EP3338586B1 - Watch band or jewellery bracelet - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an articulated wristwatch or jewelery bracelet, for a watch or a jewel, comprising an alternation of H links comprising lateral branches forming the lateral ends of said bracelet, and central links, articulated to each other by rods formed by pins or screws.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a bracelet.

The invention also relates to a jewel comprising such a bracelet.

The invention relates to the field of watch or jewelery bracelets.

Background of the invention

The creation of articulated bracelets of watchmaking or jewelery must face many mechanical constraints, exerted on the joints and the links, and must therefore include joints and rigid links. This rigidity is not always compatible with the use of precious metal, rarely used for massive components but especially in the form of electroformed components of much lower mass, but which are more sensitive to shocks, depression, and torsion. The protection of precious metal links inside the bracelet is often difficult to ensure correctly.

The document GB2240460 describes a bracelet according to the preamble of claim 1.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to make a very rigid articulated bracelet, assembly and disassembly extremely easy, and having decorated links, either by the choice of their material, or by a decoration applied or engraved or crimped, or other.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an articulated clock or jewelery bracelet according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a bracelet.

The invention also relates to a jewel comprising such a bracelet.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, un bracelet selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective éclatés, le bracelet de la figure 1, comportant, de la gauche vers la droite de la figure, des tiges d'assemblage constituées par des vis, des maillons en forme de H, des embases, des coques superficielles qui constituent avec ces embases des maillons décorés, et d'autres tiges d'assemblage constituées par des vis identiques aux précédentes;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de côté, le bracelet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de dessus selon une direction frontale, le bracelet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en coupe selon un plan médian, le bracelet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective vue de dessus, une coque superficielle d'un des maillons décorés de ce bracelet ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective vue de dessous, la coque superficielle de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective vue de dessus, une embase d'un des maillons décorés de ce bracelet, en position pour recevoir la coque superficielle de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective vue de dessus, un maillon en H de ce bracelet ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective vue de dessus, un assemblage de l'embase de la figure 8 et du maillon en H de la figure 9 ;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de côté, l'assemblage de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de côté, l'assemblage de la figure 11 ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon schématisée, une vis d'assemblage du bracelet de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 14 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre comportant un tel bracelet ;
• la figure 15 est un schéma-blocs représentant un bijou comportant un tel bracelet.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a bracelet according to the invention;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically, and exploded perspective, the bracelet of the figure 1 , comprising, from the left to the right of the figure, assembly rods constituted by screws, H-shaped links, bases, superficial hulls which constitute with these bases decorated links, and other rods. assembly consisting of screws identical to the previous ones;
• the figure 3 represents, schematically, partially, and in side view, the bracelet of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view in a frontal direction, the bracelet of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 represents, schematically, partially and in section along a median plane, the bracelet of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 6 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from above, a surface shell of one of the decorated links of this bracelet;
• the figure 7 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from below, the superficial shell of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from above, a base of one of the decorated links of this bracelet, in position to receive the surface shell of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 9 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from above, an H link of this bracelet;
• the figure 10 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from above, an assembly of the base of the figure 8 and the H link of the figure 9 ;
• the figure 11 represents, schematically, and in side view, the assembly of the figure 10 ;
• the figure 12 represents, schematically, and in side view, the assembly of the figure 11 ;
• the figure 13 represents, schematically, a screw assembly of the bracelet of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 14 is a block diagram showing a watch including such a bracelet;
• the figure 15 is a block diagram representing a jewel including such a bracelet.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a bracelet 10 articulated clock or jewelry for a watch 100 or a jewel 200.

By bracelet is meant here, in the broad sense, any assembly of several links, some of which may be constituted by clasp elements, or by attachments to a watch or a jewel, or by a watch or a jewel. In particular, the present definition of the bracelet 10 also covers what is commonly known as a strand of a bracelet, that is to say a part of a complete bracelet intended to go around the wrist of a user.

Here the length of the bracelet is called the longitudinal direction in which the unfolded bracelet extends by dismounting at least one joint, and laid flat. The transverse direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction is called the width, the hinge pins or hinges extend in this transverse direction.

