> is shaped so as to pass the first portions <NUM> and the second portions <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> through the pin insertion path 30a when in the second position, as long as the direction of the major axis of the pin catch <NUM> is within the rotatable range R. That is, in any state between the state in which the direction of the major axis of the pin catch <NUM> is B1 as shown in <FIG> and the state in which the direction of the major axis of the pin catch <NUM> is B2 as shown in <FIG>, the insertion hole <NUM> passes through the cutout (dotted area) as the pin insertion path 30a, and is not interrupted by the pin catch <NUM>. As a result, when the pin catch <NUM> is moved to the second position, the connecting pin <NUM> can pass through the pin insertion path 30a without adjustment of the rotational direction of the pin catch <NUM>.

At a part of one or both ends of the rotatable range R, the connecting pin <NUM> may be configured not to pass through the pin insertion path 30a. As the connecting pin <NUM> can pass through the pin insertion path 30a in most of the rotatable range R even in such a configuration, the direction of the pin catch <NUM> can be adjusted with ease to some extent. In this case, the end surface 32a of the pin catch <NUM> may have a groove that fits a tool for rotating the pin catch <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is located between the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM>. The end of the spring <NUM> in the +Z direction abuts on the end surface of the main body <NUM> of the pin catch <NUM> in the -Z direction. The spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force in the +Z direction on the pin catch <NUM>. When the pin catch <NUM> is not subjected to a force in the -Z direction from outside the recess <NUM>, the spring <NUM> biases the pin catch <NUM> in the +Z direction until the pin catch <NUM> abuts on the lid <NUM>. When the pin catch <NUM> is pushed in the -Z direction through the opening <NUM>, the spring <NUM> contracts in the Z direction until the abutment <NUM> of the pin catch <NUM> abuts on the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM> depending on the force in the -Z direction received from the pin catch <NUM>.

By inserting the connecting pin <NUM> into the communicating insertion hole <NUM> while the pin catch <NUM> and the spring <NUM> are stored in the recess <NUM> covered with the lid <NUM>, the connecting pin catching state shown in <FIG> can be achieved. In detail, when the connecting pin <NUM> is inserted into the communicating insertion hole <NUM> with the pin catch <NUM> being in the first position, the taper <NUM> on the tip of the connecting pin <NUM> abuts on the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a as shown in <FIG>. As the connecting pin <NUM> is continuously pushed in, the taper <NUM> pushes the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a down in the -Z direction, and the second portion <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> passes through the pin insertion path 30a as shown in <FIG>.

Instead of the above, the connecting pin <NUM> may be inserted through the pin insertion path 30a in a state where the pin catch <NUM> (pusher <NUM>) is pushed from outside of the recess <NUM> through the opening <NUM> of the lid <NUM> in the -Z direction in response to user operation and moves to the second position or a position between the first position and the second position.

When the connecting pin <NUM> is pushed in the -X direction until the first portion <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> comes to the position of the pin insertion path 30a as shown in <FIG>, the pin catch <NUM> moves to the first position due to the elastic force of the spring <NUM>, the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a hooks the step <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>, and the connecting pin <NUM> is caught as shown in <FIG>. In this connecting pin catching state, among the first portion <NUM> and the second portions <NUM> of connecting pin <NUM>, only the first portion <NUM> can pass through the pin insertion path 30a, and the second portions <NUM> are caught by the pin catch <NUM>. The connecting pin catching state in which the connecting pin <NUM> is inserted into the communicating insertion hole <NUM> with the band attachment 2a of the device body <NUM> fitted into the connection recess 3b of the attachment end 3a of the band <NUM>, the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> can be connected while the connecting pin <NUM> does not come off the communicating insertion hole <NUM>.

