EP2260740A1 - Bracelet made up of articulated links - Google Patents

Bracelet made up of articulated links Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2260740A1
EP2260740A1 EP09405098A EP09405098A EP2260740A1 EP 2260740 A1 EP2260740 A1 EP 2260740A1 EP 09405098 A EP09405098 A EP 09405098A EP 09405098 A EP09405098 A EP 09405098A EP 2260740 A1 EP2260740 A1 EP 2260740A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bracelet
meshes
mesh
connecting member
deflection
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09405098A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Adrien Catheline
Benjamin Celant
Jérôme 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 EP09405098A priority Critical patent/EP2260740A1/en
Priority to US13/322,683 priority patent/US9289036B2/en
Priority to JP2012513431A priority patent/JP5965314B2/en
Priority to EP10725954.1A priority patent/EP2440085B1/en
Priority to PCT/CH2010/000137 priority patent/WO2010142049A1/en
Priority to CN201080025212.5A priority patent/CN102458177B/en
Publication of EP2260740A1 publication Critical patent/EP2260740A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A44C5/02—Link constructions
    • A44C5/10—Link constructions not extensible
    • A44C5/107—Link constructions not extensible with links made of more than two elements including connecting elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bracelet formed of elements articulated together, in particular links, at least some of which are preferably made at least in part of a low-resilience material.
  • the invention also relates to a particular use of such a bracelet for watches, jewelery pieces or even ornaments.
  • the latter is usually made of a metal frame that is necessary for it to be able to withstand heavy mechanical stress, accidental type, such as those involved in a fall.
  • materials such as those made by hot solidification of a paste or a compressed powder, generally have a low resilience and are therefore particularly sensitive to mechanical shocks. This sensitivity results from the absence of plastic deformations of these materials during impacts. This feature leads the parts that are made of such materials to a so-called fragile break.
  • examples include sintered hard metal, any type of ceramic including zirconia, glass and minerals such as sapphire or the ruby.
  • the documents EP 586 981 and EP 347 841 describe wrist bracelets, especially for wristwatches, the visible parts of which are formed of decorative elements made of hard materials, such as ceramic or sintered hard metal.
  • the bracelet comprises an armature made by links of machinable material such as steel.
  • the ceramic elements are only intended to cover the links of the frame which will bear all the mechanical forces applied to the bracelet. Thus, the mechanical stresses that these decorative elements undergo are severely limited.
  • the object of the present invention is to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks by producing, in accordance with the terms of claim 1, a bracelet comprising a plurality of elements articulated together, called links and each formed of at least a mesh and having at least one housing for receiving a connecting member associating the stitches and / or the links between them.
  • This bracelet has a design that makes the mesh less sensitive to accidental mechanical shocks.
  • Certain meshes are preferably at least partly made of a brittle material, such as ceramic, a sintered hard metal, glass or a sapphire or ruby type mineral, for example.
  • the articulated elements of this bracelet will preferably be engaged in each other so as to be closely interconnected by the connecting members, namely members or hinge pins and possibly assembly rods.
  • these connecting members are housed in the mesh or meshes of the link, each in a housing formed of at least one mesh hole.
  • each deflection offers, in the direct vicinity of the edges of the meshes from which the connection members project, a free space or at least one gap which prevents the transmission of concentrated efforts to these meshes. on these bodies at these ends, when the latter are subjected to mechanical stresses.
  • this means avoids any breakage of the meshes which, by nature or because of the abnormal temperature conditions in which they could be placed, are or become sensitive to mechanical impacts.
  • the freedom or the range of motion thus reserved for the connecting member by the deflection means is obtained by reducing its cross section to the right of opening the hole in the mesh.
  • Such a reduction can be achieved by machining on this member of a groove that can have different widths and / or profiles depending on the desired performance.
  • Such an organ, also called grooved axis will comprise at least as many grooves as there are open ends among the set of fragile meshes it passes through.
  • this illustrates a bracelet portion 1 in a perspective view and in partial section.
  • this bracelet is a watch strap made on a five-row design R 1 to R 5 with meshes 2, 3, 4 forming a plurality of elements articulated together.
  • the so-called edge stitches 2, situated on the rows R 1 and R 5 , as well as the so-called center stitches 3, arranged on the row R 3 are judiciously made of resilient materials such as metals (steel , gold, titanium, etc ...) or alloys.
  • the stitches on the rows R2 and R4, called intermediate stitches 4 are thus protected by the rows of adjacent stitches.
  • intermediate meshes will preferably be chosen to be made at least partly of low or low resilience material.
  • the intermediate meshes 4 will be entirely made of ceramic, more particularly in zirconia known as a so-called technical or industrial ceramics. It will of course be understood that other materials could also be used for the execution of these meshes. Among these materials, we will still prefer sapphire or ruby to the sintered hard metal, for example.
  • the different meshes 2, 3, 4 are connected to each other by at least one connecting member 10 in particular by three connecting members 10, 11, 12 as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .
  • the articulated elements of the bracelet each comprise at least two connecting members, in particular two axes of articulation 10.
  • Each of these connecting members is common to several meshes, in particular to all the meshes of the same line as well as to certain meshes of the adjacent lines upstream and downstream.
  • the lines thus defined correspond to a succession of adjacent meshes forming a line transverse to the rows R 1 to R 5 .
  • the adjectives upstream and downstream refer to the distance of the element in relation to fixing 5 or intermediate fixing meshes 6 which are particular meshes intended to connect the bracelet 1 to the middle part of the watch (no shown). Thus, with respect to a given point, the meshes located upstream will be closer to fixing than the meshes located downstream.
  • the edge stitches 2 and the center stitch 3 of the same line are aligned and hold between them two intermediate stitches 4 which are offset downstream with respect to this alignment.
  • All of these five meshes form on its own the entity that will be called link 7 and which is illustrated in FIG. figure 1 by the contour line shown in broken lines.
  • the links 7 constitute the articulated elements of the bracelet. They each have at least one mesh.
  • the meshes of the same link are held together rigidly, that is to say without articulation between them, by at least one rod called assembly rod 11, preferably by two connecting rods 11 and 12.
  • links 7 are all similar to each other and given the positions offset downstream of the intermediate meshes 4, the links 7 can interlock with each other, that is to say engage some in the others to be closely related, and to be assembled from upstream to downstream in an articulated linkage through the axes 10. These are defined as being precisely axes of articulation which give two adjacent links a cylindrical articulation of simple type , comparable to a hinge.
  • the articulated elements 7 each comprise at least one housing formed of at least one hole 15, better visible on the figures 2 , 4 and 5 , to receive a connecting member 10, 11, 12.
  • these organs are hidden in the meshes they connect. They are not apparent on the outer faces of the edge meshes 2, nor even visible between the meshes 2, 3, 4 because of the very low interstitial clearance between these meshes.
