EP2679113B1 - Magnetic clasp - Google Patents

Magnetic clasp Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2679113B1
EP2679113B1 EP12173916.3A EP12173916A EP2679113B1 EP 2679113 B1 EP2679113 B1 EP 2679113B1 EP 12173916 A EP12173916 A EP 12173916A EP 2679113 B1 EP2679113 B1 EP 2679113B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bracelet
magnetic circuit
magnets
magnetic
portions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12173916.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2679113A1 (en
Inventor
Cédric Nicolas
Patrick Ragot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to EP12173916.3A priority Critical patent/EP2679113B1/en
Priority to US13/924,807 priority patent/US8997318B2/en
Priority to RU2013129211/12A priority patent/RU2013129211A/en
Priority to CN201310258212.5A priority patent/CN103504731B/en
Priority to JP2013134738A priority patent/JP5671103B2/en
Publication of EP2679113A1 publication Critical patent/EP2679113A1/en
Priority to HK14107061.3A priority patent/HK1193551A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2679113B1 publication Critical patent/EP2679113B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/2071—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like with the two ends of the strap or chain overlapping each other and fastened by an action perpendicularly to the main plane of these two ends
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/02—Link constructions
    • A44C5/04—Link constructions extensible
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/14—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44D—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES OR SLIDE FASTENERS, AND TO JEWELLERY, BRACELETS OR OTHER PERSONAL ADORNMENTS
    • A44D2203/00—Fastening by use of magnets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/02—Permanent magnets [PM]
    • H01F7/0231—Magnetic circuits with PM for power or force generation
    • H01F7/0252—PM holding devices
    • H01F7/0263—Closures, bags, bands, engagement devices with male and female parts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/32—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. having magnetic fastener
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/47—Strap-end-attaching devices
    • Y10T24/4782—Watch strap

