Fastener

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector such as a buckle that separably connects connecting members.

BACKGROUND ART

As a conventional connector, a buckle that separably connects connecting members having the same shape is known (see Patent Literature 1).

The connecting members each include a base, and a plug and a socket that extend from the base. The connecting members are connectable to each other by inserting the plug of one connecting member into the socket of the other connecting member and also inserting the plug of the other connecting member into the socket of the one connecting member, thereby engaging the plugs with each other. The plug is provided with a flexible arm-shaped spring portion (biasing portion) extending from a tip of the plug toward the base and positioned outside in a width direction of the buckle. The spring portions are pressed against inner walls of the sockets to be elastically deformed in the width direction and the plugs are moved close to each other in the width direction to engage with each other, so that the connecting members are connected to each other. At this time, the sockets are spaced apart from each other to some extent in the width direction.

In order to separate the connecting members from each other, the respective sockets of the connecting members are moved close to each other in the width direction, thereby moving the plugs away from each other in the width direction to release the engagement of the plugs.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature(s)

• • Patent Literature 1: European Patent No. 3462967

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem(s) to be Solved by the Invention

In the buckle described in Patent Literature 1, since the spring portions each extend from the tip of the plug toward the base and are positioned outside in the width direction, the spring portions are exposed outside in a separation state of the connecting members, which may cause the spring portions to be caught in foreign substances. In addition, it is unfavorable in design that the spring portions are exposed outside.

An object of the invention is to provide a connector that includes connecting members whose biasing portions are not exposed outside.

Means for Solving the Problem(s)

A connector according to a first aspect of the invention includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member and the second connecting member being separably connectable to each other, in which the first connecting member includes a first base, and a first plug and a first socket that extend from the first base, the second connecting member includes a second base, and a second plug and a second socket that extend from the second base, the first plug is arranged to be insertable into the second socket in an insertion direction, the second plug is arranged to be insertable into the first socket in the insertion direction, and the connector includes at least one biasing portion of a first biasing portion or a second biasing portion, the first biasing portion being provided in an inner portion of the first socket and biasing the first plug in an insertion state toward the second plug in a width direction, the second biasing portion being provided in an inner portion of the second socket and biasing the second plug in an insertion state toward the first plug in the width direction, the width direction intersecting the insertion direction.

According to the connector of the first aspect of the invention, the at least one biasing portion can be used in connection and separation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member. In addition, since the one biasing portion is provided in the inner portion of the first socket and/or the inner portion of the second socket, the one biasing portion is not exposed outside even in a state where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separated from each other. Thus, the inconvenience that a foreign substance is caught in the biasing portion can be reduced. In addition, even when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are separated from each other to be individually a single connecting member, the biasing portion is not exposed outside. Consequently, the connector can be improved in design.

In the connector according to a second aspect of the invention, the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be brought into an engagement state by a mutual separation movement in the width direction, and may be brought into a disengagement state by a mutual approach movement in the width direction against a biasing force of the at least one biasing portion, in the connector according to the first aspect.

In this arrangement, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to each other in the engagement state, and the first socket and the second socket are moved close to each other in the width direction, and thereby the engagement state can be released against the biasing force of the at least one biasing portion. This causes the first connecting member and the second connecting member to be separable from each other in the insertion direction.

In the connector according to a third aspect of the invention, at least the first plug may include a claw projecting toward the first socket in the width direction in the connector according to the first or second aspect.

In this arrangement, the claw projecting as described above can be used in the connection and separation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, by mutually moving the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the width direction.

The connector according to a fourth aspect of the invention may include both of the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion, a tip of the first biasing portion may be in contact with the second plug in an engagement state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and a tip of the second biasing portion may be in contact with the first plug in the engagement state, in the connector according to any one of the first to third aspects.

In this arrangement, since the first plug and the second plug in the engagement state are interposed between the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion in the width direction, the first plug and the second plug in the engagement state can be held by the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion. This allows the connection state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member to be further stabilized, for instance, as compared with the case where only one of the first biasing portion and the second biasing portion is provided.

In the connector according to a fifth aspect of the invention, at least the first plug may be provided with a guide surface by which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are moved in the insertion direction away from each other in a disengagement state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, in the connector according to the first or fourth aspect.

In this arrangement, when the first socket the second socket are moved close to each other in the width direction to release the engagement of the first plug and the second plug, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be moved away from each other by being guided by the guide surface. Consequently, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be smoothly separated from each other by a user only grasping the connector to move the first socket and the second socket close to each other in the width direction.

In the connector according to a sixth aspect of the invention, the first socket may include a side edge along the insertion direction and the second socket may include a side edge along the insertion direction, the side edge of the first socket and the side edge of the second socket may face each other at a distance in the width direction in an engagement state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the side edges may each be slanted with respect to a thickness direction so that an outer part of the side edge in the thickness direction is positioned outwardly in the width direction from an inner part of the side edge in the thickness direction, the thickness direction intersecting the insertion direction and the width direction, in the connector according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

This arrangement can reduce the inconvenience such as finger to be caught between the side edges that may occur when the first socket and the second socket are moved close to each other.

In the connector according to a seventh aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may engage with each other in a releasable manner in an engagement state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the connector according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

For instance, as compared with the case where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are each provided with an engagement portion for engaging with each of the first plug and the second plug, a dimension in the width direction of the connector can be reduced because no engagement portion is provided in this arrangement, which allows the connector to be compact in size.

In the connector according to an eighth aspect of the invention, at least the first socket may include a bottom surface positioned near the first base, the bottom surface defining the inner portion of the first socket, and the at least one biasing portion may be provided in a form of a plate spring extending in the insertion direction from the bottom surface, in the connector according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

In this arrangement, since the biasing portion is provided in a form of the plate spring described above, releasing from the die cutting is easy in manufacturing the first connecting member and the second connecting member. In addition, necessity of providing, for instance, a die-cut hole only for forming a biasing portion at the first socket and/or the second socket can be eliminated.

In the connector according to a ninth aspect of the invention, at least the first socket may include a side surface continuous with the bottom surface, the side surface may be spaced apart from the second plug in the width direction when the second plug is inserted into the first socket, and in an engagement state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the at least one biasing portion may be disposed to be elastically deformable between the side surface and the second plug and a tip of the at least one biasing portion may be in contact with the second plug, in the connector according to the eighth aspect.

In this arrangement, the tip of the biasing portion being in contact with the second plug in the engagement state of the first plug and the second plug allows the engagement state to be stabilized. Also, pressing the first socket in the width direction to move the biasing portion close to the second plug allows the above-described engagement state to be released while elastically deforming the biasing portion.

In the connector according to a tenth aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may each include a claw at a tip thereof, and the at least one biasing portion may extend from the bottom surface to a position facing in the width direction the claw of the first plug, in the connector according to the eighth or ninth aspect.

In the connector according to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may each include a claw at a tip thereof, a dimension in the width direction of the claw of the second plug may be smaller than a dimension in the width direction between the at least one biasing portion and the first plug, and a dimension in the width direction of a part of the second plug excluding the claw may gradually increase along a direction from the claw toward the second base and may be larger than the dimension in the width direction between the at least one biasing portion and the first plug, in the connector according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects.

In this arrangement, reduction in the dimension in the width direction of the claw of the second plug allows the second plug to be easily inserted between the biasing portion and the first plug. Also, gradual increase as described above in the dimension in the width direction of the part of the second plug excluding the claw allows the second plug to be pressed by the biasing portion. Consequently, the engagement state can be kept favorable.

In addition, the second plug is pressed by the biasing portion and then the second plug and the first plug engage with each other, which can provide a clicking feeling at the engagement between the first and second plugs.

In the connector according to a twelfth aspect of the invention, at least the first socket may include a side surface that defines the inner portion of the first socket, and the at least one biasing portion may be provided in a form of a plate spring extending from the side surface, in the connector according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

In this arrangement, the biasing portion can be easily provided even when a space for the biasing portion is small, for instance, as compared with the case where the first socket includes the bottom surface that defines the inner portion of the first socket and a biasing portion is provided at the bottom surface. Accordingly, the connector can be made compact in size.