When the pin catch <NUM> (pusher <NUM>) in the connecting pin catching state is pushed in response to user operation in the -Z direction from outside the recess <NUM> through the opening <NUM> in the lid <NUM> to move until the abutment <NUM> abuts on the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> is in the second position shown in <FIG>, and is in the connecting pin releasing state. In this connecting pin releasing state, the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a no longer hooks the step <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>, and the first portion <NUM> and the second portions <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> can pass through the pin insertion path 30a. In other words, when the pin catch <NUM> is in the second position, the first portion <NUM> and the second portions <NUM> can pass through the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a (without being engaged by the edge 30b). Therefore, the connecting pin <NUM> can be detached from the communicating insertion hole <NUM> by being pushed in the X direction, and thus the connection between the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> can be released.

Next, Variation Example <NUM> of the above embodiment is described. Variation Example <NUM> differs from the above embodiment in the shapes of the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM>. In the following, the differences from the above embodiment are described, and the common points to the above embodiment are omitted.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the recess <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM> in a view from the +Z direction.

The major portion <NUM> (the portion abutting on the pin catch <NUM>) of the recess <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM> has a rotationally asymmetric shape in a view from the central axis A2 direction. Here, having the rotationally asymmetric shape means that the major portion <NUM> has the same shape as the original when rotated around the central axis A2 by an angle of <NUM>°/n only when n is <NUM>. In detail, the outline of the major portion <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction consists of a part of a circumference of a circle and a string of the circle. That is, the sidewall surface of major portion <NUM> has a curved portion which is a part of a side surface of a cylinder and a plane 42f that is parallel to and does not intersect the central axis A2. The plane 42f and the curved portion of the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> may be smoothly connected so as not to form a sharp ridge.

<FIG> are diagrams each showing a configuration of the pin catch <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> (the portion abutting on the recess <NUM>) of the pin catch <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM> has a rotationally asymmetric shape in a view from the central axis A2 direction. In detail, the outline of the main body <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction consists of a part of a circumference of a circle and a string of the circle. That is, the main body <NUM> has a curved portion which is a part of a cylinder cut at a plane 31f that is parallel to and does not intersect the central axis A2. The plane 31f and the curved portion of the side surface of the main body <NUM> may be smoothly connected so as not to form a sharp ridge. In order for the pin catch <NUM> to move smoothly in the recess <NUM> in the Z direction, the shape of the main body <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction is one size smaller than the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> such that a certain gap can be secured between the main body <NUM> and the sidewall surface of the major portion <NUM> of the recess <NUM>.

Thus, by making the recess <NUM> and pin catch <NUM> each rotationally asymmetric, the pin catch <NUM> can enter the recess <NUM> only when it is in a certain orientation. (However, deviation in the rotatable range due to the gap mentioned above is allowed) In other words, the orientation of the pin catch <NUM> within the recess <NUM> can be limited to a certain orientation. The plane 42f of the recess <NUM> faces the plane 31f of the pin catch <NUM> in the above certain orientation. When the pin catch <NUM> in this certain orientation is located in the recess <NUM>, the pin insertion path 30a is located in a position and a range so as to be connected to the body-side insertion hole <NUM> (communicating insertion hole <NUM>). As a result, by adjusting the pin catch <NUM> to be in the certain orientation to enter the recess <NUM> and by storing the pin catch <NUM> in the recess <NUM>, it is possible to easily align the pin insertion path 30a and the body-side insertion hole <NUM>. For example, when the pin catch <NUM> in <FIG> is rotated <NUM>° around the central axis A2 and stored in the recess <NUM>, the pin insertion path 30a is on the side of the +Y direction and is not aligned with the body-side insertion holes <NUM>. However, according to the configuration of Variation Example <NUM>, such a situation can be avoided.

The shape of the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM> may be any rotationally asymmetric shape in a view from the central axis A2 direction, and are not limited to those shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the outline of the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM> in a view from the central axis A2 direction may consist of a part of a circumference of an ellipse and a string of the ellipse. Alternatively, one of the recess <NUM> and the pin catch <NUM> may have a protruding portion in a view from the central axis A2 direction, and the other may have a depressed portion that fits the protruding portion.

Next, Variation Example <NUM> of the above embodiment is described. Variation Example <NUM> differs from the above embodiment in that the recess <NUM> is formed at the attachment end 3a and the like. Variation Example <NUM> may be combined with Variation Example <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the configuration of the timepiece <NUM> and the band connecting structure <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM>.