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a magnetic closure bracelet comprising permanent magnets and it relates in particular to a watch strap comprising such a magnetic closure.
  • Figure 10d of the patent document FR 2,834,622 illustrates a magnetic closure watch strap having a first and a second flexible strand, the two strands being separable and being provided to overlap in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the bracelet further comprises two magnetic elements, the first strand of the bracelet incorporates a first magnetic element which is fixed, while the second strand, in the form of a sleeve, incorporates a second magnetic element, said movable magnetic element, which is arranged to slide longitudinally , with fatty friction, inside the sheath.
  • the two magnetic elements are facing one another and they attract each other.
  • the two magnetic elements make it possible to fix the two strands to one another in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the bracelet it is possible to adjust the length of the bracelet by sliding the movable magnetic element inside its sheath.
  • the patent document teaches that the adjustment of the length of the bracelet can be achieved simply by longitudinally sliding one of the strands against the other in the closed position of the bracelet. Indeed, as long as the strength of attraction exerted by the fixed magnetic element on the movable magnetic element is sufficient to overcome the greasy friction force, the sliding of one strand on the other causes the sliding magnetic element to slide inside the his sheath.
  • a magnetic closure bracelet such as the preamble of claim 1 is known in the document WO2004063821 .
  • WO2011048344 discloses a magnetic closure for a clothing belt with first and second magnetic circuit portions each having a ferromagnetic yoke.
  • An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art which have just been described.
  • the present invention achieves this goal by providing a magnetic closure bracelet according to the appended claim 1.
  • An advantage of the invention is that it is possible to choose the length of the bracelet by simply choosing which of the plurality of second magnetic circuit portions is placed in superimposed position with the first magnetic circuit portion. Moreover, in the case where none of the second magnetic circuit portions is exactly superimposed on the first magnetic circuit portion, the mutual attraction existing between the first magnetic circuit portion and the second magnetic circuit portion closest is normally sufficient to bring the latter in superimposed position.
  • Another advantage of the invention is that the use of a whole row of bipolar magnets, instead of a single magnet, makes it possible to better secure the contact surfaces of the two end parts in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the presence of an alloy cylinder head Mild ferromagnetism in each magnetic circuit portion has the advantage of allowing the magnetic field to be well channeled, and thus to further increase the mutual attraction force between first and second magnetic circuit portions.
  • the ferromagnetic yokes have a length greater than half the width of the end portions of the bracelet.
  • the strap-shaped end portions can be flexible lengthwise while being relatively stiff in the width direction.
  • the spacing between two second magnetic circuit portions is at least equal to three quarters of the width of one of the second magnetic circuit portions.
  • a plurality of first magnetic circuit portions are integrated in the first end portion, said first portions being arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. This multiplication of magnetic circuit portions makes it possible to increase by the same amount the magnetic attraction force which secures the contact surfaces of the two end parts in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the first magnetic circuit portions that are integrated in the first end portion are spaced apart from each other than the second magnetic circuit portions that are integrated in the second end portion.
  • the first terminal part is located on the outside of the ring formed by the bracelet, while the second end portion is on the inner side.
  • the same given angle subtends a longer arc on the outer end portion than on the inner end portion.
  • the characteristic according to which the first magnetic circuit portions are more spaced apart from each other than the second magnetic circuit portions thus makes it possible to correct the effect of the overlap of the end portions and to ensure the proper alignment of the first and second circuit portions. magnetic in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the spacing between second portions of magnetic circuit decreases as one moves away from the end of the second end portion of the bracelet.
  • the more the second portions of the magnetic circuit to which the first magnetic circuit portions are superposed are remote from the end of the bracelet, the closer the bracelet is or, in other words, the smaller the diameter of the bracelet.
  • the closer the bracelet is the more it is necessary to reduce the spacing between the second magnetic circuit portions to correct the effect of the overlap of the end portions and to ensure proper alignment of the first and second portions magnetic circuit in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the second magnetic circuit portions each comprise a row of bipolar magnets arranged between the ferromagnetic yoke of the second portion and the contact surface of the second end portion, the magnets a row having polarization directions parallel to each other and normal to the contact surface of the second end portion.
  • the rows of magnets of the first and second portions of the magnetic circuit all have the same number of magnets, the magnets being arranged so that the magnets of the first portions are each paired with a magnet of a second portion in the closed position of the bracelet, two paired magnets being superimposed and being polarized in the Same direction.
  • certain magnets of a row have their direction of polarization in the opposite direction of the polarization direction of the other magnets of the same row.
  • This characteristic has the advantage of allowing to better channel the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit portions.
  • each magnet of a row of magnets is biased in the opposite direction of its nearest neighbor in the row of magnets. This last characteristic has the effect of shortening the path traversed by the magnetic fields, and therefore of intensifying the magnetic field in the immediate vicinity of the contact surfaces.
  • the wristwatch comprises a watch case 1 having two pairs of horns 3 to which are attached the two strands 5 and 6 of the bracelet.
  • the strands are made of elastomers, which gives them the flexibility to wrap around the wrist of the wearer of the watch.
  • the strands 5, 6 each comprise an end portion, and these two end parts are respectively referenced 8 and 9 on the figures 1 , 2a and 2b . It will also be noted that in the closed position, as illustrated by the schematic view of the Figures 2a and 2b , the end portions overlap defining an overlap area.
  • the end portions thus each have a contact surface which is arranged to abut the contact surface of the other end portion in the closed position of the bracelet. Note further that, in the overlap zone, the end portion 8 of the first strand (referenced 5) is outside the ring formed by the bracelet in the closed position, while the end portion 9 of the second strand (referenced 6) is on the inner side of this ring.
  • the bracelet comprises still a first magnetic circuit portion integrated in the first terminal portion 8 and a plurality of second magnetic circuit portions integrated in the second terminal portion 9.
  • the first end portion 8 comprises two first magnetic circuit portions (respectively referenced 11a, 11b), while the second end portion 9 comprises six second magnetic circuit portions referenced 12a, 12b , 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f.
  • the number of portions can be virtually any. It may be noted, however, that the number of second magnetic circuit portions must be at least two.
  • the number of first magnetic circuit portions is preferably smaller than or equal to the number of second magnetic circuit portions.
  • a higher number of first and second magnetic circuit portions leads to a greater attraction force and improved reliability.
  • an embodiment that is even more reliable than that of the figure 1 may comprise 8 first and sixteen second portions of magnetic circuit. This latter embodiment will have the disadvantage of being a little more expensive.
  • the first 11a, 11b as the second 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f magnetic circuit portions are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. It is also seen that the magnetic circuit portions each extend over a length substantially equal to the width of the bracelet. Indeed, advantageously, the magnetic circuit portions have a length that exceeds half the width of the bracelet. Moreover, it can also be seen that, in the example shown, the spacing between two second magnetic circuit portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f is at least three-quarters of the width of the magnet. one of the second magnetic circuit portions.
  • the figure 1 also indicates possible numerical values for the size of the spaces that separate a first or a second magnetic circuit portion from its nearest neighbor. It can be seen in the figure that the first magnetic circuit portions 11a and 11b are spaced 4mm apart. In addition, 3,405mm separate the second magnetic circuit portions 12a and 12b, 3,375mm the second portions 12b and 12c, 3,36mm the portion 12c and 12d, 3,34mm the portions 12d and 12e, and finally 3,32mm the portions 12th and 12f. These values illustrate that the spacing between the second portions is preferably smaller than the spacing between the first portions 11a, 11b. In the closed position of the bracelet, this advantageous characteristic makes it possible to compensate for the smaller radius of curvature of the second end portion.
  • the numerical values given above for the size of the spaces separating two second magnetic circuit portions also illustrate that the spacing between second portions of magnetic circuit preferably decreases as one moves away from the end of the second end portion 9 of the bracelet. Indeed, the more the second portions of the magnetic circuit to which the first magnetic circuit portions are superposed are remote from the end of the bracelet, the closer the bracelet is or, in other words, the smaller the diameter of the bracelet. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the closer the bracelet is, the more it is necessary to reduce the spacing between the second magnetic circuit portions to correct the effect of the overlap of the end portions and to ensure proper alignment of the first and second portions magnetic circuit in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the magnetic circuit portions 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f all comprise a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke (referenced respectively 14, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16 e and 16f on the figure 2b ).
  • the yokes have the shape of small rectangular plates arranged in the thickness of the bracelet, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet and parallel to the contact surface with the other strand of the bracelet.
  • the first magnetic circuit portions 11a and 11b, integrated into the first end portion of the bracelet each comprise a row of magnets.
  • the second magnetic circuit portions in the second end portion of the bracelet are also equipped with magnets.
  • each row of bipolar magnets is arranged between one of the yokes and the contact surface with the other strand of the wristband.
  • first and second magnetic circuit portion fulfill the function of "magnetic notches".
  • FIGs 3a and 3b are two partial schematic views of the arrangement of first and second portions of magnetic circuit which forms the magnetic closure of a bracelet according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the first and second magnetic circuit portions used in this second embodiment may be identical to those used in the first embodiment already described.
  • the difference between the first and second embodiments essentially lies in the use for the second embodiment of a larger number of first and second magnetic circuit portions.
  • the first magnetic circuit portions 111 are arranged parallel to each other and regularly spaced from each other. It is the same for second portions of magnetic circuit 112.
  • the first and second magnetic circuit portions 111 and 112 each comprise a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke (referenced 114 for the first and 116 for seconds).
  • the yokes have the shape of small rectangular plates. They can be made for example by cutting a laminated strip of iron-cobalt alloy such as those provided by ArcelorMittal® under the name AFK502.
  • the yokes have a length of 25.75mm., A width of 4mm. and a thickness of 0.5mm.
  • a yoke is associated with a row of six magnets (the magnets being collectively referenced 118).
  • the magnets have a length of 4mm., A width of 3.25mm. and a height of 1 mm. for example, the magnets used may be standard magnets in Neodymium-Iron-Boron.
  • the magnets 118 are arranged between a yoke 14 or 16 and the contact surface between the two strand of the bracelet (represented by a dashed line on the figure 3b ).
  • the magnets are evenly spaced on the cylinder head with a gap of 1.25mm. between neighboring magnets.
  • the magnets of a first magnetic circuit portion 11 are represented in a superimposed position on the magnets of a second magnetic circuit portion 12.
  • the magnets 118 of the first portions are each paired with a magnet 118 of a second portion in the closed position of the bracelet.
  • the magnets are all polarized normally to the contact surface between the end portions of the bracelet strands.
  • the normal to the contact surface corresponds to the vertical on the Figures 3a and 3b .
  • the magnets 118 are all vertically polarized, some magnets in a row are preferably polarized in the opposite direction of the other magnets in the array. So, the figure 3b shows again that some magnets 118 are polarized upwards, while the other magnets are polarized downwards (as indicated by the arrows).
  • two superimposed magnets or in other words, two paired magnets
  • two paired magnets are always polarized in the same direction.
  • each magnet 118 is polarized in the opposite direction of its nearest neighbor in the row of magnets.
  • the direction of magnetization in the cylinder heads is indicated by arrows. It can be seen from the arrows that the arrangement that has just been described magnets 118 and yokes 114, 116 reduces the magnetic path so as to improve the coupling while limiting the magnetic pollution.
  • the second magnetic circuit portions 216 may not include magnets. Indeed, referring now to the figure 4 it can be seen that only the first magnetic circuit portions 214 comprise magnets 218.

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  • Magnetic Treatment Devices (AREA)
  • Soft Magnetic Materials (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention concerne un bracelet à fermeture magnétique comportant des aimants permanents et elle concerne notamment un bracelet de montre comportant une telle fermeture magnétique.The present invention relates to a magnetic closure bracelet comprising permanent magnets and it relates in particular to a watch strap comprising such a magnetic closure.