In the connector according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the at least one biasing portion may extend from the side surface toward the first base in the connector according to the twelfth aspect.

In this arrangement, the biasing portion itself of the first socket can also be used as a guide for leading the second plug into a space between the biasing portion and the first plug. Thus, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be smoothly connected.

In the connector according to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the at least one biasing portion may be slanted with respect to the insertion direction so that a part of the at least one biasing portion near a tip thereof is away from the side surface in the connector according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect.

In this arrangement, it is possible to easily provide a space for elastic deformation of the biasing portion between the tip of the biasing portion and the side surface.

In the connector according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, the first plug and the second plug may each include a claw at a tip thereof, and a tip of the at least one biasing portion may be disposed at a position corresponding in the insertion direction to a position where the claw of the second plug in the engagement state is located, in the connector according to any one of the twelfth or fourteenth aspects.

In this arrangement, since the claw of the second plug can be pressed by the tip of the biasing portion, the engagement state of the first plug and the second plug can be stabilized.

In the connector according to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, a tip of the at least one biasing portion may project toward the first plug in the width direction, in the connector according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects.

In this arrangement, the second plug comes into contact with the tip of the biasing portion, and then elastic deformation of the biasing portion increases, which allows the engagement state of the first plug and the second plug to be stabilized. In addition, the elastic deformation of the biasing portion increasing as described above can provide a clicking feeling at the engagement between the first plug and the second plug. Further, the elastic deformation of the biasing portion can be kept small until the second plug comes into contact with the tip of the biasing portion, which facilitates the insertion of the second plug between the first plug and the biasing portion.

In the connector according to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, the first socket may include a first engagement portion to engage with the second plug in an engagement state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the second socket may include a second engagement portion to engage with the first plug in the engagement state, and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction and disposed between the first plugs and the second plug in the width direction in the engagement state, in the connector according to any one of the first to tenth and twelfth to sixteenth aspects.

In this arrangement, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can engage with each other at two points by engaging the first engagement portion with the second plug and engaging the second engagement portion with the first plug. Consequently, engagement strength can be increased, for instance, compared with the case where the first plug and the second plug engage with each other at one point (by one-point engagement).

In the connector according to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the first engagement portion may be disposed in the inner portion of the first socket, and the second engagement portion may be disposed in the inner portion of the second socket, in the connector according to the seventeenth aspect.

This arrangement in which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are not exposed outside can improve the connector in design.

In the connector according to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the first engagement portion and the first base may form an opening therebetween in which a tip of the second plug is disposed in the engagement state, and the second engagement portion and the second base may form another opening therebetween in which a tip of the first plug is disposed in the engagement state, in the connector according to the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect.

In this arrangement, the tip of the second plug can be disposed in the opening of the first connecting member when the second plug and the first engagement portion engage with each other, and the tip of the first plug can be disposed in the other opening of the second connecting member when the first plug and the second engagement portion engage with each other. Consequently, a width of the connector in the connection state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be reduced, for instance, compared with a connector without openings.

The connector according to a twentieth aspect of the invention may further include a restricting member detachably provided between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and configured to restrict a mutual approach movement in the width direction of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the engagement state, in the connector according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects.

In this arrangement, in the engagement state where the second plug and the first engagement portion engage with each other and the first plug and the second engagement portion engage with each other, the restricting member is provided in the space between the first and second engagement portions to restrict the mutual approach movement of the first and second connecting members in the width direction, thereby preventing the above-described engagement from being released. The engagement state can thus be more reliably kept.

In addition, detaching the restricting member from the space between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion allows the mutual approach movement of the first and second connecting members, so that the connecting members are disengageable from each other.

According to the above aspects of the invention, a connector that includes connecting members whose biasing portions are not exposed outside can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration for explaining the connecting member of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a connection state of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a separation state of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an appearance of the connector in the separation state illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an illustration for explaining the connecting member of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a connection state of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a separation state of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates an appearance of the connector in the separation state illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the connector according to the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an illustration for explaining the connecting member of the connector according to the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an illustration for explaining a connection state of the connector according to the third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a rear view illustrating the connector according to the third exemplary embodiment, viewed from a rear side.

FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a connection state of the connector according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the connector according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a rear view illustrating the connector according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, viewed from a rear side.

FIG. 24 is an illustration for explaining a connector according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a restricting member of the connector according to the sixth exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

First Exemplary Embodiment

A first exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

In FIGS. 1 to 7, a buckle 1 serving as a connector according to the first exemplary embodiment includes connecting members 2A and 2B (first and second connecting members) that are separably connectable to each other. The connecting member 2A includes a base 21A (first base), and a plug 31A (first plug) and a socket 41A (first socket) that extend from the base 21A. The connecting member 2B (second connecting member), which is configured substantially similar to the connecting member 2A, includes a base 21B (second base), a plug 31B (second plug), and a socket 41B (second socket) that are similar to the base 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A, respectively. It should be noted that respective components of the base 21B, the plug 31B and the socket 41B are denoted by reference codes for respective components of the base 21A, the plug 31A and the socket 41A with “A” in the reference codes being replaced with “B” appropriately, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Hereinafter, an X direction is defined as an insertion direction of the buckle 1, a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction is defined as a width direction (left-right direction) of the buckle 1, and a Z direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions is a thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the buckle 1. A +X direction is defined as a direction from the connecting member 2A toward the connecting member 2B in the insertion direction, a −X direction is defined as a direction from the connecting member 2B toward the connecting member 2A in the insertion direction, a +Y direction is defined as a direction toward one side in a width direction of the buckle 1, a −Y direction is defined as a direction toward the other side in the width direction of the buckle 1, a +Z direction is defined as a direction toward a front side of the buckle 1, and a −Z direction is defined as a direction toward a rear side of the buckle 1.

The connecting members 2A and 2B are each formed into a flat shape. Although the connecting members 2A and 2B are each made of a synthetic resin, the connecting members 2A and 2B may each be made of another material, e.g., metal, as long as the connecting members 2A and 2B are connectable to and separable from each other. The plug 31A and the socket 41A extend from the base 21A in the X direction and are juxtaposed in the Y direction.

The base 21A includes an attachment hole 22A through which a belt (not illustrated) as a string-shaped body is inserted, and a bar 23A which extends in the Y direction in the attachment hole 22A and around which the belt is wrapped. The attachment hole 22A is sectioned into two holes 221A and 222A by the bar 23A. The base 21A thus formed serves as a belt attachment section to which the belt is attached.

The plug 31A of the connecting member 2A is engageable with the plug 31B of the connecting member 2B in the X direction, and the plug 31A includes a leg 32A extending in the Y direction from the base 21A and a claw 33A provided at a tip of the plug 31A. In an engagement state illustrated in FIG. 4, the claw 33A is interposed between the base 21B and a claw 33B of the connecting member 2B, and the claw 33B of the connecting member 2B is interposed between the base 21A and the claw 33A. The claw 33A projects from a continuous part with the leg 32A toward the socket 41A in the Y direction (in the −Y direction in the connecting member 2A illustrated in FIG. 4), and in the engagement state illustrated in FIG. 4, an engagement surface 34A bent from the leg 32A into the −Y direction engages in the X direction with an engagement surface 34B of the connecting member 2B.

