CH719969A1 - Fixing device for watch or jewelry components - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for fixing a first watch or jewelry component (A) to a second watch or jewelry component (B), comprising: – a first fixing element comprising: • a first engagement surface (11) , and • a male coupling part (12), – a second fixing element comprising: • a second engagement surface (21), and • a female coupling part (22) arranged to mate with the male coupling part (12) in a coupling position, characterized in that the fixing device comprises at least one elastic portion arranged: • between the first engagement surface (11) and the second engagement surface ( 21), to be tensioned when the male coupling part (12) arrives in the coupling position with the female coupling part (22). According to a preferred embodiment, said elastic portion is arranged on said first or second fixing element, for example in the form of a flexible tongue (25).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a device for fixing parts or components of timepieces or jewelry, and the invention relates in particular to a device for fixing parts of jewelry watches, in particular internal parts of a wristwatch or a piece of jewelry, such as for example a device for fixing bridges on a plate or any other internal component of a watch...

State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to fix internal parts with fixing screws, which cooperate with a nut, a threaded barrel, or a threaded hole in another part. On the other hand, this fixing system may loosen, particularly if the watch is subjected to temperature variations, shocks or vibrations over time. Indeed, the dimensions of the screws used are small (screw diameters sometimes less than 1 mm), and small dimensional variations (caused by thermal expansion-contraction) can be enough to relax or reduce the tightening force or even release the screw. screwed assembly, and then allow untimely loosening of the screw or nut. In addition, screwdriving operations are generally carried out with a torque setpoint, and the repeatability of the tightening torque during manufacturing can be difficult to control, whether for small, medium or large series manufacturing, due to the numerous influential parameters (lubrication, part surfaces, machining quality, etc.). Failure to comply with the tightening torque can cause or increase the occurrence of loosening, but can also cause deformation, breakage of parts, etc. It is understood that the above aspects can negatively affect quality, manufacturing costs and retouching.

Presentation of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to respond to the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a fixing device for watch or jewelry components which reduces or eliminates the risks loosening, and/or reduces manufacturing and/or rework costs and/or improves manufacturing quality and repeatability.

[0004] For this, a first aspect of the invention concerns a device for fixing a first watch or jewelry component to a second watch or jewelry component, comprising: – a first fixing element comprising: • a first engagement surface arranged to engage with the first watch or jewelry component or the second watch or jewelry component, and • a male coupling part, – a second fixing element comprising: • a second engagement surface arranged to engage with respectively the second watch or jewelry component or the first watch or jewelry component, and • a female coupling part arranged to mate with the male coupling part in a coupling position which allows the first watch component to be fixed or jeweler on the second watch or jeweler component, characterized in that the fixing device comprises at least one elastic portion arranged: • between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, • to be put in tension when the part male coupling arrives in the mating position with the female coupling part by fixing the first watch or jewelry component on the second watch or jewelry component.

[0005] According to the above implementation, the fixing device comprises an elastic portion located in the chain of elements which transmit the clamping force, at least at one instant during the coupling between the fixing components . Such an elastic portion makes it possible to increase the range of relative movement between the first fixing element and the second fixing element during which a tightening force will be exerted. Torque tightening is facilitated, and loosening is reduced because the assembly does not become “loose” at the slightest movement or relative displacement between the first fixing element and the second fixing element. In other words, the invention provides a reserve of elasticity or elongation greater than a conventional screw and nut assembly.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the first fixing element can be integrated into or provided directly on or formed in one piece with the first watch or jewelry component, and/or the second fixing element can be integrated into or provided directly on or even formed in one piece with the second watch or jewelry component. It is possible for the fixing elements to be integrated into the parts to be fixed together.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first watch or jewelry component and the second watch or jewelry component are watch components, that is to say for a device comprising at least one time display device. We can typically provide watch components for wristwatches which are subject to numerous constraints of temperature variations, vibrations or shocks.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the first watch or jewelry component and the second watch or jewelry component are jewelry components, that is to say for a piece of jewelry or a piece of jewelry. We can typically provide jewelry components for pendants, bracelets, jewelry to be worn on the wrist which are subject to numerous constraints of temperature variations, vibrations or shocks.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first engagement surface is a first support surface arranged to support the first watch or jewelry component or the second watch or jewelry component, and/or the second engagement surface is a second support surface arranged to support respectively the second watch or jewelry component or the first watch or jewelry component. In other words, the first fixing element and the second fixing element each comprise a head, or a surface with for example a plate or a cone for supporting the watch components.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first fixing element may comprise a guide portion, such as for example a smooth shaft portion intended to form a rotational guide bearing. The first fixing element can be used to receive a wheel mounted in a pivot connection.

