Patent ID: 12204288

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment where the present invention has been applied in a wristwatch will hereinafter be descried with reference toFIG.1toFIG.8B.

This wristwatch has a wristwatch case1that is a connection target, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2. On the twelve o'clock side and six o'clock side of the wristwatch case1, band attachment sections3to which watch bands2are attached are provided. Also, on the two o'clock side, four o'clock side, eight o'clock side and ten o'clock side of the wristwatch case1, push button switches4are provided, respectively.

In this embodiment, the wristwatch case1includes a lower case5, an upper case6, and an exterior case7, as shown inFIG.3. The lower case5is formed of metal or a hard synthetic resin having high rigidity which is acquired by, for example, glass fiber or carbon fiber being mixed into polyamide resin. On the other hand, the upper case6is formed of metal such as stainless steel or titanium alloy.

This upper case6is structured to be arranged on the upper part of the lower case5via a waterproof ring6a, as shown inFIG.3. The exterior case7includes a first decorative case7awhich has a substantially ring shape and is attached to an upper outer circumferential portion of the upper case6, and a second decorative case7bwhich has a substantially ring shape and is attached to the upper part of the first decorative case7awhile covering the upper part of the upper case6.

As a result, the wristwatch case1is structured such that the upper case6is arranged on the upper part of the lower case5via the waterproof ring6a, the first decorative case7aof the exterior case7is arranged on the upper outer circumferential portion of the upper case6, the second decorative case7bof the exterior case7is arranged on the upper part of the first decorative case7a, and the lower case5, the upper case6, and the exterior case7in this state are attached to one another by a plurality of screws6b, as shown inFIG.3.

In the upper opening of the wristwatch case1, that is, in the upper opening of the upper case6, a watch glass8is attached via a packing8a, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.3. In an inner area of the wristwatch case1under the watch glass8, that is, in an inner area of the upper case6under the watch glass8, parting members9are provided. Also, on the lower part of the wristwatch case1, that is, on the lower part of the lower case5, a back cover10is attached by a plurality of screws10bvia a waterproof ring10a.

Inside the wristwatch case1, or more specifically, inside the lower case5, a timepiece module11is provided, as shown inFIG.3. Although not shown in the drawing, this timepiece module11has various components necessary for timepiece functions, such as a timepiece movement for driving pointers, a display panel for electro-optically displaying information including time information, and a circuit section for electrically driving these sections.

The watch bands2are structured such that band main bodies12which are connection objects are attached to the band attachment sections3of the wristwatch case1which are connection targets by connectors13, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.3. In this embodiment, the band attachment sections3of the wristwatch case1include pairs of attachment projection sections3aprovided on outer circumferential portions of the lower case5and the upper case6on the twelve o'clock side and the six o'clock side. In each pair of attachment projection sections3a, pin connection holes3bare coaxially provided, as shown inFIG.4.

Each band main body12is constituted by a plurality of metal band pieces12abeing sequentially connected to one another, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2. Note that these band pieces12amay be made using synthetic resin. Also, each connector13includes an attachment piece15which is an attachment member and attached to an end of the corresponding band main body12by a pin component14, and a connection member16which is attached to the attachment piece15so as to attach the attachment piece15to the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.6B.

Each attachment piece15has one end portion15awhich is arranged between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1and opposes the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case1, and the other end portion15bwhich is arranged in a recess section12bin a band piece12aat an end of the corresponding band main body12so as to be attached to this band piece12aat the end of the band main body12, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7.

More specifically, this attachment piece15is formed such that the thickness (height) of the one end portion15ais substantially equal to the thickness of the wristwatch case1, that is, the vertical length (height) of the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case1, and the thickness of the other end portion15bis substantially equal to the thickness of the band main body12, whereby the other end portion15bis thinner than the one end portion15a, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7. As a result, the attachment piece15has an inclined surface such that its height gradually decreases from the upper part of the one end portion15atoward the upper part of the other end portion15b, and thereby has a substantially right triangular prism shape as a whole.

In this embodiment, in the other end portion15bof the attachment piece15, a pin attachment hole17into which the corresponding pin component14is inserted is provided penetrating in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the band main body12, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7. The pin component14is formed such that its axial length is equal to the transverse length of the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12.

As a result, the other end portion15bof the attachment piece15is structured such that, when arranged in the recess section12bin the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12, this other end portion15bcoaxially corresponds to pin insertion holes12cprovided in side portions of the recess section12bof the band piece12ain the transverse direction of the band main body12, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7.

