EP2233026B1 - Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar - Google Patents

Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2233026B1
EP2233026B1 EP09405056A EP09405056A EP2233026B1 EP 2233026 B1 EP2233026 B1 EP 2233026B1 EP 09405056 A EP09405056 A EP 09405056A EP 09405056 A EP09405056 A EP 09405056A EP 2233026 B1 EP2233026 B1 EP 2233026B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ball
balls
bar
ball bar
flap
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.)
Active
Application number
EP09405056A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2233026A1 (en
Inventor
Vincent Lemosquet
Jérome Tyrode
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rolex SA
Original Assignee
Rolex SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolex SA filed Critical Rolex SA
Priority to EP09405056A priority Critical patent/EP2233026B1/en
Priority to US12/726,069 priority patent/US8418325B2/en
Priority to CN201010145469.6A priority patent/CN101843393B/en
Priority to JP2010067182A priority patent/JP5572432B2/en
Publication of EP2233026A1 publication Critical patent/EP2233026A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2233026B1 publication Critical patent/EP2233026B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
    • A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/2042—Fasteners provided with a turnable clamping lever
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/47—Strap-end-attaching devices
    • Y10T24/4782—Watch strap

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device and a method for connecting and locking two parts, such as the ends of a collar, a belt or both strands of a watchband.
  • the invention also relates to a ball bar having a movable internal stop, to a method for producing this ball bar and to the uses of this ball bar, in particular in devices for connecting parts.
  • an upper pivoting flap 12 can be folded to trap the lugs 6 and 6 'and thus lock the connection between the two members 1 and 2 (cf. figure 3 of FR2600869 ).
  • the upper pivoting flap 12, also called safety lock, has especially for function to block the pins 6 and 6 'in their housing and thus oppose accidental release.
  • the safety cover 12 opens, and does not 'opposes more to the release of lugs 6 and 6'.
  • the force of the positioning springs is not sufficient to hold the two balls in their housing 10, 10 '.
  • the free end (not numbered) of the security lock 12 which is housed behind the hinge 8 (cf. Figures 5 to 7 of FR2600869 ) wears out and / or twists too quickly. The safety lock 12 then rotates too easily and can no longer perform its function of preventing accidental release of the lugs 6 and 6 'of their respective receiving housing 10 and 10'.
  • the Swiss patent no 624,836 discloses a bracelet clasp having a ball tube having a ball at each end and a spring for exerting on the balls a force directed outwards.
  • the Swiss patent no 207,554 relates to a fastening device of a wristwatch link provided with a tube having at each of its ends a stop in contact with a helical spring.
  • This device has the particularity of not being able to open accidentally and very little wear over time.
  • the invention relates to a new type of ball bars that the inventors have developed during their research.
  • the ball bar according to the invention is distinguished from known ball bars by the existence of at least one internal stop disposed inside the bar, between the balls, which can move along the longitudinal axis of the ball. the bar and whose axial length is selected so that when one of the balls is fully retracted into the elongated hollow part, it is impossible for the other ball to fully enter the ball bar.
  • Such a ball bar can be used in all kinds of fields.
  • the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the ball bar according to the invention, this method comprising a step during which a movable internal stop is introduced inside the ball bar.
  • the methods of manufacture or assembly of the device according to the invention have the advantage of being relatively simple, because of the small number of parts involved.
  • This device is represented on the figure 1 .
  • the device according to the invention comprises a generally U-shaped female part 10 having a substantially parallelepiped base 13 from which extend perpendicularly two limbs 11a, 11b substantially parallelepipedic.
  • branches 11a, 11b are traversed at opposite ends to the base 13, by two ball bars 12 according to the invention, introduced, generally driven, in these branches 11a, 11b and whose longitudinal axes of symmetry merge and are substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the U and parallel to the plane of the U.
  • the length of the ball bars 12 is substantially equal to the distance between the two side faces of the branch 11a, 11b.
  • lateral lugs 15a, 15b are flat and perpendicular to the wafer 16 from which they extend on the side of the branches 11a, 11b of the U.
  • the wafer 16 forms with the lateral lugs 15a, 15b, a folding flap 17 articulated around 14.
  • the dimensions of the wafer 16 are normally provided to allow it to cover at least the bulk of the U.
  • the folding flap 17 is in the fully open position, that is to say that its plate 16 forms an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees with the plane of the U formed by the part 10.
  • the respective internal faces 18a, 18b of the lateral lugs 15a, 15b each comprise, at the front, a notch 19a, 19b whose location and size make it able to cooperate with a ball of a bar 12.
  • the female part 10 of the device according to the invention which has just been described is intended to cooperate with a male part 21 shown to the right on the figure 1 .
  • This male piece 21 has a main body 21a of any shape and an extension or end 22 adapted to be inserted into the opening 23 of the female part 10.
  • This end 22 is generally of parallelepipedal shape and comprises on two lateral faces 24a, 24b, two notches 25a, 25b, adapted and intended, similarly to the notches 19a, 19b of the folding flap 17, to receive a portion of the internal balls 2b of the Ball bars 12.
  • the notches 25a, 25b are deeper than the notches 19a, 19b.
  • the flap 17 is provided to cover, in addition to the essential of the U formed by the female part 10, the upper face 28 of the end 22 so as to hide this end 22, once the female parts 10 and male 21 connected.
  • the folding flap 17 of the female part 10 comprises at the front, that is to say on one side of the wafer 16 opposite the axes 14, a tab 26 and the main body 21a of the male part 21 has a recess 27 adapted to receive this tab 26 by providing a more visible space 27a on the figure 13 and who will be commented on in relation to this figure.
  • This bar 12 comprises a hollow part 1 of elongate shape - generally a hollow cylinder - inside which are arranged two balls 2a, 2b and, preferably, an elastic means 3.
  • the balls 2a, 2b are slightly smaller in diameter than the inside diameter of the cylinder, so as to be able to move inside this cylinder. To prevent them from coming out, the longitudinal ends 4a, 4b of the cylinder have been tightened inwards so as to reduce their internal diameter.
  • the elastic means 3 which may be between the balls 2a, 2b, and which may be a helical spring, serves to separate the latter and to push them towards the ends 4a, 4b.
  • the balls 2a, 2b are therefore constantly pushed by the spring 3 towards the outside of the cylinder 1 but retained within the latter by its ends 4a, 4b.
  • the ball bar 12 has the particular feature that it comprises at least one movable internal stop 5 disposed inside the hollow part of elongate or cylindrical shape 1, between the balls 2a, 2b.
  • This movable inner abutment 5 preferably has the shape of a circular cross-sectional axis and optionally chamfered ends. It is mobile, that is to say that it can move inside the bar along the longitudinal axis of the hollow part 1. Its travel is limited by the balls 2a, 2b.
  • the movable stop 5 is generally made of a hard material such as stainless steel, for example of the 316L or 904L type.
  • the optional spring 3 is generally helical, it is preferably disposed inside this spring when it is present.
  • the axial length of the movable internal abutment 5, that is to say its dimension along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 1, is substantially less than the distance separating the balls 2a, 2b along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 1, when these balls are respectively in contact with the ends 4a and 4b of the cylinder 1.
  • the spring 3 exists, the balls are moved away from each other by this spring. So, as is visible on the figure 2 there is a gap 6 between a transverse side 7 of the movable inner abutment 5 and the ball 2a.
  • the movable inner abutment 5 may not be in contact with the ball 2b and may not be in contact with the ball 2a either.
  • the space 6 instead of the space 6, there would be a first space between the movable inner stop 5 and the ball 2a and a second space between the movable inner stop 5 and the ball 2b.
  • the figure 3 represents in exploded view the bar of the figure 2 .
  • this ball bar 12 with respect to a ball strip of the state of the art which does not comprise a movable stop is that the presence of the movable internal stop 5 makes it possible to limit the approach of the balls 2a, 2b from each other.
  • the balls 2a, 2b if each of the balls 2a, 2b is pushed towards the inside of the cylinder 1, they each end by coming into contact with a transverse side of the movable internal abutment 5. From that moment, they can not return more in the cylinder 1, because they are prevented by the presence of the inner movable abutment 5 between them.
  • the axial length of the movable stop 5 plus the diameters of the two balls 2a, 2b is greater than the distance between the two lateral faces of the branch 11a, 11b in which the bars 12 balls are hunted.
  • the figure 4 represents a variant of the ball bar according to the invention comprising two springs 3a and 3b located on one longitudinal side and the other of a movable stop with two respective centering pins 32a, 32b for the springs 3a and 3b.
  • the figure 5 represents another variant of the ball bar according to the invention in which the movable stop has been made integral with one of the balls.
  • the figure 6 represents another variant of the ball bar according to the invention in which the movable stop is integral with one of the balls, as on the figure 5 and the ball integral with the abutment has been elongated along the longitudinal axis of the hollow part and thus has a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the figure 7 represents yet another variant of the ball bar according to the invention, in which the elongate hollow piece is formed of two parts of diameters different and therefore the corresponding balls also have different diameters.
  • the folding flap 17 is in the open position and the male part 21 is approaching the female part 10.
  • the end 22 of the part 21 is moved from top to bottom, that is to say towards the opening 23 of the female part 10.
  • the connection has not yet taken place.
  • the end 22 is introduced into the opening 23. This introduction is facilitated by the chamfers 29 provided on the lower part of the end 22.
  • the flap 17 therefore plays the role of a security.
  • the outer balls 2a. completely fit into their respective bar 12 and then emerge in part to occupy their notch 19a, 19b on the respective inner face 18a, 18b of a side lug 15a, 15b of the folding flap 17.
  • the ball bar 12 according to the invention can be made reliable fasteners 100%, that is to say, which do not open in case of shock.
  • An advantageous variant is to provide for the notches 19a, 19b, 25a, 25b of the folding flap 17 and the male piece 21 an oblong shape, so as to allow an increase in dimensional tolerances and thus facilitate the manufacture of parts.
  • the device according to the invention can be used for connecting and locking all kinds of mechanical parts.
  • the male 21 and female 10 parts may respectively be part of the parts to be assembled or be connected to the latter in a known manner.
  • the female and male parts 21 may be connected to the two ends of a collar, a belt or the strands of a bracelet, including a watch.
  • FIGS. 11 to 13 are an illustration of the implementation of the device according to the invention in a bracelet.
  • the male 21 and female 10 pieces here constitute a bracelet clasp. They are respectively connected in known manner to bracelet strands 30a, 30b. In addition, they are also connected together in known manner by a folding clasp with two blades 31,32.
  • the bracelet is open, that is to say, the male 21 and female 10 parts are not snapped or locked.
  • the snap-in or closure is made to arrive at the closed state which is represented on the figure 12 .
  • the male part 21 can not be pushed down because of the obstacle constituted by the folding clasp. And as explained above, it can not, in case of impact, move upwards because of the folding flap and the movable inner stop 5. The male part 21 is completely locked because of the presence of the stops mobile internals 5.
  • the space 27a remains free once the folding flap 17 is lowered. This space 27a allows the user to easily lift the wafer 16 with the aid of a fingernail and thus facilitates the unlocking of the clasp.
  • the ball bars according to the invention 12 may be manufactured according to processes having, in addition to the conventional manufacturing steps common to those of the manufacture of a conventional ball bar, a step during which the movable internal stopper 5 is introduced. in the elongated hollow part 1.
  • the tightening of the ends 4a and 4b can be done by crushing or crimping by means of a crimper or by any other appropriate method.
  • the ball bar according to the invention can be implemented in many devices.
  • the folding flap has always been shown as being fixed on the female part of the device according to the invention. However, it can also be attached to the male piece.