  • the latter are therefore advantageously provided with blind holes 15 ', while the holes 15 of the center stitches 3 or the intermediate stitches 4 are of the through type to allow the passage of the connecting members 10, 11, 12. , the holes 15 and 15 'of the same line form a housing for a connecting member.
  • this represents the bracelet with five rows of the previous figure, in a vertical sectional view along the line II-II of the figure 1 .
  • the cut occurs on the hinge pin 10.
  • a clearance 20 of the assembly member which passes through these open ends or mouths of the holes 15.
  • the term mouthpiece, used here, as synonymous with the open end 16 of the hole 15 designates the zone located in the immediate vicinity of the inlet or outlet of this mesh hole.
  • the means offered by the deflection 20 of the connecting member in question prevents it from coming into contact with the mesh at a location near the opening of the hole of the mesh.
  • this axis or connecting member is subjected to an elastic deformation stress which induces locally, at the interface of two meshes or mesh portions arranged side by side, a bending of the corresponding section of this member, any contact between this stump and mesh can be advantageously avoided. Therefore, the first point of support between the mesh and the connecting member is moved towards the central portion of the mesh. By pushing this support towards the inside of the mesh, it avoids so-called edge effects that generate on the mesh concentrations of significant stress openings and would cause fatigue or premature rupture of the mesh when the link of the bracelet is subject to a mechanical shock.
  • the deflection 20 results from an interval or clearance located between the connecting member and the corresponding mesh.
  • This distance or separation distance is obtained by reducing the cross section of the connecting member to the right of the open end 16, by the accommodation on the connecting member of a groove 21 whose profile may be the same.
  • Figures 3a to 3d show combinations where the groove 21 is on one chamfered side and the other has a rounded edge, respectively a progressive curvature edge.
  • a groove which has a progressive curvature on its side oriented towards the inside of the mesh allows, when the portion of the connecting member which passes through it is subjected to a mechanical stress, to gradually distribute the stress of the mesh on a beach extending from its central portion to the edges of this mesh. With this gradual distribution, any concentration of efforts in the edges of the mesh can be avoided, at least limited, very convincingly.
  • Such a progressive curve could be that adopted by the shape of a barrel portion.
  • this shape makes it possible to further stress the center of the mesh rather than its edges when an elastic deformation occurs in the portion of the assembly member passing through this mesh.
  • this form best promotes the distribution of mechanical stresses along the portion of this organ.
  • the barrel geometry more solves the connecting members than the meshes.
  • all the connecting members 10, 11, 12 will be of circular section and have an outer diameter of between 1.0 and 2.0 mm, more particularly between 1.4 and 1.6 mm.
  • the diameter at the bottom of the grooves 21 of the grooved pins will be reduced by a value of between 5% and 25%, more particularly between 11% and 15%, of the outer diameter of the axis.
  • the latter can also vary along the axis, especially when the diameter of the holes of the center stitches differs somewhat from that of the holes of the mesh of edge.
  • the values equivalent to an outside diameter of 1.5 mm for a groove with a minimum diameter of 1.3 mm will be preferred because they correspond to the best compromise between the resistance of the axis and the importance of the clearance resulting from the groove.
  • the deflection 20 of the axis could consist of a free space or clearance obtained by the arrangement, in the mesh, of an inlet cone open towards the outside of this mesh and located at the opening of the hole reserved for the passage of the assembly member.
  • Such an entry cone would consist of a pronounced widening or widening of the orifice of the opening of the mesh hole and would also reduce, although less effectively, the edge effects on this mesh while having a connecting member devoid of throat to the right of the open ends. More generally, this clearance could be defined as being an opening 22 of the open end 16.
  • a simple chamfer such as that visible on the meshes 2 or 3 of the figure 2 does not constitute a clearance in the sense that it must be understood here, namely a clearance sufficiently effective to fulfill the function that the present invention attributes to it. Indeed, any simple chamfer will only serve to facilitate the engagement of the member, to eliminate machining burrs or may simply arise from a requirement in the case for example of a manufacture resulting from a process of molding.
  • the deflection could be obtained by a toric or cylindrical member such as a sleeve, made of a very resilient material and which would act as a damper.
  • a toric or cylindrical member such as a sleeve, made of a very resilient material and which would act as a damper.
  • a material would therefore be able to absorb the mechanical stresses occurring in the connecting member in order to avoid transmitting them to the mesh or at least generating a concentration of forces in its edges.
  • this sleeve could be arranged around the connecting member, hidden in the edges of the mesh, in the vicinity of the open ends of the hole reserved for this body.
  • this sleeve in a groove of the connecting member, it could also fill the gap between the bottom of the groove of the wall or inner surface of the hole of the mesh at its open end.
  • the deflection 20 of the assembly member in question aims to distribute any bias transmitted to the mesh, as a result of forces induced in the connecting member, over a range extending from the central portion from this stitch to the edges of the latter.
  • the term "clearance” here defines the amplitude of the possible movement of the connecting member, in particular portions of this member located opposite the open ends 16, around its position relative to its position. equilibrium materialized by the axis of the dwelling in which it rests.
  • the assembly rods 11 and 12 are devoid of grooves 21 to the open ends 16. However, this does not exclude anything the arrangement in the present bracelet 1 of one or more connecting rods 11, 12 similar or identical to the axis of articulation 10. In a more general manner, it could be envisaged to provide for each open end 16 whatever it may be, a deflection 20 of the connecting member which protrudes therefrom. Thus, all the assembly members 10, 11, 12 of the meshes 2, 3, 4 could be members provided with grooves 21 as described above. The resistance and the final performance of the links of the bracelet would thus be further improved.
  • the assembly rods 11, 12 may have smooth surfaces or be provided with knurled bearings to improve their strength within the mesh they connect.
  • such knurled lands will preferably be located at the ends of the assembly rods intended to be housed in the holes 15 'of the edge mesh 2.
  • the assembly rods 11, 12 devoid of grooves 16 will be maintained hunted within the mesh, unlike the grooved pins which, to prevent buckling, will preferably be adjusted with a slight tightening in the holes 15 during assembly.
  • the figure 4 illustrates a variant of the mesh design of the bracelet 1, according to a view similar to the figure 2 but in which the mesh arrangement comprises only three rows R 1 ', R 2 ', R 3 '.
  • the edge meshes 2 remain unchanged, the center stitches and the intermediate stitches of the same line are here replaced by a single intermediate stitch 4 ', preferably made of a material of low resilience.
  • the object of the invention was developed first to solve the problem of breaking ceramic mesh during accidental impacts on the bracelet.
  • the proposed solution would apply equally well to bracelets whose meshes are not particularly sensitive to mechanical shocks.
  • the solution provided by the present invention would also help to avoid the edge effects in the mesh and to relieve and the open ends of the holes of the connecting members, a fatigue resulting from an undesirable concentration of effort.