The leg 32A is a part of the plug 31A excluding the claw 33A, and has a width in the Y direction gradually increasing along a direction from the claw 33A toward the base 21A. A base end of the leg 32A has a thickness equal to a dimension in the Z direction between inner surfaces 421A and 431A, which will be described later, of the socket 41A. A part of the leg 32A closer to a tip relative to the base end has a thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the base end in the Z direction and is the same as a thickness of the claw 33A. The claw 33A and a part of the leg 32A near the claw 33A each have a width smaller than a width in the Y direction between a plate spring 51A to be described later and the claw 33A. Consequently, the width of the claw 33A and the width of the part of the leg 32A near the claw 33A are each smaller than a width in the Y direction between a plate spring 51B and the claw 33B of the connecting member 2B configured similar to the connecting member 2A. A part of the leg 32A near the base 21A has a width larger than the width in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the claw 33A. Consequently, the width of the part of the leg 32A near the base 21A is larger than the width in the Y direction between the plate spring 51B and the claw 33B of the connecting member 2B configured similar to the connecting member 2A. The leg 32A in the engagement state illustrated in FIG. 4 is in contact with a tip of the plate spring 51B and the claw 33B and is held therebetween in the Y direction. The claw 33B projects from a continuous part with the leg 32B toward the socket 41B in the Y direction (in the +Y direction in the connecting member 2B illustrated in FIG. 4).

A surface of the plug 31A, which is positioned opposite to the socket 41A in the Y direction, serves as a guide surface 35A with which the tip of the plate spring 51B comes into contact. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the guide surface 35A is formed into a convex surface gently curving from the base end to the tip of the plug 31A. The guide surface 35A is slanted with respect to the X direction so that one end of the guide surface 35A near the claw 33A is positioned closer to the socket 41A relative to the other end of the guide surface 35A near the base 21A. In a disengagement state of the plug 31A and the plug 31B illustrated in FIG. 5, the guide surface 35A guides the connecting member 2A to move in the −X direction away from the connecting member 2B, while being biased by the plate spring 51B in the −Y direction.

The socket 41A is disposed in the −Y direction relative to the plug 31A, and includes a front wall 42A and a rear wall 43A that are continuous with the base 21A, and a side wall 44A that is continuous with the front wall 42A and the rear wall 43A. The socket 41A is opened in the +X direction and the +Y direction continuously, and a tip of the socket 41A is positioned in the +X direction relative to the tip of the plug 31A. A continuous part between the front and rear walls 42A and 43A and the base 21A is curved to have a concave surface. The front wall 42A has a side edge 422A that is positioned near the plug 31A and along the X direction. The side edge 422A is curved and slanted with respect to the Z direction so that an outer part thereof in the Z direction is positioned in the −Y direction to be away from the plug 31A, relative to an inner part thereof in the Z direction. The rear wall 43A has a side edge 423A that is positioned near the plug 31A and along the X direction. The side edge 423A is curved and slanted with respect to the Z direction so that an outer part thereof in the Z direction is positioned in the −Y direction to be away from the plug 31A, relative to an inner part thereof in the Z direction. An inner portion 45A of the socket 41A is defined by the inner surface 421A of the front wall 42A, the inner surface 431A of the rear wall 43A, an inner side surface 441A (i.e. a side surface) of the side wall 44A, and a bottom surface 411A that is continuous with the inner surfaces and the inner side surface and positioned near the base 21A. The inner surfaces 421A and 431A each have a width in the Y direction enough to accommodate the plug 31B. An outer side surface 442A of the side wall 44A is provided with a recess 443A that is recessed to make the buckle 1 easy to grasp.

The plate spring 51A, as a first biasing portion (biasing portion), is formed integrally in the inner portion 45A of the socket 41A. The plate spring 51A is arranged to bias the plug 31B in a state of being inserted into the socket 41A, toward the plug 31A. The plate spring 51A extends in the +X direction from the bottom surface 411A in the present exemplary embodiment. The plate spring 51A extends in the +X direction relative to the engagement surface 34A of the plug 31A, to a position facing the claw 33A in the Y direction. A tip of the plate spring 51A is located at substantially the same position as the tip of the plug 31A in the X direction. The plate spring 51A is disposed at a distance in the Y direction from the side wall 44A, and is elastically deformable in a range corresponding to the distance.

The plate spring 51B, as a second biasing portion (biasing portion), is provided in an inner portion 45B of the socket 41B of the connecting member 2B.

Steps of connecting the connecting members 2A and 2B of the buckle 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described below.

First, the connecting members 2A and 2B are prepared, and the plug 31A is arranged to face the socket 41B in the X direction and also the plug 31B is arranged to face the socket 41A in the X direction.

Next, the connecting members 2A and 2B are moved close to each other in the X direction: the connecting member 2A is moved in the +X direction relative to the connecting member 2B while the connecting member 2B is moved in the −X direction relative to the connecting member 2A. Subsequently, the plug 31A of the connecting member 2A is inserted between the plate spring 51B and the plug 31B of the connecting member 2B while the plug 31B of the connecting member 2B is inserted between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A of the connecting member 2A.

When the connecting members 2A and 2B are further moved close to each other in the X direction, the plate spring 51A is elastically deformed in the +Y direction and the plate spring 51B is elastically deformed in the −Y direction. Subsequently, when the plug 31A of the connecting member 2A is disposed between the claw 33B and the base 21B of the connecting member 2B and also the plug 31B of the connecting member 2B is disposed between the claw 33A and the base 21A of the connecting member 2A, the plate springs 51A and 51B each restore to an original state, resulting in an engagement state of the plugs 31A and 31B where the engagement surfaces 34A and 34B overlap each other. At this time, the plugs 31A and 31B bump against each other in the Y direction due to restoring forces of the plate springs 51A and 51B, which provides a clicking feeling at the engagement between the plugs 31A and 31B. In the engagement state illustrated in FIG. 4, the claw 33A is in contact with the leg 32B and the claw 33B is in contact with the leg 32A, and also the tip of the plate spring 51A is in contact with the guide surface 35B and the tip of the plate spring 51B is in contact with the guide surface 35A. In the engagement state, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the side edges of 422A and 423A of the socket 41A are spaced apart from the side edges 422B and 423B of the socket 41B in the Y direction, and a tip of the socket 41A in the +X direction is in contact with the base 21B and a tip of the socket 41B in the −X direction is in contact with the base 21A. The inner side surface 441A of the socket 41A is spaced apart from the plug 31B in the Y direction, and the plate spring 51A is interposed between the inner side surface 441A and the plug 31B. The inner side surface 441B of the socket 41B is spaced apart from the plug 31A in the Y direction, and the plate spring 51B is interposed between the inner side surface 441B and the plug 31A.

The buckle 1 is thus brought into the engagement state by a mutual separation movement of the connecting members 2A and 2B in the Y direction, thereby connecting the connecting members 2A and 2B to each other.

Steps of separating the connecting members 2A and 2B of the buckle 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described below.

First, in the buckle 1 in the engagement state, grasping the socket 41A of the connecting member 2A and the socket 41B of the connecting member 2B moves the side walls 44A and 44B close to each other in the Y direction against elastic forces of the plate springs 51A and 51B. The engagement surfaces 34A and 34B are thereby displaced away from each other in the Y direction as illustrated in FIG. 5, resulting in a disengagement state where engagement between the claws 33A and 33B is released. The plate spring 51A is elastically deformed in the +Y direction to be pressed against the guide surface 35B, and the plate spring 51B is elastically deformed in the −Y direction to be pressed against the guide surface 35A.

Next, the restoring forces of the plate springs 51A and 51B pressed against the guide surfaces 35A and 35B and the tips of the side walls 44A and 44B being pressed against the guide surfaces 35A and 35B move the connecting member 2A in the −X direction and the connecting member 2B in the +X direction, resulting in a separation state of the connecting members 2A and 2B as illustrated in FIG. 6. At this time, the side edges 422A and 423A of the socket 41A and the side edges 422B and 423B of the socket 41B approach each other as illustrated in FIG. 7. However, since these side edges are slanted as described above, the inconvenience such as finger to be caught between the edges 422A and 422B and between the edges 423B and 423B can be prevented. It should be noted that, since the engagement is released in the separation state illustrated in FIG. 6, the connecting members 2A and 2B can be easily moved away from each other in the X direction.

