EP3744210B1 - Device for securing a strap to a watch case - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a fastening device for attaching a bracelet to the case of a watch, in particular to a wristwatch. The bracelet and a watch comprising the fixing device are also disclosed.

State of the art and problems at the origin of the invention

Numerous attachment systems for attaching and detaching the bracelet to a watch case are known. The present invention relates in particular to quick-release systems, allowing a user to easily detach the watch strap from the case, generally for the purpose of attaching another strap, for example a bracelet. of another color, or even a bracelet of another type (link bracelets, leather, rubber, for example). This type of system can preferably be activated manually and without tools. Thanks to quick release systems, a user can choose the bracelet according to their desire or the clothes they are wearing, for example.

An objective of the invention is to implement a quick release system that can be integrated into different types of bracelets, such as link bracelets, leather or fabric bracelets and rubber or synthetic polymer bracelets, For example.

Another objective of the invention is the implementation of an attachment system allowing rapid attachment and detachment to a conventional watch case, that is to say to a case which is not particularly suitable to the attachment system. In this way, the attachment system of the invention can preferably be used with any type of existing housing. In the field of connected watches, for example in the document US 2017/004591 , the attachment system is often produced as an assembly with the case, so that it is necessary to use bracelets specifically adapted to a manufacturer's watch or even to a watch model. It would be desirable to be able to use the quick release system by attaching the bracelet between the lugs of any watch. Preferably, the attachment system is arranged to use the holes made in the horns to attach the bracelet, as in the case of a spring bar and/or a lug spacer.

An objective of the invention is also to implement a quick release system having reduced dimensions, allowing it to be integrated into the aforementioned bracelets, including comparatively thin bracelets, such as leather bracelets. To do this, it is necessary to implement a miniaturized system, that is to say it is necessary to optimize the use of the available space in order to reduce the space or bulk of the device attachment.

The documents EP3213654A1 , CH 694 393 , FR 2 849 355 , CH 713 211 , EP 2 353 428 , And US 2017/004591 relate to devices for attaching a bracelet to the case of a watch.

The document EP 2 353 428 discloses a fastening system comprising a control member arranged to bring a locking member to a position in which it no longer cooperates with the horns, leaving the bracelet free, said control member being arranged at least partially outside of 'a part which takes place between the horns of the case. This disclosure does not allow those skilled in the art to understand how the system is created, for example how the button serving as a control member is arranged and retained in the part. Furthermore, this system is suitable for use with a link bracelet, and cannot be used in other types of bracelets.

The document FR 2 849 355 discloses a device for fixing one end of a bracelet, the device comprising a mobile control member arranged to act on two sliding bodies provided with pins and cooperating with elastic means. The movement of the dowels is counteracted by the pressure of a spring which rests on the one hand on a dowel support base and on the other hand on a bearing surface of the opposite sliding body. The drawings in this document are very schematic and it is not clear how such a device is mounted in a bracelet. On the other hand, the control member is activated in a radial direction. For this reason, this control member projects relative to the entire device. This is disadvantageous because exposed or protruding parts can easily get caught somewhere, for example on clothing.

The document CH 694 393 discloses a device for fixing one end of a bracelet comprising a pusher provided with an insert arranged to act, against the force of a spring, on branches whose ends form tenons to retain the device in the horns of a watch case. The branches are curved pins, so as to allow the insert to transmit a force which causes the tenons to retract. The whole device is bulky and it is not shown how it can be integrated into a leather bracelet, for example.

The fixing device disclosed in the document CH 713 211 is also bulky and requires a body having a high longitudinal extent in order to be able to accommodate and guide the actuating member having the configuration of a drawer.

The fixing device disclosed in the document US 2017/004591 is complex, has a high number of parts, and is tailored to a particular box and thus is not universally usable.

Summary of the invention

The subject of the present invention is a fixing device for attaching one end of a bracelet to a device such as a watch case, according to claim 1.

In one aspect of the invention, the fixing device of the invention comprises an actuating member operable by a user to detach the bracelet from the housing and arranged to cause the movement of said movable body when the actuating member is actuated in order to move said at least one tenon towards the retracted position.