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Abstract

The strap has mutually hinged elements e.g. hinged links (7), including an edge, center and intermediate meshes (2, 3,4) whose part is made of a material fragile to shocks. The meshes include a housing consisting of holes (15, 15') for receiving a connection member of the hinged elements. A clearance (20) of the connection member is provided next to open ends (16) of the holes formed in the meshes for preventing contact at a point between the connection member and the meshes, where the connection member is formed of a yoke pin (10) or assembling rods. The meshes are made of a material chosen from ceramics, sintered hard metal, glass or mineral such as sapphire or ruby.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un bracelet formé d'éléments articulés entre eux, en particulier de maillons dont certains au moins sont de préférence réalisés au moins en partie en un matériau de faible résilience. L'invention vise également une utilisation particulière d'un tel bracelet pour des montres, des pièces de bijouterie, voire des ornements.The present invention relates to a bracelet formed of elements articulated together, in particular links, at least some of which are preferably made at least in part of a low-resilience material. The invention also relates to a particular use of such a bracelet for watches, jewelery pieces or even ornaments.

L'intégration dans les bracelets de matériaux durs et présentant généralement une faible résilience, à savoir de matériaux sensibles aux chocs mécaniques, vise essentiellement à apporter une grande durabilité (résistance aux rayures et à l'usure) ainsi qu'une plus-value d'ordre esthétique à l'objet qu'ils garnissent. Ce dernier est généralement constitué d'une ossature métallique qui lui est nécessaire afin de pouvoir résister aux sollicitations mécaniques importantes, de type accidentel, telles que celles qui interviennent lors d'une chute.The integration into the bracelets of hard materials and generally having a low resilience, namely of materials sensitive to mechanical shocks, is essentially to provide a high durability (scratch and wear resistance) and an added value of aesthetic order to the object they garnish. The latter is usually made of a metal frame that is necessary for it to be able to withstand heavy mechanical stress, accidental type, such as those involved in a fall.

Au contraire des métaux et alliages obtenus par coulage, les matériaux tels que ceux réalisés par solidification à chaud d'une pâte ou d'une poudre comprimée, présentent généralement une faible résilience et sont donc particulièrement sensibles aux chocs mécaniques. Cette sensibilité résulte de l'absence de déformations plastiques de ces matériaux lors d'impacts. Cette particularité conduit les pièces qui sont constituées de tels matériaux à une rupture dite fragile.Unlike metals and alloys obtained by casting, materials such as those made by hot solidification of a paste or a compressed powder, generally have a low resilience and are therefore particularly sensitive to mechanical shocks. This sensitivity results from the absence of plastic deformations of these materials during impacts. This feature leads the parts that are made of such materials to a so-called fragile break.

Parmi les matériaux fragiles, définis comme tels dans des conditions de température normale et à des vitesses d'impact réduites, on citera en exemple le métal dur fritté, tout type de céramique dont la zircone, le verre ainsi que des minéraux comme le saphir ou le rubis.Among the fragile materials, defined as such under conditions of normal temperature and reduced impact speeds, examples include sintered hard metal, any type of ceramic including zirconia, glass and minerals such as sapphire or the ruby.

Les documents EP 586 981 et EP 347 841 décrivent des bracelets à maillons, notamment pour montre-bracelet, dont les parties apparentes sont formées d'éléments décoratifs réalisés en matériaux durs, tel que la céramique ou le métal dur fritté. Le bracelet comporte une armature réalisée par des maillons en matière usinable telle que l'acier. Dans les deux cas, les éléments en céramique ne sont destinés qu'à recouvrir les maillons de l'armature qui supportera tous les efforts mécaniques appliqués au bracelet. Ainsi, les contraintes mécaniques que subissent ces éléments décoratifs sont fortement limitées.The documents EP 586 981 and EP 347 841 describe wrist bracelets, especially for wristwatches, the visible parts of which are formed of decorative elements made of hard materials, such as ceramic or sintered hard metal. The bracelet comprises an armature made by links of machinable material such as steel. In both cases, the ceramic elements are only intended to cover the links of the frame which will bear all the mechanical forces applied to the bracelet. Thus, the mechanical stresses that these decorative elements undergo are severely limited.

Le document US 2002/0009019 suggère une autre construction de bracelets formés d'une succession de maillons en céramique, chacun formant une entité constituée d'une maille centrale bordée de deux mailles latérales désaxées par rapport à la première. Ces trois mailles sont maintenues les unes aux autres par le biais d'un axe fileté en ses extrémités, lesquelles sont destinées à venir se visser dans des taraudages moulés dans les mailles latérales. Les articulations et l'assemblage des différents maillons successifs sont obtenus par une barrette ressort traversant la maille centrale et pourvue d'un organe élastique logé dans sa partie centrale. Cet organe est destiné à écarter deux tenons, montés coulissants aux extrémités de la barrette, afin qu'ils puissent venir s'insérer dans des logements ménagés en correspondance dans les mailles latérales.The document US 2002/0009019 suggests another construction bracelets formed of a succession of ceramic links, each forming an entity consisting of a central mesh lined with two lateral meshes offset from the first. These three meshes are held together by means of a threaded shaft at its ends, which are intended to be screwed into threads molded in the side meshes. The joints and the assembly of the various successive links are obtained by a spring bar passing through the central mesh and provided with an elastic member housed in its central portion. This member is intended to separate two studs, slidably mounted at the ends of the bar, so that they can be inserted into housings formed in correspondence in the side meshes.

Le principal inconvénient d'un tel mode de réalisation découle du fait que ce genre de bracelet conduit à une rupture d'une ou plusieurs mailles en céramique, tel que cela a pu être constaté lors de tests reproduisant des chutes accidentelles d'une montre rattachée à ce type de bracelet. Lors d'une telle chute, la masse que représente le boîtier additionné de celle du mouvement de la montre, engendre de grands efforts sur les axes ou barrettes du bracelet, principalement par un effet de bras de levier entre le point d'impact au sol du bracelet et le fixage de ce dernier à la carrure de la montre. La localisation de la rupture se présente presque systématiquement au niveau des axes d'articulation des maillons. Des simulations ont montré que d'importantes contraintes sont concentrées dans les angles d'entrée des trous de mailles en céramique. Il a également été remarqué que toutes les ruptures avaient lieu au voisinage direct des axes, sur les bords des mailles de céramique. La rupture d'une maille ou d'un maillon d'un tel bracelet rend ce dernier inutilisable et génère des frais de réparation non négligeables nécessitant le remplacement des éléments cassés.The main disadvantage of such an embodiment stems from the fact that this kind of bracelet leads to a rupture of one or more ceramic meshes, as it has been found during tests reproducing accidental drops of a connected watch. to this type of bracelet. During such a fall, the mass that represents the case added to that of the movement of the watch, causes great efforts on the axes or bars of the bracelet, mainly by a lever effect between the point of impact on the ground of the bracelet and the fixing of the latter to the middle part of the watch. The location of the rupture is almost systematically at the axes of articulation of the links. Simulations have shown that large stresses are concentrated in the entrance angles of the ceramic mesh holes. It was also noticed that all the breaks occurred in the direct vicinity of the axes, on the edges of the ceramic meshes. The breaking of a mesh or a link of such a bracelet makes the latter unusable and generates significant repair costs requiring the replacement of broken elements.

L'objet de la présente invention a pour but d'obvier aux inconvénients précités en réalisant, conformément à ce qu'énonce la revendication 1, un bracelet comprenant une pluralité d'éléments articulés entre eux, appelés maillons et formés chacun d'au moins une maille et comportant au moins un logement destiné à recevoir un organe de liaison associant les mailles et/ou les maillons entre eux. Ce bracelet présente une conception qui rend les mailles moins sensibles aux chocs mécaniques accidentels.The object of the present invention is to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks by producing, in accordance with the terms of claim 1, a bracelet comprising a plurality of elements articulated together, called links and each formed of at least a mesh and having at least one housing for receiving a connecting member associating the stitches and / or the links between them. This bracelet has a design that makes the mesh less sensitive to accidental mechanical shocks.

Certaines mailles sont de préférence au moins en partie réalisées en un matériau fragile, tel que la céramique, un métal dur fritté, le verre ou un minéral de type saphir ou rubis par exemple. Les éléments articulés de ce bracelet seront de préférence engagés les uns dans les autres de façon à être étroitement reliés entre eux par les organes de liaison, à savoir des organes ou axes d'articulation et éventuellement des tiges d'assemblage. De préférence au nombre de deux ou trois, ces organes de liaison sont logés dans la ou les mailles du maillon, chacun dans un logement formé d'au moins un trou de maille.Certain meshes are preferably at least partly made of a brittle material, such as ceramic, a sintered hard metal, glass or a sapphire or ruby type mineral, for example. The articulated elements of this bracelet will preferably be engaged in each other so as to be closely interconnected by the connecting members, namely members or hinge pins and possibly assembly rods. Preferably of the number of two or three, these connecting members are housed in the mesh or meshes of the link, each in a housing formed of at least one mesh hole.