The buckle 1 is thus brought into a disengagement state by a mutual approach movement of the connecting members 2A and 2B in the Y direction against biasing forces of the plate springs 51A and 51B, thereby separating the connecting members 2A and 2B from each other.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

A second exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

In FIGS. 8 to 14, a buckle 1C serving as a connector according to the second exemplary embodiment includes connecting members 2C and 2D (first and second connecting members) that are separably connectable to each other. The connecting member 2C includes a base 21C (first base), and a plug 31C (first plug) and a socket 41C (first socket) that extend from the base 21C. The connecting member 2D (second connecting member), which is configured substantially similar to the connecting member 2C, includes a base 21D (second base), a plug 31D (second plug), and a socket 41D (second socket) that are similar to the base 21C, the plug 31C, and the socket 41C, respectively. It should be noted that respective components of the base 21D, the plug 31D and the socket 41D of the connecting member 2D are denoted by reference codes for respective components of the base 21C, the plug 31C and the socket 41C of the connecting member 2C with “C” in the reference codes being replaced with “D” appropriately, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The base 21C, the plug 31C, and the socket 41C of the connecting member 2C are substantially similar to the base 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A of the connecting member 2A in the first exemplary embodiment, respectively. However, the connecting member 2C is different from the connecting member 2A in that the connecting member 2C includes a guide surface 35C of the plug 31C and a plate spring 61C, as a first biasing portion (biasing portion), that extend from an inner side surface 441C, instead of the bottom surface 411A of the socket 41A. The connecting member 2D includes a plate spring 61D, as a second biasing portion (biasing portion), that extends similarly.

The guide surface 35C is disposed on a surface of the plug 31C that is opposite to the socket 41C in the Y direction. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the guide surface 35C includes a slant surface 351C provided near a base end of the plug 31C and a convex surface 352C provided at a tip of the plug 31C. A surface between the slant surface 351C and the convex surface 352C of the plug 31C is a straight surface 353C along the X direction. The slant surface 351C is slanted with respect to the X direction so that one end thereof near the convex surface 352C is positioned closer to the socket 41C relative to the other end thereof near the base 21C. The convex surface 352C is curved and formed to have a convex shape from the straight surface 353C to a tip of a claw 33C in the X direction. In a disengagement state of the plug 31C and the plug 31D illustrated in FIG. 12, the guide surface 35C guides the connecting member 2C to move in the −X direction away from the connecting member 2D, while the slant surface 351C is in contact with a tip of a side wall 44D in the −X direction and the convex surface 352C is biased by a tip 611D of the plate spring 61D in the −Y direction. It should be noted that, when the connecting member 2C is moved in the −X direction away from the connecting member 2D, the slant surface 351C and a tip of a side wall 44C are moved away from each other in the X direction as illustrated in FIG. 13. The claw 33C projects from a continuous part with the leg 32C toward the socket 41C in the Y direction (in the −Y direction in the connecting member 2C illustrated in FIG. 11), and a claw 33D projects from a continuous part with the leg 32D toward the socket 41D in the Y direction (in the +Y direction in the connecting member 2D illustrated in FIG. 11).

The plate spring 61C extends from the inner side surface 441C of the side wall 44C toward the base 21C, and is slanted with respect to the X direction so that a tip 611C thereof is away from the inner side surface 441C. The tip 611C of the plate spring 61C is disposed at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33D of the plug 31D in an engagement state is located. The tip 611C projects toward the plug 31C further in the +Y direction than a part, the base end 612C inclusive, of the plate spring 61C except for the tip 611C. A concave 444C is provided at a part of the side wall 44C continuous with the plate spring 61C.

Steps of connecting and separating the connecting members 2C and 2D of the buckle 1C described above are substantially similar to those of the buckle 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, but different from those of the buckle 1 in guide by the guide surfaces 35C and 35D and elastic deformation of the plate springs 61C and 61D. The guide by the guide surface 35C is performed as described above, and the guide by the guide surface 35D is similarly performed by guiding the connecting member 2D to move in the +X direction away from the connecting member 2C.

The plate spring 61C is elastically deformed in the −Y direction by being pressed by the plug 31D in the −Y direction, in connecting the connecting members 2C and 2D. Then, when the plugs 31C and 31D are brought into an engagement state as illustrated in FIG. 11, the tip 611C restores to an original state while maintaining its contact with the plug 31C, thereby keeping the engagement state. The plate spring 61D is elastically deformed in the +Y direction by being pressed by the plug 31C in the +Y direction, in connecting the connecting members 2C and 2D. Then, when the plugs 31C and 31D are brought into the engagement state as illustrated in FIG. 11, the tip 611D restores to an original state while maintaining its contact with the plug 31C, thereby keeping the engagement state.

When the engagement between the plugs 31C and 31D is released to be in the disengagement state as illustrated in FIG. 12, the plate spring 61C is pressed by the plug 31D to be elastically deformed in the −Y direction. At this time, the tip of the side wall 44C comes into contact with a slant surface 351D of the connecting member 2D and the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C is pressed against a convex surface 352D. Consequently, the convex surface 352D, which receives a restoring force of the plate spring 61C, guides the connecting member 2C to move in the −X direction away from the connecting member 2D. On the other hand, the plate spring 61D is elastically deformed in the +Y direction by being pressed by the plug 31C. At this time, the tip of the side wall 44D comes into contact with the slant surface 351C of the connecting member 2C and the tip 611D of the plate spring 61D is pressed against the convex surface 352C. Consequently, the convex surface 352D, which receives a restoring force of the plate spring 61D, guides the connecting member 2D to move in the +X direction away from the connecting member 2C.

The connecting members 2C and 2D guided to be moved away from each other as described above are brought into a separation state in the X direction as illustrated in FIG. 13. An appearance of the connecting members 2C and 2D in the separation state is illustrated in FIG. 14. It should be noted that, when the disengagement state transitions to the separation state, side edges 422C and 423C of the socket 41C and side edges 422D and 423D of the socket 41D respectively approach each other in the Y direction. However, since these side edges are slanted in a similar manner to the side edges 422A and 423A and the side edges 422D and 423D, the inconvenience such as finger to be caught between the edges 422C and 422C and between the edges 423D and 423D can be prevented.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

A third exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

In FIGS. 15 to 19, a buckle 1E serving as a connector according to the third exemplary embodiment includes connecting members 2E and 2F (first and second connecting members) that are separably connectable to each other. The connecting member 2E includes a base 21E (first base), and a plug 31E (first plug) and a socket 41E (first socket) that extend from the base 21E. The connecting member 2F (second connecting member), which is configured substantially similar to the connecting member 2E, includes a base 21F (second base), a plug 31F (second plug), and a socket 41F (second socket) that are similar to the base 21E, the plug 31E, and the socket 41E, respectively. It should be noted that respective components of the base 21F, the plug 31F and the socket 41F of the connecting member 2F are denoted by reference codes for respective components of the base 21E, the plug 31E and the socket 41E of the connecting member 2E with “E” in the reference codes being replaced with “F” appropriately, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The base 21E, the plug 31E, and the socket 41E of the connecting member 2E are substantially similar to the base 21A, the plug 31A, and the socket 41A of the connecting member 2A of the first exemplary embodiment, respectively. However, the connecting member 2E is different from the connecting member 2A in that the socket 41E includes an engagement portion 71E (first engagement portion) for engaging with the plug 31F in an engagement state and the socket 41F includes an engagement portion 71F (second engagement portion) for engaging with the plug 31E in the engagement state. It should be noted that components of the base 21E, the plug 31E and the socket 41E, which respectively correspond to components of the base 21A, the plug 31A and the socket 41A, are denoted by the reference codes for the components of the base 21A, the plug 31A and the socket 41A with “A” in the reference codes being replaced with “E” appropriately, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 19, the engagement portion 71E extends in the X direction from a bottom surface 411E of the socket 41E, and a claw 72E projecting toward the plate spring 51E in the Y direction is provided at a tip of the engagement portion 71E. The engagement portion 71E is disposed in an inner portion 45E of the socket 41E and positioned along a side edge 422E of a front wall 42E and a side edge 423E of a rear wall 43E, and the engagement portion 71E is integrally continuous with the front wall 42E and the rear wall 43E. The engagement portion 71E is spaced apart inwardly in the Y direction (toward the plug 31E) from the plate spring 51E.