[0011] According to one embodiment, one of the first fixing element and the second fixing element comprises a floating interface or a movable part carrying the male coupling part or the female coupling part, and arranged to 'couple with the other of the first fixing element and the second fixing element, and in which the elastic portion is arranged on said one of the first fixing element and the second fixing element, between the floating interface or the movable part and respectively the first engagement surface or the second engagement surface. According to this embodiment, the fixing component which includes the elastic part can be generally divided into three parts: – a base body which engages with the watch or jewelry component to be fixed, – the elastic part connected to the base body , – the floating interface or the movable part, connected to the elastic part, and which mates with the other fixing component and which is therefore movable or floating relative to the base body.

[0012] According to one embodiment, said at least one elastic portion is a flexible tongue comprising: – a first end anchored on the second fixing element, for example on the side of the second engagement surface or of a body of base of the second fixing element, - a second end arranged to move elastically when the male coupling part arrives in the coupling position, - a flexible body arranged between the first end and the second end to deform by bending.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the elastic portion is arranged between the second engagement surface and the female coupling part, that is to say on the second fixing element.

[0014] According to one embodiment: – the second fixing element comprises a body with the second engagement surface and an eyelet forming the female coupling part and the eyelet is attached to the body of the second fixing element by said at least one elastic portion, and preferably two elastic portions. Such an eyelet is easy to make and lends itself well to coupling with a screw. However, the eyelet is connected to the body of the second fixing element by the elastic part, which makes it mobile and capable of moving to compensate for dimensional variations of the parts to be fixed, the elastic portion exerting a holding force all along of the movement of the eyelet. We can foresee a movement of the eyelet mainly along the axial direction of the male part.

According to one embodiment, the eyelet comprises a central opening with at least one internal radial index to engage with the male coupling part of the first fixing element. Such an eyelet with the index finger forms a nut which can receive the thread(s) of a screw.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first fixing element comprises at least one recessed portion arranged to receive said at least one internal radial index when the male coupling part arrives in the coupling position with the female part of coupling, the hollowed-out portion comprising a blocking surface arranged to block said at least one internal radial index in the hollowed-out portion. The blocking surface forms an anti-return device, which secures the assembly, and the deformed elastic portion ensures minimal clamping force, even if variations in thickness of the parts to be fixed occur.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the blocking surface has, in a direction of relative movement between the index finger and the recessed portion during disassembly: – an orientation of at least 45° and preferably of at least 60° ° with respect to the direction of relative movement between the interior radial index and the recessed portion, and/or – a height in a direction transverse to the direction of relative movement between the interior radial index and the recessed portion of between 20% and 80% of maximum deflection of the elastic portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first fixing element comprises a threaded portion arranged to engage in the eyelet.

According to one embodiment, the threaded portion ends with the blocking surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said at least one elastic portion has a flexible portion extending around the eyelet over a predetermined angular sector included in a range of values going from 20° to 150° and preferably in a range of values from 80° to 120°. In other words, the elastic portion “wraps” around the eyelet, to offer an increased deformation/displacement range, in a contained radial space.

[0021] According to one embodiment: – the first fixing element comprises at least one external radial index such as a bayonet forming the male coupling part, – the second fixing element comprises a body with the second surface of engagement, – the female coupling part is formed by a slot provided between the elastic portion and the body of the second fixing element. According to the implementation above, a coupling of the 1⁄4 turn type can be provided, the relative displacement stroke between the first fixing element and the second fixing element is reduced, but the elastic portion still allows to tension the assembly.