Selon l'invention, au voisinage immédiat des extrémités ouvertes d'au moins certains trous de mailles, de préférence de mailles de faible résilience et en particulier au moins des trous réservés au passage d'un axe d'articulation, il est prévu un débattement de l'organe de liaison qui, en cet endroit, empêche localement cet organe d'entrer en contact avec la maille. Ainsi et selon le mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, chaque débattement offre, au voisinage direct des bords des mailles desquelles font saillie les organes de liaison, un espace libre ou du moins un intervalle qui empêche de transmettre à ces mailles les efforts concentrés sur ces organes en ces extrémités, lorsque ces derniers sont soumis à des sollicitations mécaniques.According to the invention, in the immediate vicinity of the open ends of at least some mesh holes, preferably meshes of low resilience and in particular at least holes reserved for the passage of a hinge pin, there is provided a deflection of the connecting member which, locally, locally prevents this member from coming into contact with the mesh. Thus, and according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, each deflection offers, in the direct vicinity of the edges of the meshes from which the connection members project, a free space or at least one gap which prevents the transmission of concentrated efforts to these meshes. on these bodies at these ends, when the latter are subjected to mechanical stresses.

Avantageusement, ce moyen évite toute rupture des mailles qui, par nature ou en raison des conditions de température anormales dans lesquelles elles pourraient être placées, sont ou deviennent sensibles aux impacts mécaniques.Advantageously, this means avoids any breakage of the meshes which, by nature or because of the abnormal temperature conditions in which they could be placed, are or become sensitive to mechanical impacts.

Selon le mode de réalisation préféré, la liberté ou l'amplitude de mouvement ainsi réservée à l'organe de liaison par ce moyen de débattement est obtenue par réduction de sa section transversale au droit de l'ouverture du trou ménagé dans la maille. Une telle réduction peut être réalisée par l'usinage sur cet organe d'une gorge pouvant présenter différentes largeurs et/ou profils en fonction des performances recherchées. Un tel organe, aussi appelé axe à gorges, comprendra au moins autant de gorges qu'il y a d'extrémités ouvertes parmi l'ensemble des mailles fragiles qu'il traverse.According to the preferred embodiment, the freedom or the range of motion thus reserved for the connecting member by the deflection means is obtained by reducing its cross section to the right of opening the hole in the mesh. Such a reduction can be achieved by machining on this member of a groove that can have different widths and / or profiles depending on the desired performance. Such an organ, also called grooved axis, will comprise at least as many grooves as there are open ends among the set of fragile meshes it passes through.

D'autres avantages et spécificités apparaîtront à la lumière de la description qui va suivre et qui se réfère à un mode de réalisation préféré de l'objet de l'invention ainsi qu'à des variantes, pris à titre nullement limitatif et illustrés schématiquement et à titre d'exemple par les figures annexées dans lesquelles:

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective et en coupe partielle d'une portion de bracelet selon le mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en coupe verticale du bracelet selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1.
  • Les figures 3a à 3d sont des vues agrandies de différents profils de gorges que peuvent adopter les axes et/ou tiges liant les mailles ou maillons du bracelet.
  • La figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 2 mais dans laquelle le bracelet comprend en variante que trois rangées de mailles.
  • La figure 5 est une variante de l'illustration représentée à la figure 4.
Other advantages and specific features will become apparent in the light of the description which follows and which refers to a preferred embodiment of the subject of the invention as well as to variants, taken as a non-limiting and illustrated schematically and by way of example by the appended figures in which:
  • The figure 1 is a perspective view in partial section of a bracelet portion according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the bracelet along line II-II of the figure 1 .
  • The Figures 3a to 3d are enlarged views of different groove profiles that can adopt the axes and / or rods linking the links or links of the bracelet.
  • The figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 2 but in which the bracelet comprises as a variant that three rows of stitches.
  • The figure 5 is a variant of the illustration shown in the figure 4 .

En référence à la figure 1, celle-ci illustre une portion de bracelet 1 dans une vue en perspective et en coupe partielle. Tel que représenté, ce bracelet est un bracelet de montre réalisé sur une conception à cinq rangées R1 à R5 de mailles 2, 3, 4 formant une pluralité d'éléments articulés entre eux. Selon cet arrangement, les mailles dites de bord 2, situées sur les rangées R1 et R5, ainsi que les mailles dites de centre 3, disposées sur la rangée R3, sont judicieusement réalisées dans des matériaux résilients tels que des métaux (acier, or, titane, etc...) ou des alliages. Par cette disposition, les mailles situées sur les rangées R2 et R4, appelées mailles intermédiaires 4, se trouvent ainsi protégées par les rangées de mailles adjacentes. Pour cette raison, ce sont ces mailles intermédiaires qui seront préférentiellement choisies pour être réalisées au moins en partie en matériau de faible ou de moindre résilience. De préférence les mailles intermédiaires 4 seront entièrement fabriquées en céramique, plus particulièrement en zircone connue comme étant une céramique dite technique ou industrielle. On comprendra bien sûr que d'autres matériaux pourraient également servir à l'exécution de ces mailles. Parmi ces matériaux, on préférera encore le saphir ou le rubis au métal dur fritté, par exemple.With reference to the figure 1 , this illustrates a bracelet portion 1 in a perspective view and in partial section. As shown, this bracelet is a watch strap made on a five-row design R 1 to R 5 with meshes 2, 3, 4 forming a plurality of elements articulated together. According to this arrangement, the so-called edge stitches 2, situated on the rows R 1 and R 5 , as well as the so-called center stitches 3, arranged on the row R 3 , are judiciously made of resilient materials such as metals (steel , gold, titanium, etc ...) or alloys. By this arrangement, the stitches on the rows R2 and R4, called intermediate stitches 4, are thus protected by the rows of adjacent stitches. For this reason, it is these intermediate meshes that will preferably be chosen to be made at least partly of low or low resilience material. Preferably the intermediate meshes 4 will be entirely made of ceramic, more particularly in zirconia known as a so-called technical or industrial ceramics. It will of course be understood that other materials could also be used for the execution of these meshes. Among these materials, we will still prefer sapphire or ruby to the sintered hard metal, for example.

Les différentes mailles 2, 3, 4 sont reliées les unes aux autres par au moins un organe de liaison 10 en particulier par trois organes de liaison 10, 11, 12 comme illustré dans la figure 1. A l'exception de quelques maillons singuliers, tels que le fixage 5 situé entre les cornes de la carrure de la montre, voire les maillons de liaison rattachés au fermoir du bracelet, les éléments articulés du bracelet comportent chacun au moins deux organes de liaison, en particulier deux axes d'articulation 10. Chacun de ces organes de liaison est commun à plusieurs mailles, notamment à toutes les mailles d'une même lignée ainsi qu'à certaines mailles des lignées adjacentes amont et aval. On précisera à ce propos, que les lignées ainsi définies correspondent à une succession de mailles adjacentes formant une ligne transversale aux rangées R1 à R5. Les adjectifs amont et aval font quant à eux référence à l'éloignement de l'élément considéré par rapport au fixage 5 ou aux mailles de fixage intermédiaire 6 qui sont des mailles particulières destinées à relier le bracelet 1 à la carrure de la montre (non illustrée). Ainsi, par rapport à un point donné, les mailles situées en amont seront plus proches du fixage que les mailles situées en aval.The different meshes 2, 3, 4 are connected to each other by at least one connecting member 10 in particular by three connecting members 10, 11, 12 as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 . With the exception of a few singular links, such as the fixing 5 located between the horns of the middle part of the watch, or even the connecting links attached to the clasp of the bracelet, the articulated elements of the bracelet each comprise at least two connecting members, in particular two axes of articulation 10. Each of these connecting members is common to several meshes, in particular to all the meshes of the same line as well as to certain meshes of the adjacent lines upstream and downstream. In this regard, it will be pointed out that the lines thus defined correspond to a succession of adjacent meshes forming a line transverse to the rows R 1 to R 5 . The adjectives upstream and downstream refer to the distance of the element in relation to fixing 5 or intermediate fixing meshes 6 which are particular meshes intended to connect the bracelet 1 to the middle part of the watch (no shown). Thus, with respect to a given point, the meshes located upstream will be closer to fixing than the meshes located downstream.