Landscapes

  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Buckles (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif et un procédé pour la liaison et le verrouillage de deux pièces, telles que les extrémités d'un collier, d'une ceinture ou les deux brins de bracelet d'une montre.The invention relates to a device and a method for connecting and locking two parts, such as the ends of a collar, a belt or both strands of a watchband.

L'invention a également trait à une barrette à billes comportant une butée interne mobile, à un procédé pour fabriquer cette barrette à billes et aux utilisations de cette barrette à billes, notamment dans des dispositifs pour la liaison de pièces.The invention also relates to a ball bar having a movable internal stop, to a method for producing this ball bar and to the uses of this ball bar, in particular in devices for connecting parts.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Il est connu depuis bien longtemps d'utiliser des billes rétractables montées sur un ressort.It has been known for a long time to use retractable balls mounted on a spring.

A cet égard, on peut citer par exemple le dispositif décrit dans la demande de brevet français publiée sous le numéro FR 2 600 869 . Ce dispositif est destiné en particulier à la fermeture et au verrouillage d'un bracelet. Il comprend (cf. figure 1 de FR2600869 ) un organe 1 en forme de U comportant, à chaque extrémité des branches 4 et 4' du U, un ergot 6 ou 6' à l'extrémité duquel se trouve une bille 15 montée sur ressort, prévue pour s'encliqueter dans un creux récepteur 16 ménagé dans un organe récepteur 2 coopérant avec l'organe 1 en forme de U, afin de former une liaison entre les organes 1 et 2.In this regard, there may be mentioned for example the device described in the French patent application published under the number FR 2,600,869 . This device is intended in particular for closing and locking a bracelet. He understands (cf. figure 1 of FR2600869 ) a U-shaped member 1 comprising, at each end of the branches 4 and 4 'of the U, a lug 6 or 6' at the end of which is a ball 15 mounted on spring, provided to snap into a hollow receiver 16 formed in a receiver member 2 cooperating with the U-shaped member 1, to form a connection between the members 1 and 2.

Dans ce dispositif, un volet pivotant supérieur 12 peut être rabattu pour emprisonner les ergots 6 et 6' et verrouiller ainsi la liaison entre les deux organes 1 et 2 (cf. figure 3 de FR2600869 ). Le volet pivotant supérieur 12, appelé également verrou de sécurité, a notamment pour fonction de bloquer les ergots 6 et 6' dans leur logement et de s'opposer ainsi à un dégagement accidentel.In this device, an upper pivoting flap 12 can be folded to trap the lugs 6 and 6 'and thus lock the connection between the two members 1 and 2 (cf. figure 3 of FR2600869 ). The upper pivoting flap 12, also called safety lock, has especially for function to block the pins 6 and 6 'in their housing and thus oppose accidental release.

Cependant, en cas de traction de l'extrémité 3 dans une direction perpendiculaire au plan dans lequel se trouve l'extrémité opposée 3', c'est-à-dire vers le haut, le couvercle de sécurité 12 s'ouvre et ne s'oppose plus au dégagement des ergots 6 et 6'. De plus, la force des ressorts de positionnement ne suffit pas à retenir les deux billes dans leur logement 10,10'. En outre, l'extrémité libre (non numérotée) du verrou de sécurité 12, qui vient se loger derrière l'articulation 8 (cf. figures 5 à 7 de FR2600869 ) s'use et/ou se tord trop rapidement. Le verrou de sécurité 12 pivote alors trop facilement et ne peut plus remplir sa fonction d'empêcher un dégagement accidentel des ergots 6 et 6' de leurs logements récepteurs respectifs 10 et 10'.However, in case of pulling the end 3 in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the opposite end 3 ', that is to say upwards, the safety cover 12 opens, and does not 'opposes more to the release of lugs 6 and 6'. In addition, the force of the positioning springs is not sufficient to hold the two balls in their housing 10, 10 '. In addition, the free end (not numbered) of the security lock 12, which is housed behind the hinge 8 (cf. Figures 5 to 7 of FR2600869 ) wears out and / or twists too quickly. The safety lock 12 then rotates too easily and can no longer perform its function of preventing accidental release of the lugs 6 and 6 'of their respective receiving housing 10 and 10'.