Also, the other end portion15bof the attachment piece15is structured such that, when arranged in the recess section12bin the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12, this other end portion15bis attached to the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12by the pin component14being inserted into the pin attachment hole17in the other end portion15bof the attachment piece15through one of the pin insertion holes12cin the side portions of the recess section12bof the band piece12ain the transverse direction of the band main body12and being inserted into the other one of the pin insertion holes12cin the side portions of the recess section12bof the band piece12a, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7.

On the other hand, in the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15, an attachment hole18into which a pipe section20of the corresponding connection member16is inserted is provided penetrating in the transverse direction of the band main body12, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7. This attachment hole18is formed to coaxially correspond to the pin connection holes3bof the pair of attachment projection sections3awhen the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15is arranged between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1.

The connection member16is a spring rod for attaching the attachment piece15to the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, and includes the pipe section20which is a cylindrical section, a spring member21arranged in the pipe section20, a pair of slide sections22slidably arranged in end portions of the pipe section20, and a pair of lever sections23for sliding the pair of slide sections22in the axial directions of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.3,FIG.6A,FIG.6B,FIG.8A, andFIG.8B.

As a result, the connection member16is structured such that, by the spring force of the spring member21, the pair of slide sections22is pressed toward the outside of the pipe section20through its ends, as shown inFIG.3,FIG.6A,FIG.6B,FIG.8A, andFIG.8B. In this embodiment, the pipe section20is formed such that its outer diameter is equal to the inner diameter of the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15, and its axial length is equal to or slightly shorter than the axial length of the attachment hole18.

The spring member21is a coil spring whose outer diameter is slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.8B. This spring member21is formed such that its length in expansion and contraction directions in its free state, that is, its axial length is longer than the length between the pair of slide sections22pressed outward and moved to the end portions of the pipe section20, that is, the length between the inner ends of these slide sections22. As a result, this spring member21is structured such that its ends resiliently come in contact with the inner ends of the pair of slide sections22and force these slide sections22toward the outside of the pipe section20from the inside thereof.

Each of the pair of slide sections22includes a slide main body22awhose diameter is large and a projection section22bwhose diameter is small, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B. The slide main body22a, which is slidably arranged in the pipe section20, is formed such that its outer diameter is equal to or slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the pipe section20and its axial length is substantially one-third of the axial length of the pipe section20.

These slide main bodies22aare structured such that, when they are arranged in side portions of the pipe section20and forced outward by the spring member21, the rims of their outer ends come in contact with stopper sections20aprovided on the rims of the ends of the pipe section20by a swaging process, and thereby are not slipped out from the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.8B.

Each projection section22bof the pair of slide sections22is integrally formed on the outer end of the corresponding slide main body22awhile coaxially corresponding thereto, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B. These projection sections22bare structured to retractably protrude outward from the ends of the pipe section20without coming in contact with the stopper sections20aon the ends of the pipe section20.

More specifically, the projection sections22bare formed such that their outer diameters are shorter than the outer diameters of the slide main bodies22aand the inner diameters of the stopper sections20aon the ends of the pipe section20, and substantially equal to the inner diameters of the pin connection holes3bin the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1inFIG.4, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B. Also, these projection sections22bare formed such that their axial lengths are substantially one-third of the lengths of the slide main bodies22aand substantially equal to the axial lengths of the pin connection holes3bin the pair of attachment projection sections3a.

As a result, these projection sections22bare structured to be pressed outside the pipe section20and inserted into the pin connection holes3bin the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1inFIG.4when the slide main bodies22aare pressed toward the outside of the pipe section20by the spring force of the spring member21, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B. In addition, these projection sections22bare structured such that, when pressed against the spring force of the spring member21, they are shifted out of the pin connection holes3bof the pair of attachment projection sections3aand moved into the pipe section20.

To the slide main bodies22aof the pair of slide sections22, the lever sections23are attached, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B. These lever sections23are used to slide the slide main bodies22aof the pair of slide sections22in the pipe section20in the axial directions.

More specifically, each lever section23includes a head section23ahaving a substantially columnar shape and a shaft section23bhaving a round bar shape, and these lever sections23are structured such that, by welding or screws, the shaft sections23bare attached to shaft attachment holes22cin the slide main bodies22athrough opening sections24provided in side portions of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B.