Les mailles de bords 2 et la maille de centre 3 d'une même lignée sont alignées et maintiennent entre elles deux mailles intermédiaires 4 qui se trouvent décalées vers l'aval par rapport à cet alignement. L'ensemble de ces cinq mailles forme à lui seul l'entité que l'on appellera maillon 7 et qui est illustrée dans la figure 1 par la ligne de contour représentée en trait interrompu. Les maillons 7 constituent les éléments articulés du bracelet. Ils comportent chacun au moins une maille. Les mailles d'un même maillon sont maintenues ensemble de manière rigide, c'est à dire sans articulation entre elles, par au moins une tige appelée tige d'assemblage 11, préférentiellement par deux tiges d'assemblage 11 et 12. Vu que les maillons 7 sont tous similaires les uns les autres et compte tenu des positions décalées vers l'aval des mailles intermédiaires 4, les maillons 7 peuvent s'imbriquer les uns dans les autres, c'est-à-dire s'engager les uns dans les autres pour être étroitement liés, et être assemblés d'amont en aval en un chaînage articulé par le biais des axes 10. Ces derniers sont définis comme étant précisément des axes d'articulation qui confèrent à deux maillons adjacents une articulation cylindrique de type simple, comparable à une charnière.The edge stitches 2 and the center stitch 3 of the same line are aligned and hold between them two intermediate stitches 4 which are offset downstream with respect to this alignment. All of these five meshes form on its own the entity that will be called link 7 and which is illustrated in FIG. figure 1 by the contour line shown in broken lines. The links 7 constitute the articulated elements of the bracelet. They each have at least one mesh. The meshes of the same link are held together rigidly, that is to say without articulation between them, by at least one rod called assembly rod 11, preferably by two connecting rods 11 and 12. links 7 are all similar to each other and given the positions offset downstream of the intermediate meshes 4, the links 7 can interlock with each other, that is to say engage some in the others to be closely related, and to be assembled from upstream to downstream in an articulated linkage through the axes 10. These are defined as being precisely axes of articulation which give two adjacent links a cylindrical articulation of simple type , comparable to a hinge.

Les éléments articulés 7 comportent chacun au moins un logement formé d'au moins un trou 15, mieux visible sur les figures 2, 4 et 5, pour y recevoir un organe de liaison 10, 11, 12. De préférence et comme illustré sur la figure 1, ces organes sont dissimulés dans les mailles qu'ils relient. Ils ne sont donc pas apparents sur les faces extérieures des mailles de bord 2, ni même visibles entre les mailles 2, 3, 4 en raison du très faible jeu interstitiel entre ces mailles. Ces dernières sont donc avantageusement pourvues de trous borgnes 15', alors que les trous 15 des mailles de centre 3 ou des mailles intermédiaires 4 sont de type traversant pour permettre le passage des organes de liaison 10, 11, 12. D'une façon générale, les trous 15 et 15' d'une même lignée forment un logement pour un organe de liaison.The articulated elements 7 each comprise at least one housing formed of at least one hole 15, better visible on the figures 2 , 4 and 5 , to receive a connecting member 10, 11, 12. Preferably and as illustrated on the figure 1 these organs are hidden in the meshes they connect. They are not apparent on the outer faces of the edge meshes 2, nor even visible between the meshes 2, 3, 4 because of the very low interstitial clearance between these meshes. The latter are therefore advantageously provided with blind holes 15 ', while the holes 15 of the center stitches 3 or the intermediate stitches 4 are of the through type to allow the passage of the connecting members 10, 11, 12. , the holes 15 and 15 'of the same line form a housing for a connecting member.

En référence à la figure 2, celle-ci représente le bracelet à cinq rangées de la figure précédente, dans une vue en coupe verticale selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1. Selon cette ligne II-II, la coupe intervient sur l'axe d'articulation 10. On remarquera, qu'au moins à chaque extrémité ouverte 16 des trous 15 ménagés dans les mailles intermédiaires 4, en l'occurrence les mailles dites de faible résilience, se trouve un débattement 20 de l'organe d'assemblage qui traverse ces extrémités ouvertes ou embouchures des trous 15. A toutes fins utiles, on précisera que le terme embouchure, employé ici comme synonyme de l'extrémité ouverte 16 du trou 15, désigne la zone située au voisinage immédiat de l'entrée ou de la sortie de ce trou de maille.With reference to the figure 2 , this represents the bracelet with five rows of the previous figure, in a vertical sectional view along the line II-II of the figure 1 . According to this line II-II, the cut occurs on the hinge pin 10. It will be noted that at least at each open end 16 holes 15 formed in the meshes intermediate 4, in this case the so-called low resilience meshes, is a clearance 20 of the assembly member which passes through these open ends or mouths of the holes 15. For all practical purposes, it will be specified that the term mouthpiece, used here, as synonymous with the open end 16 of the hole 15, designates the zone located in the immediate vicinity of the inlet or outlet of this mesh hole.

Par ce biais, le moyen qu'offre le débattement 20 de l'organe de liaison en question empêche ce dernier de venir au contact de la maille à un endroit situé à proximité de l'ouverture du trou de la maille. Ainsi, lorsque cet axe ou organe de liaison est soumis à une contrainte de déformation élastique qui induirait localement, à l'interface de deux mailles ou portions de maille disposées côte à côte, une flexion du tronçon correspondant de cet organe, tout contact entre ce tronçon et la maille peut être avantageusement évité. De ce fait, le premier point d'appui entre la maille et l'organe de liaison est déplacé en direction de la partie centrale de la maille. En repoussant cet appui vers l'intérieur de la maille, on évite ainsi les effets dits de bord qui génèrent sur la maille des concentrations de contraintes importantes aux ouvertures et entraîneraient une fatigue ou une rupture prématurée de la maille lorsque le maillon du bracelet est soumis à un choc mécanique.By this means, the means offered by the deflection 20 of the connecting member in question prevents it from coming into contact with the mesh at a location near the opening of the hole of the mesh. Thus, when this axis or connecting member is subjected to an elastic deformation stress which induces locally, at the interface of two meshes or mesh portions arranged side by side, a bending of the corresponding section of this member, any contact between this stump and mesh can be advantageously avoided. Therefore, the first point of support between the mesh and the connecting member is moved towards the central portion of the mesh. By pushing this support towards the inside of the mesh, it avoids so-called edge effects that generate on the mesh concentrations of significant stress openings and would cause fatigue or premature rupture of the mesh when the link of the bracelet is subject to a mechanical shock.

