EP1047981B1 - Wristwatch quick fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A quick fastening device for fastening an end of a band to a case of a watch includes a band linking element attached to the band and a case linking element attached to the case. The band and the case linking elements mutually interlock with each other and at least one of the band or the case linking elements is movably mounted on the band or the case to which it is interlocked between at least one open position and one closed position. The band and the case linking elements are positioned respectively free for interlocking with respect to each other and fastened by interlocking with respect to each other.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for attachment for wristwatch, intended to secure quickly each end of said bracelet to the case of said watch.

The invention finds an application particularly advantageous in the field of the watch industry.

We know from the state of the art a very large number of quick release systems, capable ensure the assembly of a bracelet on a case of shows in a time limited enough to confer on the bracelet of said watch a character interchangeability.

Among the known devices, see DE-C-959 859, CH-A-251 968, US-A-5 647 518, a large majority incorporates substantially the same principle of operation. Schematically, this consists in a first step to fit two connecting elements secured respectively to the bracelet and the case the watch. Then, it is necessary to close at least partially the part of the connecting element forming housing with a locking member, in order to lock the interlocking previously carried out.

This type of quick release system presents however the disadvantage of being unsightly when the blocking member is small, since the presence of the latter inevitably imbalance the formal harmony of the watch. The reduced size of different parts making up the fixing is also causing insufficient reliability.

When the blocking member has a format comparable to that of the watch, other problems ask then and in particular that of the integration of said blocking member on the housing. Such an adaptation indeed requires substantial modifications structural and / or formal in the middle of the watch, which significantly increases its price by come back. This configuration can also be detrimental to the general appearance of the watch since the presence of a blocking device important dimensions condition n large part the aesthetics of this object, when it does not limit it formal variants. Also, it appears difficult to be able to adapt such a quick fixing device on a pre-existing watch. This is actually the approach reverse which should be used, i.e. design the watch according to the fixing system considered.

In addition to these significant drawbacks, the systems of fixation previously mentioned are often judged little practices to be implemented, which reduces considerably attracted customers to which they are intended for. With them it is indeed difficult to benefit from a fastening device to both fast and reliable; obtaining one of these qualities being systematically at the expense of the other.

Also, the technical problem to be solved by the object of the present invention is to provide a quick fixing device intended to secure the end of a bracelet to a watch case, said fastening device comprising a connecting element secured to the bracelet and a connecting element integral with the housing, the connecting elements being able to cooperate by fitting one into the other, fixing device which would avoid state of the art problems by being both quick to set up and reliable, while offering perfect adaptability, cost price reasonable and improved aesthetics.

The solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that one of the elements link is mounted movable in displacement on the member of which it is integral, between at least one so-called position open and at least one so-called closed position in which said connecting elements are capable of be mounted respectively free interlocking one with respect to each other and united in nesting one in the other.

Thus, in the open position, the two elements of link are independent of each other, that is to say that they can be freely engaged or disengaged following at least one nesting direction. Through against, in the closed position and in the event that they have been previously assembled by bringing them in one inside the other, the connecting elements find themselves permanently associated since each nesting direction is then advantageously condemned.

The mobility of the connecting element likely to move can be exercised following a movement arbitrary insofar as one benefits from at least an open position and at least one closed position as previously defined. Also, the element of mobile link can be animated either translation, rotation or more compound movement or less complex.

Advantageously, the connecting element mobile can be mounted on any which of the parts to assemble. Also in throughout this text, the term organ designates either the case, either the bracelet, according to what we consider that the movable connecting element is integral with said case or said bracelet.

According to a feature of the invention, the element of mobile connection constitutes the female part of the fitting corresponding to the assembly of the two connecting elements by interpenetration at least partial. As such, it includes at least one housing likely to receive a growth substantially complementary, arranged on the other connecting element and forming male part. Nature specific of the connecting element, combined with its mobility in relation to the organ with which it is interdependent, allows to easily define at least one open position and at least one closed position in which each housing of the female part would be respectively free of access and closed by a portion surface of said organ.

If the mobility of the connecting element can be envisaged following any type of movement, it it is quite different with regard to the direction of travel. Also, according to another feature of the invention, the mobility of the element of connection is exercised in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the organ extends with which said movable connecting element is solidarity.