On connaît également des fermoirs tels que celui décrit dans la demande internationale n° WO96/31138 . Les principaux inconvénients d'un tel fermoir sont les suivants :

  • il est très difficile à assembler,
  • il comporte un nombre important de pièces, notamment, quatre ressorts,
  • la partie supérieure de son plot de verrouillage s'use avec le temps,
  • les parois intérieures de son couvercle de sécurité finissent par être marquées par des sillons dus au frottement des extrémités des éléments de verrouillage et
  • le couvercle de sécurité doit, dans son premier mode d'exécution, autoriser une certaine déformation élastique pour permettre la fermeture du fermoir.
Clasps, such as that described in international application no. WO96 / 31138 . The main disadvantages of such a clasp are as follows:
  • it is very difficult to assemble,
  • it has a large number of parts, including four springs,
  • the upper part of its locking pin wears out with time,
  • the inner walls of its safety cover end up being marked by grooves due to the friction of the ends of the locking elements and
  • the safety cover must, in its first embodiment, allow some elastic deformation to allow closure of the clasp.

Par ailleurs, le brevet suisse n° 624 836 décrit un fermoir de bracelet comportant un tube à billes comportant une bille à chaque extrémité et un ressort destiné à exercer sur les billes une force dirigée vers l'extérieur.Moreover, the Swiss patent no 624,836 discloses a bracelet clasp having a ball tube having a ball at each end and a spring for exerting on the balls a force directed outwards.

D'autre part, le brevet suisse n° 207 554 a pour objet un dispositif d'attache d'un lien de montre-bracelet muni d'un tube ayant à chacune de ses extrémités une butée en contact avec un ressort hélicoïdal.On the other hand, the Swiss patent no 207,554 relates to a fastening device of a wristwatch link provided with a tube having at each of its ends a stop in contact with a helical spring.

Exposé sommaire de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention a pour but, notamment, de remédier aux inconvénients du dispositif et du fermoir précités. Elle concerne, selon un premier aspect, un dispositif pour la liaison et le verrouillage de deux pièces, comprenant :

  • une pièce femelle en forme de U munie d'une barrette sur chaque branche du U ;
  • une pièce mâle comportant une extrémité apte à s'insérer dans l'ouverture de la pièce femelle et à coopérer avec les deux barrettes de cette pièce femelle :
  • un volet rabattable apte à coopérer avec chaque barrette, ce volet rabattable étant fixé sur la pièce femelle ou sur la pièce mâle ;
et se caractérisant en ce que chaque barrette contient deux billes, une à chacune de ses extrémités, ainsi qu'au moins une butée interne mobile disposée à l'intérieur de la barrette à billes, entre ces dernières, la longueur axiale de la butée mobile plus les diamètres des deux billes étant supérieure à la distance entre les deux faces latérales de la branche dans laquelle se trouve la barrette à billes.The invention aims, in particular, to overcome the disadvantages of the device and the aforementioned clasp. It relates, in a first aspect, to a device for connecting and locking two parts, comprising:
  • a U-shaped female piece provided with a bar on each branch of the U;
  • a male part having an end adapted to fit into the opening of the female part and to cooperate with the two bars of this female part:
  • a folding flap adapted to cooperate with each bar, this folding flap being fixed on the female part or on the male part;
and characterized in that each bar contains two balls, one at each of its ends, and at least one movable inner stop disposed inside the ball bar, between them, the axial length of the movable stop the more the diameters of the two balls being greater than the distance between the two lateral faces of the branch in which the ball bar is located.

Ce dispositif a la particularité de ne pas pouvoir s'ouvrir de façon accidentelle et de très peu s'user au cours du temps.This device has the particularity of not being able to open accidentally and very little wear over time.

L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de liaison et de verrouillage de deux pièces au moyen du dispositif selon l'invention, comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • on ouvre le volet rabattable ;
  • on introduit l'extrémité de la pièce mâle dans l'ouverture de la pièce femelle jusqu'à ce qu'il se produise un premier encliquetage ; et
  • on rabat le volet rabattable en direction des barrettes jusqu'à ce qu'il se produise un second encliquetage.
The invention also relates to a method for connecting and locking two parts by means of the device according to the invention, comprising the following steps:
  • we open the folding flap;
  • introducing the end of the male part into the opening of the female part until a first snap occurs; and
  • the folding flap is folded towards the bars until a second snap occurs.

Selon un second aspect, l'invention concerne un nouveau type de barrettes à billes que les inventeurs ont mis au point au cours de leurs recherches.According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a new type of ball bars that the inventors have developed during their research.

La barrette à billes selon l'invention se distingue des barrettes à billes connues par l'existence d'au moins une butée interne disposée à l'intérieur de la barrette, entre les billes, pouvant se mouvoir le long de l'axe longitudinal de la barrette et dont la longueur axiale est choisie de façon à ce que lorsque l'une des billes est entièrement rentrée dans la pièce creuse de forme allongée, il est impossible à l'autre bille de rentrer entièrement dans la barrette à billes.The ball bar according to the invention is distinguished from known ball bars by the existence of at least one internal stop disposed inside the bar, between the balls, which can move along the longitudinal axis of the ball. the bar and whose axial length is selected so that when one of the balls is fully retracted into the elongated hollow part, it is impossible for the other ball to fully enter the ball bar.

Une telle barrette à billes peut être utilisée dans toutes sortes de domaines.Such a ball bar can be used in all kinds of fields.

Elle peut avantageusement servir à relier les deux extrémités d'un collier, d'une ceinture ou les deux brins d'un bracelet, notamment, de montre.It can advantageously be used to connect the two ends of a collar, a belt or both strands of a bracelet, including a watch.

L'invention a trait également à un procédé de fabrication de la barrette à billes selon l'invention, ce procédé comprenant une étape au cours de laquelle on introduit une butée interne mobile à l'intérieur de la barrette à billes.The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the ball bar according to the invention, this method comprising a step during which a movable internal stop is introduced inside the ball bar.

Les procédés de fabrication ou montage du dispositif selon l'invention ont l'avantage d'être relativement simples, du fait du faible nombre de pièces impliquées.The methods of manufacture or assembly of the device according to the invention have the advantage of being relatively simple, because of the small number of parts involved.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention vont maintenant être décrits en détail dans l'exposé qui suit et qui est donné en référence aux figures annexées qui représentent :