In this embodiment, the opening sections24formed in the side portions of the pipe section20are long holes extending from the rims of the ends of the pipe section20along the axial directions of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B. That is, each opening section24is formed such that its length in the axial directions of the pipe section20is slightly shorter than the axial length of the slide main body22aof the corresponding slide section22, and its length in the radial directions perpendicular to the axial directions of the pipe section20is equal to or slightly longer than the outer diameter of the shaft section23bof the corresponding lever section23.

Also, these opening sections24are formed such that, when the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are pressed to the outside of the pipe section20by the spring force of the spring member21and the rims of the outer ends of the pair of slide main bodies22acome in contact with the stopper sections20aprovided on the ends of the pipe section20, the shaft sections23bof the pair of lever sections23are positioned near the outer ends of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B.

Moreover, these opening sections24are formed such that, when the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are pressed into the pipe section20against the spring force of the spring member21, the shaft sections23bof the pair of lever sections23are positioned near or in contact with the inner ends of the opening sections24in the middle of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.8AandFIG.8B.

In the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15of the connector13, a slit hole25is formed into which the pair of lever sections23of the connection member16is slidably inserted when the pipe section20is inserted into the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15, and this slit hole25is located along the entire length of the attachment hole18from one end of the attachment hole18to the other end, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7.

More specifically, this slit hole25is formed such that its length in the width directions perpendicular to the axial directions of the attachment hole18is shorter than the inner diameter of the attachment hole18and substantially equal to or slightly longer than the outer diameter of each shaft section23bof the pair of lever sections23of the connection member16, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7. As a result, the pipe section20is structured such that, when arranged in the attachment hole18, this pipe section20is not slipped out from the attachment hole18through the slit hole25toward a direction perpendicular to the axial directions of the attachment hole18, that is, toward the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case1.

Also, the slit hole25is open in the surface of the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15opposing a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case1between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, as shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5AtoFIG.7. As a result, this slit hole25is structured to be covered by the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case1when the attachment piece15is arranged between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1.

In the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15, a pair of cutout sections26is provided in which the pair of lever sections23of the connection member16is rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18and arranged to be movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18, as shown inFIG.5AtoFIG.7. More specifically, these cutout sections26include first cutout sections26ain which the pair of lever sections23is rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18, and second cutout sections26bin which the rotated lever sections23are arranged to be movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18.

In this embodiment, the first cutout sections26aare formed between the above-described surface of the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15opposing the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case corresponding to the slit hole25and the inner circumferential surface of the attachment hole18, as shown inFIG.5AtoFIG.7. The second cutout sections26bare formed between the undersurface of the attachment piece15and the inner circumferential surface of the attachment hole18, and open toward the undersurface side of the attachment piece15, that is, the back surface side of the wristwatch case1. As a result of this structure, when rotated in the pair of first cutout sections26awhile centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18and arranged in the pair of second cutout sections26b, the pair of lever sections23is exposed toward the undersurface side of the attachment piece15, that is, the undersurface side of the wristwatch case1.

Also, each of the pair of cutout sections26is formed such that its length in the axial directions of the attachment hole18is longer than the axial length of each projection section22bof the pair of slide sections22and shorter than the axial length of each opening section24provided in the side portions of the pipe section20, as shown inFIG.5AtoFIG.7. Accordingly, when arranged in the pair of cutout sections26, the pair of lever sections23is movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18only within the ranges of the pair of cutout section26. As a result of this structure, the pipe section20is not slipped out from the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15.

In this embodiment, the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout sections26are formed such that the pair of lever sections23is moved toward and approaches the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3as shown inFIG.2when the pair of slide sections22is pressed toward the outside of the pipe section20by the spring force of the spring member21, as shown inFIG.5AtoFIG.7.

Also, the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout sections26are formed such that the pair of lever sections23is moved away from the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3and approaches the inner ends of the second cutout sections26bin the middle of the pipe section20in the axial directions when the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are pressed into the pipe section20against the spring force of the spring member21, as shown inFIG.5AtoFIG.7.

Also, on the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15, an engaging section28which engages with a corresponding locking section27on the wristwatch case1is provided, as shown inFIG.3toFIG.7. This engaging section28includes a cutout recess section28awhich is formed in the upper part of the above-described opposing surface of the one end portion15aof the attachment piece15and is open toward this opposing surface and the upper surface of the attachment piece15, and an engaging projection section28bwhich is formed on the bottom surface of the cutout recess section28aand has a substantially chevron shape.