This configuration provides resistance maximum with respect to mechanical stress exercising between the case and the bracelet, during from normal use of the watch. We think here above all the traction forces. The goal is good obviously to avoid any untimely movement of the movable connecting element, and thus any risk of unexpected disengagement. There is therefore no need to systematically provide locking means specific in order to immobilize the connecting element mobile in closed position.

Due to its substantially transverse mobility by relationship to the direction in which it is exercised most of the mechanical stresses between the housing and the bracelet, the mobile connecting element is effect able to effectively oppose all forces likely to bring it into a position open synonymous with disengagement. According to the invention, displacement of the movable connecting element takes place in a direction where the constraints mechanical are the weakest, even almost nonexistent under normal conditions of use.

According to a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are suitable for cooperate by nesting in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the movable connecting element is movably mounted moving. Thus, the engagement and disengagement of the connecting elements is found oriented substantially parallel to the direction in which most of the mechanical constraints between the case and the bracelet.

In addition, the connecting elements being advantageously able to cooperate by interlocking following a sense of engagement corresponding to a relative distance from the case and bracelet, the fastening device is able to withstand naturally to the tensile forces exerted between said case and said bracelet.

Finally, as the direction of engagement and disengagement of the connecting elements extends in closed position substantially orthogonal to the surface portion of the organ that is in contact with the movable connecting element, any disengagement said connecting elements then appears impossible. The surface portion of the support member forms in indeed a real stop capable of condemning the access of different housings on the connecting element mobile, and intended to receive the male parts of the other connecting element. In fact, disengagement connecting elements is totally controlled by the position of the movable connecting element relative to the support member with which it is integral.

The invention as thus defined presents the advantage of being extremely simple in design, since it does not require any blocking device specific to lock the nesting of elements connection, and thus achieve rapid fixing of the bracelet on the watch. The locking function is here advantageously filled by the surface portion of the housing against which the movable connecting element has to move and / or position itself once in the closed position. This conceptual simplicity is obviously translates into increased reliability, obvious speed of implementation and a price of returns measured.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements are able to cooperate by interlocking in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the element of mobile link is mounted mobile on the move. So, the direction of engagement and disengagement of connecting elements is advantageously oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction according to which most of the constraints are exercised mechanical between the case and the bracelet. So provided, the fixing device is able to naturally resist effectively the forces of traction, and possibly pressure, exerted between the case and the bracelet.

In this configuration, however, essential to provide specific means for lock the socket of the connecting elements. In This function can no longer be fulfilled by the portion of the surface of the organ against which the mobile connecting element is mounted mobile in displacement, as in the first embodiment. The portion of the surface in question, as well as the direction of engagement and disengagement, are in here substantially parallel effect, thus prohibiting said surface portion to act as a stop.

Also, this second embodiment of the invention advantageously provides that the organ supporting the movable connecting element comprises at at least one part forming a stop, able to cooperate by contact with said movable connecting element when this the latter is in the closed position. The stopper part extends substantially orthogonal to the direction of engagement and disengagement of elements link.

Whatever the embodiment chosen and even if it is not essential, the quick fixing object of the present invention can be provided with locking means capable of holding the movable connecting element in the closed position. This specificity constitutes additional security which has no other purpose than to make it even more reliable fixation.

The following description next to the drawings attached, given by way of non-limiting examples, will understand what the invention is all about and how it can be done.

Figure 1 is a top view of a wristwatch fitted with quick fastening devices according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view, in section longitudinal, from the wristwatch illustrated in the figure 1.

Figures 3 to 5 are top views illustrating the operating principle of quick fixing devices fitted to the wristwatch shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 6 is a top view of a wristwatch according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating variant embodiments of the invention.

For reasons of clarity, the same elements have have been designated by identical references. Likewise, only the essentials for understanding the invention have been represented and this without respecting scale and schematically.

As can be seen in the illustrated example in Figures 1 and 2, wristwatch 1 is provided with two quick fasteners 2 perfectly identical and symmetrical. Each of them is intended to attach one of the ends 3 of the bracelet 4 in case 5 of watch 1. For this, each fastening device 2 comprises two elements of link 6, 7 able to cooperate by fitting one into the other. The first of them is in solidarity with the bracelet 4 and constitutes the male part of the nesting, while the second is integral with the housing 5 and plays the role of the female part.

