CH719676A2 - Attachment part of a bracelet to a watch case - Google Patents

Abstract

Attachment part (21) of a bracelet to a watch case, comprising a body (210) delimiting a cavity and a locking member (220) comprising a first and a second element with fingers (222B) extending through respective orifices of said body (210), a third element (223) and a compression spring, said third element (223) being mounted in the cavity of the body (210) in a sliding manner between a first position in which a second finger (222B) extends outside the body (210) being intended to lock in a second horn of the watch case, and a second position in which the second finger (222B) is entered into the body (210) of so as to release the attachment part (21) from the second horn. Preferably, the third element (223) comprises on its external surface (223SE) a shape adapted to drive it in translation with a finger of the user.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking and more particularly concerns an attachment part for a watch strap.

State of the art

[0002] In the field of watchmaking, it is known to attach an end piece of a bracelet, called an “attachment piece,” between the horns of the case of a watch using 'a stem called a 'barrette' or 'between the horns'.

[0003] In a known solution, the rod passes through the attachment part and each end of the rod is inserted into a stop orifice of one of the horns. Advantageously, the rod can be in the form of a pump comprising two sliding rod bodies and a compression spring making it possible to compress the rod to insert it between the horns. Such a solution may, however, prove impractical, particularly when it comes to removing one of the ends of the rod from the horn in which it is inserted to detach the bracelet from the box.

[0004] In order to remedy this drawback, various solutions have been proposed. For example, documents CH712656A2, CH702638A2, CH713201A2, CH713724A2, CH715003A1, EP3569090A1, EP3756501A1, EP3838054A1, EP3744210A1, describe different attachment parts allowing the bracelet to be attached and removed in a removable manner.

[0005] However, the attachment parts described in these solutions comprise numerous complex elements and/or mechanisms. In particular, certain solutions offer arrangements of two rods and/or snap buttons which require the actuation of chamfered parts that are difficult to operate.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a simple and effective solution making it possible to remedy these drawbacks at least in part.

Summary of the invention

[0007] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a simple solution with a relatively simple mechanism. Another aim of the invention is to provide a robust mechanism. Another object of the invention is to provide an effective mechanism which requires little effort for the user to release or fix the fastener.

[0008] To this end, the subject of the invention is a part for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, said box comprising at least one pair of horns between which the attachment part is intended to be fixed by removable manner, said attachment part comprising: – a body, sized and shaped to be placed between the horns, said body delimiting a first transverse through orifice formed at the level of a first attachment portion of the attachment part on one of the horns, a second transverse through hole formed at the level of a second attachment portion of the attachment part on the other horn, opposite the first attachment portion, and a cavity open on one side of the attachment part and extending along a longitudinal axis between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion, – a locking member mounted in the cavity and comprising a first element, a second element, a third element and a compression spring: – said first element comprising a base, comprising a solid central portion of circular section and a hollow cylindrical portion extending from one end of the central portion and receiving inside a first end of the spring, and a finger extending from the other end of said central portion through the first orifice, – said second element comprising a base, comprising a solid central portion of circular section and a hollow cylindrical portion extending from one end of said central portion and receiving inside the second end of the spring, and a finger extending from the other end of said central portion through the second orifice, – said third element being mounted in the cavity of the body in a sliding manner on a so-called “displacement” distance and being of hollow elongated shape so as to delimit an internal space in which the first element, the spring and the second element are mounted, the third element being integral in translation with the second element and being configured to be move in translation over the distance of movement between a first position in which the second finger extends out of the body being intended to lock in the second horn and a second position in which the second finger is retracted into the body so as to release the attachment part of the second horn.

[0009] The attachment part according to the invention has few parts, which gives it robustness and ease of use. In addition, the purely translative mechanism of the translation member has the advantage of rapid detachment and attachment of the attachment part on a pair of horns of a box.

