CH719813A2 - Fixing device for removably fixing a bracelet element on a watch case and bracelet element comprising the fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Fixing device (100) comprising a bracelet element (10) intended to be fixed on a bracelet and comprising a bracelet element housing (11); and a connector (20) intended to be fixed on a watch case (50) and comprising a projecting element (21) configured to cooperate with the bracelet element housing (11) so as to prevent movement of the bracelet element (10) in all directions with the exception of a degree of freedom in translation in a longitudinal direction (A 10) allowing the disengagement or engagement of the projecting element (21) relative to the housing bracelet element (11). A locking mechanism has a lock (30) extending along the transverse direction (A 20 ) and is configured to be movable between a locked position, in which the lock (30) engages the bracelet member (10), preventing said translation of the bracelet element housing (11) along the projecting element (21), and an unlocked position, allowing said translation.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device for the removable fixing of a bracelet element on a watch case. The invention also relates to a bracelet element comprising the fixing device.

State of the art

[0002] A watch bracelet is often attached to a watch case by means of a bar passing through a hole in the bracelet to connect it to the horns of the case. The bracelet can be attached to the watch case using an intermediate piece or a fixing device.

[0003] To remove the bracelet from the watch box, it is necessary to remove the bar which connects the bracelet to the box. This manipulation can be difficult to carry out for a user, often requires the use of special tools, and/or requires removable strips which are fragile. Consequently, most watch wearers are more inclined to replace their strap for reasons of wear than for aesthetic, environmental, or other reasons.

[0004] Pin bars of the type proposed in document EP0089166 require an opening in the strand which is often a source of premature deterioration when worn, and the use of these bars for the buckle presents additional drawbacks, in particular the presence of the protruding lug which can interfere with carrying it.

[0005] Document CH704810A1 describes a flexible bracelet intended to be removably linked to the bracelet fixing bar of a watch case. The bracelet has a flexible portion for the wrist and a rigid portion at the level of a clip.

[0006] Document EP2782469 describes a connecting device which comprises two complementary fastening members integral with it, the connecting ends of a bracelet and a part to which it is attached. The hooking members are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet; one of the hooking members can be moved laterally between two limit positions, a first position in which it is engaged with the other of the hooking members, a second position in which it is dissociated from this other hooking member .

Summary

[0007] The present description relates to a fixing device for removable fixing of a bracelet on a watch case. The fixing device comprises a bracelet element intended to be fixed on the bracelet and comprising a bracelet element housing, and a connector intended to be fixed on the watch case and comprising a projecting element configured to cooperate with the housing of bracelet element so as to prevent movement of the bracelet element in all directions except a translational degree of freedom in a longitudinal direction allowing the disengagement or engagement of the projecting element relative to the bracelet element housing. The projecting element and the bracelet element housing are oriented in a direction corresponding to a transverse direction, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A locking mechanism includes a lock extending along the transverse direction and is configured to be movable between a locked position, in which the lock engages the bracelet element preventing said translation of the bracelet element housing along the projecting element, and an unlocked position, allowing said translation.

[0008] The present description also relates to a bracelet comprising the fixing device.

[0009] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of providing an easy and reliable fixing device. The fixing device allows quick assembly and removal of the bracelet on/from the watch case. Through the connector it is possible to use bracelets made of various materials, such as leather, metal, rubber, etc. The connector allows it to be attached to a conventional watch case, without the need to make modifications to the latter. Other advantages and other embodiments of the invention are described in the following description and in the appended dependent claims.

Brief description of the figures

[0010] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: Figure 1a shows an exploded view of a fixing device comprising a bracelet element intended to be fixed on a bracelet, a connector intended to be fixed on the watch case, and a lock, according to one embodiment; Figure 1b shows an isolated view of the bracelet element, according to one embodiment; Figure 1c shows an isolated view of the lock comprising two lock portions, according to one embodiment; Figure 1d shows an isolated view of the connector, according to one embodiment; Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the connector fixed on a watch case, according to section B-B in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the bracelet element fixed on a bracelet, according to section B-B in Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the bracelet element being assembled with the connector in section B-B, according to one embodiment; Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the bracelet element assembled with the connector, according to section D-D in Figure 1; Figure 6a shows a perspective view of the connector attached to a watch case, according to one embodiment; Figure 6b shows a sectional view of the connector, along a plane parallel to B-B and D-D in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the removable fixing device, according to another embodiment; Figure 8 shows the connector of the removable fixing device of Figure 7, fixed on the watch case; Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the device along the plane of the connector, fixed on a watch case and on which the bracelet element is assembled, according to one embodiment; Figure 10 illustrates a detail of the lock comprising an actuation portion, according to one embodiment; Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the removable fixing device, according to yet another embodiment; Figure 12 shows a dial side view of the connector of the removable fixing device of Figure 11, fixed on the watch case; Figure 13 shows a bottom side view of the connector of the removable fixing device of Figure 11, fixed on the watch case; Figure 14 shows the bracelet element of the removable fixing device of Figure 11, in isolation, and Figure 15 shows a sectional view of the device along the plane of the connector, fixed on the watch case and on which the The bracelet element is assembled.