In this particular embodiment of the invention, it is the connecting element 7 which is mounted mobile in movement between a closed position and a multitude of open positions in which the two connecting elements 6, 7 are suitable for being mounted respectively free and interdependent. The mobility of the connecting element 7 is exercised here in rotation, along an axis parallel to the plan of the housing 5. Thus, the movable connecting element 7 is able to move in a plane substantially orthogonal to the direction in which it is exercised most of the mechanical stresses between the housing 5 and bracelet 4.

The connecting element 7 here has the form of a bar 8 mounted transversely movable in rotation on one of the side faces 9 of the housing 5, by through a pivot 10 integral with said housing 5. Each end of the bar 8 is provided with a housing 11a, 11b able to cooperate by interlocking with one of the two outgrowths 12a, 12b of shapes appreciably complementary, carried by the other connecting element 6.

The connecting element 6 is presented in the form of a U-shaped part 13, capable of being mounted removably at the end 3 of the bracelet 4 thanks to the fact that it is able to be inserted through said end 3. This feature offers the possibility of exchanging only bracelet 4, i.e. only one connecting element 6 is necessary regardless of the number of bracelets available. The two outgrowths 12a, 12b are by elsewhere provided at the ends of the U-shaped part 13.

The interlocking of the connecting elements 6.7 takes place in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the movable connecting element 6 is brought to move, and according to a sense of engagement corresponding to a relative distance of the bracelet 4 and case 5. This is why access to housings 11a, 11b are oriented towards the box 5 and that they are therefore susceptible to be closed by a portion of the surface of the face lateral 9 when the movable connecting element 7 is in closed position.

In order to guarantee the immobilization of the element of movable connection 7 against the side face 9 of the housing 5, means are advantageously provided for locking 14 capable of blocking the rotation of said mobile connection element 7. These comprise two blocking elements 15, 16 of substantially shaped complementary, respectively arranged on the element mobile link 7 and on the member 4, 5 supporting said movable connecting element 7. The two elements of blocking 15, 16 are also able to cooperate by interlocking one under the action of a means elastic return 17, when the connecting element mobile 7 is in the closed position.

As can be seen precisely in the mode of particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the locking element 16 is constituted by a recess 18 forming mortise, dug directly into the housing 5 at the side face 9. The locking element 15 is in turn constituted by a plate 19 forming tenon, removably mounted on the bar 8 by by means of two locking screws 20a, 20b. To ensure perfect positioning of the plate 19 on the bar 8, the latter is provided with a recess 21 of complementary shape to the part of said plate 19 which does not fit into the recess 18 formed on the housing 5. Thus, the recesses 18 and 21 have advantageously a corresponding cumulative volume exactly to the overall dimensions of the plate 19. This ensures when positioning closed, on the one hand, a perfect nesting of the plate 19 in the recess 18, and on the other hand, a contact intimate between the bar 8 and the housing 5.

The engagement or disengagement of the elements of blocking 15, 16 is effected by translation along the axis around which the movable connecting element 7 is swivel mounted. For this purpose, the bar 8 is mounted movable in translation relative to pivot 10. Concretely, the latter is provided with a suitable head 22 to slide axially inside a bore blind 23 cylindrical, arranged transversely in the bar 8 and with a diameter complementary to that of said head 22. head 22 is also captive of blind bore 23 thanks to the fact that the opening of the latter is partially closed by the plate 19, which indeed presents at this location precise a through bore 24 of smaller diameter since corresponding to the diameter of the body of the pivot 10.

Note that this configuration allows also advantageously the free rotation, previously mentioned, of the bar 8 relative to the pivot 10, responsible for the mobility of the connecting element 7.

In order to guarantee the engagement of the elements of blocking 15, 16, a return means is provided elastic 17 in the form of a compression spring 26 positioned around of the body 25 of the pivot 10, between the head 22 and the face internal of the plate 19. The head 22 being considered as fixed since the pivot 10 is integral with the housing 5, the action of the spring 26 can only be exerted level of the bar 8 which is mounted mobile, in particular in axial translation. The mobile connection element 7 is therefore forced to move towards the lateral face 9, which then leads to interpenetration of blocking elements 15, 16 when these are perfectly aligned as this is precisely the case in the closed position.