The above-described locking section27of the wristwatch case1includes a locking projection section27awhich is formed on an outer circumferential portion of the wristwatch case1between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3and arranged in the cutout recess section28aof the engaging section28of the attachment piece15, and a locking recess section27bhaving a substantially chevron shape which is formed in the undersurface of the locking projection section27aand with which the engaging projection section28bof the engaging section28of the attachment piece15is engaged, as shown inFIG.3toFIG.7.

As a result of this structure, when the attachment piece15is arranged between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3, the locking projection section27aof the locking section27provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1is arranged in the cutout recess section28aof the engaging section28provided in the attachment piece15, and the substantially chevron-shaped engaging projection section28bof the engaging section28engages with the substantially chevron-shaped locking recess section27bof the locking section27, whereby the attachment piece15does not rattle with respect to the wristwatch case1, as shown inFIG.3.

The attachment piece15is formed of a sintered metal acquired by the metal powder of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or the like being sintered. More specifically, the attachment piece15is formed by the metal powder of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or the like being mixed into a fluid resin by Metal Injection Molding (MIM), injected to fill a molding die, and subjected to sintering processing in this state to evaporate the resin and sinter the metal powder. As a result, the attachment piece15has a high strength.

Next, the attachment of each watch band2to the wristwatch case1of the wristwatch is described.

Before this attachment, the wristwatch case1is assembled in advance. In this assembly, first, the parting members9are attached in the upper case6, and then the watch glass8is attached to the upper opening of the upper case6together with the packing8a. Subsequently, in this state, the upper case6and the waterproof ring6aare arranged on the upper part of the lower case5.

Next, the first decorative case7aof the exterior case7is arranged on the upper outer circumferential portion of the upper case6, and the second decorative case7bof the exterior case7is arranged on the upper part of the first decorative case7a. Then, in this state, the lower case5, the upper case6, the first decorative case7aof the exterior case7, and the second decorative case7bof the exterior case7are attached to one another by the plurality of screws6b, whereby the assembly of the wristwatch case1is completed.

Next, in this state, the timepiece module11is mounted in the wristwatch case1, and the push button switches4are attached to the outer circumferential portions of the lower case5of the wristwatch case1. Subsequently, the back cover10is attached to the lower part of the lower case5of the wristwatch case1together with the waterproof ring10a, whereby the assembly of the wristwatch is completed. Then, the band main body12of each watch band2is assembled. In this assembly, the metal band pieces12aare sequentially connected to one another.

Then, in this state, each watch band2is attached to the wristwatch case1by the corresponding connector13. In this attachment, first, the corresponding connection member16is attached to the attachment piece15of this connector13. Here, before this attachment, the attachment piece15is molded in advance. More specifically, the metal powder of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or the like is mixed into a fluid resin by Metal Injection Molding (MIM), injected to fill a molding die, and subjected to sintering processing in this state to evaporate the resin and sinter the metal powder. As a result, the attachment piece15having a high strength is molded.

The one end portion15aof the attachment piece15molded as described above has formed therein the attachment hole18, the slit hole25, the pair of cutout sections26, and the engaging section28, and the other end portion15bhas formed therein the pin attachment hole17. Also, the connection member16is assembled. In this assembly, the corresponding lever sections23are attached to the slide main bodies22aof the pair of slide sections22. Here, the shaft sections23bof the lever sections23are attached to the shaft attachment holes22cof the slide main bodies22aby welding, screws, or the like.

Subsequently, the corresponding spring member21is inserted into the pipe section20of the connection member16, and the slide main bodies22aof the slide sections22are inserted into the pipe section20through its sides. Here, the lever sections23provided on the slide sections22are arranged in the opening sections24provided in the end portions of the pipe section20and, in this state, the ends of the pipe section20are swaged to form the stopper sections20athereon. As a result, the slide sections22are attached in a manner not to be slipped out from the pipe section20, whereby the assembly of the connection member16is completed.

Then, the connection member16in this state is attached to the attachment piece15. In this attachment, the pipe section20of the connection member16is inserted into the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15, and the shaft sections23bof the pair of lever sections23are inserted into the slit hole25. Here, the pipe section20is inserted through one of the ends of the attachment hole18.

When the pipe section20is started to be inserted into the attachment hole18through one end of the attachment hole18, the shaft section23bof one of the pair of lever sections23on the insertion side is inserted into the slit hole25. Then, when the pipe section20approaches the other end of the attachment hole18, the other lever section23approaches the above-described one end of the attachment hole18. Then, when the pipe section20is further pressed into the attachment hole18in this state, the shaft section23bof this other lever section23is inserted into the slit hole25, so that both lever sections23are in the slit hole25.