ART ANTERIEURPRIOR ART

La figure 10d du document de brevet FR 2 834 622 illustre un bracelet de montre à fermeture magnétique comportant un premier et un second brin flexible, les deux brins étant séparables et étant prévus pour se chevaucher en position fermée du bracelet. Le bracelet comporte encore deux éléments magnétiques, le premier brin du bracelet intègre un premier élément magnétique qui est fixe, alors que le second brin, en forme de fourreau, intègre un second élément magnétique, dit élément magnétique mobile, qui est agencé pour coulisser longitudinalement, à frottement gras, à l'intérieur du fourreau. Lorsque les brins sont en position fermée, les deux éléments magnétiques sont en regard l'un de l'autre et ils s'attirent mutuellement. Ainsi, les deux éléments magnétiques permettent de fixer les deux brins l'un à l'autre en position fermée du bracelet. De plus, il est possible d'ajuster la longueur du bracelet en faisant coulisser l'élément magnétique mobile à l'intérieur de son fourreau. En outre, le document de brevet enseigne que l'ajustement de la longueur du bracelet peut être obtenu simplement en faisant glisser longitudinalement l'un des brins contre l'autre en position fermée du bracelet. En effet, pour autant que la force d'attraction exercée par l'élément magnétique fixe sur l'élément magnétique mobile soit suffisante pour vaincre la force de frottement gras, le glissement d'un brin sur l'autre provoque le coulissement de l'élément magnétique mobile à l'intérieur de son fourreau.Figure 10d of the patent document FR 2,834,622 illustrates a magnetic closure watch strap having a first and a second flexible strand, the two strands being separable and being provided to overlap in the closed position of the bracelet. The bracelet further comprises two magnetic elements, the first strand of the bracelet incorporates a first magnetic element which is fixed, while the second strand, in the form of a sleeve, incorporates a second magnetic element, said movable magnetic element, which is arranged to slide longitudinally , with fatty friction, inside the sheath. When the strands are in the closed position, the two magnetic elements are facing one another and they attract each other. Thus, the two magnetic elements make it possible to fix the two strands to one another in the closed position of the bracelet. In addition, it is possible to adjust the length of the bracelet by sliding the movable magnetic element inside its sheath. In addition, the patent document teaches that the adjustment of the length of the bracelet can be achieved simply by longitudinally sliding one of the strands against the other in the closed position of the bracelet. Indeed, as long as the strength of attraction exerted by the fixed magnetic element on the movable magnetic element is sufficient to overcome the greasy friction force, the sliding of one strand on the other causes the sliding magnetic element to slide inside the his sheath.

Cette solution connue présente certains inconvénients. En effet, si la force d'attraction entre les éléments magnétiques n'est pas suffisante pour vaincre la force de frottement gras, il ne sera pas possible d'ajuster la longueur du bracelet. Inversement, si l'élément magnétique mobile coulisse trop facilement à l'intérieur du fourreau, le bracelet risque de ne pas pouvoir être serré suffisamment.This known solution has certain disadvantages. Indeed, if the attractive force between the magnetic elements is not sufficient to overcome the friction force grease, it will not be possible to adjust the length of the bracelet. Conversely, if the movable magnetic element slides too easily inside the sheath, the bracelet may not be able to be tightened sufficiently.

Un bracelet à fermeture magnétique tel que le préambule de la revendication 1 est connu dans le document WO2004063821 .A magnetic closure bracelet such as the preamble of claim 1 is known in the document WO2004063821 .

Par ailleurs, le document WO2011048344 décrit une fermeture magnétique pour une ceinture d'habillement avec des premières et secondes portions de circuit magnétique comportant chacune une culasse ferromagnétique.In addition, the document WO2011048344 discloses a magnetic closure for a clothing belt with first and second magnetic circuit portions each having a ferromagnetic yoke.

BREF EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Un but de la présent invention est de remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur qui viennent d'être décrits. La présente invention atteint ce but en fournissant un bracelet à fermeture magnétique conforme à la revendication 1 annexée.An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art which have just been described. The present invention achieves this goal by providing a magnetic closure bracelet according to the appended claim 1.

Un avantage de l'invention est qu'il est possible de choisir la longueur du bracelet en choisisant simplement laquelle parmi la pluralité de secondes portions de circuit magnétique on place en position superposée avec la première portion de circuit magnétique. De plus, dans le cas où aucune des secondes portions de circuit magnétique n'est exactement superposée à la première portion de circuit magnétique, l'attraction mutuelle existant entre la première portion de circuit magnétique et la seconde portion de circuit magnétique la plus proche est normalement suffisante pour amener cette dernière en position superposée.An advantage of the invention is that it is possible to choose the length of the bracelet by simply choosing which of the plurality of second magnetic circuit portions is placed in superimposed position with the first magnetic circuit portion. Moreover, in the case where none of the second magnetic circuit portions is exactly superimposed on the first magnetic circuit portion, the mutual attraction existing between the first magnetic circuit portion and the second magnetic circuit portion closest is normally sufficient to bring the latter in superimposed position.

Un autre avantage de l'invention est que l'utilisation de toute une rangée d'aimants bipolaires, au lieu d'un seul aimant, permet de mieux solidariser les surfaces de contact des deux parties terminales en position fermée du bracelet. D'autre part, la présence d'une culasse en alliage ferromagnétique doux dans chaque portion de circuit magnétique présente l'avantage de permettre de bien canaliser le champs magnétique, et donc d'augmenter encore la force d'attraction mutuelle entre premières et secondes portions de circuit magnétique.Another advantage of the invention is that the use of a whole row of bipolar magnets, instead of a single magnet, makes it possible to better secure the contact surfaces of the two end parts in the closed position of the bracelet. On the other hand, the presence of an alloy cylinder head Mild ferromagnetism in each magnetic circuit portion has the advantage of allowing the magnetic field to be well channeled, and thus to further increase the mutual attraction force between first and second magnetic circuit portions.

Selon une variante avantageuse de la présente invention, les culasses ferromagnétiques ont une longueur supérieure à la moitié de la largeur des parties terminales du bracelet. Grâce à cette caractéristique, Les parties terminales en forme de portion de sangle peuvent être flexibles dans le sens de la longueur tout en étant relativement rigide dans le sens de la largeur. Une telle caractéristique présente l'avantage de permettre au bracelet tout à la fois d'épouser la forme d'un poignet et d'assurer une bonne adhérence entre les surfaces de contact en position fermée du bracelet.According to an advantageous variant of the present invention, the ferromagnetic yokes have a length greater than half the width of the end portions of the bracelet. With this feature, the strap-shaped end portions can be flexible lengthwise while being relatively stiff in the width direction. Such a feature has the advantage of allowing the bracelet both to follow the shape of a wrist and to ensure good adhesion between the contact surfaces in the closed position of the bracelet.

Selon une autre variante avantageuse de l'invention, l'espacement entre deux secondes portions de circuit magnétique est au moins égal aux trois-quarts de la largeur d'une des secondes portions de circuit magnétique. Cette caractéristique présente l'avantage de permettre au bracelet de bien épouser la forme du poignet de la personne qui le porte.According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the spacing between two second magnetic circuit portions is at least equal to three quarters of the width of one of the second magnetic circuit portions. This feature has the advantage of allowing the bracelet to marry well the shape of the wrist of the person who wears it.