As can be seen in Figures 3 to 5, any separation of bracelet 4 from the watch illustrated in figures 1 and 2 is carried out so extremely simple. According to Figure 3, there first is to pull on each part 27, 28 of said bracelet 4 in order to unlock the locking elements 15, 16 and so to allow the two mobile connecting elements 7 to leave their closed position. Then, we rotates the movable connecting elements 7 by question in relation to box 5, until reaching an open position likely to allow a disengagement of participating male and female parties at nesting. The open position shown in the figure 4 is only one of the possibilities others, in which the case 5 and the bracelet 4 are positioned orthogonally one with respect to the other. The connecting elements 6, 7 are then separated in a third step, in accordance with the figure 5. It is then possible to remove each connecting element 6 of each part 27, 28 of the bracelet 4, to reinsert them at the ends respective of a new bracelet. Reassembly is then done simply by proceeding in a manner reverse, that is to say by reengaging the elements of connection 6, 7, by rotating the elements of mobile link 7, then letting it lock automatically the locking elements 15, 16 under the action of the elastic return means 17.

During the unlocking operation shown in Figure 3, the traction exerted at level of each fastener 2 causes the axial sliding of the bar 8 along the pivot 10. The spring 26 is then compressed under the action of approximation of the plate 19 relative to the head 22. Once the locking elements 15, 16 have been removed, that is to say as soon as the plate 19 is completely exit from the recess 18, the bar 8 is then in able to rotate freely around pivot 10. This movement is perfectly guided by the fact that on the one hand, the head 22 cooperates by contact with the blind bore 23, and that on the other hand, part of the body 25 of pivot 10 also cooperates by contact with through bore 24. Once the position desired open is reached, as for example in the case of Figure 4, the connecting elements are then dislocated from each other by performing a reconciliation case 5 and bracelet 4 according to the figure 5.

The wristwatch 30 partially shown in Figure 6 is only a simple variant of realization in which the respective positions of connecting elements 31, 32 have simply been reversed compared to their counterparts in the first mode of realization described. The movable connecting element 31 is indeed now the one who is secured to the bracelet 33. However, this quick fastening device 35 remains basically identical to those illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, both in its essential structure and in its operating principle. We find in particular the rotational mobility of the element of mobile link 31 and the nesting of the elements of link 31, 32 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which said mobile connecting element 31 is able to move to move from a closed position to a position open or vice versa. The only differences notable structural simply relate the integration of the connecting element 32 on the housing 34 which requires some modifications to this effect. However, the male studs are there. still similar, while the element structure of mobile connection 31 as well as that of the elements of blocking are perfectly identical to their counterparts.

Figures 7 to 10 show very schematically some variant embodiments among all that are within the reach of a man of job. For each quick release 90, 91, 92, 93, the mobile connecting element 40, 41, 42, 43 was deliberately chosen to be one of solidarity of the housing 50, 51, 52, 53. Of course, it is possible to consider other embodiments, simply by keeping the same principle but by opting for a movable connecting element secured to the bracelet.

Figure 7 corresponds to the first mode of described embodiment, that is to say a quick fastening 90 with a connecting element 40 mobile in rotation and for which the nesting with the associated connecting element 60 takes place according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of mobility of said mobile connecting element 40.

In the case of FIG. 8, the connecting element mobile 41 is able to move in translation. he cooperates by interlocking with the other connecting element 61 in a direction again perpendicular to the mobility plane of said mobile connecting element 41.

The following two variants, illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 differ from the previous two by the fact that the nesting of the connecting elements 42, 43; 62, 63 is carried out this time according to a direction parallel to the element's mobility plane mobile link 42, 43. On the other hand, we find the two types of mobility regarding more particularly the mobile connecting element 42, 43, i.e. the rotation for figure 9 and the translation in the case of Figure 10.

In these last two embodiments, it specific means are provided to lock the fitting of the connecting elements 42, 43; 62, 63. In the simplest case, i.e. in the case of the translation illustrated in Figure 10, the housing 53 is provided with a flange 73 extending perpendicular to the direction of engagement of the connecting elements 43, 63, in opposition to the sense of disengagement. The rim 73 also has a comparable length to that of the movable connecting element 43 so in closed position, access to housings 83 provided on it is completely closed by said flange 73.