  • figure 1 : une vue en perspective d'un dispositif selon l'invention pour la liaison et le verrouillage de deux pièces :
  • figure 2 : une vue de face en coupe d'une barrette selon l'invention ;
  • figure 3 : une vue en perspective éclatée de la barrette à billes de la figure 2 ;
  • figures 4 à 7 : des variantes de la barrette à billes selon l'invention ;
  • figure 8 : une vue de droite en coupe du dispositif de la figure 1, avant la liaison ;
  • figure 9 : une vue de droite en coupe du dispositif des figures 1 et 8, après la liaison et avant le verrouillage ;
  • figure 10 : une vue de droite en coupe du dispositif des figures 1, 8 et 9, après la liaison et après le verrouillage ;
  • figure 11 : un bracelet de montre utilisant le dispositif selon l'invention comme fermoir, avant sa fermeture ;
  • figure 12 : le bracelet de montre de la figure 11, après fermeture et avant verrouillage ;
  • figure 13 : le bracelet de montre des figures 11 et 12, après fermeture et verrouillage ;
  • figures 14 à 16 : l'utilisation du dispositif selon l'invention comme fermoir pour un bracelet de montre en cuir, respectivement, avant la fermeture, après la fermeture et après le verrouillage ; et
  • figures 17 et 18 : l'utilisation du dispositif selon l'invention comme fermoir pour un bracelet ayant un système connu de rallonge rapide.
Other features and advantages of the invention will now be described in detail in the following description, which is given with reference to the appended figures which represent:
  • figure 1 : A perspective view of a device according to the invention for connecting and locking two parts:
  • figure 2 : a front view in section of a bar according to the invention;
  • figure 3 : an exploded perspective view of the ball bar of the figure 2 ;
  • Figures 4 to 7 : variants of the ball bar according to the invention;
  • figure 8 : a right sectional view of the device of the figure 1 before the link;
  • figure 9 : a cross sectional view of the device figures 1 and 8 , after binding and before locking;
  • figure 10 : a cross sectional view of the device figures 1 , 8 and 9 , after binding and after locking;
  • figure 11 : a watch strap using the device according to the invention as a clasp, before closing it;
  • figure 12 : the watch strap of the figure 11 after closing and before locking;
  • figure 13 : the watch strap Figures 11 and 12 , after closing and locking;
  • Figures 14 to 16 : the use of the device according to the invention as a clasp for a leather watch strap, respectively, before closing, after closing and after locking; and
  • Figures 17 and 18 : the use of the device according to the invention as a clasp for a bracelet having a known system of rapid extension.

Exposé détaillé de l'inventionDetailed exposition of the invention a) Dispositif pour la liaison et le verrouillage de deux piècesa) Device for connecting and locking two pieces

Ce dispositif est représenté sur la figure 1.This device is represented on the figure 1 .

Pièce femelleFemale piece

Le dispositif selon l'invention comprend une pièce femelle 10 globalement en forme de U comportant une base sensiblement parallélépipédique 13 depuis laquelle s'étendent perpendiculairement deux branches 11a, 11b sensiblement parallélépipédiques.The device according to the invention comprises a generally U-shaped female part 10 having a substantially parallelepiped base 13 from which extend perpendicularly two limbs 11a, 11b substantially parallelepipedic.

Ces branches 11a, 11b sont traversées aux extrémités opposées à la base 13, par deux barrettes à billes 12 selon l'invention, introduites, en général chassées, dans ces branches 11a, 11b et dont les axes de symétrie longitudinaux se confondent et sont sensiblement perpendiculaires à l'axe de symétrie du U et parallèles au plan du U. De préférence, la longueur des barrettes à billes 12 est sensiblement égale à la distance entre les deux faces latérales de la branche 11a, 11b.These branches 11a, 11b are traversed at opposite ends to the base 13, by two ball bars 12 according to the invention, introduced, generally driven, in these branches 11a, 11b and whose longitudinal axes of symmetry merge and are substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the U and parallel to the plane of the U. Preferably, the length of the ball bars 12 is substantially equal to the distance between the two side faces of the branch 11a, 11b.

Sur les deux faces latérales de la base 13 du U parallèles à l'axe de symétrie du U, sont prévus des trous pour recevoir des axes 14 reliés à l'arrière de deux pattes latérales 15a, 15b fixées symétriquement de part et d'autre d'une plaquette 16 de forme sensiblement rectangulaire. Ces pattes latérales 15a, 15b sont planes et perpendiculaires à la plaquette 16 depuis laquelle elles s'étendent du côté des branches 11a, 11b du U. Ainsi, la plaquette 16 forme avec les pattes latérales 15a, 15b, un volet rabattable 17 articulé autour des axes 14. Les dimensions de la plaquette 16 sont normalement prévues pour lui permettre de recouvrir au moins l'essentiel du U.On the two lateral faces of the base 13 of the U parallel to the axis of symmetry of the U, are provided holes for receiving pins 14 connected to the rear of two lateral tabs 15a, 15b fixed symmetrically on both sides a wafer 16 of substantially rectangular shape. These lateral lugs 15a, 15b are flat and perpendicular to the wafer 16 from which they extend on the side of the branches 11a, 11b of the U. Thus, the wafer 16 forms with the lateral lugs 15a, 15b, a folding flap 17 articulated around 14. The dimensions of the wafer 16 are normally provided to allow it to cover at least the bulk of the U.

Sur la figure 1, le volet rabattable 17 est en position totalement ouverte, c'est-à-dire que sa plaquette 16 forme un angle légèrement supérieur à 90 degrés avec le plan du U formé par la pièce 10.On the figure 1 , the folding flap 17 is in the fully open position, that is to say that its plate 16 forms an angle slightly greater than 90 degrees with the plane of the U formed by the part 10.

Les faces internes respectives 18a, 18b des pattes latérales 15a, 15b comportent chacune, à l'avant, une encoche 19a, 19b dont l'emplacement et la taille la rendent apte à coopérer avec une bille d'une barrette 12.The respective internal faces 18a, 18b of the lateral lugs 15a, 15b each comprise, at the front, a notch 19a, 19b whose location and size make it able to cooperate with a ball of a bar 12.

Pièce mâleMale piece

La pièce femelle 10 du dispositif selon l'invention qui vient d'être décrite est prévue pour coopérer avec une pièce mâle 21 représentée à droite sur la figure 1.The female part 10 of the device according to the invention which has just been described is intended to cooperate with a male part 21 shown to the right on the figure 1 .

Cette pièce mâle 21 comporte un corps principal 21a de forme quelconque et un prolongement ou extrémité 22 apte à s'insérer dans l'ouverture 23 de la pièce femelle 10.This male piece 21 has a main body 21a of any shape and an extension or end 22 adapted to be inserted into the opening 23 of the female part 10.

Cette extrémité 22 est globalement de forme parallélépipédique et comporte sur deux faces latérales 24a, 24b, deux encoches 25a, 25b, aptes et destinées, de façon similaire aux encoches 19a, 19b du volet rabattable 17, à recevoir une partie des billes internes 2b des barrettes à billes 12. De préférence, les encoches 25a, 25b sont plus profondes que les encoches 19a, 19b.This end 22 is generally of parallelepipedal shape and comprises on two lateral faces 24a, 24b, two notches 25a, 25b, adapted and intended, similarly to the notches 19a, 19b of the folding flap 17, to receive a portion of the internal balls 2b of the Ball bars 12. Preferably, the notches 25a, 25b are deeper than the notches 19a, 19b.

Avantageusement, le volet rabattable 17 est prévu pour recouvrir, outre l'essentiel du U formé par la pièce femelle 10, la face supérieure 28 de l'extrémité 22 de façon à cacher cette extrémité 22, une fois les pièces femelle 10 et mâle 21 reliées.Advantageously, the flap 17 is provided to cover, in addition to the essential of the U formed by the female part 10, the upper face 28 of the end 22 so as to hide this end 22, once the female parts 10 and male 21 connected.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le volet rabattable 17 de la pièce femelle 10 comporte à l'avant, c'est-à-dire sur un côté de la plaquette 16 opposé aux axes 14, un onglet 26 et le corps principal 21a de la pièce mâle 21 comporte un évidement 27 apte à recevoir cet onglet 26 en ménageant un espace 27a mieux visible sur la figure 13 et qui sera commenté en relation avec cette figure.According to an advantageous embodiment, the folding flap 17 of the female part 10 comprises at the front, that is to say on one side of the wafer 16 opposite the axes 14, a tab 26 and the main body 21a of the male part 21 has a recess 27 adapted to receive this tab 26 by providing a more visible space 27a on the figure 13 and who will be commented on in relation to this figure.

b) Barrette à billes selon l'inventionb) Ball strip according to the invention

Sur les figures 2 et 3 est représentée une barrette à billes 12 selon l'invention.On the figures 2 and 3 is represented a ball bar 12 according to the invention.

