EP3213654B1 - System with retractable pins for attaching a band to a watch - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE ART

The present invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to the field of watches and parts of watches.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a fastening system making it possible to removably attach a bracelet to a watch. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the field of watches and can be applied in other fields, for example for attaching a strap to a bag, etc. Such systems are known, for example, from documents US 2,807,855A And US 4,217,681A .

Conventionally, watch straps are attached thereto by means of bars which comprise a tubular body containing a spring and two pins placed at each end of said tubular body, said pins being pushed outwards by the spring. For the actual fixing of the bracelet, each pin fits into a hole formed in the lugs of the watch case.

When the user wishes to change the bracelet (either because the current bracelet is worn/damaged or if he has several different ones and wishes to adapt them to his outfit, for example), the uncoupling of the two pins of the bar does not is not easy and preferably requires a special tool.

In addition, when fitting a bracelet, the pins of the bar which are pushed by the spring tend to scratch the internal face of the lugs as long as they have not entered the corresponding hole of the lug, an effect which is not at all desired with expensive or collectible watches.

In summary, if the current means have the advantage of simplicity, they have many disadvantages in use.

In the state of the art, several devices have been developed as a replacement for the strip. For example, posting EP 1 772 072 from Hirsch Armbänder GmbH shows a first system of pins actuated by pivoting means which are meshed one inside the other. The pivoting movement of one causes the pivoting of the other and by this pivoting of the means the pins are driven into the retracted position or into the deployed position for fixing the bracelet to the watch case. This system is nevertheless rigid and the two pins are driven together in a dependent manner. Consequently, if one of the pins is not opposite the corresponding hole in the horn, the known system is blocked and does not allow one of the pins to be fixed independently of the other. Moreover, if one of the pins is in front of its hole but not the other, the coordinated movement of the pins will scratch the inside of the horn on the side where the pin "seeks" its hole, an effect that we just want to avoid. Thus, the solution proposed by this publication is not appropriate.

The publication FR 2 445 120 from Timex Corporation describes another removable attachment system for wristwatches. This solution comprises two pivoting elements on which are directly mounted pins intended to fit into the holes of the horns of the case of the watch. Due to the mounting of the pins on the pivoting elements, any traction on the bracelet will tend to move the elements into their disengaged or disengaged position, which will release the bracelet, an effect which is obviously not desired. Consequently, it is necessary to provide in addition a lock which will block the pivoting elements in the deployed position, this lock being complex to implement since it is necessary to provide for its voluntary unlocking (when it is desired).

The publication FR 2 988 271 from Interstrap SAS describes another system for locking an interchangeable removable part (for example a bracelet) to a fixed part (for example a watch case) using pins whose movement is controlled by elastically deformable and guided connecting arms, converging symmetrically to a central body which is actuated by an external control device. This solution is complicated because it includes many small parts and includes a big weak point in the use of deformable link arms.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need to propose solutions which overcome the shortcomings of the known solutions and are simple and easy to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to improve the known solutions of the state of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for fixing a removable and interchangeable element (for example a watch strap) to a fixed element (for example a watch case).

Another object of the invention is to propose a solution which is simple, effective and easy to implement and which allows an easy exchange of a bracelet on a watch.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a system for attaching a variable element, such as a bracelet, to a fixed object, such as a watch case. The system comprises for example at least two retractable pins, two movable levers independent of each other, the movement of the levers moving, for example linearly, the pins in a deployed position allowing the attachment of the variable element to the fixed object, or in a retracted position allowing the separation of the variable element from the fixed element. The movement of the levers is preferably caused by the movement of a slider. In one variant, the levers have a rotational movement, in another variant a translational movement or a combination of the two movements, to move the pins. The displacement of pins can be linear or other (curve for example).

The system further includes a locking mechanism to maintain the levers in a position corresponding to a retracted position of the pins.

In one embodiment, each lever may comprise a head connected to a pin and controlling the movement of said pin, and a foot actuated by the slider to control the rotation of the lever. Other equivalent means (cams, gears, etc.) can be used if the levers have a translation or combined rotation-translation movement.

In one embodiment, an elastic means is placed between the pins to hold them in the deployed position. Preferably, this elastic means is a spring. Other equivalent elastic means are of course possible.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises at least two locks each having a hook intended to cooperate with a tooth on each lever or on each pin in order to maintain the system in the retracted position of the pins.

In one embodiment, the locks are preferably connected by an elastic means, such as for example a spring.

According to the invention, the slider makes it possible to unlock the locking mechanism and release the levers, for example by sliding said slider.