This bracelet 10 comprises, according to its length, an alternation of links in the form of H, referenced 11, and central links 12. The links 11 in the shape of H comprise lateral branches 14 forming the lateral ends of the bracelet 10. The lateral ends assembled bracelet 10 are substantially aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction, and more particularly but not limited to symmetry with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the transverse direction.

The links 11 in the shape of H and the central links 12 are articulated to each other by rods 13 formed by pins or screws, extending in the transverse direction,

According to the invention, at least one central link 12 is a decorated link 1.

This decorated link 1 comprises a removable surface shell 3, which is arranged to be attached to a base 2 that comprises the decorated link 1. This base 2 comprises at least a first guide 21 and a second guide 22, each of them substantially of revolution. around one first axis D1 and a second axis D2 parallel and distinct from each other, and arranged to receive the rods 13. And the outer shell 3 of each decorated link 1 is surrounded and protected on both sides in its width by the lateral branches 14 of links H 11.

In the nonlimiting variant illustrated by the figures, the base 2 is solid, and has on its outer part at least one lower housing 24, 25, which is traversed at least partially by the first guide 21 or the second guide 22, and which is arranged to define a single longitudinal position of assembly of the surface shell 3 relative to the base 2: this lower housing 24, 25 is arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with an upper projecting element 34, 35 that includes the superficial shell 3 ,. The superficial shell 3 comprises at least a third guide 31, substantially of revolution about a third axis D3, arranged to be aligned, in the assembly position, with the first guide 21 or second guide 22, about the first axis D1 or respectively of the second axis D2.

More particularly, in the variant of the figures, the base 2 comprises at least a first lower housing 24, traversed by the first guide 21, arranged to cooperate with a first upper salient element 34 of the outer shell 3, and a second lower housing 25, crossed by the second guide 22, arranged to cooperate with a second upper projecting element 35 of the outer shell 3.

In the variant of the figures, the superficial shell 3 comprises at least a fourth guide 41 substantially of revolution about a fourth axis D4, parallel and distinct from the third axis D3, and arranged to be aligned, in the assembly position, with the first axis D1 or the second axis D2.

In a particular variant, in the case where the appearance of the bracelet requires a particular orientation of the superficial shell 3, the first upper salient element 34 is of different profile from the second upper salient element 35, to ensure a single orientation, in the position assembly, the outer shell 3 relative to the base 2. Similarly, in a variant, the lower housing 24 is of different profile from the second lower housing 25, to ensure a single orientation, in the position of assembly, of the superficial shell 3 relative to the base 2.

Advantageously, to ensure perfect veneer and firm support of the outer shell 3, the base 2 comprises a lower bearing surface 29 which is arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with an upper bearing surface 39 that includes the superficial shell 3, for holding in three dimensions in the assembly position. It is thus possible to produce a relatively thin superficial shell 3, perfectly stiffened by the base 2 which takes up all the mechanical stresses printed on the bracelet 10. In particular, in a particular variant, the surface shell 3 is made of a metal alloy precious, for example an 18-carat gold alloy or the like; and, in order to comply with the normative requirements of the title, this surface shell 3 preferably has a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, and the invention is perfectly adapted to such a shell, which constitutes a solid component made of precious metal, which values the bracelet, which is of a very good appearance in comparison with a simple surface treatment, which is much more robust than a hollow electro-formed component, and which is quite economical in mass of precious metal used.

At least the first guide 21 or the second guide 22 is arranged to receive a rod 13 for an articulated connection with another element of the bracelet 10.

In a particular variant, not illustrated, at least the first guide 21 or the second guide 22 is distinct from other guides that comprises the base 2 for links articulated with other elements of a bracelet 10.

Preferably, in the assembly position, the surface shell 3 surrounds, at least partially, the base 2.

More particularly, the outer shell 3 comprises at least two yokes 37 aligned, each having a third guide 31 around the third axis D3, and arranged for, in the assembly position, bear on both sides side surfaces 28 that includes the base 2.

More particularly, the outer shell 3 comprises at least two yokes 37 aligned, each having a fourth guide 41 about the fourth axis D4, and arranged for, in the assembly position, bear on both sides side surfaces 28 that includes the base 2.

According to the invention, the surface shell 3 is arranged to hide the base 2 at least in a frontal direction F, and has an aspect surface 30 intended to be seen by the user in this frontal direction F.

