EP1269879B1 - Device for fixing bracelet strap to wrist watch - Google Patents

Device for fixing bracelet strap to wrist watch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1269879B1
EP1269879B1 EP01202471A EP01202471A EP1269879B1 EP 1269879 B1 EP1269879 B1 EP 1269879B1 EP 01202471 A EP01202471 A EP 01202471A EP 01202471 A EP01202471 A EP 01202471A EP 1269879 B1 EP1269879 B1 EP 1269879B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
studs
strand
attachment device
recesses
bracelet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01202471A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1269879A1 (en
Inventor
Stéphane Kinkio
Steeve Gerber
Clément Meyrat
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Swatch Group Management Services AG
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Swatch Group Management Services AG
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Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Management Services AG filed Critical Swatch Group Management Services AG
Priority to EP01202471A priority Critical patent/EP1269879B1/en
Priority to DE60121927T priority patent/DE60121927T2/en
Priority to AT01202471T priority patent/ATE334608T1/en
Publication of EP1269879A1 publication Critical patent/EP1269879A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1269879B1 publication Critical patent/EP1269879B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44CPERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/14Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00Cases
    • G04B37/14Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for fixing the strands of a bracelet to a box, and in particular to the middle part of a watch case.
  • the invention relates more particularly to such a device wherein the fastening means leave a portion of the middle part free between anchoring zones of the bracelet strands, while allowing easy interchange of said bracelet, without having to use special tools.
  • a watchband is generally fixed to the box by means of bars which cross the ends of the bracelet strands being fixed to horns integral with the middle part or extensions thereof.
  • These bars are most often called “spring” bars, comprising a tube housing a helical spring pressing at each end on two pivots which can be compressed and retract to come to lock in blind housings horns.
  • spring bars comprising a tube housing a helical spring pressing at each end on two pivots which can be compressed and retract to come to lock in blind housings horns.
  • fastening devices described in US Pat. Nos. 4,561,577 and 4,624,581 provide a solution in that the fastening is provided by a hinge comprising, on extensions of the middle part and on the ends of the bracelet strands, two series of interlocking teeth. together being secured by a metal rod passing through the two rows of teeth being driven into the teeth of the bracelet and free to rotate in the teeth of the middle part.
  • the bar is also a metal rod, but with a thinning in its central part to bend it and forcibly engage its ends in blind holes of the horns.
  • Document CH 682875 provides for having only one blind hole, the other hole being open on the middle to allow to engage the rod and then maintain it in place by means of screwing from the bottom.
  • a metal handle of generally rectangular open shape, is embedded in each end of bracelet strand to snap into blind holes in the middle part.
  • the utility model DE 8 509 275 U describes a fixing device in which the lower face of the end of each bracelet strand comprises studs which engage in housings of an extension of the middle part being blocked by jumpers passing through said pads and housing in a direction parallel to the bottom of the housing.
  • the main purpose of the invention is thus to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by providing a device for attaching the bracelet strands to a box that allows an ordinary user to easily change the bracelet, which does not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the watch and which can preferably leave free of any fastener portions of the middle part at 12 o'clock and / or 6 o'clock.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for attaching bracelet strands to each side of the middle part of a hornless watch case, closed by a bottom and by an ice defining a space in which at least one housing is housed. watch movement for digital or analog time display.
  • the inner surface of each end of the bracelet strand comprises at least two studs extending perpendicular to said surface being pierced in their middle part each of a hole in a direction parallel to the length of the strand.
  • Each side of the middle part comprises at least as many complementary recesses of the studs, in internal volume and in positioning, each obviously having in its middle part perpendicularly to the bottom of the box a passage through the bottom side and a blind hole on the ice side.
  • each strand of bracelet is positioned perpendicular to the bottom.
  • the studs are preferably made of a plastic material and the holes which pass through them have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rider's legs, which makes it possible to block said rider after it has been put in place. Conversely, the through passage and the blind hole of the middle part have a diameter slightly greater than that of the branches of the rider, which reduces the effort to provide to extract it when the user wants to replace the bracelet.
  • the jumper comprises only two U-shaped branches and the bracelet strand two pads, so that the middle portion located between the two attachment areas is completely free of any fastening means.