Selon le mode de réalisation préféré, le débattement 20 résulte d'un intervalle ou dégagement situé entre l'organe de liaison et la maille correspondante. Cet éloignement ou distance de séparation est obtenu par réduction de la section transversale de l'organe de liaison au droit de l'extrémité ouverte 16, par l'accommodement sur l'organe de liaison d'une gorge 21 dont le profil peut être celui d'une gorge 21 droite, d'une gorge 21 chanfreinée, d'une gorge 21 à bords arrondis, d'une gorge 21 à courbure progressive ou encore d'une gorge 21 formée d'une combinaison de ces géométries. Ces différentes formes de gorges sont illustrées à titre d'exemple aux figures 3a à 3d. Les figures 3c et 3d montrent des combinaisons où la gorge 21 est d'un côté chanfreinée et de l'autre possède un bord arrondi, respectivement un bord à courbure progressive. Avantageusement, une gorge qui présente une courbure progressive sur son côté orienté en direction de l'intérieur de la maille permet, lorsque la portion de l'organe de liaison qui la traverse est soumise à une contrainte mécanique, de répartir graduellement la sollicitation de la maille sur une plage s'étendant de sa partie centrale jusque vers les bords de cette maille. Grâce à cette répartition graduelle, toute concentration des efforts dans les bords de la maille peut être évitée, du moins limitée, de manière très probante.According to the preferred embodiment, the deflection 20 results from an interval or clearance located between the connecting member and the corresponding mesh. This distance or separation distance is obtained by reducing the cross section of the connecting member to the right of the open end 16, by the accommodation on the connecting member of a groove 21 whose profile may be the same. a straight groove 21, a groove 21 chamfered, a groove 21 with rounded edges, a groove 21 with progressive curvature or a groove 21 formed of a combination of these geometries. These different forms of grooves are illustrated by way of example in Figures 3a to 3d . The Figures 3c and 3d show combinations where the groove 21 is on one chamfered side and the other has a rounded edge, respectively a progressive curvature edge. Advantageously, a groove which has a progressive curvature on its side oriented towards the inside of the mesh allows, when the portion of the connecting member which passes through it is subjected to a mechanical stress, to gradually distribute the stress of the mesh on a beach extending from its central portion to the edges of this mesh. With this gradual distribution, any concentration of efforts in the edges of the mesh can be avoided, at least limited, very convincingly.

Une telle courbe progressive pourrait être celle adoptée par la forme d'une portion de tonneau. Avantageusement, cette forme permet de solliciter davantage le centre de la maille plutôt que ses bords lorsqu'une déformation élastique survient dans la portion de l'organe d'assemblage traversant cette maille. Ainsi, cette forme favorise au mieux la répartition des contraintes mécaniques le long de la portion de cet organe. De plus, en termes de défaillances mécaniques, il a été constaté que la géométrie en tonneau sollicite davantage les organes de liaison que les mailles.Such a progressive curve could be that adopted by the shape of a barrel portion. Advantageously, this shape makes it possible to further stress the center of the mesh rather than its edges when an elastic deformation occurs in the portion of the assembly member passing through this mesh. Thus, this form best promotes the distribution of mechanical stresses along the portion of this organ. In addition, in terms of mechanical failures, it has been found that the barrel geometry more solves the connecting members than the meshes.

De préférence, tous les organes de liaison 10, 11, 12 seront de section circulaire et auront un diamètre extérieur compris entre 1.0 et 2.0 mm, plus particulièrement entre 1.4 et 1.6 mm. Le diamètre au fond des gorges 21 des axes à gorges sera réduit d'une valeur comprise entre 5% et 25%, plus particulièrement entre 11% et 15%, du diamètre extérieur de l'axe. Ce dernier peut en outre varier le long de l'axe, notamment lorsque le diamètre des trous des mailles de centre diffère quelque peu de celui des trous des mailles de bord. Les valeurs équivalentes à un diamètre extérieur de 1.5 mm pour une gorge dont le diamètre minimum est de 1.3 mm seront privilégiées car elles correspondent au meilleur compromis entre la résistance de l'axe et l'importance du dégagement résultant de la gorge. En effet, de telles dimensions permettent d'obtenir de bonnes performances en termes de résistance aux chocs en laissant un espace interstitiel suffisant entre le fond de la gorge et le bord de la maille, à l'ouverture du trou de l'axe lors de la flexion sous charge de celui-ci. Ce jeu reste dans tous les cas effectif, même en tenant compte des tolérances appliquées aux cotes fonctionnelles du diamètre de perçage du trou et des diamètres sur l'axe.Preferably, all the connecting members 10, 11, 12 will be of circular section and have an outer diameter of between 1.0 and 2.0 mm, more particularly between 1.4 and 1.6 mm. The diameter at the bottom of the grooves 21 of the grooved pins will be reduced by a value of between 5% and 25%, more particularly between 11% and 15%, of the outer diameter of the axis. The latter can also vary along the axis, especially when the diameter of the holes of the center stitches differs somewhat from that of the holes of the mesh of edge. The values equivalent to an outside diameter of 1.5 mm for a groove with a minimum diameter of 1.3 mm will be preferred because they correspond to the best compromise between the resistance of the axis and the importance of the clearance resulting from the groove. In fact, such dimensions make it possible to obtain good performance in terms of impact resistance by leaving a sufficient interstitial space between the bottom of the groove and the edge of the mesh, at the opening of the hole of the axis when bending under load of it. This game remains in all cases effective, even taking into account the tolerances applied to the functional dimensions of the hole drilling diameter and the diameters on the axis.

Dans une variante illustrée à la figure 5, le débattement 20 de l'axe pourrait être constitué d'un espace libre ou dégagement obtenu par l'arrangement, dans la maille, d'un cône d'entrée ouvert vers l'extérieur de cette maille et situé à l'ouverture du trou réservé au passage de l'organe d'assemblage. Un tel cône d'entrée consisterait en un évasement ou élargissement prononcé de l'orifice de l'ouverture du trou de maille et permettrait également de réduire, bien que moins efficacement, les effets de bord sur cette maille tout en ayant un organe de liaison dépourvu de gorge au droit des extrémités ouvertes. D'une façon plus générale, ce dégagement pourrait être défini comme étant une évasure 22 de l'extrémité ouverte 16. On précisera encore qu'un simple chanfrein, tel que celui visible sur les mailles 2 ou 3 de la figure 2, ne constitue nullement un dégagement au sens où il faut le comprendre ici, à savoir un débattement suffisamment efficace pour remplir la fonction que la présente invention lui attribue. En effet, tout simple chanfrein aura pour seul but de faciliter l'engagement de l'organe, d'éliminer les bavures d'usinage ou pourra simplement découler d'un impératif dans le cas par exemple d'une fabrication issue par un procédé de moulage.In a variant illustrated in figure 5 the deflection 20 of the axis could consist of a free space or clearance obtained by the arrangement, in the mesh, of an inlet cone open towards the outside of this mesh and located at the opening of the hole reserved for the passage of the assembly member. Such an entry cone would consist of a pronounced widening or widening of the orifice of the opening of the mesh hole and would also reduce, although less effectively, the edge effects on this mesh while having a connecting member devoid of throat to the right of the open ends. More generally, this clearance could be defined as being an opening 22 of the open end 16. It will be further specified that a simple chamfer, such as that visible on the meshes 2 or 3 of the figure 2 does not constitute a clearance in the sense that it must be understood here, namely a clearance sufficiently effective to fulfill the function that the present invention attributes to it. Indeed, any simple chamfer will only serve to facilitate the engagement of the member, to eliminate machining burrs or may simply arise from a requirement in the case for example of a manufacture resulting from a process of molding.

