EP1588641A2 - Fastening device for attaching the end of a band to an object - Google Patents

Abstract

A strap (1) is joined to the watch (2) with spring pins (3) inserted into recesses (7) provided at extensions (8) located at both sides of the watch (2). The ends of the strap (1) to be positioned adjacent to the watch (2) are of a curved and concave shape (10) in order to avoid a tolerance between the two parts (1, 2). In case of a leather strap (2) a reinforcing element (14) is inserted between the upper material and the lining for a better fit.

Description

The invention relates to a device for connecting an end portion of a tape a rigid part, in particular a bracelet, such as a watch strap, to a housing, like a watch case, with one at the end part of the strap and arranged with his Longitudinal axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape extending pin with at least one Recess of the rigid part can be brought into engagement, and a method for manufacturing a bracelet.

To attach a Uhrarmbandes to a watch case, it is known at the on Watch case subsequent end portion of the watch band through a recess of this Endpiece a pin hindurchzustecken that in recesses of the watch case protruding lugs or horns intervenes. Such a pen is often called tubular Formed element in which a spring is housed, against two at the ends of the tubular member presses pin, wherein at least one of these pins Is arranged movably in the tubular element, so that a compression of the pin in the Recesses of the horns of the watch case is possible. The end part of the watch band is usually pivotable about the axis of the pin relative to the watch case, and this all the more, as between the end of the band and the watch case usually still one Free space is available (see DE 2 245 202 A).

An attachment of a watch strap to a watch case, in which an elastic deformable pin passes through an end portion of the watch band, for example, from the DE 2 249 827 A known, wherein also between the end portion of the Uhrarmbandes and the watch case is a free space that allows a pivoting movement, is present.

To bridge this gap and create a harmonious, play-free as possible Connection of the watch strap to secure the watch case, it is known to the Curved of the watch case adapted end pieces, preferably made of metal, at the end of the To arrange Uhrarmbandes, as can be seen for example from US 2,948,941 A is. As a result, a certain stability between the watch band and the Watch case reaches, so in addition to the attractive appearance of a falling of the clock into the Elle - what by a loose hinge connection between the Uhrarmband and the Watch case is caused - can be prevented.

However, this results in the difficulty that for different watch cases respectively Different end parts must be present on the watch band, which is a relative consuming storage at the dealers or watchmakers requires, in particular when replacing or replacing a watch strap. Often it is necessary for different watch case available different Uhrarmbänder ready.

The invention aims to avoid these disadvantages and difficulties and provides The task of creating a device of the type described above, with the one Tape to a rigid part - even if this has different shapes - attached can be, in particular one and the same band under optimal adaptation to differently designed rigid parts can be connected. In particular, it's about one Watch strap to a watch case, bridging the space between the pin and the To connect housing wall.

This object is according to the invention in a device of the type described above solved by the fact that the pin opposite the tape in a direction transverse to his Longitudinal axis can be brought into different positions and in this of him opposite the tape einnehmbaren layers on the belt is fixable.

The invention thus takes a deviating from the prior art way it will namely, not the end member of the band to the rigid part to which it is to be attached, adapted, but according to the invention can with one and the same end part the distance be bridged between the pin and different rigid parts by the pin is brought into different positions relative to the end part of the band; that is, the Greater distance, the pen is in the end of the band further back, he is smaller, he will be put forward and just as well he can be varied in height. Therefore Is inventively preferably the pin in the longitudinal direction of the band or moved expedient also be brought in the thickness direction of the tape.

A simple, inexpensive construction of the device, a variety different positions of the pin relative to the end portion of the tape allows is characterized in that the pin is in a parallel with its longitudinal extent can be used to pin extending pin bearing, which in turn on the band across the Adjustable longitudinal axis of the pin and in the ingestible by him layers can be fixed, wherein preferably the pin bearing has one or more recesses into which the Pen is usable. It is also possible that the pin bearing against another with a another position is exchanged for a pen.

Another particularly favorable construction, which is a variety of different Positions of the pin relative to the end portion of the tape allows is thereby characterized in that the pin is in one with its longitudinal axis parallel to the pin extending pin bearing is used, which in turn in a recess of the end portion of the Bandes used in opposite the longitudinal axis of the pin bearing different rotational positions is and that the pin bearing at least one eccentric to its longitudinal axis having Has recess for receiving the pin.

Here, the pin bearing expediently has a cross section over its longitudinal extent a regular polygon on and the end part of the band a corresponding one Recess for receiving the pin bearing.