Cette barrette 12 comprend une pièce creuse 1 de forme allongée - en général un cylindre creux - à l'intérieur de laquelle sont disposés deux billes 2a, 2b et, de préférence, un moyen élastique 3.This bar 12 comprises a hollow part 1 of elongate shape - generally a hollow cylinder - inside which are arranged two balls 2a, 2b and, preferably, an elastic means 3.

Les billes 2a, 2b sont de diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre intérieur du cylindre, de manière à pouvoir se déplacer à l'intérieur de ce cylindre. Pour les empêcher d'en sortir, les extrémités longitudinales 4a, 4b du cylindre ont été resserrées vers l'intérieur de façon à réduire leur diamètre intérieur.The balls 2a, 2b are slightly smaller in diameter than the inside diameter of the cylinder, so as to be able to move inside this cylinder. To prevent them from coming out, the longitudinal ends 4a, 4b of the cylinder have been tightened inwards so as to reduce their internal diameter.

Le moyen élastique 3 qui peut se trouver entre les billes 2a, 2b, et qui peut être un ressort hélicoïdal, sert à séparer ces dernières et à les repousser vers les extrémités 4a, 4b. Les billes 2a, 2b sont donc constamment poussées par le ressort 3 vers l'extérieur du cylindre 1 mais retenues à l'intérieur de ce dernier par ses extrémités 4a, 4b.The elastic means 3 which may be between the balls 2a, 2b, and which may be a helical spring, serves to separate the latter and to push them towards the ends 4a, 4b. The balls 2a, 2b are therefore constantly pushed by the spring 3 towards the outside of the cylinder 1 but retained within the latter by its ends 4a, 4b.

En appuyant sur la bille 2a et/ou la bille 2b en s'opposant à la force du ressort 3, on peut la/les faire rentrer plus ou moins complètement à l'intérieur du cylindre 1.By pressing on the ball 2a and / or the ball 2b by opposing the force of the spring 3, it may be / they bring more or less completely inside the cylinder 1.

La barrette à billes 12 selon l'invention a ceci de particulier qu'elle comprend au moins une butée interne mobile 5 disposée à l'intérieur de la pièce creuse de forme allongée ou cylindrique 1, entre les billes 2a, 2b.The ball bar 12 according to the invention has the particular feature that it comprises at least one movable internal stop 5 disposed inside the hollow part of elongate or cylindrical shape 1, between the balls 2a, 2b.

Cette butée interne mobile 5 présente de préférence la forme d'un axe à section transversale circulaire et aux extrémités éventuellement chanfreinées. Elle est mobile, c'est-à-dire qu'elle peut se mouvoir à l'intérieur de la barrette suivant l'axe longitudinal de la pièce creuse 1. Sa course est limitée par les billes 2a, 2b.This movable inner abutment 5 preferably has the shape of a circular cross-sectional axis and optionally chamfered ends. It is mobile, that is to say that it can move inside the bar along the longitudinal axis of the hollow part 1. Its travel is limited by the balls 2a, 2b.

La butée mobile 5 est généralement constituée d'un matériau dur tel que l'acier inoxydable, par exemple de type 316L ou 904L.The movable stop 5 is generally made of a hard material such as stainless steel, for example of the 316L or 904L type.

Comme le ressort optionnel 3 est en général hélicoïdal, elle est de préférence disposée à l'intérieur de ce ressort, lorsque celui-ci est présent.Since the optional spring 3 is generally helical, it is preferably disposed inside this spring when it is present.

La longueur axiale de la butée interne mobile 5, c'est-à-dire sa dimension suivant l'axe longitudinal du cylindre 1, est sensiblement inférieure à la distance séparant les billes 2a, 2b suivant l'axe longitudinal du cylindre 1, lorsque ces billes sont respectivement en contact avec les extrémités 4a et 4b du cylindre 1. Lorsque le ressort 3 existe, les billes sont éloignées l'une de l'autre par ce ressort. Ainsi, comme cela est visible sur la figure 2, il existe un espace 6 entre un côté transversal 7 de la butée interne mobile 5 et la bille 2a.The axial length of the movable internal abutment 5, that is to say its dimension along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 1, is substantially less than the distance separating the balls 2a, 2b along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 1, when these balls are respectively in contact with the ends 4a and 4b of the cylinder 1. When the spring 3 exists, the balls are moved away from each other by this spring. So, as is visible on the figure 2 there is a gap 6 between a transverse side 7 of the movable inner abutment 5 and the ball 2a.

Il va de soi que la butée interne mobile 5 pourrait ne pas être en contact avec la bille 2b et n'être pas non plus en contact avec la bille 2a. Dans ce cas (non représenté), à la place de l'espace 6, on aurait un premier espace entre la butée interne mobile 5 et la bille 2a et un second espace entre la butée interne mobile 5 et la bille 2b.It goes without saying that the movable inner abutment 5 may not be in contact with the ball 2b and may not be in contact with the ball 2a either. In this case (not shown), instead of the space 6, there would be a first space between the movable inner stop 5 and the ball 2a and a second space between the movable inner stop 5 and the ball 2b.

La figure 3 représente en vue éclatée la barrette de la figure 2.The figure 3 represents in exploded view the bar of the figure 2 .

L'avantage apporté par cette barrette à billes 12 par rapport à une barrette à billes de l'état de la technique qui ne comporte pas de butée mobile est que la présence de la butée interne mobile 5 permet de limiter le rapprochement des billes 2a, 2b l'une de l'autre. En d'autres termes, si on pousse chacune des billes 2a, 2b vers l'intérieur du cylindre 1, elles finissent chacune par entrer en contact avec un côté transversal de la butée interne mobile 5. A partir de ce moment-là, elles ne peuvent plus rentrer davantage dans le cylindre 1, car elles en sont empêchées par la présence de la butée interne mobile 5 entre elles.The advantage provided by this ball bar 12 with respect to a ball strip of the state of the art which does not comprise a movable stop is that the presence of the movable internal stop 5 makes it possible to limit the approach of the balls 2a, 2b from each other. In other words, if each of the balls 2a, 2b is pushed towards the inside of the cylinder 1, they each end by coming into contact with a transverse side of the movable internal abutment 5. From that moment, they can not return more in the cylinder 1, because they are prevented by the presence of the inner movable abutment 5 between them.

Il s'ensuit qu'en choisissant une longueur axiale appropriée pour la butée interne mobile 5, on peut prévoir que si l'une des billes 2a ou 2b est complètement repoussée à l'intérieur de la branche 11a ou 11b de la pièce femelle 10, l'autre (2b ou 2a) ne peut plus se rétracter à l'intérieur de cette même branche 11a ou 11b, car la butée interne mobile 5 en bloque l'entrée et rend donc impossible tout mouvement de cette autre bille 2b ou 2a suivant l'axe longitudinal du cylindre 1. Par conséquent, la longueur axiale de la butée mobile 5 plus les diamètres des deux billes 2a, 2b est supérieure à la distance entre les deux faces latérales de la branche 11a, 11b dans laquelle les barrettes à billes 12 sont chassées.It follows that by choosing an appropriate axial length for the movable internal stop 5, it can be provided that if one of the balls 2a or 2b is completely pushed inside the branch 11a or 11b of the female part 10 the other (2b or 2a) can not retract inside this same branch 11a or 11b, because the movable internal stop 5 blocks the entry and therefore makes it impossible to move this other ball 2b or 2a along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 1. Therefore, the axial length of the movable stop 5 plus the diameters of the two balls 2a, 2b is greater than the distance between the two lateral faces of the branch 11a, 11b in which the bars 12 balls are hunted.