Example(s) of embodiment

[0011] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a removable fixing device 100 of a bracelet element 10 on a watch case 50, according to one embodiment. The fixing device 100 comprises a bracelet element 10 intended to be fixed on a bracelet 60 and comprising a bracelet element housing 11. The bracelet element 10 can be fixed to one or more links of a complete bracelet or incorporated into a portion of a one-piece bracelet, or comprising several links. The fixing device 100 further comprises a connector 20 intended to be fixed on the watch case 50. The connector 20 comprises a projecting element 21 configured to cooperate with the bracelet element housing 11, so as to block the movement of the bracelet element 10 in all directions except a degree of freedom in translation in a longitudinal direction A10 for the release or engagement of the projecting element 21 with the bracelet element housing 11 .

The projecting element 21 and the bracelet element housing 11 are oriented in a direction corresponding to a transverse direction A20, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A10.

[0013] The fixing device 100 further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a lock 30. The lock 30 extends along the transverse direction A20 and is configured to be actuated in a locked position, in which the lock 30 comes into taken with the bracelet element 10, preventing the translation of the bracelet element housing 11 along the projecting element 21 (in the longitudinal direction A10), and in an unlocked position, allowing the translation.

[0014] Figure 1b shows an isolated view of the bracelet element 10, according to one embodiment. The bracelet element 10 comprises two bracelet element portions 12 provided in the bracelet element housing 11 (here two cavities 12) and two second inclined planes 37. Figure 1c shows an isolated view of the lock 30 comprising two lock portions 31, each being provided with a first inclined plane 35 and configured to cooperate with a bracelet element portion 12, as will be discussed below. Figure 1d shows an isolated view of the connector 20 according to one embodiment, in which the connector 20 comprises the projecting element 21, a lock housing 23, a fin 26, and a spacing 27 generating a deformable zone 28, as it will be discussed below.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the connector 20 fixed on a watch case 50, according to section B-B in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the bracelet element 10, according to section B-B in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a view along section B-B in Figure 1 of the bracelet element 10 being assembled with the connector 20. The projecting element 21 (not visible in Figures 2-4) of the connector 20 cooperates with the bracelet element housing 11 of the bracelet element 10. We can see the first inclined plane 35 of the lock 30 cooperating with a second inclined plane 37 of the bracelet element 10. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the bracelet element 10 assembled with the connector 20, according to section D-D in Figure 1.

[0016] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the projecting element 21 has a shape complementary to that of the bracelet element housing 11. In this configuration, the projecting element 21 cooperates by nesting with the bracelet element housing 11.

[0017] Also in the illustrated configuration, the lock 30 is movable, between the locked and unlocked position, in a vertical direction A30 substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the longitudinal directions A10 and transverse A20, between the locked and unlocked position.

[0018] Still according to one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a spring element 32 configured to apply a pushing force on the lock 30 maintaining it in the locked position when it is not actuated. More particularly, the spring element 32 is arranged so as to apply a pushing force on the lock 30 in the vertical direction A30 and towards the locked position. The spring element 32 may include a compression spring exerting a restoring force, as illustrated in the figures. The spring element 32 can also include any other type of spring making it possible to apply the pushing force to the lock 30.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the lock portions take the form of two arms 31 extending diametrically opposite along the transverse direction A20. Each arm 31 is configured to engage one of the cavities 12 when the lock 30 is in the locked position. In other configurations not shown, the lock 30 may comprise a single lock portion 31 (for example a single arm 31) cooperating with a single cavity 12 provided in the bracelet element 10 when the lock 30 is in the locked position. The lock 30 can also comprise more than two lock portions 31. Each of the two or more lock portions 31 can cooperate with a respective cavity 12 or with a single cavity 12.