According to one embodiment, the first fixing element comprises a rod supporting said at least one external radial index such as a bayonet, and the first fixing element comprises a rod supporting two external radial indexes such as bayonets.

According to one embodiment, the elastic portion forms a tongue with a free end.

According to one embodiment, the elastic portion forms a cantilever spring blade.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the elastic portion has an axial blocking surface arranged to block the external radial index in an axial direction of the fixing device. The axial locking surface provides an anti-return function which secures the assembly.

According to one embodiment, the axial locking surface comprises a vertex and/or a slope for locking the outer radial index in the slot in the coupling position.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the axial blocking surface has, in a direction of relative movement between the outer radial index and the axial blocking surface during disassembly: – a slope of at least 15° and of preferably at least 20° relative to the direction of relative movement between the outer radial index and the axial blocking surface, and/or – a height in a direction transverse to the direction of relative movement between the outer radial index and the axial blocking surface between 20% and 80% of maximum travel of the elastic portion.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the elastic portion is arranged to have an elastic clearance of at least 0.05 mm, and preferably at least 0.1 mm when the male coupling part arrives in the coupling position with the part female coupling by fixing the first watch or jewelry component on the second watch or jewelry component.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the male coupling part has a diameter less than 1.2 mm, and preferably a diameter less than 1.0 mm.

According to one embodiment, the first fixing element is a screw which may have a diameter less than 1.2 mm, and preferably a diameter less than 1.0 mm.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, comprising a fixing device according to the first aspect.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the timepiece comprises: – the first watch component, such as a bridge, or a movement, – the second watch component, such as a plate or a watch case, respectively . The fixing device can therefore be used to fix a bridge on a plate, a movement on a watch case, a stator of a stepper motor of a quartz watch on a plate, a bearing on a bridge. ..

Description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows of two embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which :

[0034] [fig. 1] represents two perspective views of a first fixing element of a first variant of a fixing device according to the invention;

[0035] [fig. 2] represents a perspective view of a second fixing element of the first variant of a fixing device according to the invention;

[0036] [fig. 3] represents a sectional view of the fixing device of the first variant, coupling a first watch or jewelry component to a second watch or jewelry component;

[0037] [fig. 4] represents a perspective view of a first fixing element of a second variant of a fixing device according to the invention;

[0038] [fig. 5] represents a detailed view of the first component of Figure 4;

[0039] [fig. 6] represents a perspective view of a second fixing element of the second variant of a fixing device according to the invention;

[0040] [fig. 7] represents a perspective view of the fixing device of the second variant, coupling a first watch or jewelry component to a second watch or jewelry component;

[0041] [fig. 8] represents a schematic sectional view of the fixing device of the second variant shown in Figure 7;

[0042] [fig. 9] represents an alternative of the fixing device according to the second variant shown in Figure 8;

[0043] [fig. 10] represents a first alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 1;

[0044] [fig. 11] represents two views of a first alternative of the second fixing element shown in Figure 2;

[0045] [fig. 12] represents two views of a first alternative of the fixing device of Figure 3, comprising the first alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 10 and the first alternative of the second fixing element shown in Figure 11;

[0046] [fig. 13] represents a second alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 1;

[0047] [fig. 14] represents two views of a second alternative of the second fixing element shown in Figure 2;

[0048] [fig. 15] represents two views of a first alternative of the fixing device of Figure 3, comprising the first alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 10 and the first alternative of the second fixing element shown in Figure 11.

Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0049] Figure 1 shows two perspective views of a first fixing element 10 of a first variant of a fixing device according to the invention. The first fixing element 10 comprises: - a head with an upper surface 13 and a first engagement surface 11 formed by a conical surface under the upper surface 13, and - a male coupling part 12 comprising a male rod 12.1 and two bayonets 12.2 located at the end opposite the head, and arranged 180° from each other. However, a single bayonet 12.2 can be provided.