  • the fastening device according to the invention therefore has the advantage of making accessible to facilities portions of middle part located substantially at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
  • the device makes it easier to make the electrical connections through a hole in the caseband.
  • the lens In the case of a camera watch it is possible to put the lens at the 12 o'clock position by providing a U-shaped indentation in the end of the bracelet strand.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wristwatch 1 comprising a middle part 2 of generally rectangular shape, closed by a bottom 4 and by a window 6 arranged above a dial for an analogue display of the hour by means of 3.5 hands driven by a watch movement (not shown).
  • the dial may also include a digital display window 7 to provide additional time information or non-hourly information mechanisms or sensors contained in the box 1 with the movement, these elements being neither represented nor described further as being well known to those skilled in the art and not part of the invention.
  • the digital display window 7 is for example the viewfinder of a microcamera integrated into the watch.
  • the wristwatch can be placed around the wrist by means of two bracelet strands 10, 20 attached to the middle part 2 by the fixing device according to the invention, these strands being joined by any clasp, (not shown), known of the man of the art.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same wristwatch as that shown in FIG. 1 with a fastening variant for each bracelet strand. It can be seen that the strand 10 to be fastened to the middle part 2 at the 12 o'clock position has in the inner surface of the reinforced end 11 and near each edge a cylindrical stud 12, 14, each stud being pierced in its central part. a hole 12a, 14a in a direction parallel to the length of the bracelet. It is obvious that the outline of the studs 12, 14 could be different, for example of oval or quadrangular shape.
  • the middle part 2 comprises complementary recesses 15, 17, in shape and in positioning, of the studs 12, 14.
  • the recesses 15, 17 can pass entirely through the middle part 2, but according to a preferred embodiment, said recesses 15, 17 are blind.
  • the median portions of the recesses 15, 17 of the through passages 15a, 17a of the bottom side 4, and the blind holes 15b, 17b on the ice side 6 are formed in the middle part 2 to allow, after fitting of the studs 12, 14 in the recesses 15, 17 to engage a jumper 18 with two branches 19a, 19c through successively the through passages 15a, 17a, the holes 12a, 14a of the pads and the terminal holes 15b, 17b.
  • the studs 12, 14 are preferably made of a flexible plastic material having holes 12a, 14a of diameter slightly less than the diameter of the branches 19a, 19c of the jumper 18.
  • the diameter of the passages through 15a, 17a and terminal holes 15b, 17b may be slightly greater than the diameter of the branches 19a, 19c so as to facilitate the introduction of the jumper 18 and its extraction, for example simply with the end of a pointed object, such as a knife.
  • the studs 12, 14 are made of material with a plastic material forming the bracelet strand 10, so that after its fixation it can easily be folded around the wrist. It is of course possible to integrate these pads 12, 14 in the last link of an articulated bracelet, whether metal, ceramic or a rigid synthetic material.
  • middle section 8 between the stud / recess fixing zones is not traversed by any part of the jumper 18, which makes it possible to use it for arrangements through the middle 2.
  • this portion of middle 8 comprises an orifice 16 communicating the inside and outside of the box 1, said orifice 16 can be closed by the lens of a microcamera (not shown).
  • the end 11 of the bracelet strand 10 has a notch 13, which is possible since there is no means of attachment at this point.
  • a fixing device which differs from that just described in that the reinforced portion 21 of the end of strand strand 20 has in its inner surface three pads 22, 23, 24, pierced as previously each of a hole 22a, 23a, 24a, and the corresponding middle portion comprises three recesses 25, 26, 27 each provided with through passages 25a, 26a, 27a and blind holes 25b , 26b, 27b.
  • the jumper 28 to ensure the connection between the strand 20 and the portion 8 of the middle part 2 then comprises three branches 29a, 29b, 29c. With this variant we no longer have the advantages of the previous construction having only two pads, since the middle branch 29b of the jumper 28 crosses the middle part substantially at the 6 o'clock position.
  • the fastening of the bracelet strand 20 is reinforced, which can be an advantage if the functions of the watch do not require placing the inside and the outside of the box in communication.
  • the two bracelet strands have the same conformation, but they can also be different as shown in FIG.
  • the above description relates to a box of generally rectangular shape so that the studs and the recesses are aligned in directions substantially parallel to the length of the bracelet.
  • the fastening device is also suitable for watch cases of generally round or oval shape, the studs and the recesses then being aligned in directions, concurrent in the center of the box.
  • the jumper 18 or 28 may have the shape shown in Figure 2, but the connecting element of the branches may also have a curvature corresponding to that of the box at the junction.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