[0010] Preferably, the third element comprises on its external surface at least one shape adapted to, by pressure and movement of a finger of the user, drive said third element in translation.

Advantageously, the at least one shape comprises a plurality of grooves or ribs.

[0012] Advantageously, the grooves or the ribs extend orthogonally to the direction of movement of the third element.

[0013] Preferably, the third element comprises, between the shape and the first attachment portion, a flat recessed portion allowing effective pressure from a finger which contributes to moving the third element more easily, in particular with a single finger.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third element comprises, between the shape and the second attachment portion, a detachment indication making it possible to indicate to the user the direction of movement of the third element to retract the finger of the second element and unlock the fastener.

[0015] Advantageously, the end of the central portion of the base of the first element comprises at the level of its connection with the finger an annular zone adapted to abut against the internal zone of the first attachment portion located around the first orifice, which allows the finger to protrude a fixed distance when the locking member is released, in particular when said finger is inserted into a horn.

[0016] Advantageously, the end of the central portion of the base of the second element comprises at the level of its connection with the finger an annular zone adapted to abut against the internal zone of the second attachment portion located around the second orifice, which allows the finger to protrude a fixed distance when the locking member is released, in particular when said finger is inserted into a horn.

[0017] In one embodiment, the central portion of the base of the second element comprises an annular rim on its external surface and the third element comprises an annular rim on its internal surface, complementary to the annular rim of the central portion of the second element in order to be able to drive said second element in translation when the third element is moved towards the first orifice or the second orifice.

[0018] Alternatively, the second element and the third element can be made from the same material.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the first element, the second element and the compression spring are arranged along the same longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

According to another aspect of the invention, the body is sized and shaped to be placed without play or with a slight play, preferably less than 1 mm, between the horns.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and must be read with reference to the appended drawings in which identical references are given to similar objects and where: Figure 1 illustrates a partial front perspective view of an embodiment of the watch according to the 'invention. Figure 2 illustrates a partial rear perspective view of the watch of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the attachment part of the watch of Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the attachment part of Figure 3 in which the locking member is mounted in the first position. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first element of the locking member of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second element of the locking member of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a view in perspective of the third element of the locking member of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a sectional view of the attachment part of Figure 4. Figure 9 illustrates a partial rear perspective view of the watch of the Figure 1 in which the locking member is in the second position. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the attachment part of Figure 3 in which the locking member is mounted in the second position. Figure 11 illustrates a partial side perspective view of another embodiment of the watch according to the invention. Figure 12 illustrates a partial rear perspective view of the watch in Figure 11.

detailed description

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a watch 1 according to the invention (front and rear views).

[0023] The watch 1 comprises a box 10 and a bracelet 20. The bracelet is in two parts 20A, 20B partially visible for the sake of clarity in Figures 1 and 2. Still for the sake of clarity, the watch mechanism, comprising in particular the middle part (central part of the case including the movement, the dial or the hands) the bezel, the crown, the winding tube, the crystal (or glass) of the watch, the back and the seals, do not was not represented.

The box 10, also called a housing, is for example made of metal or a plastic material. The bracelet 20 comprises several sets of links 21, 22 and a closure system (not shown), for example of the buckle type. The two sets of end links of the bracelet 20 are attachment parts 21 according to the invention (illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4).

The box 10 comprises a body 11 and, on either side of said body 11, two pairs of horns 12-1, 12-2, preferably made from the same material as the body 11. Each pair of horns 12 -1, 12-2 makes it possible to fix an attachment part 21 of the bracelet 20 on the box 10.

[0026] To this end, each horn 12-1, 12-2 comprises a receiving orifice (not visible in the figures) adapted to receive a finger 221B, 222B for blocking the attachment part 21, as will be detailed below, in particular with reference to Figure 8.

The attachment part 21 allows the bracelet 20 to be fixed on the horns 12-1, 12-2 of the box 10.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the attachment part 21 comprises a body 210 and a locking member 220 (visible in Figure 4).