Conformément à un mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, plusieurs premières parties de circuit magnétique sont intégrées dans la première partie terminale, lesdites premières parties étant arrangées parallèlement les unes aux autres et espacées les unes des autres. Cette multiplication des portions de circuit magnétique permet d'augmenter d'autant la force d'attraction magnétique qui solidarise les surfaces de contact des deux parties terminales en position fermée du bracelet.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of first magnetic circuit portions are integrated in the first end portion, said first portions being arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. This multiplication of magnetic circuit portions makes it possible to increase by the same amount the magnetic attraction force which secures the contact surfaces of the two end parts in the closed position of the bracelet.

Selon une variante avantageuse de ce dernier mode de réalisation, les premières portions de circuit magnétique qui sont intégrées dans la première partie terminale sont plus espacées les unes des autres que les secondes portions de circuit magnétique qui sont intégrées dans la seconde partie terminale. En effet, en position fermée, la première partie terminale se trouve du côté extérieur de l'anneau formé par le bracelet, alors que la seconde partie terminale se trouve du côté intérieur. Dans ces conditions, on comprendra qu'un même angle donné sous-tend un arc de cercle plus long sur la partie terminale extérieure que sur la partie terminale intérieure. La caractéristique selon laquelle les premières portions de circuit magnétique sont plus espacées les unes des autres que les secondes portions de circuit magnétique permet donc de corriger l'effet du chevauchement des parties terminales et d'assurer le bon alignement des premières et secondes portions de circuit magnétique en position fermée du bracelet.According to an advantageous variant of this latter embodiment, the first magnetic circuit portions that are integrated in the first end portion are spaced apart from each other than the second magnetic circuit portions that are integrated in the second end portion. Indeed, in the closed position, the first terminal part is located on the outside of the ring formed by the bracelet, while the second end portion is on the inner side. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the same given angle subtends a longer arc on the outer end portion than on the inner end portion. The characteristic according to which the first magnetic circuit portions are more spaced apart from each other than the second magnetic circuit portions thus makes it possible to correct the effect of the overlap of the end portions and to ensure the proper alignment of the first and second circuit portions. magnetic in the closed position of the bracelet.

Conformément à une forme préférée de la dernière variante ci-dessus, l'espacement entre secondes portions de circuit magnétique diminue au fur et à mesure que l'on s'éloigne de l'extrémité de la seconde partie terminale du bracelet. En effet, plus les secondes portions de circuit magnétique auxquelles on superpose les premières portions de circuit magnétique sont éloignées de l'extrémité du bracelet, plus le bracelet est serré ou, autrement dit, plus le diamètre du bracelet est petit. Dans ces conditions, on comprendra que plus le bracelet est serré, plus il est nécessaire de réduire l'espacement entre les secondes portions de circuit magnétique pour corriger l'effet du chevauchement des parties terminales et pour assurer un bon alignement des premières et secondes portions de circuit magnétique en position fermée du bracelet.According to a preferred form of the last variant above, the spacing between second portions of magnetic circuit decreases as one moves away from the end of the second end portion of the bracelet. Indeed, the more the second portions of the magnetic circuit to which the first magnetic circuit portions are superposed are remote from the end of the bracelet, the closer the bracelet is or, in other words, the smaller the diameter of the bracelet. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the closer the bracelet is, the more it is necessary to reduce the spacing between the second magnetic circuit portions to correct the effect of the overlap of the end portions and to ensure proper alignment of the first and second portions magnetic circuit in the closed position of the bracelet.

Conformément à une autre variante avantageuse du mode de réalisation mentionné plus haut, les secondes portions de circuit magnétique comportent chacune une rangée d'aimants bipolaires arrangés entre la culasse ferromagnétique de la seconde portion et la surface de contact de la seconde partie terminale, les aimants d'une rangée ayant des directions de polarisation parallèles les unes aux autres et normales à la surface de contact de la seconde partie terminale. De plus, les rangées d'aimants des premières et des secondes portions de circuit magnétique comptent toutes le même nombre d'aimants, les aimants étant arrangés de manière à ce que les aimants des premières portions soient chacun appariés avec un aimant d'une seconde portion en position fermée du bracelet, deux aimants appariés étant superposés et étant polarisés dans le même sens. La caractéristique selon laquelle les premières et les secondes portions de circuit magnétique comportent chacune des aimants dans la configuration décrite ci-dessus, permet d'augmenter encore la force d'attraction magnétique entre les surfaces de contact.According to another advantageous variant of the embodiment mentioned above, the second magnetic circuit portions each comprise a row of bipolar magnets arranged between the ferromagnetic yoke of the second portion and the contact surface of the second end portion, the magnets a row having polarization directions parallel to each other and normal to the contact surface of the second end portion. In addition, the rows of magnets of the first and second portions of the magnetic circuit all have the same number of magnets, the magnets being arranged so that the magnets of the first portions are each paired with a magnet of a second portion in the closed position of the bracelet, two paired magnets being superimposed and being polarized in the Same direction. The characteristic according to which the first and second magnetic circuit portions each comprise magnets in the configuration described above makes it possible to further increase the magnetic attraction force between the contact surfaces.

Conformément à un autre mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, certains aimants d'une rangée ont leur direction de polarisation dans le sens contraire de la direction de polarisation des autres aimants de la même rangée. Cette caractéristique présente l'avantage de permettre d'encore mieux canaliser le champs magnétique dans les portions de circuit magnétique. Selon une variante avantageuse de ce dernier mode de réalisation, chaque aimant d'une rangée d'aimants est polarisé dans le sens contraire de son plus proche voisin dans la rangée d'aimants. Cette dernière caractéristique a pour effet de raccourcir le chemin parcouru par le champs magnétiques, et donc d'intensifier le champs magnétique à proximité immédiate des surfaces de contacts.According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, certain magnets of a row have their direction of polarization in the opposite direction of the polarization direction of the other magnets of the same row. This characteristic has the advantage of allowing to better channel the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit portions. According to an advantageous variant of this last embodiment, each magnet of a row of magnets is biased in the opposite direction of its nearest neighbor in the row of magnets. This last characteristic has the effect of shortening the path traversed by the magnetic fields, and therefore of intensifying the magnetic field in the immediate vicinity of the contact surfaces.

BREVES DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :"