Each bracelet end (10,20) has two or more short cylindrical mechanical contacts (12,14) with their axis in the plane of the watch case. The contacts fit into blind drillings in the watch case (15,17) at the 12 hr and 6 hr positions and the design allows for the installation (13,16) of a microcamera. The bracelet is secured by staples (18,28) which pass through holes in the watch case and contacts

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif pour la fixation des brins d'un bracelet à une boîte, et notamment à la carrure d'une boîte de montre. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un tel dispositif dans lequel les moyens de fixation laissent dégagée une portion de la carrure entre des zones d'ancrage des brins de bracelet, tout en permettant d'interchanger facilement ledit bracelet, sans devoir utiliser des outils spéciaux.The present invention relates to a device for fixing the strands of a bracelet to a box, and in particular to the middle part of a watch case. The invention relates more particularly to such a device wherein the fastening means leave a portion of the middle part free between anchoring zones of the bracelet strands, while allowing easy interchange of said bracelet, without having to use special tools.

Un bracelet de montre est généralement fixé sur la boîte au moyen de barrettes qui traversent les extrémités des brins de bracelet en étant fixées à des cornes solidaires de la carrure ou à des extensions de celles-ci.A watchband is generally fixed to the box by means of bars which cross the ends of the bracelet strands being fixed to horns integral with the middle part or extensions thereof.

Ces barrettes sont le plus souvent des barrettes dites "à ressort", comprenant un tube logeant un ressort hélicoïdal appuyant à chaque extrémité sur deux pivots qui peuvent donc être comprimés et se rétracter pour venir se bloquer dans des logements borgnes des cornes. Avec un tel système de fixation, le remplacement d'un bracelet ne peut être effectué que par un professionnel au moyen d'un outil spécial, par exemple des brucelles. Ce système est donc mal adapté aux tendances actuelles du marché (grande distribution, vente par correspondance), demandant de moins en moins l'intervention d'un professionnel pour des opérations banales, et aux exigences du consommateur qui peut souhaiter remplacer lui même son bracelet à tout moment de la journée par un autre bracelet, par exemple pour l'assortir à sa tenue vestimentaire.These bars are most often called "spring" bars, comprising a tube housing a helical spring pressing at each end on two pivots which can be compressed and retract to come to lock in blind housings horns. With such a fastening system, the replacement of a bracelet can only be performed by a professional by means of a special tool, for example tweezers. This system is therefore poorly adapted to current market trends (large distribution, mail order), requiring less and less the intervention of a professional for mundane operations, and the requirements of the consumer who may wish to replace his own bracelet at any time of the day by another bracelet, for example to match it to his dress.

Les dispositifs de fixation décrits dans les brevets US 4561077 et US 4624581 apportent une solution en ce que la fixation est assurée par une charnière, comportant sur des extensions de la carrure et sur les extrémités des brins de bracelet deux séries de dents imbriquées, l'ensemble étant rendu solidaire par une tige métallique traversant les deux rangés de dents en étant chassée dans les dents du bracelet et libre en rotation dans les dents de la carrure.The fastening devices described in US Pat. Nos. 4,561,577 and 4,624,581 provide a solution in that the fastening is provided by a hinge comprising, on extensions of the middle part and on the ends of the bracelet strands, two series of interlocking teeth. together being secured by a metal rod passing through the two rows of teeth being driven into the teeth of the bracelet and free to rotate in the teeth of the middle part.

Pour remplacer le bracelet, il suffit simplement de repousser la tige en place, par exemple au moyen d'une autre tige ou de la pointe d'une aiguille.To replace the bracelet, simply push the rod in place, for example by means of another rod or the tip of a needle.

D'autres dispositifs de fixation d'un bracelet sur une boîte ont encore été proposés ou utilisés, parmi lesquels on peut citer de façon non limitative ceux qui sont décrits dans les documents ci-après.Other devices for fixing a bracelet on a box have been proposed or used, among which may be mentioned in a non-limiting manner those described in the documents below.

Dans le document CH 350610 la barrette est également une tige métallique, mais avec un amincissement dans sa partie centrale permettant de la couder et d'engager en force ses extrémités dans des trous borgnes des cornes. Le document CH 682875 prévoit de n'avoir qu'un seul trou borgne, l'autre trou étant ouvert sur la carrure pour permettre d'engager la tige et de la maintenir ensuite en place au moyen d'un vissage depuis le fond. Dans le document CH 503311 une anse métallique, de forme générale rectangulaire ouverte, est noyée dans chaque extrémité de brin de bracelet pour venir s'encliqueter dans des trous borgnes de la carrure. Le modèle d'utilité DE 8 509 275 U décrit un dispositif de fixation dans lequel la face inférieure de l'extrémité de chaque brin de bracelet comporte des plots venant s'engager dans des logements d'un prolongement de la carrure en étant bloqué par des cavaliers traversant lesdits plots et logement selon une direction parallèle au fond du boîtier.In the document CH 350610 the bar is also a metal rod, but with a thinning in its central part to bend it and forcibly engage its ends in blind holes of the horns. Document CH 682875 provides for having only one blind hole, the other hole being open on the middle to allow to engage the rod and then maintain it in place by means of screwing from the bottom. In the document CH 503311 a metal handle, of generally rectangular open shape, is embedded in each end of bracelet strand to snap into blind holes in the middle part. The utility model DE 8 509 275 U describes a fixing device in which the lower face of the end of each bracelet strand comprises studs which engage in housings of an extension of the middle part being blocked by jumpers passing through said pads and housing in a direction parallel to the bottom of the housing.