As visible in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the lock 30 is at least partially housed in the lock housing 23 and is movable in the vertical direction A30. More particularly, the spring element 32 is arranged at the bottom of the lock housing 23 and is compressed between the bottom of the lock housing 23 and the lock 30, pushing the latter in a direction opposite to the bottom of the lock housing 23. The lock 30 is then in the locked position. The bracelet element 10 may include a shoulder 14 against which the lock 30 abuts when in the locked position. In this configuration, the travel of the lock 30 is therefore limited between the bottom of the lock housing 23, in the unlocked position, and abutting against the shoulder 14, when in the locked position.

According to one embodiment, the lock 30 may include an actuator portion 34 via which a user can act so as to put the lock 30 in the unlocked position. According to the illustrated configuration, the actuation portion 34 extending substantially perpendicular to the lock portions 31 so as to project relative to the bracelet element 10. To put the lock 30 in the unlocked position, the user exerts pressure on the actuation portion 34 (for example, the actuation portion 34 is pushed upwards). The lock portions 31 of the lock 30 are then disengaged from the respective cavities 12 in the bracelet element 10, releasing the bracelet element 10 in the longitudinal direction A10.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first inclined plane 35 of the lock portion 31 (see Figures 2 and 4) is configured to interact with the second inclined plane 37 of the bracelet element 10 when the element projecting 21 engages in the bracelet element housing 11 (see Figures 2 and 3). More particularly, during engagement, the second inclined plane 37 comes into contact with the first inclined plane 35 and lifts the lock 30, moving the actuation portion 34. The lock 30 is then in the unlocked position. When the bracelet element 10 is assembled with the connector 20, the lock portion 31 (or the lock portions 31) engages with the cavity 12 and the lock 30 as well as the actuation portion 34 descend into the position locked. The first inclined plane 35 can be arranged on the lock portion 31, as visible in Figure 1.

Still according to one embodiment, the connector 20 may comprise retaining means 25 configured to retain the lock 30 in the connector 20, for example in the lock housing 23, when the lock 30 is in the unlocked position . In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the retaining means 25 comprise a pin 25, but could comprise more than one pin 25. In the configuration illustrated, the pin 25 extends into the connector 20 in the longitudinal direction A10 .

The pin 25 can also be configured to guide the movement of the lock 30 in the vertical direction A30. Figure 5 shows the lock 30 comprising an oblong retaining housing 36 cooperating with the pin 25. In this configuration, the length of the retaining housing 36 determines the travel of the lock 30 in its movement in the vertical direction A30.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the connector 20 can be configured to be removably fixed to the watch case 50. Figure 6a is a perspective view showing the connector 20 attached to a watch case 50. Figure 6b is a sectional view of the connector 20, along a plane parallel to B-B and D-D (in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the longitudinal direction A10 and the transverse direction A20) in Figure 1. The connector 20 can comprise two diametrically opposed retractable pivots 22. The bracelet element 10 is not shown. Each pivot 22 can be configured to be housed in a hole 52 provided, for example on a horn 51 of the watch case 50 (see also Figure 1), so as to fix the connector 20 on the watch case 50. pivot spring 24 pushes each of the pivots 22 into the holes 52 of the horn 51 of the watch case 50, allowing good fixation of the connector 20 on the watch case 50.

[0026] With reference to Figure 1d, the connector 20 may comprise a fin 26 configured to cooperate with a recess 53 (see Figure 1a) provided on the watch case 50 so as to prevent the rotation of the connector 20 relative to the box 50, for example rotation along an axis parallel to the transverse direction A20 in the case where the connector 20 is fixed to the watch box via the two pivots 22, or a bar.

According to other variants, the connector 20 can be fixed to the watch case 50 by means other than that illustrated in Figure 6, for example by using a standard strip. The connector 20 can also be configured to be fixed on the watch case 50 in a non-removable manner.

According to one embodiment, the connector 20 may include a deformable zone 28 configured to facilitate the entry of the pivot 22 into the hole 52 and press the connector 20 against the middle part 50. The connector 20 may include a deformable zone 28 for each of the pivots 22. The deformable zone 28 can be obtained by a spacing 27 provided in the connector 20. In the example illustrated in Figures 1d and 6b, the spacing 27 comprises a slot starting in a hole and ending at the end of the connector 20. Still in the example of Figures 6b, the hole 52 has an inclination inducing a deformation of the deformable zone 28 when the pivot 22 is inserted in the hole 52 and making it possible to press the connector 20 against the build 50.