The engagement portion 71F extends in the X direction from a bottom surface 411F of the socket 41F, and a claw 72F projecting toward the plate spring 51F in the Y direction is provided at a tip of the engagement portion 71F. The engagement portion 71F is disposed in an inner portion 45F of the socket 41F and positioned along a side edge 422F of a front wall 42F and a side edge 423F of a rear wall 43F, and the engagement portion 71F is integrally continuous with the front wall 42F and the rear wall 43F. The engagement portion 71F is spaced inwardly in the Y direction (toward the plug 31F) from the plate spring 51F.

It should be noted that a claw 33E of the plug 31E projects from a continuous part with a leg 32E toward the socket 41E in the Y direction (in the −Y direction in the connecting member 2E), and a claw 33F of the plug 31E projects from a continuous part with a leg 32F toward the socket 41F in the Y direction (in the +Y direction in the connecting member 2F).

In the buckle 1E described above, the plug 31F is inserted between the plate spring 51E and the engagement portion 71E while the plug 31E is inserted between the plate spring 51F and the engagement portion 71F, and the claw 33F of the plug 31F engages with the claw 72E of the engagement portion 71E while the claw 33E of the plug 31E engages with the claw 72F of the engagement portion 71F. The plugs 31E and 31F are thus brought into an engagement state as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, and thereby the connecting members 2E and 2F are brought into a connection state. In the connection state, the engagement portions 71E and 71F are interposed between the plugs 31E and 31F in the Y direction, and are located at a distance from each other in the Y direction. This distance corresponds to a range where the plate springs 51E and 51F are elastically deformable when the engagement state is released.

When the connecting members 2E and 2F are brought into a separation state, grasping the buckle 1E moves the connecting members 2E and 2F close to each other in the Y direction. At this time, the plate spring 51E is elastically deformed and engagement between the claw 33F of the plug 31F and the claw 72E of the engagement portion 71E is released, so that the plug 31F can be pulled out from the socket 41E. Likewise, the plate spring 51F is elastically deformed and engagement between the claw 33E of the plug 31E and the claw 72F of the engagement portion 71F is released, so that the plug 31E can be pulled out from the socket 41F. Then, the elastically deformed plate springs 51E and 51F elastically bias the guide surface 35E of the plug 31E and the guide surface 35F of the plug 31F, thereby separating the connecting members 2E and 2F in the X direction to be in the separation state.

According to the buckle 1E described above, since the connecting members 2E and 2F engage with each other at two points spaced apart in the Y direction, engagement strength can be increased, compared with the case where the connecting members engage with each other at one point as in the first and second exemplary embodiments, for instance. The engagement at two points can provide, for instance, a connection state where twist distortion around an imaginary axis line along the X direction is hardly generated. In addition, since the engagement portions 71E and 71F are not exposed outside, the buckle can be improved in design.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

A fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawing.

In FIG. 20, while a buckle 1G serving as a connector according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is configured substantially similar to the buckle 1E according to the third exemplary embodiment, the buckle 1G includes plate springs 61G and 61H as biasing portions, instead of the plate springs 51E and 51F as the biasing portions. In FIG. 20, components of the buckle 1G, which are similar to the components of the buckle 1E, are denoted by the same reference codes as those for the components of the buckle 1E. The plate springs 61G and 61H are similar to each other and also similar to the plate springs 61C and 61D described above, respectively. Accordingly, components of the plate springs 61G and 61H, which respectively correspond to components of the plate springs 61C and 61D, are denoted by the reference codes for the components of the plate springs 61C and 61D with “C or D” in the reference codes being replaced with “G or H”, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The plate spring 61G is slanted with respect to the X direction so that a part thereof near its tip 611G is further away from the inner side surface 441E relative to a base end 612G. The tip 611G is disposed at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33F of the plug 31F in an engagement state is located, and the tip 611G projects toward the plug 31E in the Y direction. The plate spring 61H is slanted with respect to the X direction so that a part thereof near its tip 611H is further away from the inner side surface 441F relative to a base end 612H. The tip 611H is disposed at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33E of the plug 31E in an engagement state is located, and the tip 611H projects toward the plug 31F in the Y direction.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

A fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

In FIGS. 21 to 23, a buckle 1J serving as a connector according to the fifth exemplary embodiment is configured substantially similar to the buckle 1E according to the third exemplary embodiment. However, the buckle 1J is different from the buckle 1E in that an opening 73J is formed between the engagement portion 71E and the base 21E and an opening 73K is formed between the engagement portion 71F and the base 21F. It should be noted that the components of the buckle 1J, which are similar to the components of the buckle 1E, are denoted by the same reference codes as those for the components of the buckle 1E appropriately, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

The opening 73J is defined by the engagement portion 71E, the base 21E, the front wall 42E, and the rear wall 43E. In an engagement state where the claw 33F of the plug 31F engages with the claw 72E of the engagement portion 71E, the claw 33F (a tip of the plug 31F) is disposed in the opening 73J. The opening 73K is defined by the engagement portion 71F, the base 21F, the front wall 42F, and the rear wall 43F. In an engagement state where the claw 33E of the plug 31E engages with the claw 72E of the engagement portion 71F, the claw 33E (a tip of the plug 31E) is disposed in the opening 73K. Since the claws 33E and 33F can be disposed in the openings 73K and 73J, respectively, a width of the buckle 1J can be reduced by an amount of a space 75 illustrated in FIG. 23 eliminated in the Y direction in each connecting member.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

A sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

In FIG. 24, a buckle 1L serving as a connector according to the sixth exemplary embodiment is configured substantially similar to the buckle 1E according to the third exemplary embodiment. However, the buckle 1L is different from the buckle 1E in that a restricting member 81L for restricting a mutual approach movement of the connecting members in the Y direction is detachably provided. It should be noted that components of the buckle 1L, which are similar to the components of the buckle 1E, are denoted by the same reference codes as those for the components of the buckle 1E appropriately, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the restricting member 81L includes a knob 82L used for insertion and removal operations, a base 83L having a substantially disc shape and continuous with the knob 82L, an insert piece 84L extending in the Z direction from the base 83L, and an end 85L bulgingly provided at a tip in the −Z direction of the insert piece 87L. The knob 82L is disposed on a +Z directional side of the base 83L, and the insert piece 84 is formed into a flat plate shape and disposed on a +Z directional side of the base 83L. A length of the insert piece 84 in the Z direction corresponds to a thickness of each of the sockets 41E and 41F in the Z direction, and is determined so that the end 85 projects in the Z direction when the restricting member 81L is inserted between the sockets 41E and 41F. The end 85L has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape viewed from the X direction, and is thicker than the insert piece 84L in the Y direction.

In the buckle 1L, a space 46 is provided in the Y direction between the sockets 41E and 41F in a connection state of the connecting members 2E and 2F, and the restricting member 81L is inserted into the space 46 in Z direction by performing an insertion operation of the knob 82L. In the insertion state, a surface of the base 83L near the insert piece 84L is in contact with a front surface (or a rear surface) of the sockets 41E and 41F, the end 85L projects from the space between the sockets 41E and 41F to prevent the restricting member 81L from dropping off. By inserting the restricting member 81L into the space between the sockets 41E and 41F as described above, the insert piece 84L is positioned to restrict a mutual approach movement of the sockets 41E and 41F in the Y direction. In this arrangement, the mutual approach movement described above is restricted and the connection state of the connecting members 2E and 2F is kept, even if an operation of the buckle 1L is tried.

A drawing operation of the knob 82L of the inserted restricting member 81L in the Z direction to remove the restricting member 81 from the space between the sockets 41E and 41F causes the sockets 41E and 41F of the buckle 1L to be movable close to each other in the Y direction. Consequently, the connecting members 2E and 2F of the buckle 1L are separable from each other.