The upper surface 13 comprises, for example, a straight groove, allowing operation of the first fixing element 10 with, for example, a flat screwdriver. Other structures allowing the first fixing element to be manipulated, using a suitable tool, are obviously possible.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second fixing element 20 of the first variant of a fixing device according to the invention. The second fixing element 20 is designed to mate with the first fixing element 10. For this purpose, the second fixing element 20 comprises: – a head with an upper surface 23 and a second engagement surface 21, and – a cylindrical body 24 with a bore 22.1, two axial lateral grooves 22.2 which end in tangential grooves 22.3, delimited or separated by a flexible tongue 25. The bore 22.1, the axial lateral grooves 22.2 and the tangential grooves 22.3 form a part mating female 22.

[0052] It can also be noted in Figure 2 that the flexible tongue 25 has: – a first end anchored on the cylindrical body 24 and – a second free end with a convex face delimiting a first side of the tangential groove 22.3, – a flexible body forming a spring blade and arranged between the first end and the second end.

[0053] The convex face of the flexible tongue 25 delimiting the first side of the tangential groove 22.3 amounts to forming a thickness which increases on the side of the second end. The slope, relative to a tangential direction of the cylindrical body 24, can be between 5° and 30°. The height of the convex face can be between 0.02 mm and 0.1 mm. It can be noted that the second side of the tangential groove 22.3 (the one opposite the convex face of the flexible tongue 25) has a profile similar or "parallel" to that of the convex face.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the second fixing element 20 can be coupled with the first fixing element 10 to fix a first watch or jewelry component A on a second watch or jewelry component B. The first watch or jewelry component A and the second watch or jewelry component B are sandwiched by the fixing device, and in particular with the first engagement surface 11 engaged on the first watch or jewelry component A and the second engagement surface 21 engaged on the second watchmaker or jeweler component B.

[0055] The male coupling part 12 is engaged in the female coupling part 22, with in particular the bayonets 12.2 having been engaged in the axial grooves 22.2 then in the tangential grooves 22.3 by an axial movement then rotation (type 1⁄4 of a turn) by elastically bending the tongue 25. In fact, the tongue 25 with its convex face towards the bottom of Figure 3, must flex to allow the coupling movement of the male coupling part 12 with the female coupling part 22 (in particular the engagement of the bayonet 12.2 at the bottom of the tangential groove 22.3). The tongue 25 and its thin body acts as an elastic portion which deforms during the coupling of the male coupling part 12 with the female coupling part 22. The elastic deformation of the tongue 25 makes it possible to tension the fixing device over a significant angular range of movement of the first fixing element, so that disassembly is made more difficult, even if thermal stresses or shocks are applied to the assembly.

[0056] It can be noted that the tongue 25 with in particular the convex face forms an anti-return part which opposes an exit movement of the bayonet 12.2 out of the tangential groove 22.3: in fact, such a movement requires a elastic deformation of the tongue 25, the convex face downwards acting like a “wall”. It can be expected that the groove 22.3 has a slope greater than 5°, preferably greater than 15° and even more preferably a slope greater than 30°. In addition or alternatively, the convex face can be provided with a difference in height along the vertical axis of Figure 3 of at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.05 mm and at least 0.1 mm so as to require an arrow or a movement elastic of the free end of the tongue 25 of these values in the vertical direction. Of course, these values must be calculated according to the dimension chains of the assembly to guarantee that elastic displacement will always be ensured. Thus, the untimely loosening or disassembly of the fixing device from the coupled position of Figure 3 is even more difficult and limited.

[0057] The fixing device according to this implementation is therefore easy to use, with a simple engagement movement of the 1⁄4 turn type, the elastic portion (the tongue 25) interposed between the male coupling part 12 and the female coupling part 22 during coupling provides an elastic tensioning force which reduces the risk of loosening, and the convex face further secures this anti-loosening function by forming an anti-return obstacle.

[0058] Figures 4 to 7 represent a second implementation of a fixing device. Figures 4 and 5 represent a first fixing element 110, with: - a head having a flat grooved upper surface 113 and a first engagement surface 111 under the upper surface 113, - a male rod which forms a male part of coupling 112 and has at its lower end a thread 115 and a recessed portion 114.