  • la figure 1 combine une vue en plan de dessus et une vue latérale partielle en coupe d'une montre bracelet correspondant à un premier mode de réalisation d'un bracelet à fermeture magnétique conforme à l'invention, les deux brins du bracelet étant représentés en position déployée pour bien montrer leur partie terminale ;
  • la figure 2a représente de manière schématique et en perspective la montre-bracelet de la figure 1 en position fermée. Dans un but de simplification, la montre elle-même a été omise ;
  • la figure 2b est une vue partielle en coupe montrant plus en détail la fermeture magnétique du bracelet de la figure 2a, et montrant en particulier le chevauchement des deux parties terminales du bracelet dans la zone de recouvrement ;
  • la figure 3a est un schéma de principe de la fermeture magnétique d'un bracelet conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, et montrant en perspective l'arrangement des premières et des secondes portions de circuit magnétique en position fermée du bracelet ;
  • la figure 3b est une vue partielle de face du mode de réalisation de la figure 3a montrant plus en détail la coopération entre les aimants d'une des premières portions de circuit magnétique avec les aimants d'une des secondes portions de circuit magnétique, en position fermée du bracelet ;
  • la figure 4 est un schéma de principe de la fermeture magnétique d'un bracelet conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, et montrant de face la coopération entre une première portion de circuit magnétique et une seconde portion de circuit magnétique en position fermée du bracelet.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: "
  • the figure 1 combines a top plan view and a partial side sectional view of a wristwatch corresponding to a first embodiment of a magnetic closure bracelet according to the invention, the two strands of the bracelet being shown in the deployed position to show their terminal part well;
  • the figure 2a represents schematically and in perspective the wristwatch of the figure 1 in closed position. For the sake of simplification, the watch itself has been omitted;
  • the figure 2b is a partial sectional view showing in more detail the magnetic closure of the bracelet of the figure 2a , and showing in particular the overlap of the two end portions of the bracelet in the overlap area;
  • the figure 3a is a block diagram of the magnetic closure of a bracelet according to a second embodiment of the invention, and showing in perspective the arrangement of the first and second magnetic circuit portions in the closed position of the bracelet;
  • the figure 3b is a partial front view of the embodiment of the figure 3a showing in more detail the cooperation between the magnets of one of the first magnetic circuit portions with the magnets of one of the second magnetic circuit portions, in the closed position of the bracelet;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic closure of a bracelet according to a third embodiment of the invention, and showing front the cooperation between a first magnetic circuit portion and a second magnetic circuit portion in the closed position of the bracelet .

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE MODES DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

En se référant à la figure 1, on peut voir une montre-bracelet qui correspond à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. La montre-bracelet comprend une boîte de montre 1 présentant deux paires de cornes 3 auxquelles sont attachés les deux brins 5 et 6 du bracelet. Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, les brins sont réalisés en élastomères, ce qui leurs confère la souplesse nécessaire pour s'enrouler autour du poignet du porteur de la montre. Les brins 5, 6 comportent chacun une partie terminale, et ces deux parties terminales sont respectivement référencée 8 et 9 sur les figures 1, 2a et 2b. On notera encore qu'en position fermée, comme illustré par la vue schématique des figures 2a et 2b, les parties terminales se chevauchent définissant une zone de recouvrement. Les parties terminales ont ainsi chacune une surface de contact qui est agencée pour s'accoler à la surface de contact de l'autre partie terminale en position fermée du bracelet. On notera de plus que, dans la zone de recouvrement, la partie terminale 8 du premier brin (référencé 5) se trouve à l'extérieur de l'anneau formé par le bracelet en position fermée, alors que la partie terminale 9 du second brin (référencé 6) se trouve du côté intérieur de cet anneau.Referring to the figure 1 we can see a wristwatch which corresponds to a first embodiment of the invention. The wristwatch comprises a watch case 1 having two pairs of horns 3 to which are attached the two strands 5 and 6 of the bracelet. In the embodiment described, the strands are made of elastomers, which gives them the flexibility to wrap around the wrist of the wearer of the watch. The strands 5, 6 each comprise an end portion, and these two end parts are respectively referenced 8 and 9 on the figures 1 , 2a and 2b . It will also be noted that in the closed position, as illustrated by the schematic view of the Figures 2a and 2b , the end portions overlap defining an overlap area. The end portions thus each have a contact surface which is arranged to abut the contact surface of the other end portion in the closed position of the bracelet. Note further that, in the overlap zone, the end portion 8 of the first strand (referenced 5) is outside the ring formed by the bracelet in the closed position, while the end portion 9 of the second strand (referenced 6) is on the inner side of this ring.

En considérant maintenant simultanément la figure 1 et la figure 2a, on peut comprendre que lorsque les brins du bracelet son déployés comme illustré par la vue de dessus de la figure 1, la surface de contact du premier brin 5 se trouve au-dessous de la partie terminale 8, alors que la surface de contact du second brin 6 se trouve sur le dessus de la seconde partie terminale 9. Selon l'invention, le bracelet comporte encore une première portion de circuit magnétique intégrée dans la première partie terminale 8 et une pluralité de secondes portions de circuit magnétique intégrées dans la seconde partie terminale 9. En se référant encore à la figure 1, on peut voir que dans le mode de réalisation illustré, le première partie terminale 8 comporte deux premières portions de circuit magnétique (respectivement référencée 11a, 11b), alors que la seconde partie terminale 9 comporte six secondes portions de circuit magnétique référencées 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e et 12f. L'homme du métier comprendra que de manière générale, le nombre de portions peut pratiquement être quelconque. On peut noter toutefois que le nombre de secondes portions de circuit magnétique doit être au moins égal à deux. De plus, le nombre de premières portions de circuit magnétique est de préférence plus petit ou égal au nombre de secondes portions de circuit magnétique. En règle générale, un nombre plus élevé de premières et de secondes portions de circuit magnétique conduit à une force d'attraction plus grande et à fiabilité améliorée. A titre d'exemple, un mode de réalisation encore plus fiable que celui de la figure 1 pourra comporter 8 premières et seize secondes portions de circuit magnétique. Ce dernier mode de réalisation aura l'inconvénient d'être un peu plus coûteux.Now considering simultaneously figure 1 and the figure 2a , we can understand that when the strands of the bracelet are deployed as shown by the view from above of the figure 1 , the contact surface of the first strand 5 is below the end portion 8, while the contact surface of the second strand 6 is on top of the second end portion 9. According to the invention, the bracelet comprises still a first magnetic circuit portion integrated in the first terminal portion 8 and a plurality of second magnetic circuit portions integrated in the second terminal portion 9. Still referring to the figure 1 it can be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 8 comprises two first magnetic circuit portions (respectively referenced 11a, 11b), while the second end portion 9 comprises six second magnetic circuit portions referenced 12a, 12b , 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f. Those skilled in the art will understand that in general, the number of portions can be virtually any. It may be noted, however, that the number of second magnetic circuit portions must be at least two. In addition, the number of first magnetic circuit portions is preferably smaller than or equal to the number of second magnetic circuit portions. In general, a higher number of first and second magnetic circuit portions leads to a greater attraction force and improved reliability. As for example, an embodiment that is even more reliable than that of the figure 1 may comprise 8 first and sixteen second portions of magnetic circuit. This latter embodiment will have the disadvantage of being a little more expensive.