In Variation Example <NUM>, the attachment end 3a of the band <NUM> forms the connection protrusion, and the band attachment 2a of the device body <NUM> has a connection recess shaped to fit the attachment end 3a of the band <NUM>. The attachment end 3a has the band-side insertion hole <NUM>, and a pair of tips of the band attachment 2a have respective body-side insertion holes <NUM>. The body-side insertion holes <NUM> and the band-side insertion hole <NUM> communicate with each other to form a communicating insertion hole <NUM> through which the connecting pin <NUM> is inserted. In Variation Example <NUM>, the attachment end 3a has the recess <NUM>. This recess <NUM> stores the pin catch <NUM> and the spring <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> is attached to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. The structure of the band connecting structure <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM> is the same as that of the above embodiment, except for the position of the recess <NUM>.

Next, Variation Example <NUM> of the above embodiment is described. Variation Example <NUM> differs from the above embodiment in the structure of the lid <NUM>. Variation Example <NUM> may be combined with at least one of Variation Example <NUM> and Variation Example <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a cross section perpendicular to the X direction of a band connecting structure according to Variation Example <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> according to Variation Example <NUM> has a hinge <NUM> fixed to the band attachment 2a of the device body <NUM> and pivots on the hinge <NUM>. In detail, the lid <NUM> can pivot between a state of closing the opening of the recess <NUM> indicated by solid lines in <FIG> and a state of opening the recess <NUM> indicated by dashed lines in <FIG>. The lid <NUM> has a clasp (for example, a snap), not shown in the drawing, at an end opposite to the hinge <NUM>. The clasp fixes the end to the band attachment 2a and holds the lid <NUM> in a closing state (in the state indicated by the solid lines). The lid <NUM> in the state fixed by the clasp holds the pin catch <NUM> against the biasing force by the spring <NUM>. Therefore, the state in which the lid <NUM> is closing the opening of the recess <NUM> indicated by the solid lines corresponds to the "first state", in which the lid <NUM> holds the pin catch <NUM> in cooperation with the spring <NUM>. The state in which the lid <NUM> is opening the opening of the recess <NUM> indicated by the dashed lines corresponds to the "second state", in which the pin catch <NUM> can be taken out of the recess <NUM>. Therefore, the lid <NUM> can be selectively operated to be in the "first state" and the "second state" by pivoting on the hinge <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is not limited to one that pivots on the hinge <NUM>, but may be, for example, a sliding shutter that can slide in a direction parallel to the XY plane in <FIG>.

As described above, the band connecting structure <NUM> as the connecting structure of the present embodiment includes: the connecting pin <NUM> that has the first portion <NUM> and the second portion (s) <NUM> thicker than the first portion with the step(s) <NUM> between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion(s) <NUM> and that is inserted into the body-side insertion hole <NUM> of the device body <NUM> as the connecting object and the band-side insertion hole <NUM> of the band <NUM> as the connected object to connect the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> to each other; the pin catch <NUM> that moves in the recess <NUM> in the device body <NUM> in the moving directions (Z direction, -Z direction) that are not parallel to the extending direction in which the body-side insertion hole <NUM> of the device body <NUM> extends and that has the edge (s) 30b (pin engagement portion) of the pin insertion path 30a that engages the step(s) <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>; the spring <NUM> as the biasing member that biases the pin catch <NUM> in one direction among the above moving directions; and the lid <NUM> as a holder that is provided on the device body <NUM> and transitions, in response to user operation, to one of the first state in which the lid holds the pin catch <NUM> in cooperation with the spring <NUM> or the second state in which the pin catch <NUM> can be detached from the recess <NUM>.

According to such a configuration, the pin catch <NUM> and/or the spring <NUM> stored in the recess <NUM> can be taken out when the lid <NUM> is set to be in the second state. Therefore, the pin catch <NUM> and/or the spring <NUM> can be easily repaired or replaced, and the band connecting structure <NUM> can be easily maintained.