[0059] Figure 5 shows in detail the thread 115 and the recessed portion 114. It can be noted in Figure 5 that two threads offset by 180° start from the free end of the male rod of the male coupling part 112 and form the thread 115. A second hollowed-out portion 114 is therefore located at 180° from the hollowed-out portion visible in Figure 5. The hollowed-out portion 114 is arranged at the end of the thread and notably comprises a recess 114.1 (a flat surface for example) and a surface blocking 114.2 which forms a collar or a rim at the end of the threaded portion 115.

[0060] Figure 6 represents a second fixing element 120 with: – a cylindrical base body 123, – two second engagement surfaces 121 (a second engagement surface 121 above, visible, and a second engagement surface below, not visible), – an eyelet 124 comprising a central opening 122.1 and two radial indexes 122.2, – two elastic tabs 125 connecting the eyelet to the cylindrical base body 123.

[0061] The two elastic tabs 125 each wrap around the eyelet 124, over an angular sector of approximately 120°. It can be expected that the angular sector is at least 60°, preferably at least 90°. Indeed, we understand that the elastic tabs 125 allow axial movement of the eyelet 124, and that this arrangement around the eyelet 124 makes it possible to increase the elastic movement while remaining in reversible deformations. In other words, the eyelet 124 comprises or forms a female coupling part 122 (the central opening 122.1 with the radial indexes 122.2) and forms a floating or movable interface relative to the cylindrical base body 123 thanks to the elastic tabs 125 which form an elastic portion.

[0062] Figure 7 represents a perspective view of the fixing device of the second slightly modified variant, coupling a first watch or jewelry component A to a second watch or jewelry component B. Schematically, the first watch or jewelry component A and the second watch or jewelry component B are sandwiched between the first fixing element 110 and the second fixing element 120. As seen above, the first fixing element 110 is threaded, and the latter is screwed into the second fixing element 120. In detail, we see the free end of the male rod of the first fixing element 110 engaged in the eyelet 124 of the second fixing element 120.

[0063] We can notice a small modification in Figure 7, the elastic tabs 125 are oriented radially and do not wrap around the eyelet 124, as in the implementation of Figure 6. This implementation provides a second fixing element 120 with a shorter and more rigid elastic portion.

[0064] It can be noted that the parts have a cylindrical exterior silhouette, but any variant of execution is possible.

[0065] Figure 8 represents a schematic sectional view of the fixing device of the second variant shown in Figure 7 with the first watch or jewelry component A engaged in contact with the conical head of the first fixing element 110, and the second watch component or jeweler B engaged in contact with one face of the second fixing element 120. In particular, we can see in Figure 8 a recess 114.1 of a hollowed-out portion 114 which receives a radial index 122.2, and that the elastic tabs 125 are deformed axially. Indeed, when screwing the first fixing element 110 onto the second fixing element 120, the dimensions are provided so that once all the components are in contact, an elastic deformation of the elastic tabs 125 occurs before the radial indexes 122.2 engage in the recesses 114.1. Thus, the elastic tabs 125 exert an elastic force which limits any loosening movement.

[0066] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 5, it can be noted that the blocking surface 114.2 forms a step or a slope to be crossed during a possible dismantling movement, which provides an anti-return obstacle. It can be envisaged that the blocking surface 114.2 presents, in a direction of relative movement between the radial index 122.2 and the recessed portion 114 during disassembly: – an orientation at least 45° and preferably at least 60° with respect to the direction of relative movement between the radial index 122.2 and the recessed portion 114.1, and/or – a height in a direction transverse to the direction of relative movement between the radial index 122.2 and the recessed portion 114 between 20 % and 80% of maximum deflection of the elastic portion, and/or a height between 0.02 mm and 0.1 mm.

[0067] Such a blocking surface 114.2 therefore forms an obstacle (or a notch, or a hard point) to pass during disassembly, which further limits untimely loosening or unblocking.