Suivant un autre mode de réalisation, le débattement pourrait être obtenu par un organe torique ou cylindrique tel qu'un manchon, réalisé dans une matière très résiliente et qui permettrait de faire office d'amortisseur. Une telle matière serait donc capable d'absorber les contraintes mécaniques survenant dans l'organe de liaison afin d'éviter de les transmettre à la maille ou du moins de générer une concentration d'efforts dans ses bords. Pour ce faire, ce manchon pourrait être disposé autour de l'organe de liaison, dissimulé dans les bords de la maille, au voisinage des extrémités ouvertes du trou réservé à cet organe. En variante, en plaçant ce manchon dans une gorge de l'organe de liaison, il pourrait également remplir l'intervalle qui sépare le fond de la gorge de la paroi ou surface intérieure du trou de la maille en son extrémité ouverte.According to another embodiment, the deflection could be obtained by a toric or cylindrical member such as a sleeve, made of a very resilient material and which would act as a damper. Such a material would therefore be able to absorb the mechanical stresses occurring in the connecting member in order to avoid transmitting them to the mesh or at least generating a concentration of forces in its edges. To do this, this sleeve could be arranged around the connecting member, hidden in the edges of the mesh, in the vicinity of the open ends of the hole reserved for this body. Alternatively, by placing this sleeve in a groove of the connecting member, it could also fill the gap between the bottom of the groove of the wall or inner surface of the hole of the mesh at its open end.

Selon un mode de réalisation combiné, il pourrait être également possible, en plus du moyen de débattement 20 constitué par les gorges 21 de l'organe de liaison, d'élargir l'extrémité ouverte du trou 15 duquel cet axe fait saillie par un cône d'entrée ouvert vers l'extérieur de la maille.According to a combined embodiment, it could also be possible, in addition to the deflection means 20 constituted by the grooves 21 of the connecting member, to widen the open end of the hole 15 from which this axis projects by a cone. open entrance to the outside of the mesh.

Dans tous les cas, le débattement 20 de l'organe d'assemblage en question vise à répartir toute sollicitation transmise à la maille, par suite d'efforts induits dans l'organe de liaison, sur une plage s'étendant de la partie centrale de cette maille jusqu'aux bords de cette dernière. A toutes fins utiles, on notera que le terme débattement définit ici l'amplitude du mouvement possible de l'organe de liaison, en particulier des portions de cet organe situées en vis-à-vis des extrémités ouvertes 16, autour de sa position d'équilibre matérialisée par l'axe du logement dans lequel il repose.In all cases, the deflection 20 of the assembly member in question aims to distribute any bias transmitted to the mesh, as a result of forces induced in the connecting member, over a range extending from the central portion from this stitch to the edges of the latter. For all practical purposes, it will be noted that the term "clearance" here defines the amplitude of the possible movement of the connecting member, in particular portions of this member located opposite the open ends 16, around its position relative to its position. equilibrium materialized by the axis of the dwelling in which it rests.

Tel qu'illustré à la figure 1, les tiges d'assemblage 11 et 12 sont dépourvues de gorges 21 au droit des extrémités ouvertes 16. Toutefois, cela n'exclut en rien l'agencement dans le présent bracelet 1 d'une ou plusieurs tiges d'assemblage 11, 12 semblables ou identiques à l'axe d'articulation 10. D'une manière plus générale, il pourrait être envisagé de prévoir pour chaque extrémité ouverte 16 quelle qu'elle soit, un débattement 20 de l'organe de liaison qui en fait saillie. Ainsi, tous les organes 10, 11, 12 d'assemblage des mailles 2, 3, 4, pourraient être des organes pourvus de gorges 21 tels que décrits précédemment. La résistance et la performance finale des maillons du bracelet s'en trouveraient ainsi encore améliorées.As illustrated in figure 1 , the assembly rods 11 and 12 are devoid of grooves 21 to the open ends 16. However, this does not exclude anything the arrangement in the present bracelet 1 of one or more connecting rods 11, 12 similar or identical to the axis of articulation 10. In a more general manner, it could be envisaged to provide for each open end 16 whatever it may be, a deflection 20 of the connecting member which protrudes therefrom. Thus, all the assembly members 10, 11, 12 of the meshes 2, 3, 4 could be members provided with grooves 21 as described above. The resistance and the final performance of the links of the bracelet would thus be further improved.

De préférence encore, les tiges d'assemblage 11, 12 peuvent être de surfaces lisses ou être pourvues de portées moletées afin d'améliorer leur tenue au sein des mailles qu'elles relient. En particulier, de telles portées moletées seront de préférence situées aux extrémités des tiges d'assemblage destinées à venir se loger dans les trous 15' des mailles de bord 2. Aussi, les tiges d'assemblage 11, 12 dépourvues de gorges 16 seront maintenues chassées au sein des mailles, contrairement aux axes à gorge qui, pour éviter tout flambage, seront de préférence ajustés avec un léger serrage dans les trous 15 durant leur montage.More preferably, the assembly rods 11, 12 may have smooth surfaces or be provided with knurled bearings to improve their strength within the mesh they connect. In particular, such knurled lands will preferably be located at the ends of the assembly rods intended to be housed in the holes 15 'of the edge mesh 2. Also, the assembly rods 11, 12 devoid of grooves 16 will be maintained hunted within the mesh, unlike the grooved pins which, to prevent buckling, will preferably be adjusted with a slight tightening in the holes 15 during assembly.

La figure 4 illustre une variante de la conception des mailles du bracelet 1, selon une vue similaire à la figure 2 mais dans laquelle l'arrangement des mailles ne comprend que trois rangées R1' , R2', R3'. Ainsi, si les mailles de bord 2 restent inchangées, les mailles de centre et les mailles intermédiaires d'une même lignée sont remplacées ici par une seule maille intermédiaire 4', réalisée de préférence en un matériau de faible résilience. Au travers de cette figure, on remarquera que l'objet de la présente invention n'est nullement tributaire de l'arrangement des mailles au sein des différents maillons du bracelet, ni du nombre de ces dernières, ni de la matière dans laquelle elles sont réalisées.The figure 4 illustrates a variant of the mesh design of the bracelet 1, according to a view similar to the figure 2 but in which the mesh arrangement comprises only three rows R 1 ', R 2 ', R 3 '. Thus, if the edge meshes 2 remain unchanged, the center stitches and the intermediate stitches of the same line are here replaced by a single intermediate stitch 4 ', preferably made of a material of low resilience. Through this figure, it will be noted that the object of the present invention is in no way dependent on the arrangement of the stitches within the various links of the bracelet, nor of the number of these, nor of the material in which they are performed.

Grâce à la solution apportée par l'invention, il a été constaté, lors de tests effectués sur un bracelet conforme à celui représenté à la figure 1, que le bracelet était capable de résister à des contraintes découlant d'un impact d'une montre équipée de ce bracelet et pesant 240g sur un bloc en chêne après être lâché d'une hauteur de 1.3m. Ces résultats ont montré que l'objet de l'invention permet d'augmenter les performances de résistance aux chocs du bracelet d'un facteur de 2.5 par rapport à un bracelet dont les axes d'articulation sont dépourvus de gorges aux ouvertures des trous de mailles qu'ils traversent. En effet, une rupture des mailles intermédiaires au niveau des axes d'articulation est systématiquement constatée à des hauteurs inférieures à 0.5m pour de tels bracelets.Thanks to the solution provided by the invention, it has been found, in tests carried out on a bracelet conforming to that shown in FIG. figure 1 , that the bracelet was able to withstand stresses resulting from an impact of a watch equipped with this bracelet and weighing 240g on an oak block after being dropped from a height of 1.3m. These results have shown that the object of the invention makes it possible to increase the impact resistance of the bracelet by a factor of 2.5 compared to a bracelet whose hinge pins are devoid of grooves at the openings of the holes of the bracelet. mesh that they cross. Indeed, a breakage of the intermediate meshes at the hinge axes is systematically noted at heights of less than 0.5 m for such bracelets.