La figure 4 représente une variante de la barrette à billes selon l'invention comprenant deux ressorts 3a et 3b situés d'un côté longitudinal et de l'autre d'une butée mobile comportant deux tenons de centrage respectifs 32a, 32b pour les ressorts 3a et 3b.The figure 4 represents a variant of the ball bar according to the invention comprising two springs 3a and 3b located on one longitudinal side and the other of a movable stop with two respective centering pins 32a, 32b for the springs 3a and 3b.

La figure 5 représente une autre variante de la barrette à billes selon l'invention dans laquelle la butée mobile a été rendue solidaire de l'une des billes.The figure 5 represents another variant of the ball bar according to the invention in which the movable stop has been made integral with one of the balls.

La figure 6 représente une autre variante de la barrette à billes selon l'invention dans laquelle la butée mobile est solidaire de l'une des billes, comme sur la figure 5, et la bille solidaire de la butée a été allongée suivant l'axe longitudinal de la pièce creuse et a ainsi une forme sensiblement cylindrique.The figure 6 represents another variant of the ball bar according to the invention in which the movable stop is integral with one of the balls, as on the figure 5 and the ball integral with the abutment has been elongated along the longitudinal axis of the hollow part and thus has a substantially cylindrical shape.

La figure 7 représente encore une autre variante de la barrette à billes selon l'invention, dans laquelle la pièce creuse allongée est formée de deux parties de diamètres différents et par conséquent, les billes correspondantes ont elles aussi des diamètres différents.The figure 7 represents yet another variant of the ball bar according to the invention, in which the elongate hollow piece is formed of two parts of diameters different and therefore the corresponding balls also have different diameters.

c) Procédé de liaison et de verrouillage de deux piècesc) Method of linking and locking two pieces

Revenant maintenant à la figure 1, on comprend que lorsque l'on fait pivoter vers l'avant le volet rabattable 17 autour des axes 14 pour le faire passer en position fermée, la face interne 20 de sa plaquette 16 vient en contact avec la pièce 10 et les billes externes 2a de la barrette 12, qui sont situées sur les faces externes des branches 11a, 11b du U, c'est-à-dire celles opposées à l'ouverture 23 formée par ce U, s'introduisent partiellement dans les encoches 19a, 19b des pattes latérales 15a, 15b, provoquant ainsi un encliquetage du volet rabattable 17 dans les branches 11a, 11b de la pièce femelle 10. Le volet rabattable 17 reste alors dans cette position fermée grâce à la poussée exercée par le ressort 3 sur les billes externes 2a de la barrette à billes 12.Returning now to the figure 1 it will be understood that when the folding flap 17 is pivoted forwardly about the axes 14 to make it pass in the closed position, the inner face 20 of its plate 16 comes into contact with the part 10 and the external balls 2a. of the bar 12, which are located on the outer faces of the branches 11a, 11b of the U, that is to say those opposite the opening 23 formed by this U, are introduced partially into the notches 19a, 19b of the lateral lugs 15a, 15b, thus causing the folding flap 17 to snap into the branches 11a, 11b of the female part 10. The folding flap 17 then remains in this closed position thanks to the thrust exerted by the spring 3 on the external balls 2a of the ball bar 12.

Pour mieux comprendre le fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention, on peut à présent se reporter aux figures 8 à 10.To better understand the operation of the device according to the invention, reference can now be made to Figures 8 to 10 .

Sur la figure 8, le volet rabattable 17 est en position ouverte et la pièce mâle 21 est approchée de la pièce femelle 10. L'extrémité 22 de la pièce 21 est déplacée du haut vers le bas, c'est-à-dire vers l'ouverture 23 de la pièce femelle 10. La liaison n'a pas encore eu lieu.On the figure 8 , the folding flap 17 is in the open position and the male part 21 is approaching the female part 10. The end 22 of the part 21 is moved from top to bottom, that is to say towards the opening 23 of the female part 10. The connection has not yet taken place.

Pour arriver à la situation de la figure 9, l'extrémité 22 est introduite dans l'ouverture 23. Cette introduction est facilitée par les chanfreins 29 prévus sur la partie basse de l'extrémité 22.To arrive at the situation of figure 9 the end 22 is introduced into the opening 23. This introduction is facilitated by the chamfers 29 provided on the lower part of the end 22.

Puis, l'extrémité 22 est abaissée jusqu'à ce que les billes internes 2b des barrettes 12 s'introduisent dans les encoches 25a, 25b, provoquant ainsi l'encliquetage de la pièce mâle 21 dans la pièce femelle 10. La liaison des pièces femelle 10 et mâle 21 est alors réalisée.Then, the end 22 is lowered until the internal balls 2b of the bars 12 are introduced into the notches 25a, 25b, thus causing the male part 21 to snap into the female part 10. The connection of the female and male parts 21 is then made.

Pour parvenir ensuite à la situation représentée sur la figure 10, on rabat le volet rabattable 17 vers le bas. Les billes externes 2a des deux barrettes 12 roulent ou glissent alors sur les faces internes 18a, 18b des pattes latérales 15a, 15b, jusqu'à ce qu'elles arrivent dans les encoches 19a, 19b, provoquant ainsi l'encliquetage du volet rabattable 17 dans la pièce femelle 10. Le verrouillage des pièces femelle 10 et mâle 21 est alors achevé.To then arrive at the situation represented on the figure 10 , fold down the flap 17 down. The outer balls 2a of the two bars 12 roll or slide then on the internal faces 18a, 18b of the lateral lugs 15a, 15b, until they arrive in the notches 19a, 19b, thus causing the detent of the folding flap 17 in the female part 10. The locking of the female parts 10 and male 21 is then completed.

Si l'on continue alors à pousser le volet rabattable 17 vers le bas, la face interne 20 de ce volet vient alors en contact avec la face supérieure de la pièce femelle 10, ce qui empêche toute poursuite du déplacement vers le bas.If we then continue to push the folding flap 17 downwards, the inner face 20 of this flap then comes into contact with the upper face of the female part 10, which prevents any further downward movement.

Dans la position fermée, le volet rabattable 17 a déplacé la bille extérieure 2a contre la butée mobile 5, celle-ci s'est rapprochée de la bille intérieure 2b, laquelle ne peut plus se déplacer suffisamment pour libérer la pièce mâle 22. Les pièces mâle 22 et femelle 17 sont ainsi verrouillées.In the closed position, the flap 17 has moved the outer ball 2a against the movable stop 5, it has moved closer to the inner ball 2b, which can not move enough to release the male piece 22. The coins male 22 and female 17 are thus locked.

Le volet rabattable 17 joue donc le rôle d'une sécurité. Au cours de son abaissement, les billes externes 2a. rentrent complètement dans leur barrette respective 12 puis ressortent en partie pour occuper leur encoche 19a, 19b sur la face interne respective 18a, 18b d'une patte latérale 15a, 15b du volet rabattable 17.The flap 17 therefore plays the role of a security. During its lowering, the outer balls 2a. completely fit into their respective bar 12 and then emerge in part to occupy their notch 19a, 19b on the respective inner face 18a, 18b of a side lug 15a, 15b of the folding flap 17.

Si l'on prévoit que la profondeur des encoches 19a, 19b du volet rabattable 17 soit inférieure à celle des encoches 25a, 25b de l'extrémité 22, une fois le verrouillage réalisé, les billes internes 2b sont davantage contraintes qu'à l'état non encliqueté et par conséquent, les pièces mâle 21 et femelle 10 sont totalement verrouillées. Ceci a pour avantage de permettre de prévoir à la fois un encliquetage facile et un bon verrouillage car lorsqu'on effectue le verrouillage, c'est-à-dire lorsqu'on rabat le volet rabattable 17, la butée 5 empêche le retour de la bille interne 2b et on renforce ainsi l'union des pièces mâle 21 et femelle 10.If it is expected that the depth of the notches 19a, 19b of the folding flap 17 is less than that of the notches 25a, 25b of the end 22, once the locking is achieved, the internal balls 2b are more constrained than the non-latched state and therefore, the male 21 and female 10 parts are fully locked. This has for the advantage of making it possible to provide both an easy snap-in and a good locking because when the locking is effected, that is to say when the flap 17 is folded down, the stop 5 prevents the return of the internal ball 2b and thus reinforces the union of the male 21 and female 10 parts.