The lid <NUM> detachably attached to the device body <NUM> enters the first state by being attached to the device body <NUM> and enters the second state by being detached from one of the connecting object and the connected object. Since the lid <NUM> is configured to be completely detachable from the device body <NUM>, the pin catch <NUM> and/or the spring <NUM> can be easily taken out. Also, the lid <NUM> can be replaced easily.

The lid <NUM> in the first state is screwed to the device body <NUM>. This allows the lid <NUM> to be attached or detached with a simple operation of rotating the lid <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> has, on the surface opposite to the surface facing the spring <NUM>, the groove <NUM> that is configured to fit a tool used to rotate the lid <NUM> when attaching the lid <NUM> to the device body. This allows the lid <NUM> to be firmly fixed using the tool, and the firmly fixed lid <NUM> to be easily detached using the tool.

In a view from a longitudinal direction of the body-side insertion hole <NUM> (communicating insertion hole <NUM>), the central axis A2 passing the center of the cross section perpendicular to the moving directions of the pin catch <NUM> does not intersect the insertion axis A1 passing the center of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The pin engagement portion that engage the connecting pin <NUM> at the step <NUM> is the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a (cutout) in the pin catch <NUM>, and the cutout is formed at least at a portion where the insertion axis A1 passes. According to this configuration, the pin catch <NUM> can be downsized due to its smaller maximum width in the direction perpendicular to the central axis A2 compared to the configuration where the central axis A2 intersects the insertion axis A1 at a single point and the pin engagement portion is the edge of a hole through the pin catch <NUM>. Also, since the diameter of the connecting pin <NUM> is not limited to less than the maximum width of the pin catch <NUM>, the connecting pin <NUM> can be designed freely.

The pin catch <NUM> can move in the recess <NUM> in the moving directions between the first position and the second position, where the second position is different from the first position. When the pin catch <NUM> is in the first position in response to the cooperation of the spring <NUM> and the lid <NUM>, the connecting pin <NUM> engages the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a at the step <NUM>. When the pin catch <NUM> is in the second position in response to user operation against the biasing force by the spring <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> can pass through the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a.

This allows the connecting pin <NUM> caught by the pin catch <NUM> to be released with a simple operation of moving the pin catch <NUM> against the biasing force by the spring <NUM>. By removal of the released connecting pin <NUM> from the insertion hole <NUM>, the connection between the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> is released and the band <NUM> can be replaced. Therefore, the band <NUM> can be replaced with a simple operation that does not require special tools or skills.

In addition, because of the structure of catching the connecting pin <NUM> in which the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a of the pin catch <NUM> hooks the step <NUM> between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>, the contact area between the pin catch <NUM> and the connecting pin <NUM> can be large, which allows the connecting pin <NUM><NUM> to be caught more securely. Therefore, even when the band connecting structure <NUM> is subjected to a shock, the connecting pin <NUM> is not easily released. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unintentional detachment of the band <NUM>.

The pin catch <NUM> has the abutment <NUM> which, when the pin catch <NUM> is in the second position, abuts on the bottom 40a (wall) of the recess <NUM> intersecting a line in the above moving directions through the recess at a point. This allows the pin catch <NUM> to move to the second position and to release the connecting pin <NUM> using a clear operation of pushing the pin catch <NUM> until the abutment <NUM> abuts on the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM>.

When the elastic member is the spring <NUM>, which is a compression coil spring, and the abutment <NUM> is located inside the spring <NUM>, the spring <NUM> and the abutment <NUM> can be compactly stored in the recess <NUM>. Therefore, the recess <NUM> and the band connecting structure <NUM> can be downsized.

The end surface 32a as the exposed surface of the surface of the pin catch <NUM> is exposed from the lid <NUM>, and closer to the spring <NUM> than the top surface 50a of the lid <NUM> is. The top surface 50a is opposite to the surface of the lid <NUM> facing the spring <NUM>.

Thus, since the end surface 32a of the pin catch <NUM> is closer to the spring <NUM> than the top surface 50a of the lid is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem in which the pin catch <NUM> is pushed in against the user's intention. As a result, the disconnection between the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> due to mishandling can be less likely to occur.