Modifications

The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L are described as the connectors in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, respectively. However, the bases 21A to 21F each need not be a belt attachment section and these buckles may each be a connector for connecting various things other than belts. For instance, each of the buckles may be formed into a ring shape provided with an opening/closing member that can be opened and closed, so that the buckle has a shape on which any other thing can be hung.

In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E are formed similar to the connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F, respectively. However, the connecting members are not limited to those described above and may have shapes slightly different from the respectively corresponding connecting members as long as the connection to and separation from the corresponding connecting members is possible. For instance, a biasing portion such as a plate spring may be provided at only one of the connecting members 2A and 2B, only one of the connecting members 2C and 2D, and only one of the connecting members 2E and 2F.

In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the guide surfaces 35A and 35B are respectively provided at the plugs 31A and 31B, the guide surfaces 35C and 35D are respectively provided at the plugs 31C and 31D, and the guide surfaces 35E and 35F are respectively provided at the plugs 31E and 31F. However, a guide surface may be provided at only one of the plugs 31A and 31B, only one of the plugs 31C and 31D, and only one of the plugs 31E and 31F as long as guiding the connecting members is possible. Alternatively, the guide surfaces 35A to 35F may be omitted as long as the connecting members 2A, 2C, and 2E are separable from the connecting members 2B, 2D, and 2F, respectively, without being guided by the guide surfaces 35A to 35F.

In the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F of the sockets 41A to 41F are slanted to prevent a finger from being caught as described above. However, the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F need not be slanted and may be formed along the Z direction as long as the sockets are each configured so that catching a finger hardly occurs.

Although the plate springs 51A, 51B, 51E, 51F, 61C, 61D, 61G and 61H are described as the biasing portions in the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, an elastic body having a different shape may be used as each of the biasing portions as long as such an elastic body is capable of biasing each of the plugs 31A to 31F in the Y direction.

In the first exemplary embodiment, a dimension in the Y direction of the claw 33B of the plug 31B is smaller than a dimension in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A, and a dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B (i.e. a part excluding the claw) of the plug 31B gradually increases along a direction from the claw 33B toward the base 21B and is larger than the dimension in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A. However, the dimensions in the Y direction of the claw 33B and the leg 32B are not limited to those described above. As long as the connecting members 2A and 2B are connectable to and separable from each other, the dimension in the Y direction of the claw 33B of the plug 31B may be equal to or larger than the dimension in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A, and the dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B of the plug 31B needs not gradually increase along the direction from the claw 33B toward the base 21B and may be equal to or smaller than the dimension in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A.

In the first, third, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments, the plate springs 51A and 51E each have a length extending from the bottom surface 411A or 411E to a position facing in the Y direction the claw 33B of the plug 31B or the claw 33F of the plug 31F in the engagement state. However, the plate springs 51A and 51E are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2A and 2E are connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2B and 2F, respectively. For instance, the plate springs 51A and 51E each need not extend to the position facing in the Y direction the claw 33B or the claw 33F in the engagement state, and may extend from the bottom surface 411A or 411E to a position before reaching the position facing the claw 33B or 33F. The plate springs 51B and 51F each extend from the bottom surface 411B or 411F to a position facing in the Y direction the claw 33A of the plug 31A or the claw 33E of the plug 31E in the engagement state. However, the plate springs 51B and 51F are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2A and 2E are connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2B and 2F, respectively. For instance, the plate spring 51B needs not extend to the position facing in the Y direction the claw 33A or the claw 33E in the engagement state, and may extend from the bottom surface 411B or 411F to a position before reaching the position facing the claw 33A or 33E.

In the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the plate springs 61C and 61G each extend from the inner side surface 441C of the side wall 44C or the inner side surface 441E of the side wall 44E toward the base 21C or 21E. However, the plate springs 61C and 61G are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For instance, the plate springs 61C and 61G may each extend from the inner side surface 441C or 441E so as to be away from the base 21C or 21E in the +X direction. The plate springs 61D and 61F each extend from the inner side surface 441D of the side wall 44D or the inner side surface 441F of the side wall 44F toward the base 21D or 21F. However, the plate springs 61D and 61F are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For instance, the plate springs 61D and 61E may each extend from the inner side surface 441D or 441E so as to be away from the base 21D or 21F in the −X direction.

In the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G are each disposed at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33D of the plug 31D or the claw 33F of the plug 31F in the engagement state is located. However, the plate springs 61C and 61G are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For instance, the plate springs 61C and 61G each need not extend to the position corresponding in the X direction to the position where the claw 33D or the claw 33F in the engagement state is located, and the tips 611C and 611G may each be positioned not reaching the position where the claw 33D or 33F is located. The tip 611D of the plate spring 61D and the tip 611H of the plate spring 61H are each disposed at a position corresponding in the X direction to a position where the claw 33C of the plug 31C or the claw 33E of the plug 31E in the engagement state is located. However, the plate springs 61D and 61H are not limited to those described above, as long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, respectively. For instance, the plate springs 61D and 61H each need not extend to the position corresponding in the X direction to the position where the claw 33C of the plug 31C or the claw 33E of the plug 31E in the engagement state is located, and the tips 611D and 611H may each be positioned not reaching the position where the claw 33C or 33E is located.

In the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G respectively project toward the plug 31C and the plug 31E further in the +Y direction than a part, the base end 612C inclusive, of the plate spring 61C except for the tip 611C and than a part, the base end 612H inclusive, of the plate spring 61G except for the tip 611G. However, the plate springs 61C and 61G are not limited to those described above. As long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are respectively connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, it is not necessary for the tips 611C and 611G to respectively project further in the +Y direction than a part, the base end 612C inclusive, of the plate spring 61C except for the tip 611C and than a part, the base end 612H inclusive, of the plate spring 61G except for the tip 611G. The tip 611D of the plate spring 61D and the tip 611H of the plate spring 61G respectively project toward the plug 31D and the plug 31F further in the −Y direction than a part, the base end 612D inclusive, of the plate spring 61D except for the tip 611D and than a part, the base end 612H inclusive, of the plate spring 61G except for the tip 611H. However, the plate springs 61D and 61G are not limited to those described above. As long as the connecting members 2C and 2E are respectively connectable to and separable from the connecting members 2D and 2F, it is not necessary for the tips 611D and 611H to respectively project further in the −Y direction than a part, the base end 612D inclusive, of the plate spring 61D except for the tip 611D and than a part, the base end 612H inclusive, of the plate spring 61G except for the tip 611H.

Roundup of the Exemplary Embodiments The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments are each the connector for separably connecting the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F. The connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E respectively include: the bases 21A, 21C and 21E; and the plugs 31A, 31C and 31E and the sockets 41A, 41C and 41E that respectively extend from the bases 21A, 21C and 21E. The connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F respectively include: the bases 21B, 21D and 21F; and the plugs 31B, 31D and 31F and the sockets 41B, 41D and 41F that respectively extend from the bases 21B, 21D and 21F. The plugs 31A, 31C and 31E are respectively arranged to be insertable into the sockets 41B, 41D and 41F in the X direction, and the plugs 31B, 31D and 31F are respectively arranged to be insertable into the sockets 41A, 41C and 41E in the X direction. The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L each include the plate spring 51A, 51E or 61C (or the plate spring 51B, 51F or 61D) as at least one biasing portion of the first biasing portion or the second biasing portion. The first biasing portion includes the plate springs 51A, 51E, 61C and 61G that are each provided in the inner portion 45A of the socket 41A, the inner portion 45C of the socket 41C, or the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E. The first biasing portion biases the plug 31A, 31C or 31E in the insertion state toward the corresponding plug 31B, 31D or 31F in the Y direction. The second biasing portion includes the plate springs 51B, 51F, 61D and 61H that are each provided in the inner portion 45A of the socket 41B, the inner portion 45D of the socket 41D, or the inner portion 45F of the socket 41F. The second biasing portion biases the plug 31B, 31D or 31F in the insertion state toward the corresponding plug 31A, 31C or 31E in the Y direction. The connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F are each brought into the engagement state by a mutual separation movement in the Y direction, and brought into a disengagement state by a mutual approach movement in the Y direction against a biasing force of the plate spring 51A, 51E or 61C (or the plate spring 51B, 51F or 61D) serving as the at least one biasing portion.