On notera encore que l'objet de l'invention a été développé en premier lieu pour résoudre le problème de rupture de mailles en céramique lors de chocs accidentels sur le bracelet. Cependant, on remarquera que la solution proposée s'appliquerait tout aussi bien à des bracelets dont les mailles ne sont pas particulièrement sensibles aux chocs mécaniques. Ainsi, dans le cas où les mailles du bracelet seraient toutes réalisées en métal, par exemple en acier, en or ou dans un alliage quelconque, la solution apportée par la présente invention contribuerait également à éviter les effets de bord dans les mailles et à soulager ainsi les extrémités ouvertes des trous des organes de liaison, d'une fatigue découlant d'une concentration d'efforts peu souhaitable.It will be noted that the object of the invention was developed first to solve the problem of breaking ceramic mesh during accidental impacts on the bracelet. However, it will be noted that the proposed solution would apply equally well to bracelets whose meshes are not particularly sensitive to mechanical shocks. Thus, in the case where the mesh of the bracelet would all be made of metal, for example steel, gold or any alloy, the solution provided by the present invention would also help to avoid the edge effects in the mesh and to relieve and the open ends of the holes of the connecting members, a fatigue resulting from an undesirable concentration of effort.

Claims (11)

Bracelet (1) comprenant une pluralité d'éléments articulés (7) entre eux qui comportent chacun au moins une maille (2, 3, 4, 4') et au moins un logement formé d'au moins un trou (15, 15') pour y recevoir un organe de liaison (10, 11, 12), caractérisé en ce qu'au voisinage d'extrémités ouvertes (16) d'au moins certains desdits trous (15, 15'), il est prévu un débattement (20) de l'organe de liaison (10, 11, 12) empêchant en ce lieu tout contact entre ce dernier et lesdites mailles (2, 3, 4, 4').Bracelet (1) comprising a plurality of articulated elements (7) between them which each comprise at least one mesh (2, 3, 4, 4 ') and at least one housing formed of at least one hole (15, 15') ) for receiving a connecting member (10, 11, 12), characterized in that in the vicinity of open ends (16) of at least some of said holes (15, 15 '), a clearance ( 20) of the connecting member (10, 11, 12) preventing in this place any contact between the latter and said meshes (2, 3, 4, 4 '). Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe de liaison est un axe d'articulation (10) ou une tige d'assemblage (11, 12) et en ce que ledit débattement (20) est obtenu par une réduction locale (21) de la section transversale de cet organe de liaison (10, 11, 12).Bracelet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting member is a hinge axis (10) or an assembly rod (11, 12) and in that said deflection (20) is obtained by a local reduction (21) of the cross section of this connecting member (10, 11, 12). Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ladite réduction locale possède un profil qui est celui d'une gorge (21) droite, d'une gorge (21) chanfreinée, d'une gorge (21) à bords arrondis ou à courbure progressive ou encore d'une gorge (21) formée d'une combinaison de ces profils.Bracelet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said local reduction has a profile which is that of a straight groove (21), a groove (21) chamfered, a groove (21) with rounded edges or progressive curvature or a groove (21) formed of a combination of these profiles. Bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit débattement (20) est obtenu par un dégagement formant une évasure (22) de ladite ouverture (16).Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that said deflection (20) is obtained by a clearance forming an opening (22) of said opening (16). Bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit débattement (20) est obtenu par un organe torique ou cylindrique amortisseur réalisé en une matière résiliente et agencé entre l'organe de liaison (10, 11, 12) et la maille (2, 3, 4, 4').Bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that said deflection (20) is obtained by a toric or cylindrical damper member made of a resilient material and arranged between the connecting member (10, 11, 12) and the mesh (2, 3, 4, 4 '). Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 2 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit débattement (20) comprend en outre une évasure (22) de ladite ouverture (16).Bracelet (1) according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that said deflection (20) further comprises an opening (22) of said opening (16). Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une desdites mailles (2, 3, 4, 4') est au moins en partie réalisée dans un matériau non résilient ou de faible résilience.Bracelet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said meshes (2, 3, 4, 4 ') is at least partly made of a non-resilient material or of low resilience. Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau est de la céramique, un métal dur fritté, du verre ou un minéral tel que du saphir ou du rubis.Bracelet (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said material is ceramic, a sintered hard metal, glass or a mineral such as sapphire or ruby. Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe de liaison (10, 11, 12) pourvu de réductions locales (21) de sa section transversale est maintenu par un ajustement à serrage léger au sein des éléments articulés (2, 3, 4, 4', 7) qu'il relie.Bracelet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said connecting member (10, 11, 12) provided with local reductions (21) of its cross section is maintained by a slight interference fit within the articulated elements (2 , 3, 4, 4 ', 7) that it connects. Bracelet (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments articulés (7) sont formés chacun d'une alternance d'au moins une maille (4, 4') en matériau non résilient ou de faible résilience et de mailles (2, 3) de plus grande résilience.Bracelet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said articulated elements (7) are each formed of an alternation of at least one mesh (4, 4 ') of non-resilient or low-resilience material and mesh ( 2, 3) of greater resilience. Utilisation du bracelet (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes comme bracelet de montre ou comme pièce de bijouterie.Use of the bracelet (1) according to one of the preceding claims as a watch strap or as a piece of jewelry.
EP09405098A 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Bracelet made up of articulated links Withdrawn EP2260740A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09405098A EP2260740A1 (en) 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Bracelet made up of articulated links
US13/322,683 US9289036B2 (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Watchstrap made of hinged links
JP2012513431A JP5965314B2 (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Bracelet formed with articulated chains
EP10725954.1A EP2440085B1 (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Bracelet made up of articulated links
PCT/CH2010/000137 WO2010142049A1 (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Watchstrap made of hinged links
CN201080025212.5A CN102458177B (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Watchstrap made of hinged links

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09405098A EP2260740A1 (en) 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Bracelet made up of articulated links

Publications (1)

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EP2260740A1 true EP2260740A1 (en) 2010-12-15

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EP09405098A Withdrawn EP2260740A1 (en) 2009-06-08 2009-06-08 Bracelet made up of articulated links
EP10725954.1A Active EP2440085B1 (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Bracelet made up of articulated links

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EP10725954.1A Active EP2440085B1 (en) 2009-06-08 2010-05-26 Bracelet made up of articulated links

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US (1) US9289036B2 (en)
EP (2) EP2260740A1 (en)
JP (1) JP5965314B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102458177B (en)
WO (1) WO2010142049A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102458177A (en) 2012-05-16
JP5965314B2 (en) 2016-08-03
WO2010142049A1 (en) 2010-12-16
US20120069720A1 (en) 2012-03-22
US9289036B2 (en) 2016-03-22
EP2440085A1 (en) 2012-04-18
JP2012529300A (en) 2012-11-22
CN102458177B (en) 2014-07-16
EP2440085B1 (en) 2013-07-10

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