[0029] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the body 210 comprises an elongated portion 210A from which extend three link elements 210B making it possible to attach the attachment part 21 to an adjacent link 22 (Figures 1 and 2) .

The elongated portion 210A of the body 210 is sized and shaped to be placed, preferably with little play, between the horns 12-1, 12-2 of the same pair of horns 12-1, 12-2, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] With reference to Figure 3, the body 210 delimits a first transverse orifice 211-1 through, formed at the level of a first attachment portion 212-1 making it possible to fix the attachment part 21 to one horns 12-1 of the pair of horns 12-1, 12-2, designated here first horn 12-1.

[0032] The body 210 delimits a second transverse orifice 211-2 through, formed at the level of a second attachment portion 212-2, opposite the first attachment portion 212-1 and allowing the fixing part to be fixed. attaches 21 to the other horn 12-2 of the pair of horns 12-1, 12-2, here designated second horn 12-2.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 3, the body 210 delimits a cavity 213 extending along a longitudinal axis the first orifice 211-1 and the second orifice 211-2. The cavity 213 is open to the inside of the attachment part 21, that is to say on the user's handle side in order to allow said user to manipulate the locking member 220 without the latter being visible when the watch 1 is worn on the user's wrist.

The body 210 can for example be made of a plastic or metallic material.

The locking member 220 is mounted in the cavity 213 (Figure 4) and comprises, with reference to Figure 8, a first element 221, a second element 222, a third element 223 and a compression spring 224. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the figures, the first element 221, the second element 222, the third element 223 and the spring 224 are arranged along the longitudinal axis X of the cavity 213.

[0036] Each of the first element 221, the second element 222, the third element 223 and the spring 224 can for example be made of a plastic or metallic material.

With reference to Figures 5 and 8, the first element 221 comprises a cylindrical base 221A of circular section and a finger 221 B extending from one end of said cylindrical base 221A through the first orifice 211-1 (Figure 8 ). The base 221A comprises a solid central portion 221A1 and a hollow cylindrical portion 221A2. The end of the central portion 221A1 comprises at the level of its connection with the finger 221B an annular zone 221A3 adapted to abut against the internal zone 212-1A of the first attachment portion 212-1 located around the first orifice 211 -1. The cylindrical portion 221A2 extends from another end of the central portion 221A1, opposite the finger 221B and receives inside a first end 224A of the spring 224 which abuts against the central portion 221A1. The finger 221B has in this example, but in a limited manner, a beveled tip making it possible to easily insert the finger 221B into the receiving orifice of the horn 12-1, 12-2.

With reference to Figure 6, the second element 222 comprises a base 222A of circular section and a finger 222B. The base 222A comprises a solid central portion 222A1, from one end of which extends the finger 222B, and a hollow cylindrical portion 222A2.

[0039] The end of the central portion 222A1 comprises at the level of its connection with the finger 222B an annular zone 222A3 adapted to abut against the internal zone 212-2A of the second attachment portion 212-2 located around the second port 211-2.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the finger 222B extends through the second orifice 211-2 when the attachment part 21 is fixed on the box 10.

[0041] In the example illustrated in the figures, the central portion 222A1 comprises an annular rim 222A1 R on its external surface 222A1SE.

The cylindrical portion 222A2 extends from another end of the central portion 222A1 opposite said finger 222B and receives inside the second end 224B of the spring 224 which abuts against the central portion 222A1.

[0043] The finger 222B has in this example a beveled tip allowing the finger 222B to be easily inserted into the receiving orifice of the horn 12-1, 12-2.

[0044] The third element 223 is mounted in the cavity 213 of the body 210 in a sliding manner over a so-called “displacement” distance D. The third element 223 is of elongated hollow shape so as to delimit an internal space 223A in which are mounted the first element 221, the spring 224 and the second element 222 (Figure 8).