[0029] It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the examples of implementation described above and that other examples of implementation are also possible within the framework of the patent claims. For example, Figures 7 to 10 represent the removable fixing device 100, according to another embodiment. More particularly, Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the removable fixing device 100, Figure 8 shows the connector 20 fixed on the watch case 50, and Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the device along the plane of the connector 20. In the figure, the connector 20 is shown fixed to a watch case and on which the bracelet element 10 is assembled. In the configuration illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the lock 30 can be moved in the transverse direction A20, between the locked and unlocked position. More particularly, the lock 30 is at least partially housed in a lock housing 23 provided in the connector 20 and is movable in this lock housing 23 (see Figure 9).

The lock portion 31 of the lock 30 takes the form of a groove 31. The groove 31 is configured to cooperate with a bracelet element portion 12 taking the form of a hook 12 provided in the housing of bracelet element 11 of the bracelet element 10. When the lock is in the locked position, the hook 12 engages with the groove 31 preventing the translation of the bracelet element 10 in the longitudinal direction A10. In the unlocked position, the hook 12 is not engaged in the groove 31 and the bracelet element 10 can be moved in the longitudinal direction A10 and therefore detached from the connector 20.

[0031] A spring element 32 can be configured to apply a pushing force on the lock 30 maintaining it in the locked position when it is not actuated. More particularly, the spring element 32 is arranged so as to apply a pushing force on the lock 30 in the transverse direction A20 and towards the locked position. The spring element 32 may include a compression spring exerting a restoring force, as illustrated in the figures. The spring element 32 can also include any other type of spring making it possible to apply the pushing force to the lock 30.

The lock 30 may comprise a first inclined plane 35 configured to cooperate with a second inclined plane 37 provided on the hook 12. When the connector 20 is engaged in the bracelet element housing 11, the second inclined plane 37 comes resting on the first inclined plane 35 and pushes the lock 30 into the unlocked position. When the bracelet element 10 is assembled with the connector 20, the lock 30 returns to the locked position thanks to the spring element 32 and the hook 12 engages with the groove 31, thus locking the connector 20 in the element bracelet 10.

The connector 20 may also include retaining means 25 configured to retain the lock 30 in the connector 20 when the lock 30 is in the unlocked position. In the example illustrated in Figure 7, the retaining means comprise a retaining plate 25 which is fixed on the connector 20, for example by means of screws 251, tenons or others. The connector 20 can also be fixed on the watch case 50 via screws 210, in place of the pivots 22 as in the example of Figures 1 to 6. The screws can be screwed directly onto the watch case 50 (see also Figure 9).

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 10, the lock 30 may include an actuable actuation portion 34 through which a user can act so as to put the lock 30 in the unlocked position. According to the configuration illustrated in Figure 10 which shows a sectional view of the lock 30 along a plane perpendicular to the connector 20, the actuation portion 34 corresponds to a translator button moving in the transverse direction A20.

[0035] Figures 11 to 15 represent the removable fixing device 100, according to another variant. More particularly, Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the removable fixing device 100, Figures 12 and 13 show a dial side (Figure 12) and back side (Figure 13) of the connector 20 fixed on the watch case 50, Figure 14 shows the bracelet element 10 in isolation, and Figure 15 shows a sectional view of the device along the plane of the connector 20, fixed on the watch case 50 and on which the bracelet element 10 is assembled.

[0036] In the configuration illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, the lock 30 can be moved in the transverse direction A20, between the locked and unlocked position. More particularly, the lock 30 is at least partially housed in a lock housing 23 provided in the connector 20 and is movable in this lock housing 23.

With reference to Figure 15, the lock 30 comprises a lock portion 31 taking the shape of a finger. The finger 31 is configured to cooperate with a bracelet element portion 12 taking the form of a tooth 12 provided in the bracelet element housing 11 of the bracelet element 10. When the lock is in the locked position , the tooth 12 engages with the finger 31 preventing the translation of the bracelet element 10 in the longitudinal direction A10. In the unlocked position, the finger 12 is not engaged with the finger 31 and the bracelet element 10 can be moved in the longitudinal direction A10 and therefore detached from the connector 20.

The finger 31 may comprise a first inclined plane 35 configured to cooperate with a second inclined plane 37 provided on the tooth 12, so that, when the connector 20 is engaged in the bracelet element housing 11, the second inclined plane 37 comes to rest on the first inclined plane 35 and pushes the lock 30 into the unlocked position. When the bracelet element 10 is assembled with the connector 20, the lock 30 returns to the locked position thanks to a spring element 32 (similarly to the fixing device 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 10) and the tooth 12 comes into place. taken with one face of the finger 31 opposite the face comprising the first inclined plane 35 (see Figure 15), thus locking the connector 20 in the bracelet element 10.