This makes it possible to use the pin bearing in different rotational positions in the end part of the tape, whereby at each rotational position a new, offset either in the thickness or in the longitudinal direction of the tape position of the pin relative to the end portion of the tape can be achieved.

Further preferred embodiments are characterized in that the pin bearing over its longitudinal extension a cross-section of a circle, rectangle or star and the end part of the band has a corresponding recess for receiving having the pin bearing. For example, is the pin bearing with a cross section of a circle provided, so by turning this pin bearing relative to the end portion of the tape in the Stiftlager stored pin are very difficult to be adjusted.

Preferably, the band is at its end portion receiving the pin with a pin either picking up directly or picking up the pin via the pin bearing Reinforcement provided.

If the pin is mounted asymmetrically in the pin bearing, then different layers can be of the pin over the end of the band also achieved by the pin bearing turned around the longitudinal direction of the tape in the band or in one of the band provided reinforcing member is used.

To secure the pin bearing against the tape or against the reinforcing member preferably the pin bearing on the band or on the reinforcing part of the band against the side Shifting by means of a safety device, such as a nose, a clamping screw, a cross-sectional change, etc., can be fixed.

For some variants, it may be advantageous if for adjusting the pin or the Pin bearing at least one screw is provided with the pin or the pin bearing opposite the tape in one at the pin bearing, at the end part of the tape or at one Reinforcing part of the tape provided slot is slidable. this applies for example, for a pin bearing with circular cross-section.

To a perfect position of the pin bearing relative to the end part of the tape and a To secure gap-free concerns of the end part of the tape on the rigid part, is appropriate to Pin bearing at the end of the band or on the reinforcing member by means of a press fit used.

To secure the reinforcing member to the band, this is opposite the band fixed in a form-fitting manner according to a preferred embodiment, preferably the end part of the band or an optional reinforcing member to the shape of the rigid Part adapted, with an adjustment when the end part of the tape or a optionally provided reinforcement part of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber, plastic, in particular thermoplastic or thermoplastic Elastomers is formed, only in broad strokes, i. under disregard of any Tolerances is necessary.

Preferably, the pin bearing is formed of a material of higher hardness and strength as the end part of the band or an optionally provided reinforcement part.

For ease of determining the correct position of the pin, the tape indicates Matching tape at its end part reaching from its top to the pen warehouse Opening up and is the pen bearing with lying in the opening coming and his Positions characteristic markings provided, wherein advantageously the width of the Adapter band is dimensioned smaller than the distance between the horns of a watch case.

Preferably, the production of a band designed according to the invention is effected by that at least the formation of the end part of the tape or the production of an am End part of the band provided reinforcement part by injection molding.

The invention is described below with reference to several embodiments, in the drawing are illustrated in more detail, wherein Fig. 1 is an oblique view of an on Watch case connected band and Fig. 2 a according to the lines II - II of Figure 1 illustrate the laid section. Fig. 3 shows a detail of Fig. 1 also in oblique on an enlarged scale. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate variants in analogous to Fig. 2 Presentation, but also enlarged. Fig. 6 shows a section through an end portion of the Bandes and through the pin transverse to the longitudinal extent of the band. Figs. 7 and 9 provide further variants in Fig. 2 analog representation and Fig. 8 represents one according to the line VIII - VIII of FIG. 7 guided section. Fig. 10 illustrates in to Fig. 1 analog Representation acting as a setting aid fitting band.

For fixing a watch strap 1 on a watch case 2 passes through a pin 3, preferably a spring pin, a recess 4 of an end portion 5 of the Uhrarmbandes 1 and snapped with its pin-shaped ends 6 in recesses 7 of the watch case. 2 protruding noses or horns 8, between which the end part 5 of the watch strap 1 to lie down, come on. The width 9 of the Uhrarmbandes 1 is according to the distance of the two Measure horns 8 of the watch case 2. The watch case 2 facing end side 10 of the End portion 5 of the Uhrarmbandes 1 corresponds in the non-installed state approximately to Curvature having the watch case 2 between the two horns 8, namely both in the circumferential direction and in a direction perpendicular thereto.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 1 and 2, the end side of the end portion 10 of the Uhrarmbandes 1 on the surface 11 of the watch case 2 between the horns 8 almost over their entire extension backlash, causing the watch band 1 to the pin 3 is no longer is freely articulated, but a certain stability between the watch case 2 and the watch strap 1 is achieved and prevents falling of the watch case 2 in the yard becomes.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the watch band 1 as Plastic watch strap executed, creating a compliance through elastic behavior the plastic is given. Essential for the invention is that between the end part. 5 the Uhrarmbandes 1 and the watch case 2 a contact, and as possible a gap-free Contact is achieved, which is achieved as follows:

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pin 3 is in a Recess 4 of a pin bearing 12 with the least possible clearance or used without play, as will be explained later. The pin bearing 12 itself has a square cross-section on and is in a corresponding to its cross-section recess 13 of a Reinforcing part 14, which is cast in the end part 5 of the Uhrarmbandes 1, used. to better fixation of the reinforcing member 14 at the end portion 5 of the watch band 1 has the Reinforcing member 14 a transversely to its longitudinal extent passing through recess 15th on, which is filled by the material of the watch strap during the manufacture of the watch strap and so the reinforcing member 14 against lateral displacement and tearing out of the Watch strap 1 additionally secures.

The reinforcing member 14 itself is in the longitudinal direction of the watch band 1 entirely from Surrounding the watchband 1 material. On its underside, it has one from the outside up to the pin bearing 12 projecting recess 16, thus releasing the pin 3, for example a spring pin, i. Retraction of an end portion 3 'of the spring pin (see Fig. 6 and 8), for dismantling the watch strap 1 is possible. That's why it is Pin bearing 12 slightly shorter than the distance between the horns 8 of Watch case 2.

The watch band 1 shown in Fig. 2 is, as mentioned, made of plastic and for example, produced by injection molding. In this case can on the Reinforcement also be waived. The pin bearing 12 is then directly in the end part. 5 used the watch band 1. Under certain circumstances, the pen 3 can also directly into a Recess 4 of the end portion 5 of the plastic tape are used.

If the watch strap 1 is designed as a leather strap, it usually has on his Upper side of an upper leather and a lining leather on its side adjacent to the wrist. Between the two joined together at their edges (e.g., with a seam) Leather strips of the lining leather and the upper leather is often provided with an insert. In In this case, the reinforcing member 14 is particularly advantageous and it is the lining leather and the upper leather at least partially entwined, wherein the lining leather with the Upper leather approximately at the height of half of the watch case 2 facing side of the Reinforcement parts 14 connected, for example, is glued. However, it is also possible that the upper leather up to the underside of the Ührarmbandes 1 the reinforcing member 14th wraps around and is connected at the bottom with the lining leather. The recess 15, which passes through the reinforcing member 14 transverse to its longitudinal extent, in the case of Leather bracelet used to thread a fleece and with the upper leather and the Lining leather or to connect with the insert between the two leather strips, so that the Reinforcement part 14 at the end of Uhrarmbandes 1 has a good grip and in Longitudinal direction of the watch band acting tensile forces can also withstand.

The reinforcing member 14 has the purpose of adaptability to that between the horns 8 given shape of the watch case 1 on a certain deformability, for example may be given by an elasticity of this part 14. Is this reinforcing member 14 is not present, for example, when the entire watch band 1 is made in one piece, the tape end 5 itself has this adaptability.

It is expedient here that between the watch case 2 and the end part 5 of the Uhrarmbandes a contact persists even after prolonged wearing of the watch, what a Resisting resistance of the end portion 5 of the Uhrarmbandes 1 and thus also the Reinforcement part 14 conditionally. As materials for the reinforcing member 14 and for a Plastic band are therefore suitably used materials that have a Shore hardness A in a range between 30 and 70 have. These materials should further one Compression set at 100 ° C after 24 hours in a range between 40% and 70%. As materials come rubber, plastic, in particular thermoplastic and thermoplastic elastomers in question. Hereby leave curvature differences between the watch case 2 to a certain extent and compensate the end part 5 of the watch band 1.

The recess 4 for the pin 3 is in the pin bearing 12 off-center and preferably also arranged asymmetrically. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3 are two recesses 4, 4 'are provided for the pin 3, which, however, merge into one another. A the recesses 4 lies with its longitudinal axis 17 at a diagonal of the cross section of the Pin bearing 12, the other recess 4 'is with its longitudinal axis 17' completely asymmetrical and at a different radial distance from the longitudinal axis 18 of the pin bearing 12 than the other recess 4.

This makes it possible by different mounting positions of the pin bearing 12 opposite the reinforcement part 14, i. by pulling out the pin bearing 12, turning by 90 °, 180 ° or 270 ° about its longitudinal axis 18 and reinserting in the reinforcing member 14, different positions of the longitudinal axis of the pin 3 relative to the watch case. 2 set, both in the direction of the thickness of the watch strap 1 and the height of the Watch case 2 as well as in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the watch strap 1. Should now a tight contact and a slight pressing of the end face 10 of the end part 5 of the Uhrarmbandes 1 are achieved against the watch case 2, it is only necessary that Pin bearing 12 in the correct position, i. in the correct rotational position about its longitudinal axis 18 bring, so that the pin 3 when snapped into the recesses 7 of the horns 8 of the Watch case 2 presses the end portion 5 of the watch strap 1 against the watch case 2 or at least partially in contact.