In another embodiment, the locking mechanism is unlocked by an insert which is moved (for example by sliding) when the system is inserted between the lugs of the watch case. This embodiment allows automatic unlocking of the pins when the system is introduced between the lugs of a watch case, more precisely when the insert presses against the case of the watch.

The movement of the slider and the insert can be a sliding, a translation or a rotation or a combination of these movements.

In one embodiment, the system mounts on a watch strap. In other embodiments, it is mounted on other similar objects (strap/shoulder strap for a bag, for example) for which it is desired to allow easy and rapid exchange of one part with respect to the other.

In the context of the application to the watch, the system according to the invention allows a quick exchange of strap, for example to mount a strap in leather, or in fabric or in metal depending on the activity of the wearer of the watch: for example, he can decide to use a leather strap for an "elegant" effect with a dressy outfit, a metal or fabric strap for more sporting activities, while keeping the same watch (i.e. The box).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 illustre un mode d'exécution de l'invention dans un état déployé, exemple lorsque le bracelet est fixé à la montre;
• La figure 2 illustre un mode d'exécution de l'invention dans un état rétracté, exemple lorsque le bracelet est fixé à la montre;
• Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent un mode d'exécution de l'invention montrant le fonctionnement du système pour passer de l'état de la figure 2 à l'état de la figure 1;
• La figure 5 illustre un autre mode d'exécution de l'invention;
• La figure 6 illustre un système selon l'invention attaché à un boîtier de montre comme exemple de réalisation.

The invention will be better understood by the description of embodiments thereof and the figures, in which

• There figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in a deployed state, for example when the bracelet is attached to the watch;
• There figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in a retracted state, for example when the bracelet is attached to the watch;
• THE figures 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention showing the operation of the system to pass from the state of the figure 2 to the state of the figure 1 ;
• There figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention;
• There figure 6 illustrates a system according to the invention attached to a watch case as an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figure 1 , the fastening system 1 according to the invention has been illustrated in a deployed state of the pins (for example when the bracelet is mounted on a watch). More specifically, the system according to the invention comprises a frame 2 (for example a base plate) fixed to the bracelet (not shown in this figure). This frame 2 comprises two channels 3, 3' which each guide a pin 4, 4' which are used for attachment to the case of the watch 30 (like the pins of the systems known and described above, see the figure 6 ). A spring 5 is provided between the pins 4, 4', said spring 5 pushing the pins into their deployed position illustrated in figure 1 . The frame 2 supports a first and a second return lever 6, 6', the rotation of which allows the deployment or withdrawal of the pins 4, 4' as explained below. Each lever 6, 6' comprises at one end a lever head 7, 7' which is linked to each pin 4, 4', for example by a chamber 8, 8', which allows by the rotation of the levers 6, 6 'and their heads 7, 7' to move the pins from a deployed position (as in the figure 1 ) to a retracted position by compressing the spring 5 (as in the figure 2 ).

Each lever 6, 6' also comprises a foot 9, 9' which is in contact with a "T"-shaped slider 10, the linear movement of which (for example by sliding) in a slot allows the rotation of the levers 6, 6' around axes of rotation 11, 11' of the levers 6, 6'. As can be understood from figures 1 and 2 , the downward movement of the slider 10 of the figures will drive the feet 9, 9' of the levers 6, 6' downwards, which will have the effect of rotating said levers 6, 6' on their axes 11, 11' . This rotation results in the rotation of the heads 7, 7' which will drive the pins 4, 4' and bring them closer together against the force of the spring 5. figure 2 thus illustrates the retracted position of the pins 4, 4'.

Due to the restoring force of spring 5, if the slider is released, the system will return to the position of the figure 1 . It is therefore preferable (but not compulsory) to provide means for blocking the system in the position of the picture 2 .

These locking means comprise in particular two bolts 12, 12' mounted on pins 13, 13' and interconnected by a spring 14, said bolts 12, 12' maintaining the levers in the position of the figure 2 when hooked to said levers 6, 6'.

The actuation of the locking means is understood by considering the figures 2 to 4 and the different positions taken by the cursor 10 in these figures 2-4 . In the figure 2 , as indicated above, the system 1 is in the retracted position and the levers 6, 6' are locked in the position illustrated by means of the spring 14 which pushes the locking end 15, 15' of the locks 12, 12' in their hooking position of the levers 6, 6' on the locking tooth 16, 16' of the said levers 6, 6'.

To open the locks 12, 12' and release the levers 6, 6', it is necessary to move the slider 10 upwards in the figures, as illustrated successively in the figures 3 and 4 until a contact is reached between the upper part of the "T" of the slider 10 and the extensions 17, 17' of the locks 12, 12', contact illustrated by circles containing a cross 18, 18' in the figure 4 . The continuation of the vertical movement in the figures of the slider 10 will have the effect of rotating the locks 12, 12' around their axes 13, 13' and of disengaging the locking hooks 15, 15'/teeth 16, 16' and releasing the levers 6, 6' and thus join the configuration of the figure 1 or the pins 4, 4' are deployed.