In a variant, the surface shell 3 is made of a precious material, or a precious metal alloy, or comprises an insert of precious material and having this surface of appearance 30, or comprises a surface layer of precious material comprising the surface of aspect 30.

In the variant of the figures, the base 2 comprises peripheral abutment bearing surfaces 27 arranged to support only the contact with other elements of a bracelet 10, and keep them at a distance from the surface shell 3.

In a particular variant, the third guide 31 passes through the entire width of the superficial shell 3.

In a particular variant not shown, the first guide 21 and said second guide 22 are through the entire width of the base 2.

In a particular variant illustrated by the figures, at least the first guide 21 or the second guide 22 is a blind guide not passing through the entire width of the base 2.

In a particular variant illustrated by the figures, at least the first guide 21 or the second guide 22 comprises a tapping arranged to cooperate with a thread of an assembly screw forming a rod 13.

In a particular variant, the lateral branches 14 of a link H 11 each comprise at least one tapping arranged to cooperate with a thread of an assembly screw forming a rod 13, which then comprises a smooth bearing pivoting in a bore a base 2.

In a particular variant illustrated by the figures, the lateral branches 14 of a link H 11 each comprise at least one bore arranged to allow the passage of an assembly screw forming a rod 13, screwed onto a base 2, and whose screw head bears on the lateral branch 14.

In a particular variant illustrated by the figures, the surface shell 3 is solid and has a U-shaped section, comprises a central portion which comprises, on one side facing the base 2, an upper support surface 39 arranged to in the assembled position, cooperate in abutment with a lower bearing surface 29 which the base 2 comprises, and on the opposite side an aspect surface 30 intended to be seen by the user in a frontal direction F, this central part being bordered by two discontinuous wings each comprising a third guide 31 around the third axis D3, and arranged for, in the position assembly, support on both sides on side surfaces 28 that includes the base 2.

Naturally the invention is also applicable to special links where the outer shell 3 comprises a single guide, and a single yoke on each side.

The number of components of the bracelet 10 is reduced, since each rod 13, a screw in the preferred embodiment of the figures, provides both the connection and the articulation between a link H 11 and a base 2, and the maintenance of a superficial shell 3 on the same base 2. The bracelet 10 does not require an elastic pin, which is an advantage, such a connection by screw being much more rigid, and not requiring exchange during an intervention of aftermarket. The customization can be changed at any time of the life of the bracelet.

In the variant illustrated by the figures, except the end interfaces and clasp, the bracelet 10 has only four different components.

The choice of the material of each of the superficial shells 3 that includes a bracelet 10 determines its appearance. The bracelet 10 may in particular be two-colored, for example if the links 11 in H are stainless steel, or titanium, or ceramic, and if the surface shells 3 are in another material, including a precious metal alloy. The bracelet 10 can easily be multicolored, with superficial shells 3 made in different alloys.

Naturally, each superficial shell 3 may comprise a surface treatment, in particular of coloration, and / or an etching, and / or at least one set gemstone, or the like. The customization of such a bracelet 10 is easy, and in particular during the life of the object its user can choose to exchange only these superficial shells 3, to completely change the appearance of his bracelet 10.

The invention also relates to a watch 100 comprising such a bracelet 10.

The invention also relates to a jewel 200 comprising such a bracelet 10.

Claims (22)