An asymmetrical position of the recess 4 'for the pin 3 in the pin bearing 12 makes a further differentiation possible by the pin bearing 12 about the longitudinal axis of the Uhrarmbandes 1 turned into the recess 13 of the reinforcing member 14 is inserted.

4 illustrates the different positions of the longitudinal axis 17 of the recess 4 for the pin 3, which can be achieved if a single recess 4 in the pin bearing 12th is provided asymmetrically. In Fig. 5, this is intended for two in the pin bearing 12 Recesses 4, 4 'illustrated.

6, the pin 3 is formed in two parts and each of the two parts 3 "and 3" ' inserted in a separate recess 4 ', 4 "of the pin bearing 12, which recesses 4', 4" are aligned with each other.

The pin bearing 12 is preferably in the recess of the reinforcing member 14 with a Press fit inserted; to secure the position along its longitudinal axis 18 can For example, additional locking lugs 19 may be provided which a certain snapping the Pin bearing 12 in the reinforcement member 14 cause when these locking lugs 19 in corresponding recesses 20 after the positioning of the pin bearing 12th engage.

Of course, it is possible for the pin bearing 12 has a different cross-sectional shape than a for example, it would be possible to choose a shape of an equilateral one Triangle to choose or even a rectangular shape or a circular cross section, such as the latter is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 8. Does the pen bearing 12 a Circular cross-section, the recess 4 is provided eccentrically, and is appropriate for securing the position (anti-rotation) of the pin bearing 12 with respect to the reinforcing member 14th a locking screw 21 is provided, for example, in a threaded hole 22 of the Reinforcement 14 is screwed and in an approximately midway the longitudinal extent of the Pin bearing 12 provided peripheral groove 23 engages, thereby simultaneously the location of the pin bearing 12 is fixed in the direction of its longitudinal axis 18. To twist the Pin bearing 12 is a lateral approach 12 "or a groove on an end face of the pin bearing 12th

In Fig. 9, a further variant is shown, according to the pin bearing 12 in a Recess 13 'of the reinforcing member 14, which is approximately in the longitudinal direction of the end part 5 of the watch strap 1 or in a plane of the watch case 2 extends, displaceable guided, in the plane of the watch case 2. The location of the pin bearing 12 within This recess 13 'can thus be at different distances to the watch case. 2 set, wherein to set an adjusting device, such as two at a distance from each other adjusting screws 24, is provided, preferably from the Watch case 2 facing end surface 10 of the end portion 5 of the watch band 1 operable forth is, i. before the onset of the watch strap 1 on the watch case 2 is to be operated. In the Recess 13 'are provided two opposing guide surfaces 25 at which in this case can be brought into contact with these guide surfaces 25 pin bearing 12th is guided, with parallel outer surfaces.

Here, the fixation of the pin bearing 12 - and thus of the pin 3 - in the direction of Watch case 2, since with mounted watch strap 1 a movement of the watch strap 1 at a contact between the watch case 1 and end part 5 to the watch case 2 is not possible. Of course, the recess 4 may be off-center of the pin bearing 12, whereby the pin bearing 12 can be used in the inverted position and thus more Positions of the pin 3 relative to the watch case 1 allows.

The invention can be realized on different watch bands 1, for example, also on multilayered and also on leather bracelets; as well Steel bracelets, for example, formed by articulated link bodies are.

If only a small number of adjustment variants of the watch band 1 with respect to a Watch case 2 is required, so it may be sufficient, even without pin bearing 12th to find the Auslangen and several recesses in the end part 5 of the Uhrarmbandes. 1 or its reinforcing member 14 in different height and distance position of the Provide end surface 10 of the end part 5.

In Fig. 10, a so-called fitting tape 1 'is shown, which serves as an adjustment aid for finding the correct position of the pin 3 in a watch strap 1 is used. This fitting band 1 ', the from the inside, i. with respect to the pin bearing 12 is identical to that in Fig. 1st shown Uhrarmband 3, has at its upper side on the end part 5 an opening 26 which extends to the recess 13 for the pin bearing 12 so that from the top a partial view on the pin bearing 12 is possible.