When the pin catch <NUM> moves in the above moving direction, the end surface 32a as the exposed surface moves in the opening of the lid <NUM> in the above moving direction. As a result, for example, the end surface 32a can be pushed in by a simple method of inserting a rod or the like in the opening <NUM>, such that the pin catch <NUM> can be moved to the second position. Also, since the position of the end surface 32a when it is pushed in is stabilized by being regulated by the inner wall surface of the opening <NUM>, the end surface 32a can be easily pushed in.

The lid <NUM> has the base <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM>. The base <NUM> has the opening <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> protrude from the base <NUM> outwardly in the above moving direction. When the connecting pin <NUM> engages the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a as the pin engagement portion at the step <NUM>, the end surface 32a is located closer to the spring <NUM> than the top surface 50a of the protrusion <NUM> is. The top surface 50a is opposite to the surface facing the spring <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is located around the end surface 32a, in a view from the above moving directions. Thus, because of the protrusion <NUM> around the end surface 32a as the exposed surface, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of a problem in which the pin catch <NUM> is pushed in against the user's intention.

The timepiece <NUM> as the wearable device of the present embodiment includes the device body <NUM> as the connecting object, the band <NUM> as the connected object for attaching the device body <NUM> to the object, and the band connecting structure <NUM> described above. As a result, the band <NUM> can be replaced with a simple operation. Also, the band connecting structure <NUM> can be easily maintained. Also, the disconnection between the device body <NUM> and the band <NUM> due to mishandling can be less likely to occur.

The descriptions in the above embodiments are merely examples of the connecting structure and the wearable device related to the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Examples of the wearable device include the timepiece <NUM>, but are not limited to this. The wearable device may be any device that the user wears on the body, such as a health care device like an activity meter.

The connecting object is not limited to the device body <NUM> of the timepiece <NUM>, and the connected object is not limited to the band <NUM> of the timepiece <NUM>. For example, the connecting object and the connected object each may be one of a plurality of pieces constituting the band <NUM>. In other words, the connecting structure may be used to connect the pieces that constitute the band <NUM>.

The attachment method of the lid <NUM> to the device body <NUM> or the band <NUM> is exemplified by, but is not limited to, screwing. The attachment method can be any method that enables attachment and detachment without destroying the attachment site (opening edge <NUM> in the above embodiment) on the device body <NUM> or the band and the lid <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> may be attached to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> with a snap fit in which a protruding portion and a recessed portion respectively on the opening edge <NUM> and the lid <NUM> are fitted together.

The holder is not limited to the lid <NUM> attached to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>, but may be in any position and shape as long as it can limit the movement of the pin catch <NUM> in the recess <NUM>. For example, the holder may be a member attached to the sidewall surface of the recess <NUM> or a projecting member on the sidewall surface of the recess <NUM>.

The example shows the configuration in which the recess <NUM> extends in the Z direction, but does not limit the present invention. The direction in which the recess <NUM> extends may be inclined with respect to the Z direction.

Instead of the example showing a configuration in which the insertion axis A1 of the communicating insertion hole <NUM> does not intersect the central axis A2 of the pin catch <NUM> located in the recess <NUM>, the insertion axis A1 may intersect the central axis A2 at a single point. In this case, the pin insertion path 30a is a hole through the pin catch <NUM> so that the connecting pin <NUM> inserted into the communicating insertion hole <NUM> can pass through the center of the pin catch <NUM> located in the recess <NUM>.

The pin catch <NUM> has a pin insertion path 30a, and the edge 30b of the pin insertion path 30a corresponds to the pin engagement portion in the above example, but is not limited to this. For example, the pin catch may have a projecting pin engagement portion at the tip that engages the step <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM>.

The groove at the first portion <NUM> of the connecting pin <NUM> does not have to circle around the outer circumference, but may be provided partially on the outer circumference. For example, when the pin catch with the above-mentioned projecting pin engagement portion is used, the groove only needs to be at least large enough to allow engagement of the pin engagement portion.