Here, the pair of lever sections23is arranged corresponding to the pair of cutout sections26of the attachment piece15. Subsequently, in this state, the pair of lever sections23is rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18. That is, the pair of lever sections23is rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18, in the first cutout sections26aof the pair of cutout sections26. As a result, the pair of lever sections23is arranged in the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout section26in a manner to be movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18.

In this state, the movements of the pair of lever sections23in the axial directions of the attachment hole18can only be made within the ranges of the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout sections26. Therefore, the pipe section20is not slipped out from the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15. Also, in this state, the pair of lever sections23has been arranged and exposed on the undersurface side of the attachment piece15such that the pipe section20is not slipped out in directions perpendicular to the axial directions of the attachment hole18through the slit hole25. By this procedure, the connection member16is attached to the attachment piece15.

Then, the attachment piece15of this connector13is attached to the corresponding band main body12. In this attachment, the other end portion15bof the attachment piece15is arranged in the recess section12bof a band piece12aat an end of the band main body12such that the pin attachment hole17of the attachment piece15coaxially corresponds to the pin insertion holes12cprovided in the side portions of the recess section12bof the band piece12a.

Subsequently, in this state, the corresponding pin component14is inserted into the pin attachment hole17of the attachment piece15through one of the pin insertion holes12cin the side portions of the recess section12bof the band piece12a, and then inserted into the other one of the pin insertion holes12cin the side portions of the recess section12bof the band piece12a. As a result, the attachment piece15is attached to the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12, whereby the assembly of this watch band2is completed.

When this watch band2is to be attached to the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, the pair of lever sections23of the connection member16attached to the attachment piece15is moved in directions to approach each other against the spring force of the spring member21, whereby the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are pulled into the pipe section20.

Then, in this state, the attachment piece15is arranged between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3, and the engaging section28of the attachment piece15is engaged with the locking section27on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1such that the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22correspond to the pin connection holes3bprovided in the pair of attachment projection sections3a.

In this embodiment, when the engaging section28of the attachment piece15is engaged with the locking section27provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, the locking projection section27aof the locking section27provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1is arranged in the cutout recess section28aof the engaging section28provided in the attachment piece15, and the substantially chevron-shaped engaging projection section28bof the engaging section28engages with the substantially chevron-shaped locking recess section27bof the locking section27, whereby the attachment piece15is prevented from rattling with respect to the wristwatch case1.

In addition, when the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are positioned corresponding to the pin connection holes3bprovided in the pair of attachment projection sections3a, the pair of slide sections22is slid in directions to be pushed outside the pipe section20by the spring force of the spring member21, and the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are inserted into the pin connection holes3bof the pair of attachment projection sections3a. As a result, the attachment piece15is attached to the band attachment section3by the connection member16, whereby the watch band2is attached to the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1.

In this state, the slit hole25of the attachment piece15has been covered by an outer circumferential portion of the wristwatch case1located between the pair of attachment projection sections3a. Therefore, even though the slit hole25has been formed in the attachment piece15over the entire length of the attachment hole18from the one end of the attachment hole18to the other end, this slit hole25is not seen from outside the wristwatch case1, which enhances the external appearance and the design.

Also, in this state, the pair of lever sections23has been arranged in the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout sections26in the attachment piece15in a manner to be movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18, and exposed on the undersurface side of the attachment piece15, that is, the undersurface side of the wristwatch case1. Accordingly, in the state where the watch band2has been attached to the band attachment section3, the pair of lever sections23can be moved in the axial directions of the attachment hole18within the ranges of the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout sections26.

Next, the detachment of this watch band2from the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1is described.

In this detachment, the pair of lever sections23arranged in the second cutout section26bof the pair of cutout sections26in the attachment piece15is moved in the directions to approach each other against the spring force of the spring member21.

As a result, the slide main bodies22aof the pair of slide sections22are slid toward the inner side of the pipe section20, and the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are shifted out of the pin connection holes3bin the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1and moved into the pipe section20. Consequently, the attachment piece15can be easily detached from the area between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3, whereby the watch band2can be easily detached from the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1.