[0068] Generally speaking, the male rod 12 or 112 can have a diameter of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, and the invention provides with the elastic portion a tensioning which remains applied even if a relative movement between the two fixing components intervene, and the same if expansions/compressions due to temperature variations are imposed on the parts.

[0069] Furthermore, the anti-return function is possible with the elastic portion, which requires the passage of a hard point or notch during coupling and particularly during uncoupling, and disassembly is made even more difficult.

[0070] Figure 9 represents an alternative of the fixing device according to the second variant shown in Figure 8, to show that it is possible to provide a second fixing element 120' in one piece with the second watch or jewelry component B in other words, the sleeve supporting the elastic tabs 125 can be an integral part of the second watch or jewelry component B. Figure 9 shows that the sleeve can be protruding, but it can very well be expected to have a uniform thickness. We can also provide the first fixing element in one piece with the first watch or jewelry component, even if Figure 9 does not show this implementation.

[0071] Figure 10 shows a first alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 1, in which a first fixing element 10' is almost similar to that of Figure 1. Figure 10, the first fixing element 10' comprises: – a head with an upper surface 13' and a first engagement surface 11' formed by a conical surface under the upper surface 13', and - a male coupling part 12' comprising a male rod 12.1' and a bayonet 12.2 ' located at the end opposite the head. The only notable difference with the first fixing element shown in Figure 1 is that the male rod 12.1' includes a single bayonet 12.2'.

[0072] Figure 11 shows two views of a first alternative of the second fixing element 20 shown in Figure 2. Figure 11, the second fixing element 20' comprises: - a head with an upper surface and a second engagement surface 21', and - a cylindrical body 24' with a bore 22.1', a single axial lateral groove 22.2' which ends in a tangential groove 22.3' which defines a U-shaped slot, thus delimited by a flexible tongue 25' in cantilevered. It can be noted that the tangential groove 22.3' cuts the cylindrical body 24' in a tangential direction over an angular sector of 200° minimum, preferably 250° minimum and even more preferably approximately 270°. Consequently, the flexible tongue 25' is only attached to the cylindrical body 24' by a part of small section, which provides good elasticity. The bore 22.1', the axial lateral groove 22.2' and the tangential groove 22.3' form a female coupling part 22'.

[0073] Figure 12 shows two views of a first alternative of the fixing device of Figure 3, comprising the first alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 10 and the first alternative of the second fixing element shown in Figure 11, to explain the assembly of this first alternative.

[0074] The view on the left shows that the first fixing element 10' can be inserted into the bore of the second fixing element 20', taking care of course to align the bayonet 12.2' opposite the axial lateral groove 22.2'. It can be noted that the tangential groove 22.3' has, in its lower part, a slope visible in the left view, which ends in a chamfer at approximately 30°. Once the bayonet 12.2' has come into contact with the bottom of the tangential groove 22.3', the first fixing element 10' can be pivoted to arrive in the position shown seen on the right in Figure 12. However, during this angular travel, the bayonet 12.2' has raised the flexible tab 25' due to the slope mentioned above, and it can be noted that the bayonet 12.2' in the position shown seen from the right in Figure 12 is resting on the terminal chamfer of the slope, which provides an anti-reverse function.

[0075] The manufacture of the second fixing element 20', with regard to the grooves 22.2' and 22.3', can use milling machining operations, with a milling cutter path which follows a 3D trajectory.

[0076] Figure 13 shows a second alternative of the first fixing element shown in Figure 1. Figure 13, the first fixing element 10'' comprises: - a head with an upper surface 13" and a first engagement surface 11' 'formed by a conical surface under the upper surface 13'', and - a male coupling part 12'' comprising a male rod 12.1'' and a bayonet 12.2'' located approximately halfway up the male rod 12.1' '. The only notable difference with the first fixing element shown in Figure 10 is that the bayonet 12.2' is a little closer to the head.