The communicating insertion hole <NUM> is not necessarily a through hole through the band attachment 2a of the device body <NUM> and the attachment end 3a of the band <NUM>. One end of the through hole (the farther end from the body-side insertion hole <NUM> of the ends of one of the band-side insertion holes <NUM> when the communicating insertion hole <NUM> is applied to the embodiment in <FIG>) may be closed and used as the communicating insertion hole <NUM>. In this case, the connecting pin <NUM> may have only one second portion <NUM> on a closed-end side of the first portion <NUM>. According to this configuration, the movement of the connecting pin <NUM> toward the closed end is limited by the closed end, and the movement toward the side opposite to the closed end is limited by the engagement of the step <NUM> with the pin catch <NUM>.

The biasing member is exemplified by the spring <NUM>, which is a compression coil spring, but is not limited to this. The biasing member may be a spring having a shape other than a coil shape or a member made of an elastic material such as silicon. The biasing member may be a tensile spring provided between the pin catch <NUM> and the lid <NUM> and attached to both the pin catch <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. In this case, the tensile spring may be detachable or non-detachable from both pin catch <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. The biasing member may be one that magnetically biases the pin catch <NUM> toward the lid <NUM>.

In order to move the pin catch <NUM> from the first position to the second position, in the method exemplified above, the pusher <NUM> of the pin catch <NUM> is pushed in the - Z direction. However, alternatively, the pin catch <NUM> may be pulled in the -Z direction from the side opposite to the lid <NUM> to move. To do this, for example, the bottom 40a of the recess <NUM> is partially penetrated in a direction opposite to the opening edge <NUM>, and the pin catch <NUM> protrudes out of the through hole such that the user can pull it.

The wall of the recess <NUM> on which the abutment <NUM> of the pin catch <NUM> abuts is exemplified by the bottom 40a having a plane parallel to the X-Y plane, but is not limited to this. The wall may be in any shape on which the abutment <NUM> of the pin catch <NUM> can abut. A part of the bottom of the recess <NUM> may have a through hole that penetrates to the side opposite to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is detachably attached in the above examples, but is not limited to this. The lid <NUM> may be fixed to the opening edge <NUM> of the recess <NUM> in a non-detachable manner. The lid <NUM> may be a part of the band attachment 2a (attachment end 3a in Variation Example <NUM>: the same applies below). In other words, the lid <NUM> may be integral with the band attachment 2a.

Claim 1:
A connecting structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a connecting pin that has a first portion (<NUM>), a second portion (<NUM>) thicker than the first portion (<NUM>), and a step (<NUM>) between the first portion (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) and connects a connecting object (<NUM>) and a connected object (<NUM>) to each other by being inserted into a first insertion hole (<NUM>) of the connecting object (<NUM>) and a second insertion hole (<NUM>) of the connected object (<NUM>);
a pin catch (<NUM>) that moves in a recess (<NUM>) in one of the connecting object and the connected object in moving directions (Z, -Z) that are not parallel to an extending direction (X) of an insertion hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the one of the connecting object (<NUM>) and the connected object (<NUM>) and has a pin engagement portion (30b) that engages the step (<NUM>) of the connecting pin (<NUM>), the insertion hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) being one of the first insertion hole (<NUM>) and the second insertion hole (<NUM>);
a biasing member (<NUM>) that biases the pin catch (<NUM>) in a direction among the moving directions (Z, -Z); and
a holder (<NUM>) that is provided on the one of the connecting object (<NUM>) and the connected object (<NUM>) and transitions, in response to user operation, to one of a first state in which the holder (<NUM>) holds the pin catch (<NUM>) in cooperation with the biasing member (<NUM>) and a second state in which the pin catch (<NUM>) is detachable from the recess (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the pin catch (<NUM>) has an exposed surface (32a) that is exposed from the holder (<NUM>) and located closer to the biasing member (<NUM>) than a top surface (50a) of the holder (<NUM>) is, the top surface (50a) of the holder (<NUM>) being opposite to a surface of the holder (<NUM>) that faces the biasing member (<NUM>).