According to the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the at least one biasing portion can be used in connection and separation of the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F. In addition, since the one biasing portion is provided in each of the inner portion 45A of the socket 41A, the inner portion 45C of the socket 41C, the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E, the inner portion 45B of the socket 41B, the inner portion 45D of the socket 41D, and the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E, the one biasing portion is not exposed outside even in a state where the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F are separated from each other. Thus, the inconvenience that a foreign substance is caught in the one biasing portion can be reduced. In addition, even when the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F are separated from each other to be individually a single connecting member, the one biasing portion is not exposed outside. Consequently, the buckles can be improved in design.

In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F are each brought into the engagement state by the mutual separation movement in the Y direction, and brought into a disengagement state by the mutual approach movement in the Y direction against a biasing force of the plate spring 51A, 51E or 61C (or the plate spring 51B, 51F or 61D) serving as the at least one biasing portion.

In this arrangement, the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2E are connected to each other in the engagement state, and the socket 41A, 41C or 41E and the corresponding socket 41B, 41D or 41E are moved close to each other in the Y direction, and thereby the engagement state can be released against a biasing force of the at least one biasing portion. This causes the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F to be separable from each other in the X direction.

In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the plugs 31A, 31C and 31E include the claws 33A, 33C and 33E projecting toward the sockets 41A, 41C and 41E in the Y direction, respectively. In this arrangement, the claws 33A, 33C and 33E projecting as described above can be used in the connection and separation of the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F, by mutually moving the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F in the Y direction.

The buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments each include both of the plate spring 51A, 51E, 61C or 61G and the plate spring 51B, 51F, 61D or 61H. The tip of the plate spring 51A, the tip of the plate spring 51E, the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C, or the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G is in contact with the corresponding plug 31B, 31D or 31E in the engagement state of the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E with the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F. The tip of the plate spring 51B, the tip of the plate spring 51F, the tip 611D of the plate spring 61D or the tip 611H of the plate spring 61H is in contact with the corresponding plug 31A, 31C or 31E in the engagement state.

In this arrangement, the plug 31A, 31C or 31E and the corresponding plug 31B, 31D or 31F in the engagement state are interposed between the plate spring 51A, 51E, 61C or 61G and the corresponding plate spring 51B, 51F, 61D or 61H in the Y direction. The plug 31A, 31C or 31E and the corresponding plug 31B, 31D or 31F in the engagement state can thus be held in the width direction by the plate spring 51A, 51E, 61C or 61G and the corresponding plate spring 51B, 51F, 61D or 61H. This allows the connection state of the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F to be further stabilized, for instance, as compared with the case where only one of the plate spring 51A, 51E, 61C or 61G and the plate spring 51B, 51F, 61D or 61H is provided.

In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the plugs 31A, 31C and 31E may be respectively provided with the guide surfaces 35A, 35C and 35E by which the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F are moved in the X direction away from each other in the respective disengagement states of the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F.

In this arrangement, when the sockets 41A, 41C and 41E and the corresponding sockets 41B, 41D and 41F are moved close to each other in the Y direction to release the respective engagements of the plugs 31A, 31C and 31E and the corresponding plugs 31B, 31D and 31F, the connecting members 2A, 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2B, 2D and 2F can be moved away from each other by being respectively guided by the guide surfaces 35A, 35C and 35E. Consequently, the connecting member 2A, 2C or 2E and the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D or 2F can be smoothly separated from each other by a user only grasping the buckle 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J or 1L to move the socket 41A, 41C or 41E and the corresponding socket 41B, 41D or 41F close to each other in the Y direction.

In the buckles 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the first to sixth exemplary embodiments, the sockets 41A, 41C and 41E respectively include the side edges 422A, 422C and 422E and the side edges 423A, 423C and 423E along the X direction, and the sockets 41B, 41D and 41F respectively include the side edges 422B, 422D and 422F and the side edges 423B, 423D, and 423F along the X direction. The side edges 422A, 422C and 422E and the side edges 423A, 423C and 423E respectively face the corresponding side edges 422B, 422D and 422F and the side edges 423B, 423D, and 423F, at a distance in the Y direction in the respective engagement states of the connecting member 2A, 2C and 2E with the corresponding connecting member 2B, 2D and 2F. The side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F are each slanted with respect to the Z direction so that the outer part thereof in the Z direction is positioned outwardly in the Y direction from the inner part thereof in the Z direction.

This arrangement can reduce the inconvenience such as finger to be caught between the side edges 422A to 422F and 423A to 423F and the respectively corresponding side edges that may occur when sockets 41A, 41C and 41E and the corresponding sockets 41B, 41D and 41F are moved close to each other.

In the buckles 1 and 1C of the first and second exemplary embodiments, the plugs 31A and 31C and the corresponding plugs 31B and 31D engage with each other in a releasable manner, in the respective engagement states of the connecting members 2A and 2C with the corresponding connecting members 2B and 2D.

For instance, as compared with the case where the connecting members 2 to 2D are each provided with an engagement portion for engaging with the corresponding plug 31A, 31C, 31B, or 31D, a dimension in the width direction of each of the buckles 1 and 1C can be reduced because no engagement portion is provided in this arrangement, which allows the connectors to be compact in size.

In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, and 1L of the first, third, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the sockets 41A and 41E include the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E that define the inner portions 45A and 45E and are positioned near the bases 21A and 21E, respectively. The biasing portions 51A and 51E each being the one biasing portion are provided in a form of the plate springs 51A and 51E extending in the X direction from the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E, respectively.

In this arrangement, since the biasing portions 51A and 51E each being the one biasing portion are provided in a form of the above-described plate springs 51A and 51E, respectively, releasing from the die cutting is easy in manufacturing the connecting members 2A and 2E and the connecting members 2B and 2E. In addition, necessity of providing, for instance, a die-cut hole only for forming a biasing portion at the socket 41A, 41B, 41E or 41F can be eliminated.

In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, and 1L of the first, third, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments, at least the sockets 41A and 41E include the inner side surfaces 441A and 441E (i.e. the side surfaces) continuous with the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E, respectively. The inner side surfaces 441A and 441E are each spaced apart in the Y direction from the corresponding plug 31B inserted into the socket 41A or the corresponding plug 31F inserted into the socket 41E, and the plate springs 51A and 51E each serving as the one biasing portion are disposed in an elastically deformable manner between the inner side surface 441A or 441E and the corresponding plug 31B or 31F and also the tip of the plate spring 51A or 51E is in contact with the corresponding plug 31B or 31F, in the engagement state of the connecting member 2A or 2E with the corresponding connecting member 2B or 2F.

In this arrangement, the tips of the plate springs 51A and 51E being in contact with the plugs 31B and 31F respectively in the respective engagement states of the plugs 31A and 31B and of the plugs 31E and 31F allows the respective engagement states to be stabilized. Also, pressing the sockets 41A and 41E in the +Y direction to move the plate springs 51A and 51E respectively close to the plugs 31B and 31F allows the above-described engagements to be released while elastically deforming the plate springs 51A and 51E.

In the buckles 1, 1E, 1J, and 1L of the first, third, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments, the plugs 31A, 31E, 31B and 31F include the claws 33A, 33E, 33B and 33F at the respective tips thereof, and the plate springs 51A and 51E each serving as the one biasing portion respectively extend from the bottom surfaces 411A and 411E to the respective positions facing in the Y direction the claw 33A of the plug 31A and the claw 33E of the plug 31E.

In the buckle 1 of the first exemplary embodiment, the plugs 31A and 31B include the claws 33A and 33B at the respective tips thereof, the dimension in the Y direction of the claw 33B of the plug 31B is smaller than the dimension in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A, and the dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B, which is a part of the plug 31B excluding the claw 33B, gradually increases along the direction from the claw 33B toward the base 21B and is larger than the dimension in the Y direction between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A.