[0045] The third element 223 is integral in translation with the second element 222. To this end, with reference to Figure 8, the third element 223 comprises an annular rim 223R on its internal surface 223SI, complementary to the annular rim 222A1 R of the central portion 222A1 of the base 222A of the second element 222, in order to be able to drive said second element 222 in translation when the third element is moved towards the first orifice 211-1 or the second orifice 211-2. In another embodiment of the attachment part 21, it will be noted that the second element 222 and the third element 223 could be integral in translation in any other suitable manner, for example by being glued to one another or well by being one and the same element, in particular by being made from the same material. In the latter because, we will then note that there are no longer annular edges 222A1R, 223R.

[0046] With reference to Figures 4 and 7, the third element 223 comprises on its external surface 223SE, grooves 223B adapted to, by pressure and movement of a finger of the user, drive said third element 223 in translation on the movement distance D between a first position, illustrated in Figure 8, in which the finger 222B of the second element 222 extends outside the body 210 via the second transverse orifice 211-2 so in particular as to lock in the second horn 12 -2 and a second position, illustrated for example in Figures 9 and 10, in which the finger 222B of the second element 222 is entered into the body 210 through the second transverse orifice 211-2 so as in particular to release the part from attachment 21 of the second horn 12-2, then of the first horn 12-1 by removal of said attachment part 21.

By default, that is to say in the absence of action by a user, the third element 223 is in the first position, the compression spring 224 separating the first element 221 from the second element 222 , and therefore also of the third element 223.

[0048] In the example of the figures, the grooves 223B are arranged orthogonally to the direction of movement of the third element 223 in the cavity 213, that is to say orthogonal to the longitudinal axis element 223 efficiently and quickly by digital pressure.

[0049] Advantageously, with particular reference to Figures 4 and 7, the third element 223 comprises on the visible part of its external surface a flat recessed portion 223E located between the grooves 223B and the second attachment portion 211-2 in order to allow gives the user a better grip when handling the locking member 220.

[0050] Advantageously, the third element 223 comprises on the visible part of its external surface a detachment indication which is presented in this example in the form of a directional arrow 223F pointing in the direction of the finger 221B of the first element 221 in order to allow the user to know how to detach the attachment part 21 from the box 10.

Implementation example

[0051] When the user of the watch 1 wishes to fix the bracelet 20 on the box 10, he first activates the third element 223 of the locking member 220 by pressing the grooves 223B and moving it in the second position so as to compress the spring 224, thus allowing the insertion of the finger 222B of the second element 222 inside the body 210.

[0052] In doing so, the user inserts the finger 221B of the first element 221 into the receiving orifice of the first horn 12-1 and positions the second through orifice 211-2 of the body 210 to the right (i.e. opposite) of the receiving orifice of the second horn 12-2.

[0053] The user then releases the locking member 220 so as to replace the third element 223 in the first position, then causing the placement of the finger 222B of the second element 222 in the receiving orifice of the second horn 12- 2 so as to hold the attachment part 21 in the horns 12-1, 12-1.

[0054] When the user wishes to detach the bracelet 20 from the box 10, he activates the third element 223 from the first position to the second position in order to release the finger 222B of the second element 222 from the receiving orifice of the second horn 12-2 (Figure 9) then moves the second attachment portion 211-1 away from the second horn 12-2 and finally releases the finger 221B of the first element 221 from the receiving orifice of the second horn 12-2.

[0055] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of the watch 1. In this embodiment, the case 10 is of the “U-shaped bottom” type, that is to say that the two pairs of horns 12-1, 12-2, are offset from body 11 by a portion of material 11A (figure 12). The invention is particularly advantageous for this type of watch 1 because the lug bars of the prior art can collide with the bottom of the box 10 when the bracelet 20 is mounted on the box 10. The attachment part 21 according to the invention allows in this case to mount the bracelet 20 simply and quickly between the horns 12-1, 12-2, without touching the bottom of the box 10.