Also, when the connection member16is to be detached from the attachment piece15, the pair of lever sections23arranged in the second cutout sections26bof the pair of cutout sections26in the attachment piece15are rotated so as to be arranged in the slit hole25of the pipe section20. Here, the pair of lever sections23is rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18, in the first cutout sections26aof the pair of cutout sections26.

As a result, the shaft sections23bof the pair of lever sections23are arranged in the slit hole25of the pipe section20. Then, in this state, the pipe section20is drawn out of the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15. Here, the shaft sections23bof the pair of lever sections23are moved in the slit hole25of the attachment piece20, so that the pipe section20can be easily drawn out of the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15.

As described above, each connector13of this wristwatch includes the attachment piece15which is an attachment member having the attachment hole18and is attached to the corresponding band main body12serving as a connection object, and the connection member16where the slide sections22which are slid in the cylindrical pipe section20inserted into the attachment hole18include the lever sections23and are retractably protrude from the ends of the pipe section20so as to be attached to the wristwatch case1serving as a connection target. In the attachment piece15, the slit hole25into which the lever sections23are slidably inserted are formed extending from one end of the attachment hole18to the other end, whereby the connection member16can be easily attached to or detached from the attachment piece15.

That is, in each connector13of this wristwatch, the slit hole25into which the lever sections23are slidably inserted is formed in the attachment piece15while extending from one end of the attachment hole18to the other end. As a result of this structure, when the pipe section20of the connection member16is inserted into the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15, the lever sections23are inserted into and moved in the slit hole25of the attachment piece15, whereby the connection member16can be easily attached to the attachment piece15. In addition, by this structure, the connection member16can be easily detached from the attachment piece15, whereby band replacement can be easily performed.

Also, in each connector13, by the slit hole25being formed in the attachment piece15while extending from one end of the attachment hole18to the other end, the pipe section20of the connection member16can be inserted into the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15through either end of the attachment hole18. By this structure as well, the connection member16can be easily attached to or detached from the attachment piece15

In this embodiment, in each connector13, the slide sections22which are arranged in the end portions of the pipe section20have the lever sections23provided thereon. Accordingly, the slide sections22arranged in the end portions of the pipe section20can be slid in the pipe section20by the lever sections23being moved in the axial directions of the attachment hole18. As a result of this structure, operability when the slide sections22are slid can be improved, whereby band replacement can be easily performed.

In the case of this connector13, even though the lever sections23have been provided on the slide sections22arranged in the end portions of the pipe section20, the pipe section20of the connection member16can be inserted into the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15through either end of the attachment hole18and the lever sections23can be inserted through either end of the slit hole25since the slit hole25has been formed in the attachment piece15while extending from one end of the attachment hole18to the other end.

Also, in the case of this connector13, the slit hole25of the attachment piece15is covered by the wristwatch case1. Therefore, even though the slit hole25is formed in the attachment piece15while extending from one end of the attachment hole18to the other end, when the connector13is attached to the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, the slit hole25can be hidden by the wristwatch case1so as not to be seen from outside, which enhances the external appearance and the design

Moreover, in the case of this connector13, the attachment piece15has formed therein the cutout sections26in which the lever sections23of the connection member16are rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18and arranged in a manner to be slidable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18, whereby the lever sections23are slid only within the ranges of the cutout sections26. As a result of this structure, the pipe section20can be prevented from being slipped out from the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15.

That is, the cutout sections26of this connector13include the first cutout sections26ain which the lever sections23are rotated centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18, and the second cutout sections26bin which the rotated lever sections23are arranged to be movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18, whereby the lever sections23are rotated in the first cutout sections26awhile centering on the central axis of the attachment hole18, and arranged in a manner to be movable in the axial directions of the attachment hole18within the ranges of the second cutout sections26b. As a result of this structure, the pipe section20can be prevented from being slipped out from the attachment hole18of the attachment piece15.

Furthermore, in the case of this connector13, by being arranged in the cutout sections26of the attachment piece15and exposed toward the undersurface side, that is, the back surface side of the wristwatch case1, the lever sections23in the cutout sections26can be moved in the axial directions of the attachment hole18even when the slit hole25of the attachment piece15is covered by the wristwatch case1. As a result of this structure, the attachment piece15can be easily detached from the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, whereby band replacement can be easily performed.

Still further, in the case of this connector13, the attachment piece15includes the engaging section28which engages with the corresponding locking section27of the wristwatch case1. Accordingly, when the attachment piece15is arranged between the pair of attachment projection sections3aof the band attachment section3, the engaging section28of the attachment piece15engages with the locking section27provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, whereby the attachment piece15is reliably prevented from rattling with respect to the wristwatch case1.