In one aspect of the invention, the fixing device of the invention comprises an actuating member and a transmission structure, said actuating member being actuable by a user to detach the bracelet from the housing, said actuating member being integral with said transmission structure and said transmission structure being arranged to act on said movable body when the actuating member is actuated in order to move said at least one tenon towards the retracted position.

In one embodiment, said actuating member is arranged to be able to slide in a longitudinal direction when actuated.

In one embodiment, a return means oriented in the longitudinal direction is absent in the device of the invention.

In one aspect of the invention, said movable body comprises two parts connected to each other, a first part comprising a bearing surface for said transmission structure and a second part comprising said tenon, the two parts being preferably co-axial. In one embodiment, the two parts are made integral with each other.

In one aspect of the invention, said actuating member is arranged to be moved in both directions in the longitudinal direction during activation, at the user's choice, the movement in any of the two directions generating the movement of said at least one tenon towards the retracted position.

In one aspect of the invention, movement in the longitudinal direction of said actuating member and of said transmission structure is guided by a separate part, preferably designed to be integrated into the device during assembly of the device once and afterwards that said transmission structure is placed in its housing in the device.

Other aspects of the invention and preferred embodiments are defined in the claims and in the description below.

Brief description of the drawings

• La figure 1A est une vue en perspective de dessus d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 1B est une vue de dessus du dispositif de fixation selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 1A ;
• La figure 1C est une vue en perspective éclatée du dispositif de fixation des figures 1A et 1B.
• Les figures 2A-2D sont diverses vues d'une pièce du dispositif illustré par les figures précédentes, la pièce comportant un organe d'activation (A: en perspective de dessous, B: en perspective de dessus, C: de la face arrière, et D: en coupe selon A-A de la figure 2C).
• La figure 3 est une vue en perspective des corps mobiles du dispositif selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues latérales en élévation et en coupe transversale, respectivement, du dispositif des figures 1-2 en position de repos.
• Les figures 5A et 5B sont des vues latérales en élévation et en coupe transversale, respectivement, du dispositif des figures 1-2 en position activée et/ou retractée.
• Les figures 6A et 6B montrent en perspective un brin de bracelet et une extrémité de ce dernier, respectivement, le brin de bracelet étant muni du dispositif de fixation selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 7 illustre l'assemblage des pièces du dispositif de fixation selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 8 est une vue de dessus d'un dispositif de fixation selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 9 est une vue en perspective éclatée du dispositif montré à la figure 8.
• Les figures 10A et 10B sont des vues latérales en élévation et en coupe transversale, respectivement, du dispositif des figures 8-9 en position de repos.
• Les figures 11A et 11B sont des vues latérales en élévation et en coupe transversale, respectivement, du dispositif des figures 8-9 en position activée et/ou retractée.
• Les figures 12A et 12B sont une vue de dessus et une vue latérale en élévation d'un dispositif de fixation selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 12C est une vue en coupe transversale d'un dispositif de fixation selon le troisième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 13 est une vue de dessus d'un dispositif de fixation selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• Les figures 14A, 14B et 14C sont, respectivement, une vue latérale en élévation, une coupe longitudinale selon A-A de la figure 13 et une coupe longitudinale selon B-B de la figure 13.
• La figure 15 est une coupe radiale selon C-C de la figure 13.
• La figure 16 est une vue en perspective éclatée du dispositif selon le quatrième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 17 est une vue en perspective en transparence partielle d'un dispositif de fixation selon un cinquième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 18 est une vue de face avant en transparence partielle du dispositif de fixation selon un cinquième mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 19A, 19B et 19C sont des vues latérales en élévation en transparence partielle du dispositif des figures 17 et 18 en position de repos, activé par une poussée et par une activé par une traction, respectivement.
• Les figures 20A, 20B et 20C sont des coupes transversales selon B-B à la figure 18 dans les positions des figures 19A, 19B et 19C, respectivement.
• La figure 21 est une vue en perspective en transparence partielle d'un dispositif de fixation selon un sixième mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 22 et 23 sont des coupes transversales du dispositif de la figure 21 en position de repos et activée, respectivement.
• La figure 24 est une vue en perspective en transparence partielle d'un dispositif de fixation selon un septième mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 25A et 25B sont des coupes transversales en semi transparence du dispositif selon la figure 24 en position de repos et activée, respectivement.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading a description of some preferred embodiments, in no way limiting, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the schematic figures in which:

• There Figure 1A is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention.
• There Figure 1B is a top view of the fixing device according to the embodiment of the Figure 1A ;
• There Figure 1C is an exploded perspective view of the fixing device of the Figures 1A and 1B .
• THE Figures 2A-2D are various views of a part of the device illustrated by the preceding figures, the part comprising an activation member (A: in perspective from below, B: in perspective from above, C: from the rear face, and D: in section according to AA of the Figure 2C ).
• There Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mobile bodies of the device according to the first embodiment.
• THE Figures 4A and 4B are side elevation and cross-section views, respectively, of the device of the figures 1-2 in rest position.
• THE Figures 5A and 5B are side elevation and cross-section views, respectively, of the device of the figures 1-2 in the activated and/or retracted position.
• THE Figures 6A and 6B show in perspective a bracelet strand and one end of the latter, respectively, the bracelet strand being provided with the fixing device according to the first embodiment.
• There Figure 7 illustrates the assembly of the parts of the fixing device according to the first embodiment.
• There figure 8 is a top view of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• There Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in figure 8 .
• THE Figures 10A and 10B are side elevation and cross-section views, respectively, of the device of the figures 8-9 in rest position.
• THE Figures 11A and 11B are side elevation and cross-section views, respectively, of the device of the figures 8-9 in the activated and/or retracted position.
• THE Figures 12A and 12B are a top view and a side elevation view of a fixing device according to a third embodiment of the invention.
• There Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device according to the third embodiment.
• There Figure 13 is a top view of a fixing device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
• THE Figures 14A, 14B and 14C are, respectively, a side elevation view, a longitudinal section along AA of the Figure 13 and a longitudinal section along BB of the Figure 13 .
• There Figure 15 is a radial section along CC of the Figure 13 .
• There Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the device according to the fourth embodiment.
• There Figure 17 is a perspective view in partial transparency of a fixing device according to a fifth embodiment.
• There Figure 18 is a front view in partial transparency of the fixing device according to a fifth embodiment.
• THE Figures 19A, 19B and 19C are side elevation views in partial transparency of the device of the figures 17 And 18 in the rest position, activated by a push and activated by a pull, respectively.
• THE figures 20A , 20B and 20C are cross sections along BB at the Figure 18 in the positions of Figures 19A, 19B and 19C , respectively.
• There Figure 21 is a perspective view in partial transparency of a fixing device according to a sixth embodiment.
• THE figures 22 and 23 are cross sections of the device of the Figure 21 in rest and activated position, respectively.
• There Figure 24 is a perspective view in partial transparency of a fixing device according to a seventh embodiment.
• THE Figures 25A and 25B are semi-transparent cross sections of the device according to the Figure 24 in rest and activated position, respectively.

Description of the embodiments

THE Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a first embodiment of a fixing device 1 for attaching a bracelet to a device such as a watch case. The watch is preferably a wristwatch. The watch can be a mechanical watch, a connected and/or smart watch. The invention is not limited to a particular type of watch.

The invention also covers the device of the invention for attaching another device, for example electronic and/or mechanical, using a bracelet to the wrist of a user, for example a pulsometer or any other device that can be connected to the wrist using a bracelet.

The device of the invention is preferably arranged to allow a user to quickly detach the bracelet from the case of a wristwatch, for example, without using a tool. In this way, a user can quickly change the bracelet themselves, for example to attach another bracelet with a different color. The device is preferably provided with an actuating member, arranged to be actuated by the user using a finger, for example, and to thus detach the bracelet comprising the fixing device from the watch case, For example.

In these figures, two tenons 11 are visible, which project relative to the opposite side faces 16 of a body and/or a part 5 of the device 1, said body 5 comprising a housing 6 for the device of the invention and/or for the parts of the device On the other hand, an actuating member 20 projects relative to an upper surface 12 of the body 5. It should be noted that the body 5 comprising the housing 6 may or may not be part of the device of the invention. In the case of a link bracelet ( figures 12A-12C ), for example, the housing 6 can be arranged in the terminal link, intended to allow the attachment of the link bracelet to the watch case. This terminal link generally has a particular shape, different from the other links and adapted to the watch case. When the housing is made in such an end link, a separate body 5 as illustrated by the figures 1 And 4 , 5 And 7 , for example, may be absent, because the link may constitute this body.