Dans tous ces dispositifs de fixation on voit qu'une partie de l'élément de fixation, barrette, tige ou anse métallique passe toujours devant la carrure aux positions 6 heures et 12 heures, ce qui peut présenter des inconvénients dans certaines applications, par exemple pour le positionnement sur la carrure d'un objectif d'une microcaméra intégrée dans une boîte de montre. On observera également que ces dispositifs de fixation, qui permettent le remplacement d'un bracelet sans l'intervention d'un professionnel, sont généralement peu esthétiques, ou pour le moins visibles lorsque la montre est portée au poignet.In all these fasteners it is seen that a part of the fastening element, bar, rod or metal handle always passes in front of the middle at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions, which may have disadvantages in certain applications, for example for positioning on the middle of a lens of a microcamera integrated into a watch case. It will also be observed that these fixing devices, which allow the replacement of a bracelet without the intervention of a professional, are generally unsightly, or at least visible when the watch is worn on the wrist.

L'invention a donc pour but principal de remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur précité en fournissant un dispositif de fixation des brins de bracelet à une boîte qui permette à un utilisateur ordinaire de changer facilement le bracelet, qui ne nuise pas à l'aspect esthétique de la montre et qui puisse de préférence laisser libre de tout élément de fixation des portions de carrure situées à 12 heures et/ou à 6 heures.The main purpose of the invention is thus to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by providing a device for attaching the bracelet strands to a box that allows an ordinary user to easily change the bracelet, which does not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the watch and which can preferably leave free of any fastener portions of the middle part at 12 o'clock and / or 6 o'clock.

A cet effet l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de fixation de brins de bracelet sur chaque côté de la carrure d'une boîte de montre sans corne, fermée par un fond et par une glace délimitant un espace dans lequel est logé au moins un mouvement d'horlogerie pour un affichage digital ou analogique de l'heure. La surface intérieure de chaque extrémité de brin de bracelet comporte au moins deux plots s'étendant perpendiculairement à ladite surface en étant percés dans leur partie médiane chacun d'un trou selon une direction parallèle à la longueur du brin. Chaque côté de la carrure comporte au moins autant d'évidements complémentaires des plots, en volume intérieur et en positionnement, chaque évidemment ayant dans sa partie médiane perpendiculairement au fond de la boîte un passage traversant côté fond et un trou borgne côté glace. Après emboîtage des plots dans les évidements, chaque brin est solidarisé à la carrure en engageant depuis le fond un cavalier, comportant autant de branches que de plots, à travers les passages traversants, les trous des plots et les trous borgnes.To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for attaching bracelet strands to each side of the middle part of a hornless watch case, closed by a bottom and by an ice defining a space in which at least one housing is housed. watch movement for digital or analog time display. The inner surface of each end of the bracelet strand comprises at least two studs extending perpendicular to said surface being pierced in their middle part each of a hole in a direction parallel to the length of the strand. Each side of the middle part comprises at least as many complementary recesses of the studs, in internal volume and in positioning, each obviously having in its middle part perpendicularly to the bottom of the box a passage through the bottom side and a blind hole on the ice side. After fitting the studs in the recesses, each strand is secured to the middle part by engaging from the bottom a rider, having as many branches as pads, through the through passages, the stud holes and the blind holes.

Avant la mise en place du cavalier de fixation, chaque brin de bracelet est positionné perpendiculairement au fond. En exerçant une simple pression avec les doigts selon la direction 6 heures - 12 heures, il facile d'effectuer l'emboîtage des plots dans les évidements, opération qu'il serait plus difficile d'effectuer si les plots étaient situées tout en bout du brin.Before setting up the fixing rider, each strand of bracelet is positioned perpendicular to the bottom. By exerting a simple pressure with the fingers in the direction 6 o'clock - 12 o'clock, it is easy to perform the casing of the studs in the recesses, operation which would be more difficult to perform if the studs were located at the end of the strand.