[0077] Figure 14 shows two views of a second alternative of the second fixing element shown in Figure 2. Figure 14, the second fixing element 20'' comprises: - a head with an upper surface and a second engagement surface 21'', and - a cylindrical body 24'' with a bore 22.1'', a lateral axial groove 22.2'' which ends in a tangential groove 22.3'', following a corrugated or notched path and delimited by a flexible tongue 25 ''. The bore 22.1'', the axial lateral groove 22.2'' and the tangential groove 22.3'' form a female coupling part 22'' which can receive the bayonet 12.2''.

[0078] It can be noted that the tangential groove 22.3'' cuts the cylindrical body 24'' in a tangential direction over an angular sector of 200° minimum, preferably 250° minimum and even more preferably approximately 270°. Consequently, the flexible tongue 25'' is only attached to the cylindrical body 24'' by a part of small section, which provides good elasticity.

[0079] Figure 15 shows two views of a second alternative of the fixing device of Figure 3, comprising the second alternative of the first fixing element 10'' shown in Figure 13 and the second alternative of the second fixing element 20" shown Figure 14, to explain the assembly of this second alternative.

[0080] The view on the left shows that the first fixing element 10'' can be inserted into the bore of the second fixing element 20'', taking care of course to align the bayonet 12.2'' opposite the axial side groove 22.2''. It can be noted that the tangential groove 22.3'' presents, in its left part visible on the left view, an inversion of slope, followed by a lug directed downwards. Once the bayonet 12.2'' is inserted into the axial groove 22.2'', the first fixing element 10' can be pivoted to arrive in the position shown seen on the right in Figure 15, with the bayonet abutting on the lug. However, during this angular travel, the bayonet 12.2'' lifted the flexible tab 25'' due to the slope reversal mentioned above, and it can be noted that the bayonet 12.2'' in the position shown seen from the right Figure 15 cannot pivot to the left without lifting the flexible tab 25'' due to the slope reversal which provides an anti-return function.

[0081] The manufacture of the second fixing element 20'', with regard to the grooves 22.2'' and 22.3'', may call upon machining operations by milling, with a milling cutter path which follows a 3D trajectory. .

[0082] Generally speaking, if we denote Z as the axial direction of the fixing devices of the embodiments presented in Figures 3, 12 and 15, we can note that the face of the female interface of the second fixing element which retains the index finger or the bayonet of the first fixing element has an inversion of slope in the direction Z to form an anti-return and/or anti-unintentional loosening obstacle. With regard to the embodiments of Figure 7, 8 or 9, this inversion of slope along Z is provided on the first fixing element.

[0083] Finally, in all cases, an elastic or flexible portion is provided on one of the first fixing element or the second fixing element to allow the passage of this inversion of slope (in particular the passage of the point where the slope reverses) and also maintain a holding force once assembly is complete and the parts are in final position with anti-return or anti-loosening.

Industrial application

[0084] A fixing device according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0085] It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it can be noted that the upper surface 13 or 113 includes a straight groove, but any kind of interface can be provided (cruciform or hollow hexagonal impression, hexagonal head, etc.).

[0086] The fixing components can be made of any material or metal alloy, and we can even provide composite parts or even assemblies of parts.

Claims (17)