1. Hinged horological or jewellery bracelet (10), for a watch (100) or a piece of jewellery (200), including an alternation of H-shaped links (11) including side branches (14) forming the side ends of said bracelet (10), and central links (12), hinged to one another by rods (13) formed by pins or screws, at least one said central link (12) being a decorated link (1) including a removable superficial shell (3) arranged such that it can be fixed to a base (2) which includes at least a first guide member (21) and a second guide member (22), both substantially revolving respectively about a first axis (D1) and a second axis (D2) parallel and separate from one another, and arranged so as to receive said rods (13), characterised in that said superficial shell (3) of each said decorated link (1) is surrounded and protected on either side along the width thereof by said side branches (14) of said H-shaped links (11), and in that said superficial shell (3) is arranged so as to conceal said base (2) at least from a frontal direction (F), and includes a finish surface (30) intended to be seen by the user from said frontal direction (F).
2. Bracelet (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said base (2) is solid and includes, on the external part thereof, at least one lower recess (24, 25), through which passes, at least partially, said first guide member (21) or said second guide member (22), arranged so as to define a single longitudinal assembly position of said superficial shell (3) relative to said base (2), and arranged so as to engage in a complementary manner with an upper protruding element (34, 35) included in said superficial shell (3), and in that said superficial shell (3) includes at least a third guide member (31) substantially revolving about a third axis (D3) arranged such that it is aligned, in said assembly position, with said first guide member (21) or second guide member (22), about said first axis (D1) or respectively said second axis (D2).
3. Bracelet (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that said base (2) includes at least one first said lower recess (24), through which passes said first guide member (21), arranged so as to engage with a first said upper protruding element (34) of said superficial shell (3), and a second said lower recess (25), through which passes said second guide member (22), arranged so as to engage with a second said upper protruding element (35) of said superficial shell (3).
4. Bracelet (10) according to claim 3, characterised in that said superficial shell (3) includes at least one fourth guide member (41) substantially revolving about a fourth axis (D4), parallel and separate from said third axis (D3), and arranged such that it is aligned, in said assembly position, with said first axis (D1) or said second axis (D2).
5. Bracelet (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said first upper protruding element (34) has a different profile to that of said second upper protruding element (35), in order to ensure a single orientation, in said assembly position, of said superficial shell (3) relative to said base (2).
6. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that said first lower recess (24) has a different profile to that of said second lower recess (25), in order to ensure a single orientation, in said assembly position, of said superficial shell (3) relative to said base (2).
7. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said base (2) includes a lower bearing surface (29) arranged so as to engage in a complementary manner with an upper bearing surface (39) included in said superficial shell (3), for three-dimensional maintenance in said assembly position.
8. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least said first guide member (21) or said second guide member (22) is arranged so as to receive a said rod (13) for a hinged link with another element of said bracelet (10).
9. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least said first guide member (21) or said second guide member (22) is separate from other guide members that are included in said base (2) for hinged links with other elements of a said bracelet (10).
10. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, in said assembly position, said superficial shell (3) at least partially surrounds said base (2).
11. Bracelet (10) according to claim 3, characterised in that said superficial shell (3) includes at least two aligned yokes (37), each including a said third guide member (31) about said third axis (D3), and arranged so as to, in said assembly position, bear on either side against side surfaces (28) included in said base (2).
12. Bracelet (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that said superficial shell (3) includes at least two aligned yokes (37), each including a said fourth guide member (41) about said fourth axis (D4), and arranged so as to, in said assembly position, bear on either side against side surfaces (28) included in said base (2).
13. Bracelet (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said superficial shell (3) is made of a precious material, or includes an element fixed thereto made of a precious material and including said finish surface (30), or includes a superficial layer of precious material including said finish surface (30).
14. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that said base (2) includes peripheral abutment bearing surfaces (27) arranged so as to singly support the contact with other elements of a said bracelet (10), and hold them at a distance from said superficial shell (3).
15. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that said third guide member (31) passes through the entire width of said superficial shell (3).
16. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that said first guide member (21) and said second guide member (22) pass through the entire width of said base (2).
17. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that at least said first guide member (21) or said second guide member (22) is a blind guide member that does not pass through the entire width of said base (2).
18. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that at least said first guide member (21) or said second guide member (22) includes a tapping arranged such that it engages with a threading of an assembly screw forming a said rod (13).
19. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that said side branches (14) of a said H-shaped link (11) each include at least one bore arranged so as to allow the passage of an assembly screw forming a said rod (13), screwed onto a said base (2), and the screw head whereof bears against said side branch (14).
20. Bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that said superficial shell (3) is solid and has a U-shaped section, includes a central portion which includes, on a side facing said base (2), an upper bearing surface (39) arranged such that, in said assembly position, it engages with and bears against a lower bearing surface (29) included in said base (2), and on the side opposite a finish surface (30) intended to be seen by the user from a frontal direction (F), said central portion being bordered by two discontinuous flanges, each including a said third guide member (31) about said third axis (D3), and arranged such that, in said assembly position, they bear on either side against side surfaces (28) included in said base (2).
21. Watch (100) including a bracelet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 20.
22. Piece of jewellery (200) including a bracelet (10) according to one of claims 11 to 20.

Images