Les plots sont réalisés de préférence en un matériau plastique et les trous qui les traversent ont un diamètre légèrement inférieur à celui des branches du cavalier, ce qui permet de bloquer ledit cavalier après sa mise en place. Inversement le passage traversant et le trou borgne de la carrure ont un diamètre légèrement supérieur à celui des branches du cavalier, ce qui diminue l'effort à fournir pour l'extraire lorsque l'utilisateur veut remplacer le bracelet.The studs are preferably made of a plastic material and the holes which pass through them have a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rider's legs, which makes it possible to block said rider after it has been put in place. Conversely, the through passage and the blind hole of the middle part have a diameter slightly greater than that of the branches of the rider, which reduces the effort to provide to extract it when the user wants to replace the bracelet.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le cavalier ne comporte que deux branches en forme de U et le brin de bracelet deux plots, de sorte que la portion de carrure située entre les deux zones de fixation est entièrement libre de tout moyen de fixation. Le dispositif de fixation selon l'invention présente donc l'avantage de rendre accessible à des aménagements les portions de carrure situées sensiblement à 12 heures et à 6 heures. Dans le cas d'une montre calculatrice ou agenda ayant un clavier sur un brin de bracelet, le dispositif permet d'effectuer plus facilement les connexions électriques à travers un trou pratiqué dans la carrure. Dans le cas d'une montre camera il est possible de mettre l'objectif à la position 12 heures en prévoyant un échancrure en U dans l'extrémité du brin de bracelet.According to a preferred embodiment, the jumper comprises only two U-shaped branches and the bracelet strand two pads, so that the middle portion located between the two attachment areas is completely free of any fastening means. The fastening device according to the invention therefore has the advantage of making accessible to facilities portions of middle part located substantially at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. In the case of a calculator or calendar watch having a keyboard on a bracelet strand, the device makes it easier to make the electrical connections through a hole in the caseband. In the case of a camera watch it is possible to put the lens at the 12 o'clock position by providing a U-shaped indentation in the end of the bracelet strand.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description ci-après de modes de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une montre ayant les deux brins fixés à la carrure;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée du dispositif de fixation selon l'invention pour la montre représentée à la figure 1;
  • la figure 3 représente en vue de dessus un mode de réalisation d'attache d'un brin de bracelet à la carrure d'une boîte de montre;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne IV - IV de la figure 3, et
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne V-V de la figure 3.
Other advantages and features of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, given for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a watch having both strands attached to the middle part;
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fastening device according to the invention for the watch shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of attaching a bracelet strand to the middle of a watch case;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line IV - IV of FIG. 3, and
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line VV of Figure 3.

La figure 1 représente en perspective une montre-bracelet 1 comprenant une carrure 2 de forme générale rectangulaire, fermée par un fond 4 et par une glace 6 disposée au-dessus d'un cadran pour un affichage analogique de l'heure au moyen d'aiguilles 3,5 entraînées par un mouvement d'horlogerie (non représenté). Le cadran peut également comporter une fenêtre d'affichage digital 7 pour fournir des informations horaires complémentaires ou des informations non horaires de mécanismes ou de capteurs contenus dans la boîte 1 avec le mouvement, ces éléments n'étant ni représentés, ni décrits plus avant comme étant bien connus de l'homme de l'art et ne faisant pas directement partie de l'invention. La fenêtre d'affichage digital 7 est par exemple le viseur d'une microcaméra intégrée dans la montre. La montre-bracelet peut être mise autour du poignet au moyen de deux brins de bracelet 10, 20 attachés à la carrure 2 par le dispositif de fixation selon l'invention, ces brins étant réunis par un quelconque fermoir, (non représenté), connu de l'homme de l'art.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wristwatch 1 comprising a middle part 2 of generally rectangular shape, closed by a bottom 4 and by a window 6 arranged above a dial for an analogue display of the hour by means of 3.5 hands driven by a watch movement (not shown). The dial may also include a digital display window 7 to provide additional time information or non-hourly information mechanisms or sensors contained in the box 1 with the movement, these elements being neither represented nor described further as being well known to those skilled in the art and not part of the invention. The digital display window 7 is for example the viewfinder of a microcamera integrated into the watch. The wristwatch can be placed around the wrist by means of two bracelet strands 10, 20 attached to the middle part 2 by the fixing device according to the invention, these strands being joined by any clasp, (not shown), known of the man of the art.

Le dispositif de fixation est décrit plus en détails ci-après en référence aux figures 2 à 5. La figure 2 représente en perspective éclatée la même montre-bracelet que celle représentée à la figure 1 avec une variante de fixation pour chaque brin de bracelet. On voit que le brin 10 devant être fixé sur la carrure 2 à la position 12 heures comporte dans la surface intérieure de l'extrémité renforcée 11 et près de chaque bord un plot cylindrique 12, 14, chaque plot étant percé dans sa partie médiane d'un trou 12a, 14a selon une direction parallèle à la longueur du bracelet. Il est bien évident que le contour des plots 12, 14 pourrait être différent, par exemple de forme ovale ou quadrangulaire.The fastening device is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same wristwatch as that shown in FIG. 1 with a fastening variant for each bracelet strand. It can be seen that the strand 10 to be fastened to the middle part 2 at the 12 o'clock position has in the inner surface of the reinforced end 11 and near each edge a cylindrical stud 12, 14, each stud being pierced in its central part. a hole 12a, 14a in a direction parallel to the length of the bracelet. It is obvious that the outline of the studs 12, 14 could be different, for example of oval or quadrangular shape.