In this arrangement, reduction in the dimension in the Y direction of the claw 33B of the plug 31B as described above allows the plug 31B to be easily inserted between the plate spring 51A and the plug 31A. Also, gradual increase as described above in the dimension in the Y direction of the leg 32B, which is the part of the plug 31B excluding the claw 33B, allows the plug 31B to be pressed by the plate spring 51A. Consequently, the engagement state can be kept favorable.

In addition, the plug 31B is pressed by the plate spring 51A and then the plug 31B and the plug 31A engage with each other, which can provide a clicking feeling at the engagement between the plugs 31A and 31B.

In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, at least the sockets 41C and 41E include the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E that define the inner portions 45C and 45E, respectively, and the biasing portions 61C and 61G each being the one biasing portion are provided in a form of the plate springs 61C and 61G extending from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E, respectively.

In this arrangement, the plate springs 61C and 61G can be easily provided even when a space for each of the biasing portions is small, for instance, as compared with the case where the sockets 41C and 41E respectively include the bottom surfaces 411C and 411E that define the inner portions 45C and 45E and biasing portions such as plate springs are provided at the bottom surfaces 411C and 411E. Accordingly, the buckles 1C and 1G can be made compact in size.

In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the plate springs 61C and 61G each serving as the one biasing portion extend from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E toward the bases 21C and 21E, respectively.

In this arrangement, the plate spring 61C itself of the socket 41C and the plate spring 61G itself of the socket 41E can also be used as guides for leading the plugs 31D and 31F into a space between the plate spring 61C and the plug 31C and a space between the plate spring 61G and the plug 31E, respectively. Thus, the connecting members 2C and 2E and the corresponding connecting members 2D and 2F can be smoothly connected, respectively.

In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the plate springs 61C and 61G each serving as the one biasing portion are slanted with respect to the X direction so that a part of the plate spring 61C near the tip 611C and a part of the plate spring 61G near the tip 611G are away from the inner side surfaces 441C and 441E, respectively.

In this arrangement, it is possible to easily provide a space for elastic deformation of the plate spring 61C between the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the inner side surface 441C, and a space for elastic deformation of the plate spring 61G between the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G and the inner side surface 441E.

In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the plugs 31C, 31E, 31D and 31F include the claws 33C, 33E, 33D and 33F at the respective tips thereof. The tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G each serving as the one biasing portion are disposed at the position corresponding in the X direction to the position where the claw 33D of the plug 31D is located and at the position corresponding in the X direction to the position the claw 33F of the plug 31F, respectively.

In this arrangement, since the claw 33D of the plug 31D and the claw 33F of the plug 31F can be pressed by the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring and 61G, respectively, the engagement state of the plug 31D and the engagement state of the plug 31F can be stabilized.

In the buckles 1C and 1G of the second and fourth exemplary embodiments, the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G each serving as the one biasing portion project toward the plugs 31C and 31E in the Y direction, respectively.

In this arrangement, the plugs 31D and 31F respectively come into contact with the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G, and then elastic deformation of the plate springs 61C and 61G increases, which allows the engagement state of the plug 31D and the engagement state of the plug 31F to be stabilized. In addition, the elastic deformation of the plate springs 61C and 61G increasing as described above can provide a clicking feeling at the respective engagements of the plugs 31D and 31F. Further, the elastic deformation of the plate springs 61C and 61G can be kept small until the plugs 31D and 31F come into contact with the tip 611C of the plate spring 61C and the tip 611G of the plate spring 61G, respectively, which facilitates the insertion of the plugs 31D and 31F.

In the buckles 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the third to sixth exemplary embodiments, the socket 41E includes the engagement portion 71E for engaging with the plug 31F in the engagement state of the connecting members 2E and 2F, and the socket 41F includes the engagement portion 71F for engaging with the plug 31E in the engagement state. The engagement portions 71E and 71F are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and disposed between the plugs 31E and 31F in the Y direction in the engagement state.

In this arrangement, the connecting members 2E and 2F can engage with each other at two points by engaging the engagement portion 71E with the plug 31F and engaging the engagement portion 71F with the plug 31E. Consequently, engagement strength can be increased, for instance, compared with the case where the plugs engage with each other at one point.

In the buckles 1E, 1G, 1J, and 1L of the third to sixth exemplary embodiments, the engagement portion 71E is disposed in the inner portion 45E of the socket 41E and the engagement portion 71F is disposed in the inner portion 45F of the socket 41F.

This arrangement in which the engagement portions 71E and 71F are not exposed outside can improve the buckles in design.

In the buckle 1J of the fifth exemplary embodiment, the engagement portion 71E and the base 21E form the opening 73J therebetween in which the tip of the plug 31F is disposed in the engagement state, and the engagement portion 71F and the base 21F form the opening 73K therebetween in which the tip of the plug 31E is disposed in the engagement state.

In this arrangement, the tip of the plug 31F can be disposed in the above-described opening 73J of the connecting member 2E when the plug 31F and the engagement portion 71E engage with each other, and the tip of the plug 31E can be disposed in the above-described opening 73K of the connecting member 2F when the plug 31E and the engagement portion 71F engage with each other. Consequently, the width of the buckle 1J in the connection state of the connecting members 2E and 2F can be reduced, for instance, compared with the buckle without the openings 73J and 73K as in the third exemplary embodiment.

In the buckle 1J of the sixth exemplary embodiment, the restricting member 81L for restricting the mutual approach movement in the Y direction of the connecting members 2E and 2F in the engagement state is detachably provided between the engagement portions 71E and 71F.

In this arrangement, in the engagement state where the plug 31F and the engagement portion 71E engage with each other and the plug 31E and the engagement portion 71F engage with each other, the restricting member 81L is provided in the space between the engagement portions 71E and 71F to restrict the mutual approach movement of the connecting members 2E and 2F in the Y direction, thereby preventing the above-described engagements from being released. The engagement state can thus be more reliably kept.

In addition, detaching the restricting member 81L from the space between the engagement portions 71E and 71F allows the mutual approach movement of the connecting members 2E and 2F, so that the connecting members 2E and 2F are disengageable from each other.

EXPLANATION OF CODE(S)

• • 1, 1C, 1E, 1G, 1J, 1L . . . buckle (connector), 21A, 21C, 21E . . . base (first base), 21B, 21D, 21F . . . base (second base), 221A to 221F, 222A to 222F . . . hole, 22A to 22F . . . attachment hole, 23A to 23F . . . bar, 2A, 2C, 2E . . . connecting member (first connecting member), 2B, 2D, 2F . . . connecting member (second connecting member), 31A, 31C, 31E . . . plug (first plug), 31B, 31D, 31F . . . plug (second plug), 32A to 32F . . . leg, 33A to 33F, 72E, 72F . . . claw, 34A to 34F . . . engagement surface, 351C, 351D . . . slant surface, 352C, 352D . . . convex surface, 353C, 353D . . . straight surface, 35A to 35F . . . guide surface, 411A to 411F . . . bottom surface, 41A, 41C, 41E . . . socket (first socket), 41B, 41D, 41F . . . socket (second socket), 421A to 421F, 431A to 431F . . . inner surface, 422A to 422F, 423A to 423F . . . side edge, 42A to 42F . . . front wall, 43A to 43F . . . rear wall, 441A to 441F . . . inner side surface (side surface), 442A to 442F . . . outer side surface, 443A to 443F . . . recess, 44A to 44F . . . side wall, 444C, 444D, 444G, 444H . . . concave, 45A to 45F . . . inner portion, 46, 75 . . . space, 51A, 51E, 61C, 61G . . . plate spring (first biasing portion), 51B, 51F, 61D, 61H . . . plate spring (second biasing portion), 611C, 611D, 611G, 611H . . . tip, 612C, 612D, 612G, 612H . . . base end, 71E . . . engagement portion (first engagement portion), 71F . . . engagement portion (second engagement portion), 73J, 73K . . . opening, 81L . . . restricting member, 82L . . . knob, 83L . . . base, 84L . . . insert piece, 85L . . . end.