En se référant encore à la figure 1, on peut voir que, dans le présent exemple, les premières 11a, 11 b comme les secondes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f portions de circuit magnétique sont arrangées parallèlement les unes aux autres et espacées les unes des autres. On voit encore que les portions de circuit magnétique s'étendent chacune sur une longueur pratiquement égale à la largeur du bracelet. En effet, de manière avantageuse, les portions de circuit magnétique ont une longueur qui dépasse la moitié de la largeur du bracelet. De plus, on peut voir également que, dans l'exemple représenté, l'espacement qui sépare deux secondes portions de circuit magnétique 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f est au moins égal au trois-quarts de la largeur d'une des secondes portions de circuit magnétique. Finalement, on notera qu'à titre d'exemple, la figure 1 indique également des valeurs numériques possibles pour la grandeur des espaces qui séparent une première ou une seconde portion de circuit magnétique de sa voisine la plus proche. On peut voir sur la figure que les premières portions de circuit magnétique 11a et 11b sont espacées de 4mm. De plus, 3,405mm séparent les secondes portions de circuit magnétique 12a et 12b, 3,375mm les secondes portions 12b et 12c, 3,36mm les portion 12c et 12d, 3,34mm les portions 12d et 12e, et enfin 3,32mm les portions 12e et 12f. Ces valeurs illustrent le fait que l'espacement entre les secondes portions est de préférence plus petit que l'espacement entre les premières portions 11a, 11 b. En position fermée du bracelet, cette caractéristique avantageuse permet de compenser le rayon de courbure plus petit de la seconde partie terminale.Referring again to the figure 1 it can be seen that in the present example, the first 11a, 11b as the second 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f magnetic circuit portions are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. It is also seen that the magnetic circuit portions each extend over a length substantially equal to the width of the bracelet. Indeed, advantageously, the magnetic circuit portions have a length that exceeds half the width of the bracelet. Moreover, it can also be seen that, in the example shown, the spacing between two second magnetic circuit portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f is at least three-quarters of the width of the magnet. one of the second magnetic circuit portions. Finally, it should be noted that, as an example, the figure 1 also indicates possible numerical values for the size of the spaces that separate a first or a second magnetic circuit portion from its nearest neighbor. It can be seen in the figure that the first magnetic circuit portions 11a and 11b are spaced 4mm apart. In addition, 3,405mm separate the second magnetic circuit portions 12a and 12b, 3,375mm the second portions 12b and 12c, 3,36mm the portion 12c and 12d, 3,34mm the portions 12d and 12e, and finally 3,32mm the portions 12th and 12f. These values illustrate that the spacing between the second portions is preferably smaller than the spacing between the first portions 11a, 11b. In the closed position of the bracelet, this advantageous characteristic makes it possible to compensate for the smaller radius of curvature of the second end portion.

Les valeurs numériques données ci-dessus pour la grandeur des espaces qui séparent deux secondes portions de circuit magnétique illustrent également le fait que l'espacement entre secondes portions de circuit magnétique diminue de préférence au fur et à mesure que l'on s'éloigne de l'extrémité de la seconde partie terminale 9 du bracelet. En effet, plus les secondes portions de circuit magnétique auxquelles on superpose les premières portions de circuit magnétique sont éloignées de l'extrémité du bracelet, plus le bracelet est serré ou, autrement dit, plus le diamètre du bracelet est petit. Dans ces conditions, on comprendra que plus le bracelet est serré, plus il est nécessaire de réduire l'espacement entre les secondes portions de circuit magnétique pour corriger l'effet du chevauchement des parties terminales et pour assurer un bon alignement des premières et secondes portions de circuit magnétique en position fermée du bracelet.The numerical values given above for the size of the spaces separating two second magnetic circuit portions also illustrate that the spacing between second portions of magnetic circuit preferably decreases as one moves away from the end of the second end portion 9 of the bracelet. Indeed, the more the second portions of the magnetic circuit to which the first magnetic circuit portions are superposed are remote from the end of the bracelet, the closer the bracelet is or, in other words, the smaller the diameter of the bracelet. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the closer the bracelet is, the more it is necessary to reduce the spacing between the second magnetic circuit portions to correct the effect of the overlap of the end portions and to ensure proper alignment of the first and second portions magnetic circuit in the closed position of the bracelet.

Conformément à l'invention, les portions de circuit magnétique 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f comportent toutes une culasse en alliage ferromagnétique doux (référencées respectivement 14, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e et 16f sur la figure 2b). Comme on le verra plus en détail plus loin, dans le présent exemple les culasses ont la forme de petites plaques rectangulaires arrangées dans l'épaisseur du bracelet, transversalement à l'axe longitudinal du bracelet et parallèlement à la surface de contact avec l'autre brin du bracelet. Conformément à l'invention, les premières portions de circuit magnétique 11a et 11b, intégrées dans la première partie terminale du bracelet, comprennent chacune une rangée d'aimants. En outre, dans le présent exemple, les secondes portions de circuit magnétique dans la seconde partie terminale du bracelet sont également équipées d'aimants. Comme on le verra plus en détail en relation avec les figures 3a et 3b, chaque rangée d'aimants bipolaires est arrangée entre une des culasses et la surface de contact avec l'autre brin du bracelet.According to the invention, the magnetic circuit portions 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f all comprise a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke (referenced respectively 14, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16 e and 16f on the figure 2b ). As will be seen in more detail later, in the present example the yokes have the shape of small rectangular plates arranged in the thickness of the bracelet, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet and parallel to the contact surface with the other strand of the bracelet. According to the invention, the first magnetic circuit portions 11a and 11b, integrated into the first end portion of the bracelet, each comprise a row of magnets. In addition, in the present example, the second magnetic circuit portions in the second end portion of the bracelet are also equipped with magnets. As will be seen in more detail in relation to the Figures 3a and 3b each row of bipolar magnets is arranged between one of the yokes and the contact surface with the other strand of the wristband.

En considérant maintenant simultanément la figure 1 et la figure 2b, on peut comprendre qu'en décalant longitudinalement une des parties terminales par rapport à l'autre il est possible de faire prendre sept longueurs différentes au bracelet en position fermée. Sur la figure 2b, on voit que les premières portions de circuit magnétique 11a et 11b ont été représentées en position superposée aux secondes portions de circuit magnétique 12e et 12d. Toutefois, on peut voir que pour obtenir la longueur la plus courte possible du bracelet, il faut superposer la première portion de circuit magnétique 11b à la seconde portion de circuit magnétique 12f. à l'inverse, on peut voir également que la plus grande longueur du bracelet peut être obtenue en superposant la première portion de circuit magnétique 11a à la seconde portion de circuit magnétique 12a. On peut noter que dans les deux positions qui viennent d'être mentionnées, une seule des premières portions de circuit magnétique coopère avec une seconde portion de circuit magnétique, l'autre première portion de circuit magnétique ne se trouvant pas en face d'une seconde portion de circuit magnétique. On comprendra donc de ce qui précède que la fermeture magnétique sera plus forte dans les cinq positions correspondant à des longueurs intermédiaires du bracelet que dans les deux positions extrêmes qui correspondent respectivement à la longueur la plus courte et à la longueur la plus longue.Now considering simultaneously figure 1 and the figure 2b it can be understood that by shifting one of the end portions longitudinally relative to the other it is possible to take seven different lengths to the bracelet in the closed position. On the figure 2b it will be seen that the first magnetic circuit portions 11a and 11b have been shown in superposed position to the second magnetic circuit portions 12e and 12d. However, it can be seen that to obtain the shortest possible length of the bracelet, it is necessary to superpose the first magnetic circuit portion 11b to the second magnetic circuit portion 12f. conversely, it can also be seen that the greatest length of the bracelet can be obtained by superimposing the first magnetic circuit portion 11a to the second magnetic circuit portion 12a. It may be noted that in the two positions just mentioned, only one of the first magnetic circuit portions cooperates with a second magnetic circuit portion, the other first magnetic circuit portion not being in front of a second portion of magnetic circuit. It will therefore be understood from the foregoing that the magnetic closure will be stronger in the five positions corresponding to intermediate lengths of the bracelet than in the two extreme positions which correspond respectively to the shortest length and the longest length.