[0039] In the configuration illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, the connector 20 comprises retaining means 25 comprising retaining rings 25 mounted on the lock 30. Figure 13 shows the actuation portion 34 making it possible to move the lock 30 in the transverse direction A20.

The invention also relates to a bracelet element or a bracelet comprising the fixing device described above.

Reference numbers used in the figures

[0041] 1 strand element 10 bracelet element 100 fixing device 11 housing of the bracelet element 12 portion of bracelet element, cavity, hook, tooth 14 shoulder 15 lower edge of the housing of the bracelet element 20 connector 21 projection 210 screw 22 pivot 23 lock housing 24 pivot spring 25 retaining means, pin, retaining plate, retaining rings 251 screw, tenon 26 wing 27 spacing 28 deformable zone 29 threaded pivot 30 lock 31 portion of lock, arm, groove, finger 32 spring element 34 actuation portion 35 first inclined plane 36 retaining means, retaining housing 37 second inclined plane 50 watch case 51 horn 52 hole 53 recess 60 bracelet A10 longitudinal direction A20 transverse direction A30 vertical direction

Claims (16)

1. Fixing device (100) intended for the removable fixing of a bracelet element (10) on a watch case (50), comprising: a bracelet element (10) intended to be fixed on a bracelet (60) and comprising a bracelet element housing (11); a connector (20) intended to be fixed on the watch case (50) and comprising a projecting element (21) configured to cooperate with the bracelet element housing (11) so as to prevent movement of the element bracelet (10) in all directions with the exception of a degree of freedom in translation in a longitudinal direction (A10), allowing engagement or disengagement of the projecting element (21) relative to the housing of bracelet element (11); the projecting element (21) and the bracelet element housing (11) being oriented in a direction corresponding to a transverse direction (A20), substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A10); And a locking mechanism comprising a latch (30) extending along the transverse direction (A20) and configured to be movable between a locked position, in which the latch (30) engages the bracelet member (10 ) preventing said translation of the bracelet element housing (11) along the projecting element (21) and an unlocked position, allowing said translation. 2. The fixing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one spring element (32) configured to apply a pushing force on the lock (30) maintaining it in the locked position when it is not activated. 3. The fixing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock (30) comprises an actuating portion (34) operable by means of which a user can act so as to put the lock ( 30) in the unlocked position. 4. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lock (30) comprises at least one lock portion (31) configured to engage a bracelet element portion (12) provided in the bracelet element (10) when the lock (30) is in the locked position. 5. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the projecting element (21) is of complementary shape to that of the bracelet element housing (11). 6. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector (20) has a lock housing (23) in which the lock (30) is movable. 7. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lock (30) comprises a first inclined plane (35) configured to interact with a second inclined plane (37) of the bracelet element (10) so as to place the lock (30) in the unlocked position, while that the protruding member (21) is not fully engaged in the bracelet member housing (11), and set the lock (30) to the locked position when the protruding member (21) is fully engaged with the bracelet element housing (11). 8. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the connector (20) is configured to be fixed on the watch case (50) in a removable or non-removable manner. 9. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the lock (30) is movable in a vertical direction (A30) substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the longitudinal (A10) and transverse (A20) directions, between the locked and unlocked position. 10. The fixing device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the lock portion (31) comprises at least one arm extending along the transverse direction (A20); and wherein the bracelet element portion (12) comprises at least one cavity configured to accommodate said at least one arm (31) when the lock (30) is in the locked position. 11. The fixing device (100) according to claim 10, configured so that in the unlocked position, the lock (30) abuts against the bottom of the lock housing (23). 12. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the connector (20) includes retaining means (25) configured to retain the lock (30) in the connector (20) when the lock (30) is in the unlocked position. 13. The fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the lock (30) is movable in the transverse direction (A20), between the locked and unlocked position. 14. The fixing device (100) according to claim 13, wherein the lock portion (31) comprises a groove; and wherein the bracelet element portion (12) comprises a hook provided in the bracelet element housing (11), the groove (31) being configured to engage the hook (12) when the lock ( 30) is in the locked position. 15. The fixing device (100) according to claim 13, wherein the lock portion (31) comprises a finger; and in which the bracelet element portion (12) comprises a tooth provided in the bracelet element housing (11), the finger (31) being configured to engage with the tooth (12) when the lock ( 30) is in the locked position. 16. Bracelet element or bracelet comprising the fixing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15.