In the case of Figure 9 where the connecting element 42 is mounted movable in rotation, it is necessary that the housing 52 is provided with two fins 72a, 72b forming stops, in order to be able to lock the two housings 82a, 82b formed on faces opposite of said movable connecting element 42. For this, the two fins 72a, 72b extending perpendicular to the direction of engagement of connecting elements 42, 62 are provided respectively on each of the upper and lower faces of the housing 52.

Claims (13)

1. Rapid attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91, 92, 93) intended to attach the end (3) of a strap (4, 33) to a case (5, 34, 50, 51, 52, 53) of a watch (1, 30), the said attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91, 92, 93) including a joining element (6, 31, 60, 61, 62, 63) attached to the strap (4, 33) and a joining element (7, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43) attached to the case (5, 34, 50, 51, 52, 53), the joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61, 62, 63; 7, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43) being able to co-operate by fitting one into the other, characterised by the fact that one of the joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61, 62, 63; 7, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43) is moveably mounted for displacement on the component (4, 5, 33, 34, 50, 51, 52, 53) to which it is attached, between at least a position known as open and at least a position known as closed in which the said joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61, 62, 63; 7, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43) are able to be respectively mounted freely fitting one relative to the other and firmly fitting one in the other.
2. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91, 92, 93) as described in claim 1, characterised by the fact that the moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43) forms the female part of the fitting corresponding to the assembly of the two joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61, 62, 63; 7, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43) by at least partial interpenetration.
3. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91, 92, 93) as described in one of claims 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that the movement of the joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43) occurs in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the component (4, 5, 33, 34, 50, 51, 52, 53) to which the said moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43) is attached extends.
4. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised by the fact that the joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61; 7, 32, 40, 41) are able to co-operate by fitting one into the other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41) is moveably mounted for displacement.
5. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised by the fact that the joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61; 7, 32, 40, 41) are able to co-operate by fitting one into the other in a direction of engagement corresponding to relative movement of the case (5, 34, 50, 51) and of the strap (4, 33) away from each other.
6. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised by the fact that in the closed position, the direction of engagement and of disengagement of the joining elements (6, 31, 60, 61; 7, 32, 40, 41) extends in a manner substantially at right angles to the portion of surface of the component (4, 5, 33, 34, 50, 51) which is in contact with the moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41).
7. Attachment device (92, 93) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised by the fact that the joining elements (42, 43; 62, 63) are able to co-operate by fitting one into the other in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the moveable joining element (42, 43) is moveably mounted for displacement.
8. Attachment device (92, 93) as described in claim 7, characterised by the fact that the component (52, 53) supporting the moveable joining element (42, 43) includes at least a part (72a, 72b, 73) forming a stop able to co-operate by contact in the closed position with the said moveable joining element (42, 43), the said part (72a, 72b, 73) forming a stop extending substantially at right angles to the direction of engagement and of disengagement of the joining elements (42, 43; 62, 63).
9. Attachment device (92, 93) as described in one of claims 7 or 8, characterised by the fact that the joining elements (42, 43; 62, 63) are able to co-operate by fitting one into the other in a direction of engagement corresponding to relative movement away from each other of the joining element (62, 63) which is not moveable and of the part (72a, 72b, 73) of the component (52, 53) forming a stop.
10. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91, 92, 93) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised by the fact that it includes locking means (14) able to keep the moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43) in the closed position.
11. Attachment device (2, 35, 90, 91, 92, 93) as described in claim 10, characterised by the fact that the locking means (14) include two locking elements (15, 16) of substantially complementary forms, arranged respectively on the moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43) and on the component (4, 5, 33, 34, 50, 51, 52, 53) supporting the said moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43), the said locking elements being able to co-operate by fitting one into the other under the influence of an elastic return means (17) when the moveable joining element (7, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43) is in a closed position.
12. Attachment device (2, 90, 91, 92, 93) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised by the fact that the joining element (6, 60, 61, 62, 63) attached to the strap (4) is mounted in a detachable manner on the end (3) of the said strap (4).
13. Attachment device (2, 90, 91, 92, 93) as described in claim 12, characterised by the fact that the joining element (6, 60, 61, 62, 63) mounted in detachable manner on the end (3) of the strap (4) is formed by a U-shaped piece able to be inserted through the said end (3) of the strap (4).

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