La force d'attraction magnétique décroissant avec la distance, cette force s'exerce principalement entre première et second portion de circuit magnétique les plus proche l'une de l'autre. Ces portions les plus proches étant généralement sensiblement superposées, la force magnétique s'exerce surtout perpendiculairement aux surfaces de contact. Ainsi, l'attraction entre portion de circuit magnétique a pour effet de faire adhérer fortement les surfaces de contact l'une contre l'autre. De plus, on peut comprendre que la force d'attraction magnétique s'oppose également à tout glissement longitudinal des surfaces de contact l'une contre l'autre. Cette dernière caractéristique présente l'avantage de permettre d'avoir des surfaces de contact planes entre les brins du bracelet, et donc de se passer de crans ou de tout autre moyen d'immobilisation mécanique. On peut donc dire que les premières et les secondes portions de circuit magnétique remplissent la fonction de « crans magnétiques ».The force of magnetic attraction decreasing with the distance, this force is exerted mainly between first and second magnetic circuit portion closest to each other. These closest portions being generally substantially superimposed, the magnetic force is exerted especially perpendicularly to the contact surfaces. Thus, the attraction between the magnetic circuit portion has the effect of strongly adhering the contact surfaces against each other. In addition, it can be understood that the magnetic attraction force also opposes any longitudinal sliding of the contact surfaces against each other. This last feature has the advantage of allowing to have flat contact surfaces between the strands of the bracelet, and thus to avoid notches or any other means of mechanical immobilization. It can thus be said that the first and second magnetic circuit portions fulfill the function of "magnetic notches".

Les figures 3a et 3b sont deux vues schématiques partielles de l'arrangement de premières et secondes portions de circuit magnétique qui forme la fermeture magnétique d'un bracelet selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention. Les premières et secondes portion de circuit magnétique utilisées dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation peuvent être identiques à celles utilisées dans le premier mode de réalisation déjà décrit. La différence entre le premier et le deuxième mode de réalisation réside essentiellement dans l'utilisation pour le deuxième mode de réalisation d'un plus grand nombre de premières et de secondes portions de circuit magnétique. Comme le montre la figure 3a, les premières portions de circuit magnétique 111 sont arrangées parallèlement les unes aux autres et régulièrement espacées les unes des autres. Il en est de même des secondes portions de circuit magnétique 112.The Figures 3a and 3b are two partial schematic views of the arrangement of first and second portions of magnetic circuit which forms the magnetic closure of a bracelet according to a second embodiment of the invention. The first and second magnetic circuit portions used in this second embodiment may be identical to those used in the first embodiment already described. The difference between the first and second embodiments essentially lies in the use for the second embodiment of a larger number of first and second magnetic circuit portions. As shown in figure 3a the first magnetic circuit portions 111 are arranged parallel to each other and regularly spaced from each other. It is the same for second portions of magnetic circuit 112.

Conformément à l'invention, les premières et les secondes portions de circuit magnétique 111 et 112 comportent chacune une culasse en alliage ferromagnétique doux ( référencées 114 pour les premières et 116 pour les secondes). Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, comme dans le précédent, les culasses ont la forme de petites plaques rectangulaires. On peut les réaliser par exemple en découpant une bande laminée en alliage Fer-Cobalt comme celles fournies par ArcelorMittal® sous la dénomination AFK502. Dans l'exemple décrit, les culasses ont une longueur de 25,75mm., une largeur de 4mm. et une épaisseur de 0,5mm. Comme le montre encore les figures 3a et 3b, dans chaque portion de circuit magnétique, une culasse est associée à une rangée de six aimants (les aimants étant collectivement référencés 118). Dans le présent exemple, les aimants ont une longueur de 4mm., une largeur de 3,25mm. et une hauteur de 1 mm. à titre d'exemple, les aimants utilisés peuvent être des aimants standards en Néodyme-Fer-Bore.According to the invention, the first and second magnetic circuit portions 111 and 112 each comprise a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke (referenced 114 for the first and 116 for seconds). In the embodiment described, as in the previous, the yokes have the shape of small rectangular plates. They can be made for example by cutting a laminated strip of iron-cobalt alloy such as those provided by ArcelorMittal® under the name AFK502. In the example described, the yokes have a length of 25.75mm., A width of 4mm. and a thickness of 0.5mm. As shown again Figures 3a and 3b in each magnetic circuit portion, a yoke is associated with a row of six magnets (the magnets being collectively referenced 118). In this example, the magnets have a length of 4mm., A width of 3.25mm. and a height of 1 mm. for example, the magnets used may be standard magnets in Neodymium-Iron-Boron.

On peut voir encore sur les figures 3a et 3b que les aimants 118 sont arrangés entre une culasse 14 ou 16 et la surface de contact entre les deux brin du bracelet (représentée par un trait mixte sur la figure 3b). Les aimants sont régulièrement espacés sur la culasse avec un espace de 1,25mm. entre aimants voisins. On peut voir encore que les aimants d'une première portion de circuit magnétique 11 sont représentés en position superposée aux aimants d'une seconde portion de circuit magnétique 12. Ainsi, conformément au mode de réalisation représenté, les aimants 118 des premières portions sont chacun appariés avec un aimant 118 d'une seconde portion en position fermée du bracelet.We can still see on Figures 3a and 3b that the magnets 118 are arranged between a yoke 14 or 16 and the contact surface between the two strand of the bracelet (represented by a dashed line on the figure 3b ). The magnets are evenly spaced on the cylinder head with a gap of 1.25mm. between neighboring magnets. It can still be seen that the magnets of a first magnetic circuit portion 11 are represented in a superimposed position on the magnets of a second magnetic circuit portion 12. Thus, in accordance with the embodiment shown, the magnets 118 of the first portions are each paired with a magnet 118 of a second portion in the closed position of the bracelet.