In this description, the expressions "direction of the length of the bracelet", "longitudinal direction of the bracelet" or even "longitudinal axis" are used to designate an axis which is that of the two strands of the bracelet, assuming that the bracelet is arranged at flat and detached from a watch. When the bracelet is closed, the "direction of bracelet length" refers to the line that follows the perimeter of the bracelet. In the case of a wristwatch with a conventional dial, an axis connecting the numbers 6 and 12 of the dial generally follows the direction of the strap length in accordance with this definition. In the Figure 1B , the direction of the length of the bracelet is indicated by the reference number 4.

The device of the invention is preferably substantially symmetrical and therefore comprises a plane of symmetry which extends in the direction of the length of the bracelet. The terms "orthogonal" and "transverse" refer to an axis which is perpendicular to the "direction of the length of the bracelet" and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device. In the case of a dial wristwatch, an axis connecting the numbers 3 and 9 of the dial has an "orthogonal" direction in accordance with this definition. In the Figure 1B , the "orthogonal" direction is specified by reference number 7.

A "radial" axis is an axis that is radial to the axis of a wristwatch wearer's wrist or forearm. The radial axis extends in the plane of symmetry or in a plane parallel to the plane of symmetry. In view of the Figure 2C , the "radial" axis is a substantially "vertical" axis and is indicated by the reference number 8.

The terms "bottom" and "top" generally refer respectively to the bottom and top of the device as shown in Figure 1A . In one embodiment, the device is mounted in a bracelet 50 so as to be accessible from the lower face 51 of the bracelet, which faces the wearer's wrist, as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B . In this case, the device 1, including the activation member 20 is located on the face 51 facing the wrist and is thus hidden by the bracelet 50.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the attachment device of the invention is preferably not visible when a user wears a wristwatch whose bracelet is fitted with the device of the invention.

The invention does not exclude reverse mounting, so that the actuating member is accessible from the upper face 52 of the bracelet 1 opposite the surface 51 in contact with the wrist of the watch wearer. In this case, the attachment device of the invention can be visible when a user wears a wristwatch (or other device) whose bracelet is equipped with the device of the invention.

In the context of this description, the "top" of the device, once mounted in a bracelet strand, can thus be oriented towards the wrist or towards the opposite side.

Several parts, structures and/or geometric features of the devices illustrated in the drawings are present as a pair of identical or reflectively symmetrical parts, structures and/or features due to the plane of symmetry in the longitudinal direction mentioned above. In this description, a single reference number is generally used to designate the two parts, structures and/or geometric characteristics present in the form of a pair.

To the Figure 1C , we can see that each of the two tenons 11 is part of a part 15 which can be designated as being a movable body, a stud, or a sliding element 15, slidably housed in the body 5 along an essentially orthogonal axis. On the other hand, the device 1 comprises a pair of springs 17 as well as a guide structure in the form of a pin 14.

The body 5 has an upper opening 10 in its upper surface 12, allowing the housing 6 to be seen in the Figure 1C . On the other hand, a hole 13 is arranged in each of the side faces of the body 5. When the device is assembled, the tenons 11 pass through the holes 13 to insert into the opposite holes in the horns of a watch case .

Those skilled in the art will note, by consulting the figures 1A-1C , that the dimensions of the attachment device 1 of the invention are reduced, compared to the solutions described in the state of the art. This miniaturization is an advantage of the invention, making it possible to integrate the device into all types of bracelets for wristwatches, including thin bracelets such as certain leather or fabric bracelets, for example. On the other hand, the number of parts is also reduced.

Below, the geometric configuration of some of the parts will be described in more detail, as well as the assembly of the parts to make the device.

THE Figures 2A to 2D are different views of a part 22, which comprises the actuating member 20, a transmission member 21, as well as a structure 9 for guiding the movement of the part 22. The activation member 20 is preferably a slider, arranged to be moved in translation in a longitudinal direction when the device is activated by a user. The guide structure 9 is arranged to allow the guided movement of the member 20 during activation of the device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the structures 20, 21 and 9 are made in one piece. In another embodiment, these elements can be produced in the form of two or more separate, integral parts, fixed together, by screwing, welding, etc.