Le dispositif selon l'invention a donc un grand avantage sur les dispositifs de l'état de la technique : lors d'un choc, le volet rabattable 17 a tendance à s'ouvrir. Il repousse alors les billes externes 2a vers l'intérieur des barrettes 12, ce qui a deux effets :

  • d'une part, cela augmente la poussée du ressort 3 sur les billes internes 2b et rend alors plus difficile la séparation des parties femelle 10 et mâle 21, et
  • d'autre part, si la longueur axiale de la butée interne mobile a une longueur appropriée, les billes externes 2a poussées par les faces internes 18a, 18b poussent elles-mêmes les butées internes mobiles 5 qui viennent alors en contact avec les billes internes 2b ; il s'ensuit que ces dernières ne peuvent plus rentrer dans leur pièce creuse 1 respective et restent dans les encoches 25a, 25b de l'extrémité 22 ; par conséquent, les parties mâle 21 et femelle 10 ne peuvent pas se séparer, elles sont verrouillées.
The device according to the invention therefore has a great advantage over devices of the state of the art: during an impact, the flap 17 tends to open. It then pushes the outer balls 2a towards the inside of the bars 12, which has two effects:
  • on the one hand, this increases the thrust of the spring 3 on the internal balls 2b and then makes it more difficult to separate the female and male portions 21, and
  • on the other hand, if the axial length of the movable internal abutment has a suitable length, the external balls 2a pushed by the inner faces 18a, 18b themselves push the movable internal stops 5 which then come into contact with the internal balls 2b ; it follows that the latter can not enter their respective hollow part 1 and remain in the notches 25a, 25b of the end 22; therefore, the male 21 and female 10 parts can not separate, they are locked.

Ainsi, par exemple, si on utilise deux barrettes selon l'invention dans un fermoir à boucle déployante, comme cela sera expliqué plus en détail ci-dessous, ces barrettes imposent un ordre de fonctionnement des encliquetages successifs et permettent le blocage de la liaison (fermeture) entre les pièces mâle 21 et femelle 10 lorsque l'encliquetage de verrouillage est en cours d'exécution.Thus, for example, if two strips according to the invention are used in a clasp with a folding clasp, as will be explained in more detail below, these strips impose an order of operation of the successive snaps and allow the blocking of the connection ( closing) between the male 21 and female 10 pieces when the locking latch is running.

Par conséquent, grâce à la barrette à billes 12 selon l'invention, on peut fabriquer des fermoirs fiables à 100%, c'est-à-dire qui ne s'ouvrent pas en cas de choc.Therefore, thanks to the ball bar 12 according to the invention can be made reliable fasteners 100%, that is to say, which do not open in case of shock.

Une variante avantageuse consiste à prévoir pour les encoches 19a, 19b, 25a, 25b du volet rabattable 17 et de la pièce mâle 21 une forme oblongue, de façon à permettre une augmentation des tolérances dimensionnelles et donc de faciliter la fabrication des pièces.An advantageous variant is to provide for the notches 19a, 19b, 25a, 25b of the folding flap 17 and the male piece 21 an oblong shape, so as to allow an increase in dimensional tolerances and thus facilitate the manufacture of parts.

d) Utilisations du dispositif selon l'inventiond) Uses of the device according to the invention

Le dispositif selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour la liaison et le verrouillage de toutes sortes de pièces mécaniques.The device according to the invention can be used for connecting and locking all kinds of mechanical parts.

Les pièces mâle 21 et femelle 10 peuvent respectivement faire partie des pièces à assembler ou bien être reliées à ces dernières de façon connue.The male 21 and female 10 parts may respectively be part of the parts to be assembled or be connected to the latter in a known manner.

En particulier, les pièces femelle 10 et mâle 21 peuvent être reliées aux deux extrémités d'un collier, d'une ceinture ou aux brins d'un bracelet, notamment, de montre.In particular, the female and male parts 21 may be connected to the two ends of a collar, a belt or the strands of a bracelet, including a watch.

Les figures 11 à 13 sont une illustration de la mise en oeuvre du dispositif selon l'invention dans un bracelet.The Figures 11 to 13 are an illustration of the implementation of the device according to the invention in a bracelet.

Les pièces mâle 21 et femelle 10 constituent ici un fermoir de bracelet. Elles sont reliées respectivement de façon connue à des brins de bracelet 30a, 30b. En outre, elles sont également reliées entre elles de façon connue par une boucle déployante à deux lames 31,32.The male 21 and female 10 pieces here constitute a bracelet clasp. They are respectively connected in known manner to bracelet strands 30a, 30b. In addition, they are also connected together in known manner by a folding clasp with two blades 31,32.

Sur la figure 11, le bracelet est ouvert, c'est-à-dire que les pièces mâle 21 et femelle 10 ne sont ni encliquetées ni verrouillées.On the figure 11 , the bracelet is open, that is to say, the male 21 and female 10 parts are not snapped or locked.

En rapprochant la pièce mâle 21 de la pièce femelle 10, on réalise l'encliquetage ou la fermeture, pour arriver à l'état fermé qui est représenté sur la figure 12.By bringing the male piece 21 closer to the female part 10, the snap-in or closure is made to arrive at the closed state which is represented on the figure 12 .

Ensuite, en rabattant le volet rabattable 17 vers la pièce femelle 10, on réalise le verrouillage, pour parvenir à l'état verrouillé qui est représenté sur la figure 13.Then, by folding the flap 17 to the female part 10, the lock is made to achieve the locked state which is represented on the figure 13 .

Dans cette utilisation, une fois l'encliquetage et le verrouillage effectués, la pièce mâle 21 ne peut être poussée vers le bas en raison de l'obstacle constitué par la boucle déployante. Et comme cela a été expliqué précédemment, elle ne peut, en cas de choc, se déplacer vers le haut en raison du volet rabattable et de la butée interne mobile 5. La pièce mâle 21 est donc totalement verrouillée du fait de la présence des butées internes mobiles 5.In this use, once snapping and locking performed, the male part 21 can not be pushed down because of the obstacle constituted by the folding clasp. And as explained above, it can not, in case of impact, move upwards because of the folding flap and the movable inner stop 5. The male part 21 is completely locked because of the presence of the stops mobile internals 5.

Il ressort de tout ceci qu'il est quasiment impossible que le fermoir s'ouvre lors d'un choc tel qu'un coup de poing sur une table.It follows from all this that it is almost impossible for the clasp to open during a shock such as a punch on a table.

Sur la figure 13, on voit que l'espace 27a reste libre, une fois le volet rabattable 17 abaissé. Cette espace 27a permet à l'utilisateur de soulever aisément la plaquette 16 à l'aide d'un ongle et facilite ainsi le déverrouillage du fermoir.On the figure 13 it can be seen that the space 27a remains free once the folding flap 17 is lowered. This space 27a allows the user to easily lift the wafer 16 with the aid of a fingernail and thus facilitates the unlocking of the clasp.

e) Procédé de fabrication des barrettes à billes selon l'inventione) Method of manufacturing the ball bars according to the invention

Les barrettes à billes selon l'invention 12 peuvent être fabriquées suivant des procédés ayant, outre les étapes classiques de fabrication communes avec celles de la fabrication d'une barrette à billes classique, une étape au cours de laquelle on introduit la butée interne mobile 5 dans la pièce creuse de forme allongée 1.The ball bars according to the invention 12 may be manufactured according to processes having, in addition to the conventional manufacturing steps common to those of the manufacture of a conventional ball bar, a step during which the movable internal stopper 5 is introduced. in the elongated hollow part 1.