En se référant également aux figures 3 à 5, on voit que la carrure 2 comporte des évidements 15, 17 complémentaires, en forme et en positionnement, des plots 12, 14. Les évidemments 15, 17 peuvent traverser entièrement la carrure 2, mais selon un mode de réalisation préféré, lesdits évidemments 15, 17 sont borgnes. Dans les parties médianes des évidements 15, 17 des passages traversants 15a, 17a côté fond 4, et des trous borgnes 15b, 17b côté glace 6 sont ménagés dans la carrure 2 pour permettre, après emboîtage des plots 12, 14 dans les évidements 15, 17 d'engager un cavalier 18 à deux branches 19a, 19c à travers successivement les passages traversants 15a, 17a, les trous 12a, 14a des plots et les trous bornes 15b, 17b. Pour que le cavalier 18 demeure en place, les plots 12, 14 sont réalisés de préférence en un matériau plastique souple en ayant des trous 12a, 14a de diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre des branches 19a, 19c du cavalier 18. Inversement le diamètre des passages traversant 15a, 17a et des trous bornes 15b, 17b peut être légèrement supérieur au diamètre des branches 19a, 19c de façon à faciliter la mise en place du cavalier 18 et son extraction, par exemple simplement avec l'extrémité d'un objet pointu, tel qu'un couteau.Referring also to FIGS. 3 to 5, it can be seen that the middle part 2 comprises complementary recesses 15, 17, in shape and in positioning, of the studs 12, 14. The recesses 15, 17 can pass entirely through the middle part 2, but according to a preferred embodiment, said recesses 15, 17 are blind. In the median portions of the recesses 15, 17 of the through passages 15a, 17a of the bottom side 4, and the blind holes 15b, 17b on the ice side 6 are formed in the middle part 2 to allow, after fitting of the studs 12, 14 in the recesses 15, 17 to engage a jumper 18 with two branches 19a, 19c through successively the through passages 15a, 17a, the holes 12a, 14a of the pads and the terminal holes 15b, 17b. So that the jumper 18 remains in place, the studs 12, 14 are preferably made of a flexible plastic material having holes 12a, 14a of diameter slightly less than the diameter of the branches 19a, 19c of the jumper 18. Conversely the diameter of the passages through 15a, 17a and terminal holes 15b, 17b may be slightly greater than the diameter of the branches 19a, 19c so as to facilitate the introduction of the jumper 18 and its extraction, for example simply with the end of a pointed object, such as a knife.

De façon équivalente, on peut inverser le blocage du cavalier 18, c'est à dire l'effectuer au niveau des passages traversants 15a, 17a, et/ou des trous borgnes 15b, 17b. Dans le cas d'une carrure réalisée en un matériau dur, tel qu'un métal ou une céramique, l'intérieur des passages ou trous sera avantageusement garni avec une petite longueur de gaine plastique.Equivalently, it is possible to reverse the blocking of the jumper 18, that is to say to perform it at the through passages 15a, 17a, and / or blind holes 15b, 17b. In the case of a middle part made of a hard material, such as a metal or a ceramic, the interior of the passages or holes will advantageously be filled with a small length of plastic sheath.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, les plots 12, 14 viennent de matière avec un matériau plastique formant le brin de bracelet 10, de sorte qu'après sa fixation il puisse facilement être plié autour du poignet. Il est bien évidemment possible d'intégrer ces plots 12, 14 dans le dernier maillon d'un bracelet articulé, qu'il soit en métal, en céramique ou en un matériau synthétique rigide.In a preferred embodiment, the studs 12, 14 are made of material with a plastic material forming the bracelet strand 10, so that after its fixation it can easily be folded around the wrist. It is of course possible to integrate these pads 12, 14 in the last link of an articulated bracelet, whether metal, ceramic or a rigid synthetic material.