Claims (10)

1. Attachment part (21) of a bracelet (20) to a case (10) of a watch (1), said case (10) comprising at least one pair of horns (12-1, 12-2) between which the attachment part (21) is intended to be fixed in a removable manner, said attachment part (21) comprising: – a body (210), sized and shaped to be placed between the horns (12-1, 12-2), said body (210) delimiting a first transverse orifice (211-1) through formed at the level of a first portion attachment (212-1) of the attachment part (21) on one (12-1) of the horns (12-1, 12-2), a second transverse orifice (211-2) formed at level of a second attachment portion (212-2) of the attachment part (21) on the other horn (12-2), opposite the first attachment portion (212-1), and a cavity (213) open on one side of the attachment part (21) and extending along a longitudinal axis (X) between the first attachment portion (212-1) and the second attachment portion (212- 2), – a locking member (220) mounted in the cavity (213) and comprising a first element (221), a second element (222), a third element (223) and a compression spring (224): – said first element (221) comprising a base (221A), comprising a solid central portion (221A1) of circular section and a hollow cylindrical portion (221A2) extending from one end of the central portion (221A1) and receiving at inside a first end (224A) of the spring (224), and a finger (221B) extending from the other end of said central portion (221A1) through the first orifice (211-1), – said second element (222) comprising a base (222A), comprising a solid central portion (222A1) of circular section and a hollow cylindrical portion (222A2) extending from one end of said central portion (222A1) and receiving at inside the second end (224B) of the spring (224), and a finger (222B) extending from the other end of said central portion (222A1) through the second orifice (211-2), – said third element (223) being mounted in the cavity (213) of the body (210) in a sliding manner over a so-called “displacement” distance (D) and being of elongated hollow shape so as to delimit an internal space (223A) in which the first element (221), the spring (224) and the second element (222) are mounted, the third element (223) being integral in translation with the second element (222) and being configured to move in translation on the movement distance (D) between a first position in which the second finger (222B) extends out of the body (210) being intended to lock in the second horn (12-2) and a second position in which the second finger (222B) is retracted into the body (210) so as to release the attachment part (21) of the second horn (12-2). 2. Attachment part (21) according to claim 1, in which the third element (223) comprises on its external surface (223SE) at least one shape adapted for, by pressure and movement of a finger of the user, drive said third element (223) in translation. 3. Attachment part (21) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one shape comprises a plurality of grooves (223B) or ribs. 4. Attachment part (21) according to the preceding claim, in which the grooves (223B) or the ribs extend orthogonally to the direction of movement of the third element (223). 5. Attachment part (21) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the third element (223) comprises, between the shape (223B) and the second attachment portion (212-2), a hollowed out portion (223E) flat. 6. Attachment part (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the third element (223) comprises, between the shape (223B) and the first attachment portion (212-1), an indication of detachment (223F). 7. Attachment part (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the end of the central portion (222A1) of the base (222A) of the second element (222) comprises at the level of its connection with the finger (222B) an annular zone (222A3) adapted to abut against the internal zone (212-2A) of the second attachment portion (212-2) located around the second orifice (211-2). 8. Attachment part (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central portion (222A2) of the base (222A) of the second element (222) comprises an annular rim (222A1R) on its external surface (222A1SE) and the third element (223) comprises an annular rim (223R) on its internal surface, complementary to the annular rim (222A1R) of the central portion (222A1) of the second element (222) in order to be able to drive said second element ( 222) in translation when the third element (223) is moved towards the first orifice (211-1) or the second orifice (211-2). 9. Attachment part (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first element (221), the second element (222) and the compression spring are arranged along the same longitudinal axis coincident with the axis longitudinal (X) of the cavity. 10. Attachment part (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the body (210) is sized and shaped to be placed without play or with a slight play, preferably less than 1 mm, between the horns (12-1, 12-2).