Pour fabriquer une barrette à billes selon l'invention 12, on peut par exemple procéder comme suit :

  • on se procure une pièce creuse 1 de forme allongée, deux billes 2a, 2b, un ressort 3 et une butée interne mobile 5,
  • on resserre une première extrémité longitudinale 4a de la pièce creuse 1;
  • on introduit une première bille 2a dans la pièce creuse 1 par l'extrémité 4b de cette dernière ; ensuite
  • on introduit le ressort 3 par l'extrémité 4b dans la pièce creuse 1 ;
  • on introduit la butée interne mobile 5 par l'extrémité 4b dans la pièce creuse 1, à l'intérieur du ressort 3 ;
  • on introduit la seconde bille 2b dans la pièce creuse 1 ; et, enfin,
  • on resserre la seconde extrémité longitudinale 4b de la pièce creuse 1.
To manufacture a ball bar according to the invention 12, one can for example proceed as follows:
  • a hollow part 1 of elongate shape is obtained, two balls 2a, 2b, a spring 3 and a movable internal abutment 5,
  • a first longitudinal end 4a of the hollow part 1 is tightened;
  • introducing a first ball 2a in the hollow part 1 by the end 4b of the latter; then
  • the spring 3 is introduced through the end 4b into the hollow part 1;
  • the movable internal abutment 5 is inserted through the end 4b into the hollow part 1, inside the spring 3;
  • introducing the second ball 2b in the hollow part 1; and finally,
  • the second longitudinal end 4b of the hollow part 1 is tightened.

Le resserrement des extrémités 4a et 4b peut être effectué par écrasement ou sertissage au moyen d'une sertisseuse ou par tout autre méthode appropriée.The tightening of the ends 4a and 4b can be done by crushing or crimping by means of a crimper or by any other appropriate method.

La barrette à billes selon l'invention peut être mise en oeuvre dans de nombreux dispositifs.The ball bar according to the invention can be implemented in many devices.

Elle peut être utilisée en particulier, pour la liaison et/ou le verrouillage de pièces quelconques.It can be used in particular, for the connection and / or locking of any part.

Sur les figures, le volet rabattable a toujours été représenté comme étant fixé sur la pièce femelle du dispositif selon l'invention. Cependant, on peut aussi le fixer sur la pièce mâle.In the figures, the folding flap has always been shown as being fixed on the female part of the device according to the invention. However, it can also be attached to the male piece.

Claims (17)

  1. Device for linking and locking two parts (30a, 30b), said device comprising:
    - a female part (10) in the shape of a U which is equipped with a bar (12) on each branch (11a, 11b) of the U;
    - a male part (21) comprising an end (22) which is capable of being inserted in the aperture (23) in the female part (10) and of cooperating with the two bars (12) belonging to the said female part (10) ;
    - a flap (17) that can be folded back and is capable of cooperating with each bar (12); the said flap (17) that can be folded back being mounted on the female part (10) or the male part (21) ;
    characterised in that
    each bar (12) contains:
    - two balls (2a, 2b) disposed one at each end (4a, 4b);
    - at least one movable internal stop (5) which is disposed between the balls (2a, 2b);
    - the axial length of the movable stop (5), plus the diameters of the two balls (2a, 2b), being greater than the distance between the two lateral faces of the branch (11a, 11b) in which the ball bar (12) is located.
  2. Device according to claim 1, wherein each bar (12) comprises at least one elastic means (3, 3a, 3b) which moves the balls (2a, 2b) away from one another.
  3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic means is a helical spring (3) and the movable internal stop (5) is disposed inside the said helical spring (3).
  4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flap (17) that can be folded back comprises a small plate (16) which is equipped, on its lateral sides, with tabs (15a, 15b) which are flat and perpendicular to the small plate (16) and which are each provided, on their face (18a, 18b) that faces towards the other flange, with a slot (19a, 19b) which is capable of receiving a ball (2b) belonging to one of the ball bars (12).
  5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the axial length of the movable internal stop (5) of each ball bar (12) is chosen in such a way that each of the balls (2a, 2b) is able to move back completely into the ball bar (12), but that it is impossible for both the balls (2a, 2b) to move back completely into the ball bar (12) at the same time.
  6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flap (17) that can be folded back is fixed onto the female part (10).
  7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the female part (10) and male part (21) are connected, respectively, to the two ends of a necklace or a belt or to the two strands of a bracelet (30a, 30b).
  8. Method of linking and locking two parts (30a, 30b) by means of a device according to one of claims 1 to 7, said method comprising the following stages:
    - the flap (17) that can be folded back is opened;
    - the end (22) of the male part (21) is introduced into the aperture (23) in the female part (10) until an initial snap engagement occurs; and
    - the flap (17) that can be folded back is folded back towards the bars (12) until a second snap engagement occurs.
  9. Ball bar (12) comprising:
    - a hollow part (1) of elongated shape, the longitudinal ends (4a, 4b) of which are narrowed;
    - two balls (2a, 2b) which are disposed inside the hollow part (1) of elongated shape, at each of its longitudinal ends (4a, 4b); and
    - at least one movable internal stop (5) which is disposed inside the hollow part (1) of elongated shape, between the balls (2a, 2b),
    characterised in that
    the axial length of the movable internal stop (5) is chosen in such a way that, when one of the balls (2a, 2b) has moved back completely into the hollow part (1) of elongated shape, it is impossible for the other ball (2a, 2b) to move back completely into the ball bar (12).
  10. Ball bar (12) according to claim 9, of which the hollow part (1) of elongated shape is a hollow cylinder.
  11. Ball bar (12) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an elastic means (3, 3a, 3b).
  12. Ball bar (12) according to claim 11, wherein the elastic means (3, 3a) is a helical spring.
  13. Ball bar (12) according to claim 12, wherein the movable internal stop (5) is disposed inside the helical spring (3).
  14. Ball bar (12) according to one of claims 9 to 13, of which the movable internal stop (5) is in the form of a spindle.
  15. Method of manufacturing a ball bar (12) according to one of claims 9 to 14, said method comprising a stage during which a movable internal stop (5) is introduced into the hollow part (1) of elongated shape.
  16. Device comprising at least one ball bar (12) according to one of claims 9 to 14.
  17. Use of a ball bar (12) according to one of claims 9 to 14 for linking and/or locking parts.
EP09405056A 2009-03-25 2009-03-25 Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar Active EP2233026B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09405056A EP2233026B1 (en) 2009-03-25 2009-03-25 Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar
US12/726,069 US8418325B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2010-03-17 Device and method for the connection and the locking of two parts and ball bar
CN201010145469.6A CN101843393B (en) 2009-03-25 2010-03-23 Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar
JP2010067182A JP5572432B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2010-03-24 Device and method for connecting and locking two parts to a ballbar

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09405056A EP2233026B1 (en) 2009-03-25 2009-03-25 Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2233026A1 EP2233026A1 (en) 2010-09-29
EP2233026B1 true EP2233026B1 (en) 2012-06-20

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09405056A Active EP2233026B1 (en) 2009-03-25 2009-03-25 Device and method for linking and locking two parts and ball bar

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US8418325B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2233026B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5572432B2 (en)
CN (1) CN101843393B (en)

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CN108135335B (en) * 2016-09-22 2020-01-31 华为技术有限公司 Watchband connecting piece, watchband and wrist-watch
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101843393A (en) 2010-09-29
EP2233026A1 (en) 2010-09-29
CN101843393B (en) 2012-11-21
JP5572432B2 (en) 2014-08-13
US20100242234A1 (en) 2010-09-30
JP2010227567A (en) 2010-10-14
US8418325B2 (en) 2013-04-16

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