Sur les figures 1 à 3 et 5, on voit également que la portion de carrure 8 entre les zones de fixation plots/évidements n'est traversée par aucune partie du cavalier 18, ce qui permet de l'utiliser pour des aménagements à travers la carrure 2. Dans l'exemple représenté cette portion de carrure 8 comporte un orifice 16 faisant communiquer l'intérieur et l'extérieur de la boîte 1, ledit orifice 16 pouvant être obturé par l'objectif d'une microcaméra (non représenté). Pour dégager le champ de cet objectif, l'extrémité 11 du brin de bracelet 10 comporte une échancrure 13, ce qui est possible étant donné qu'il n'y a à cet endroit aucun moyen de fixation. Il est bien évident qu'un aménagement de ce type pourrait être prévu au niveau de la portion de carrure à 6 heures, avec ou sans échancrure dans le brin 20, par exemple pour le passage de connexions électriques à un clavier qui serait prévu sur le brin de bracelet, par exemple dans le cas d'une montre-calculatrice.In FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, it can also be seen that the portion of middle section 8 between the stud / recess fixing zones is not traversed by any part of the jumper 18, which makes it possible to use it for arrangements through the middle 2. In the example shown, this portion of middle 8 comprises an orifice 16 communicating the inside and outside of the box 1, said orifice 16 can be closed by the lens of a microcamera (not shown). To clear the field of this lens, the end 11 of the bracelet strand 10 has a notch 13, which is possible since there is no means of attachment at this point. It is obvious that an arrangement of this type could be provided at the level of the middle portion at 6 o'clock, with or without notch in the strand 20, for example for the passage of electrical connections to a keyboard that would be provided on the strand of bracelet, for example in the case of a watch-calculator.

En revenant à la figure 2 on a représenté à la position 6 heures un dispositif de fixation qui diffère de celui qui vient d'être décrit en ce que la partie renforcée 21 de l'extrémité de brin de bracelet 20 comporte dans sa surface intérieure trois plots 22, 23, 24, percés comme précédemment chacun d'un trou 22a, 23a, 24a, et la portion de carrure correspondante comporte trois évidements 25, 26, 27 pourvue chacun de passages traversants 25a, 26a, 27a et de trous borgnes 25b, 26b, 27b. Le cavalier 28 permettant d'assurer la liaison entre le brin 20 et la portion 8 de la carrure 2 comprend alors trois branches 29a, 29b, 29c. Avec cette variante on n'a plus les avantages de la construction précédente ne comportant que deux plots, étant donné que la branche médiane 29b du cavalier 28 traverse la carrure sensiblement à la position 6 heures. Par contre la fixation du brin de bracelet 20 est renforcée, ce qui peut être un avantage si les fonctions de la montre ne nécessitent pas de mettre en communication l'intérieur et l'extérieur de la boîte. Pour des raisons esthétiques il est préférable que les deux brins de bracelet aient la même conformation, mais ils peuvent également être différents comme représenté sur la figure 2.Returning to FIG. 2, there is shown at the 6 o'clock position a fixing device which differs from that just described in that the reinforced portion 21 of the end of strand strand 20 has in its inner surface three pads 22, 23, 24, pierced as previously each of a hole 22a, 23a, 24a, and the corresponding middle portion comprises three recesses 25, 26, 27 each provided with through passages 25a, 26a, 27a and blind holes 25b , 26b, 27b. The jumper 28 to ensure the connection between the strand 20 and the portion 8 of the middle part 2 then comprises three branches 29a, 29b, 29c. With this variant we no longer have the advantages of the previous construction having only two pads, since the middle branch 29b of the jumper 28 crosses the middle part substantially at the 6 o'clock position. On the other hand, the fastening of the bracelet strand 20 is reinforced, which can be an advantage if the functions of the watch do not require placing the inside and the outside of the box in communication. For aesthetic reasons it is preferable that the two bracelet strands have the same conformation, but they can also be different as shown in FIG.

La description précédente concerne une boîte de forme générale rectangulaire de sorte que les plots et les évidements sont alignés selon des directions sensiblement parallèles à la longueur du bracelet. Le dispositif de fixation convient également pour des boîtes de montre de forme générale ronde ou ovale, les plots et les évidements étant alors alignés selon des directions, concourantes au centre de la boîte. Dans ce dernier cas le cavalier 18 ou 28 peut avoir la forme représenté à la figure 2, mais l'élément de jonction des branches peut également présenter une courbure correspondant à celle de la boîte au niveau de la jonction.The above description relates to a box of generally rectangular shape so that the studs and the recesses are aligned in directions substantially parallel to the length of the bracelet. The fastening device is also suitable for watch cases of generally round or oval shape, the studs and the recesses then being aligned in directions, concurrent in the center of the box. In the latter case the jumper 18 or 28 may have the shape shown in Figure 2, but the connecting element of the branches may also have a curvature corresponding to that of the box at the junction.