The slider 10 by its movement therefore makes it possible on the one hand to bring the pins 6, 6' into their retracted position (from the figure 1 to the figure 2 ) and also to unlock the system to allow the pins to leave their retracted position and reach their extended position (from the figure 4 to the figure 1 ).

The system according to the invention is therefore simple to implement, is controlled only with a slider, allows independent activation of each pin (does not impose the simultaneous deployment of the two) and is very stable once the pins are in deployed position.

In an embodiment illustrated in the figure 5 , provision is made for automatic unlocking of the system when it is inserted between the lugs 31, 31' of the case of the watch 30 (see figure 6 ). In this mode of execution, the elements identical or corresponding to those of the previous modes are referenced with the same numbers. This automatic unlocking includes for example an insert 21 whose function replaces that of the cursor for unlocking as illustrated in the figure 4 . This insert 21 moves (for example by sliding in a linear manner) when it comes into contact with the case of the watch 30 and when it is close to its fixing position. It is therefore automatically moved by the positioning of the bracelet and the contact of said insert 21 against the watch 30, the locks 12, 12 'are then opened by the support of the insert 21 against the ends 22, 22' of the locks 12, 12' and the pins 4, 4' can then pass into the deployed position which allows their introduction in the holes 32, 32' corresponding to the horns 31, 31' and the attachment of the bracelet to the watch 30.

In the representation of figure 5 , the spring 5 has been omitted, but it is obvious that it is present in this mode, or replaced by an equivalent means for spreading the pins.

There figure 6 illustrates the system of the invention mounted on the lugs 31, 31' of a watch 30. It can be used on the two attachments of the bracelet to the watch (only one is illustrated in the figure 6 ).

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments which are given by way of non-limiting examples. Variants are possible within the framework of the protection claimed in different embodiments, or by using equivalent means for example.

By way of example, provision can be made for the locks 12, 12' to act on the pins 4, 4' and not on the levers 6, 6'. In such a case, teeth equivalent to teeth 16, 16' are appropriately placed on the pins. Alternatively, in a combined solution, one lock acts on a pin and the other on a lever.

In another mode of execution, it is the pins 4, 4' and not the slider 10 which make it possible to unlock the locking mechanism and release the levers 6,6'.

In another embodiment, the translation movement of the pins 4, 4' is not perpendicular to the translation of the slider 10, in particular in a configuration where the bracelet has a curved handle with a curved bar. In such a case, the pins will present an angle of translation relative to that of the slider or of rotation, but the principles of the present invention such set out in this application remain applicable to this mode of execution.

It may also be useful to provide means for locking or locking the slider 10 or the insert 21 to prevent unwanted movement and uncoupling of the system. These blocking/locking means can comprise a pin, tightening means (screw or other) or any other means blocking the movement of the pin or of the insert.

Claims (9)

1. System (1) for fixing a variable element, such as a wristlet, to a fixed object, such as a watchcase, said system comprising at least two retractable pins (4, 4'), two mutually independent movable levers (6, 6'), the movement of said levers (6, 6') displacing said pins (4, 4') into a deployed position allowing the variable element to be secured to the fixed object, or into a retracted position allowing the variable element to be separated from the fixed element, the movement of said levers (6, 6') being provoked by the displacement of a slider (10), the system further comprising a locking mechanism (12, 12') for keeping the levers in a position corresponding to a retracted position of the pins (4, 4');
   characterized in that the slider (10) allows the unlocking of the locking mechanism (12, 12') and the release of the levers (6, 6').
2. System according to Claim 1, wherein each lever (6, 6') comprises a head (7, 7') linked to a pin (4, 4') and controlling the displacement of said pin, and a foot (9, 9') actuated by the slider (10) to control the movement of the lever (6, 6').
3. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic means (5) is placed between the pins (4, 4') to keep them in deployed position.
4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic means is a spring (5).
5. System according to one of the preceding claims, said locking mechanism comprising at least two locks (12, 12') each having a hook (15, 15') intended to cooperate with a tooth (16, 16') on each lever (6, 6') or on each pin (4, 4').
6. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the locks (12, 12') are linked by an elastic means (14).
7. System according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking mechanism is unlocked by an insert (21) which is displaced when the system is inserted between lugs (31, 31') of the watchcase (30).
8. Watch wristlet comprising a system according to one of the preceding claims.
9. Watch (30) combined with the wristlet according to the preceding claim.

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