The pin bearing 12 itself has at the periphery markings 27, for example, numbers of "1" to "8", wherein each one digit is attached to a peripheral side such that at inserted pin bearing 12 is a figure through the recess 26 can be seen. The numbers 1 to 4 stand for the pin bearing 12 in a first position and the numbers 5 to 8 for the Pin bearing in the inverted position (turned around the longitudinal direction of the fitting band 1 '). For this reason, the opening 26 is not centered on the width of the fitting band 1 ' arranged, but moved closer to a band edge area.

The matching band 1 'expediently has a width 9', which is dimensioned somewhat smaller than the distance between the horns 8 of the watch case 2, so that the correct engagement of the Pin 3, i. its end parts 3 'in the recesses 7, can be checked.

With the help of the fitting band 1 'thus allows the ideal position of the pin bearing 12 through Determine the apparent in the recess digit, and then it can Pin bearing 12 are installed in the actual Uhrarmband 1 in exactly this position.

The invention is also applicable to bands other than watch straps that are attached to a rigid part be mounted, for example, for a mobile phone, a player for a music store etc.

Claims (20)

Device for connecting an end part (5) of a band (1) to a rigid part (2), in particular a bracelet, such as a watch band, to a housing, such as a watch case, one on the end part (5) of the band (1) arranged and with its longitudinal axis transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip (1) extending pin (3) with at least one recess (7) of the rigid part (2) is engageable, characterized in that the pin (3) relative to the band ( 1) can be brought into different positions in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis and can be fixed on the band (1) in these layers which can be taken by it relative to the band (1). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pin (3) in the longitudinal direction of the belt (1) can be brought. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pin (3) in the thickness direction of the belt (1) can be brought. Device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pin (3) can be inserted in a pin bearing (12) extending parallel to the pin (3) with its longitudinal extent, which in turn is transverse to the longitudinal axis on the band (1) the pin (3) adjustable and can be fixed in the ingestible by him layers. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) has one or more recesses (4, 4 ') into which the pin (3) can be inserted. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pin (3) is insertable in a with its longitudinal axis parallel to the pin (3) extending pin bearing (12), which in turn in a recess (13) of the end part (5) of the band (1) in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pin bearing (12) different rotational positions is used and that the pin bearing (12) has at least one eccentric to its longitudinal axis having recess (4, 4 ') for receiving the pin (3) , Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) has over its longitudinal extent a cross-section of a regular polygon and the end part (5) of the band (1) has a corresponding recess (13) for receiving the pin bearing. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) over its longitudinal extension has a cross section of a circle, rectangle or star and the end part (5) of the band (1) has a corresponding recess (13) for receiving the pin bearing (12). having. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the band (1) at its the end (5) receiving the pin (3) either with a pin (3) directly receiving or the pin (3) via the Pin bearing (12) receiving reinforcing member (14) is provided. Device according to one or more of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) in two layers, namely turned around the longitudinal direction of the band (1), in the band (1) or in a provided on the band reinforcing member (14) can be used. Device according to one or more of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) on the band (1) or on the reinforcement part (14) of the band (1) against lateral displacement by means of a securing device, such as a nose (19). , a clamping screw, a cross-sectional change, etc., can be fixed. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that for adjusting the pin (3) or the pin bearing (12) at least one adjusting screw (24) is provided with which the pin (3) or the pin bearing ( 12) relative to the band (1) in a pin bearing (12), on the end part (5) of the band (1) or on a reinforcing part (14) of the band (1) provided slot (13 ') is displaceable. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) at the end part (5) of the band (1) or on the reinforcing member (14) is inserted by means of a press fit. Device according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the reinforcing part (14) relative to the band (1) is positively fixed. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the end part (5) of the band (1) or an optional reinforcement part (14) is adapted to the shape of the rigid part (2). Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the end part (5) of the band (1) or an optionally provided reinforcing member (14) made of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber, plastic, in particular thermoplastic or thermoplastic Elastomers is formed. Device according to one or more of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that the pin bearing (12) is formed of a material of higher hardness and strength than the end part (5) of the band (1) or an optionally provided reinforcing member (14). Device according to one or more of claims 4 to 17, characterized in that the band has as fitting band (1 ') at its end part (5) from its top to the pin bearing (12) reaching opening (26) and the pin bearing (12 ) is provided with in the opening (26) coming to lie and marking its positions markings (27). Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the width (9 ') of the fitting band (1') is dimensioned smaller than the distance of the horns (8) of a watch case (2). Method for producing a bracelet according to one or more of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least the formation of the end part (5) of the band (1) or the production of a reinforcement part (5) of the band (1) is carried out ( 14) by injection molding.

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