That is, in the case of this connector13, when the engaging section28of the attachment piece15is engaged with the locking section27provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, the locking projection section27aof the locking section27provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1is arranged in the cutout recess section28aof the engaging section28provided in the attachment piece15, and the substantially chevron-shaped engaging projection section28bof the engaging section28engages with the substantially chevron-shaped locking recess section27bof the locking section27, whereby the attachment piece15is reliably prevented from rattling with respect to the wristwatch case1.

Yet still further, in the case of this connector13, the attachment piece15is formed of a sintered metal acquired by the metal powder of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or the like being sintered, and thereby has a high strength. More specifically, the attachment piece15is formed by the metal powder of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or the like being mixed into a fluid resin by Metal Injection Molding (MIM), injected to fill a molding die, and subjected to sintering processing in this state to evaporate the resin and sinter the metal powder. Accordingly, even though the shape of the attachment piece15is complicated, the attachment piece15can be easily manufactured.

In the above-described embodiment, in each connection member16, the lever sections23are provided on the pair of slide sections22in the end portions of the pipe section20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which only one of the pair of slide sections22has a lever section23provided thereon.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the slit hole25and the cutout sections26are formed in each attachment piece15. However, in the present invention, the cutout sections26are not necessarily required to be formed, and a structure may be adopted in which only the slit hole25is formed in each attachment piece15. In this structure, the slit hole25is formed to be open and exposed toward the undersurface side of the attachment piece15corresponding to the back surface side of wristwatch case1, and is not hidden by the outer circumferential surface of the wristwatch case1.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the engaging sections28are formed in the attachment pieces15, and the locking sections27are formed on the band attachment sections3of the wristwatch case1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the locking sections27are formed on the attachment pieces15, and the engaging sections28are formed in the band attachment sections3of the wristwatch case1.

Furthermore, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the attachment pieces15are formed of a sintered metal acquired by metal powder being sintered. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the attachment pieces15may be formed of synthetic resin.

Still further, in the above-described embodiment, each attachment piece15is attached to a band piece12aat an end of the corresponding band main body12, and attached to the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1by the corresponding connection member16. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be adopted in which each attachment piece15is provided on the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, and attached to a band piece12aat an end of the corresponding band main body12by the corresponding connection member16.

FIG.9is a diagram corresponding toFIG.3, in which another embodiment having this structure is shown. In this embodiment, the attachment piece15constituting the connector13is provided on the band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1that is a connection target, and the connection member16is attached to this attachment piece15. Also, the band piece12aat the end of band main body12in this embodiment is different from that in the above-described embodiment and is provided with a recess section31which houses the attachment piece15and a pair of arm sections32which constitutes side parts of the recess section31. In the inner surfaces of the arm sections32opposing each other, pin connection holes (not shown) are provided into which the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22of the connection member16are inserted. In addition, in the attachment piece15, the engaging section28is provided which engages with the locking section27provided on the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12. Note that the other sections that are the same as those ofFIG.3are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In this embodiment as well, when each watch band2is to be attached to the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1, first, the connection member16is attached to the attachment piece15, and the pair of lever sections23is arranged to be exposed toward the undersurface side of the attachment piece15. Subsequently, the lever sections23are moved in the directions to approach each other so that the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are pressed into the pipe section20. Then, in this state, the locking section27provided on the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12is engaged with the engaging section28provided in the attachment piece15, and the projection sections22bof the pair of slide sections22are inserted into the pin connection holes provided in the pair of arm sections32of the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12. As a result, by the connection member16, the attachment piece15is attached to the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12. Consequently, each watch band2is attached to the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1. Note that, by the reverse procedure, each watch band2can be detached from the corresponding band attachment section3of the wristwatch case1.

In the connector13ofFIG.9as well, the connection member16can be easily attached to or detached from the attachment piece15. That is, by this connector13as well, band replacement can be easily performed. Also, by the structure where the engaging section28which engages with the locking section27provided on the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12is provided in the attachment piece15, the band piece12aat the end of the band main body12can be reliably prevented from rattling with respect to the attachment piece15.

In the above-described embodiments, the present invention has been applied in a wristwatch. However, the present invention is not necessarily required to be applied in a wristwatch. For example, the present invention is applicable to bands for clothes, briefcases, and handbags.

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