Conformément à l'invention, les aimants sont tous polarisés normalement à la surface de contact entre les parties terminales des brins du bracelet. A cet égard, on peut se rendre compte que la normale à la surface de contact correspond à la verticale sur les figures 3a et 3b. D'autre part, on comprendra que, bien que les aimants 118 sont tous polarisés verticalement, certains aimants d'une rangée sont de préférence polarisé dans le sens contraire des autres aimants de la rangée. Ainsi, la figure 3b montre encore que certains aimants 118 sont polarisés vers le haut, alors que les autres aimants sont polarisés vers le bas (comme indiqué par les flèches). Toutefois, on notera encore que deux aimants superposés (ou autrement dit, deux aimants appariés) sont toujours polarisés dans le même sens. Finalement, on notera encore que dans l'exemple représenté, chaque aimant 118 est polarisé dans le sens contraire de son plus proche voisin dans la rangée d'aimants. En se référant encore à la figure 3b, on peut voir que le sens de magnétisation dans les culasses est indiqué par des flèche. On peut se rendre compte à partir des flèches que l'arrangement qui vient d'être décrit des aimants 118 et des culasses 114, 116 permet de diminuer le chemin magnétique de sorte à améliorer le couplage tout limitant la pollution magnétique.According to the invention, the magnets are all polarized normally to the contact surface between the end portions of the bracelet strands. In this respect, it can be seen that the normal to the contact surface corresponds to the vertical on the Figures 3a and 3b . On the other hand, it will be understood that although the magnets 118 are all vertically polarized, some magnets in a row are preferably polarized in the opposite direction of the other magnets in the array. So, the figure 3b shows again that some magnets 118 are polarized upwards, while the other magnets are polarized downwards (as indicated by the arrows). However, it will be noted that two superimposed magnets (or in other words, two paired magnets) are always polarized in the same direction. Finally, it will also be noted that in the example shown, each magnet 118 is polarized in the opposite direction of its nearest neighbor in the row of magnets. Referring again to the figure 3b it can be seen that the direction of magnetization in the cylinder heads is indicated by arrows. It can be seen from the arrows that the arrangement that has just been described magnets 118 and yokes 114, 116 reduces the magnetic path so as to improve the coupling while limiting the magnetic pollution.

On comprendra que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour un homme du métier peuvent être apportées aux modes de réalisation qui font l'objet de la présente description sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications annexées. En particulier, l'homme du métier comprendra que les secondes portions de circuit magnétique 216 peuvent ne pas comporter d'aimants. En effet, en se reportant maintenant à la figure 4, on peut voir que seuls les premières portions de circuit magnétique 214 comportent des aimants 218.It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to one skilled in the art can be made to the embodiments which are the subject of the present description without departing from the scope of the present invention. the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, those skilled in the art will understand that the second magnetic circuit portions 216 may not include magnets. Indeed, referring now to the figure 4 it can be seen that only the first magnetic circuit portions 214 comprise magnets 218.

Claims (10)

  1. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp comprising a first and a second flexible end part (8, 9) in the form of a strap portion, said end parts being separable and being arranged to overlap in the closed position of the bracelet so that the bracelet substantially forms a ring with an external side and an internal side and so that the end parts (8, 9) define an overlapping area, the end parts each having a contact surface arranged to adjoin the contact surface of the other end part in the overlapping area so that the first end part (8) is on the external side of the ring and the second end part (9) is on the internal side, the bracelet comprising a first magnetic circuit portion (11a, 11b; 111; 211) integrated in the first end part and a second magnetic circuit portion (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 112; 212) integrated in the second end part, said first and second magnetic circuit portions being arranged to mutually attract each other and to cooperate so as to unite the contact surfaces of the two end parts (8, 9) in the closed position of the bracelet, wherein a plurality of second magnetic circuit portions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 112; 212) are integrated in the second end part (9), said second portions are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other so as to enable the bracelet length to be selected;
    characterized in that the first and second magnetic circuit portions each include a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f; 114, 116; 214, 216), said yoke having an elongated shape and being arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet and parallel to the contact surface of the end part in which the magnetic circuit portion is integrated, in that said first magnetic circuit portion (11a, 11b; 111; 211) includes a row of bipolar magnets (18A; 118A; 218A) arranged between the ferromagnetic yoke and the contact surface of the first end part (8), the magnets of said row having directions of polarisation that are parallel to each other and normal to the contact surface of the first end part.
  2. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to claim 1, wherein the length of the ferromagnetic yokes (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f; 114, 116; 214, 216) is greater than half the width of the end parts (8, 9) in the form of a strap portion.
  3. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space between two second magnetic circuit portions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 112; 212) is at least equal to three-quarters of the width of one of the second magnetic circuit portions.
  4. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein several first magnetic circuit portions (11a, 11b; 111; 211) are integrated in the first end part (8), said first portions being arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.
  5. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to claim 4, wherein the first magnetic circuit portions (11a, 11b; 111; 211) are spaced further apart from each other than the second magnetic circuit portions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 112; 212).
  6. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to claim 5, wherein the second magnetic circuit portions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 112; 212) are more numerous than the first magnetic circuit portions (11a, 11b; 111; 211), and the space between the second magnetic circuit portions increases gradually towards the end of the second end part (9).
  7. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second magnetic circuit portions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 112; 212) each include a row of bipolar magnets (18B, 118B, 218B) arranged between the ferromagnetic yoke (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f; 116; 216) of the second portion and the contact surface of the second end part (9), the magnets of a row having directions of polarisation that are parallel to each other and normal to the contact surface of the second end part, and wherein the rows of magnets of the first and second magnetic circuit portions (8, 9) all have the same number of magnets (18A, 18B; 118A; 118B; 218A, 218B), the magnets being arranged so that the magnets (18A; 118A; 218A) of the first portions can each be matched with a magnet (18B; 118B, 218B) of a second portion in the closed position of the bracelet, two matched magnets being superposed and polarised in the same direction.
  8. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the direction of polarisation of some magnets of a row is in the opposite direction to the direction of polarisation of the other magnets of the same row.
  9. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to claim 8, wherein each magnet of a row of magnets is polarised in the opposite direction to the closest neighbour thereto in the row of magnets.
  10. Bracelet with a magnetic clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second end parts (8, 9) each include an elastomer layer in which the magnetic circuit portions (11 a, 11 b, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f; 111, 112; 211, 212) are embedded.
EP12173916.3A 2012-06-27 2012-06-27 Magnetic clasp Active EP2679113B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12173916.3A EP2679113B1 (en) 2012-06-27 2012-06-27 Magnetic clasp
US13/924,807 US8997318B2 (en) 2012-06-27 2013-06-24 Magnetic clasp
RU2013129211/12A RU2013129211A (en) 2012-06-27 2013-06-26 MAGNETIC FASTENER
CN201310258212.5A CN103504731B (en) 2012-06-27 2013-06-26 Magnetic clasp
JP2013134738A JP5671103B2 (en) 2012-06-27 2013-06-27 Magnetic clasp
HK14107061.3A HK1193551A1 (en) 2012-06-27 2014-07-11 Magnetic clasp

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12173916.3A EP2679113B1 (en) 2012-06-27 2012-06-27 Magnetic clasp

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2679113A1 EP2679113A1 (en) 2014-01-01
EP2679113B1 true EP2679113B1 (en) 2014-12-17

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EP12173916.3A Active EP2679113B1 (en) 2012-06-27 2012-06-27 Magnetic clasp

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US (1) US8997318B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2679113B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5671103B2 (en)
CN (1) CN103504731B (en)
HK (1) HK1193551A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2013129211A (en)

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US8997318B2 (en) 2015-04-07
HK1193551A1 (en) 2014-09-26
JP5671103B2 (en) 2015-02-18
CN103504731A (en) 2014-01-15
RU2013129211A (en) 2015-01-10
US20140000312A1 (en) 2014-01-02
CN103504731B (en) 2015-08-05
JP2014008408A (en) 2014-01-20
EP2679113A1 (en) 2014-01-01

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