1. Device for fixing a first watch or jewelry component (A) to a second watch or jewelry component (B), comprising: – a first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110) comprising: • a first engagement surface (11; 11'; 11''; 111) arranged to engage with the first watch or jewelry component (A) or the second watch or jewelry component (B), and • a male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''; 112), – a second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120') comprising: • a second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121) arranged to engage respectively with the second watch or jewelry component (B) or the first watch or jewelry component (A), and • a female coupling part (22; 22'; 22''; 122) arranged to mate with the male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''; 112) in a coupling position which allows the first watch or jewelry component (A) to be fixed on the second watch or jewelry component (B), characterized in that the fixing device comprises at least one elastic portion arranged: • between the first engagement surface (11; 11'; 11''; 111) and the second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121), • to be tensioned when the male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''; 112) arrives in the coupling position with the female coupling part (22; 22'; 22''; 122 ) by fixing the first watch or jewelry component (A) to the second watch or jewelry component (B). 2. Fixing device according to claim 1, in which one of the first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110) and the second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120') comprises a floating interface embedding the part male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''; 112) or the female coupling part (22; 22'; 22''; 122), and arranged to mate with the other of the first element of fixing (10; 10'; 10''; 110) and the second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120'), and in which the elastic portion is arranged on said one of the first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110) and the second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120'), between the floating interface and respectively the first engagement surface (11; 11'; 11''; 111) or the second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121). 3. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said at least one elastic portion is a flexible tongue (25) comprising: – a first end anchored on the second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120') on the side of the second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121), – a second end arranged to move elastically when the male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''; 112) arrives in the coupling position, – a flexible body arranged between the first end and the second end to deform by bending. 4. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the elastic portion is arranged between the second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121) and the female coupling part (22 ; 22' ; 22'' ; 122). 5. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: – the second fixing element comprises a body with the second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121) and an eyelet (124) forming the female coupling part (22; 22'; 22'' ; 122) and in which the eyelet (124) is attached to the body of the second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120') by said at least one elastic portion such as an elastic tab (125), and preferably by two elastic portions such as two elastic tabs (125). 6. Fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the eyelet (124) comprises a central opening (122.1) with at least one internal radial index (122.2) for engaging with the male coupling part (12; 12 '; 12''; 112) of the first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110). 7. Fixing device according to claim 6, in which the first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110) comprises at least one recessed portion (114) arranged to receive said at least one internal radial index (122.2 ) when the male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''; 112) arrives in the coupling position with the female coupling part (22; 22'; 22''; 122), the hollowed-out portion (114.) comprising a blocking surface (114.2) arranged to block said at least one internal radial index (122.2) in the recessed portion. 8. Fastening device according to claim 7, in which the blocking surface has, in a direction of relative movement between the internal radial index (122.2) and the recessed portion (114) during disassembly: – an orientation at least 45° and preferably at least 60° relative to the direction of relative movement between the inner radial index (122.2) and the recessed portion (114), and/or – a height in a direction transverse to the direction of relative movement between the internal radial index (122.2) and the recessed portion (114) of between 20% and 80% of a maximum movement of the elastic portion. 9. Fixing device according to one of claims 5 to 8, in which the first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110) comprises a threaded portion (115) arranged to engage in the eyelet (124). 10. Fastening device according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said at least one elastic portion has a flexible portion extending around the eyelet (124) over a predetermined angular sector included in a range of values going from 20° to 150° and preferably in a range of values going from 80° to 120°. 11. Fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: – the first fixing element (10; 10'; 10''; 110) comprises at least one external radial index such as a bayonet (12.2) forming the male coupling part (12; 12'; 12''); 112), – the second fixing element comprises a body with the second engagement surface (21; 21'; 21''; 121), – the female coupling part (22; 22'; 22''; 122) is formed by a slot provided between the elastic portion and the body of the second fixing element (20; 20'; 20''; 120; 120 '). 12. Fastening device according to claim 11, in which the elastic portion forms a tongue (25) with a free end. 13. Fastening device according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the elastic portion has an axial blocking surface arranged to block the external radial index in an axial direction of the fastening device. 14. Fastening device according to claim 13, wherein the axial locking surface comprises a vertex and/or a slope for locking the outer radial index in the slot in the coupling position. 15. Fastening device according to claim 14, in which the axial locking surface has, in a direction of relative movement between the outer radial index and the axial locking surface during disassembly: – a slope of at least 15° and preferably at least 20° relative to the direction of relative movement between the outer radial index and the axial blocking surface, and/or – a height in a direction transverse to the direction of relative movement between the outer radial index and the axial blocking surface of between 20% and 80% of maximum movement of the elastic portion. 16. Fastening device according to one of claims 1 to 15, in which the elastic portion is arranged to have an elastic clearance of at least 0.05 mm, and preferably at least 0.1 mm when the male coupling part (12 ; 12'; 12''; 112) arrives in the coupling position with the female coupling part (22; 22'; 22''; 122) by fixing the first watch or jewelry component (A) on the second watchmaking or jewelry component (B). 17. Timepiece or jewelry piece, such as a wristwatch, comprising a fixing device according to one of claims 1 to 16.