Claims (10)

  1. Device for attaching wristband strands (10, 20) to each side of the middle part (2) of a watchcase without horns, closed by a back cover (4) and by a crystal (6), characterised in that the inner surface of each wristband strand end (11, 21) includes at least two studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) extending perpendicularly to said surface and each being pierced in their median part by a hole (12a, 14a, 22a, 23a, 24a) along a direction parallel to the length of the strand (10, 20), in that each side of the middle part (2) includes at least as many recesses (15, 17, 25, 26, 27) as studs, said recesses being complementary to the studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) in volume and positioning, each recess (15, 17, 25, 26, 27) having in its median part perpendicular to the back cover (4), a through passage (15a, 17a, 25a, 26a, 27a) on the back cover (4) side and a blind hole (15b, 17b, 25b, 26b, 27b) on the crystal (6) side, and in that a staple (18, 28), including as many branches (19a, 19c, 29a, 29b, 29c) as studs (12, 14,22, 23, 24) at each strand (10, 20) is engaged, on the back cover (4) side, after the studs have been fitted into the recesses, through the through passages, the holes of the studs and the blind hole.
  2. Attachment device according to claim 1, characterised in that the diameter of the branches (19a, 19c, 29a, 29b, 29c) of the staples (18,28) is slightly greater than the diameter of the hole (12a, 14a, 22a, 23a, 24a) in the studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) and substantially less than the diameter of the through passage (15a, 17a, 25a, 26a, 27a) and of the blind hole (15b, 17b, 25b, 26b, 27b) opening out into the recesses (15, 17, 25, 26, 27) of the middle part (2).
  3. Attachment device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the strands (10) has only two studs (12, 14) close to the edges of said strand (10) and includes a U-shaped scalloping (13) in its median part between the studs (12, 14).
  4. Attachment device according to claim 3, characterised in that the side of the middle part (2) to which the strand (10) with two studs (12, 14) is attached further includes facing the U-shaped scalloping an orifice (16) through the middle part (2) causing the inside and outside of the case to communicate with each other.
  5. Attachment device according to claim 4, characterised in that the orifice (16) in the middle part (2) is sealed by the lens of a micro-camera housed in the case.
  6. Attachment device according to claim 1, characterised in that the recesses (15, 17, 25, 26, 27) in the middle part (2) are blind holes.
  7. Attachment device according to claim 1 wherein the middle part (2) of the case has a generally rectangular or square shape, characterised in that the studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) and the recesses (15, 17, 25, 26, 27) are aligned along a direction substantially parallel to the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock direction.
  8. Attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the middle part (2) of the case has a generally round or oval shape, characterised in that the studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) and the recesses (15, 17, 25, 26, 27) are aligned along directions substantially concurrent with the centre of the case.
  9. Attachment device according to claim 1, characterised in that the studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) are made of a plastic material integral with the wristband strand (10, 20).
  10. Attachment device according to claim 1, characterised in that the studs (12, 14, 22, 23, 24) are made of a plastic material added to the last link of a wristband strand.
EP01202471A 2001-06-27 2001-06-27 Device for fixing bracelet strap to wrist watch Expired - Lifetime EP1269879B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01202471A EP1269879B1 (en) 2001-06-27 2001-06-27 Device for fixing bracelet strap to wrist watch
DE60121927T DE60121927T2 (en) 2001-06-27 2001-06-27 Device for attaching bracelet sections to a housing
AT01202471T ATE334608T1 (en) 2001-06-27 2001-06-27 DEVICE FOR FIXING A WATCH STRAP ON A WATCH

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01202471A EP1269879B1 (en) 2001-06-27 2001-06-27 Device for fixing bracelet strap to wrist watch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1269879A1 EP1269879A1 (en) 2003-01-02
EP1269879B1 true EP1269879B1 (en) 2006-08-02

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ID=8180548

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01202471A Expired - Lifetime EP1269879B1 (en) 2001-06-27 2001-06-27 Device for fixing bracelet strap to wrist watch

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EP (1) EP1269879B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE334608T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60121927T2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2431825A1 (en) * 2010-09-16 2012-03-21 Thomas Gneuss Watch case
EP4115763B1 (en) * 2021-07-06 2023-10-04 Goertek Inc Wristband and wrist wearable device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH347490A (en) * 1959-06-18 1960-06-30 Voumard Bertrand Device for attaching a flat strap to a watch case
DE8509275U1 (en) * 1985-03-28 1985-05-09 Fischer, Günter, 7542 Schömberg Watch case with a flexible bracelet
DE3725960A1 (en) * 1987-08-05 1989-02-16 Beltpatent Ag Ennetbuergen Timepiece, in particular wrist-watch
EP0466655A1 (en) * 1990-07-13 1992-01-15 Isafrance Watch case and device for fastening a bracelet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE334608T1 (en) 2006-08-15
DE60121927D1 (en) 2006-09-14
DE60121927T2 (en) 2007-03-29
EP1269879A1 (en) 2003-01-02

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