There Figure 2A shows that the slide 20 has a lower surface 23, on which is arranged a frame 18 comprising several projecting structures. When the parts are assembled, the flat part of the surface 23 can slide on the upper surface 12 of the body 5 during movement in the longitudinal direction of the assembly 22.

The frame 18 has a rear wall 24 ( Figures 2C and 2D ) which extends along the orthogonal axis. In the assembled device, this wall butts against the rear interior wall 27 ( fig. 1 C ) of housing 6 when the device is in the rest position.

The frame 18 includes an oriel 9 which is centered along the orthogonal axis on the surface 23 and which has a hole 19. This oriel 9, or the hole 19, can be considered, together with the pin 14, as the structure guide, because the pin 14 ( fig. 1 C ) is inserted through hole 19 during assembly in order to retain assembly 22 and guide its movement.

Instead of a structure in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or oriel 9, it is not excluded to arrange the guide passage 19 in a structure having another shape, such as a footprint. The oriel window 9 is preferred because of the flat surface 28 that it creates, which can slide on a lower interior surface of the housing 6 when the assembly 22 is moved.

Finally, the frame 18 includes a pair of opposite horns 21. Each of the horns 21 has an actuating surface 25 inclined with reference to the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment shown, the actuation surfaces 25 are planar and/or flat. Each of the surfaces 25 is preferably located in a plane which extends in a radial direction and which is inclined relative to the plane of symmetry of the device 1.

In one embodiment, a contact angle between the actuating surface 25 and the bearing surface 36 varies along the stroke of the actuating member.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention (not shown), the actuation surfaces are formed by rounded or curved planes. This last configuration would allow a variable force when activating the device. For example, when the contact angle between an actuation surface and the respective support surface is close to 90°, it is necessary to use more force to move the pads 15. On the other hand, the distance of movement of the stud is relatively high, compared to the distance traveled by the actuating member. On the other hand, when said contact angle approaches 0°, little force is required to move the pads 15, but the distance the pad moves is relatively reduced. In the context of the present invention, those skilled in the art will take into account the effect of a chosen contact angle. This in the case of a constant contact angle, generally using a planar or flat actuation surface, or where appropriate using a variable contact angle, for example using a curved actuation surface. It should be noted that the freedom of design described in this paragraph is partly possible due to the rounded bearing surface 36 of the stud 15. Teaching of the state of the art as described, for example, in the documents EP2353428 Or CH694393 , and many others, would not allow the implementation of a curved actuation surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the horns 21 are held in or by said frame 18 at least partially cantilevered and/or suspended relative to the lower surface 23, so that each of the horns 21 is spaced by relative to the lower surface 23 by a gap or a slot 26. In the assembled device and during activation of the device, the upper wall 12 of the body can be inserted into said slot 26. A consequence of this holder arrangement false is that, during activation of the device 1, the stroke of the structures 21 carrying the actuation surfaces 25 is not limited by the body 5, at least not by the upper wall 12 of said body.

As we can see in the Figure 2A , the frame 18 has a general U shape, in which said rear wall 24 and the oriel 9 form the base of the U and the horns 21 the free ends.

As can be seen on the figures 1A, 1B And 2D , the upper surface of the actuating member 20 is rough and/or grooved and for example comprises several essentially orthogonal grooves, to increase the friction between the tip of a user's finger and said rough upper surface and thus make the easier operation of the device for the user. The profile of the actuating member 20, visible at figures 1D and 2D , is inclined and/or rounded relative to a straight longitudinal axis, in order to constitute a support surface facilitating the transmission of the force exerted by a user's finger. In the case of movement in either direction in the longitudinal direction ( fig. 19A-19C ), the actuating member preferably comprises two opposite inclined and/or rounded surfaces.

There Figure 3 shows in more detail the two movable bodies (studs or sliding elements) 15. Each stud 15 has a generally elongated shape and comprises several structural parts. Each stud 15 has a tenon 11 towards an outer end. The tenon 11 is preferably integral with the movable body 15, for example formed in one piece. The tenon is intended to be placed in a hole in a horn of the watch case in order to retain, together with the tenon of the second stud placed in the opposite hole, the device and thus the bracelet in the space between two horns of a watch case.

In one embodiment, said movable body 15 comprises first and second ends, in that said tenon 11 is located at a first end (or outer end) and a bearing surface 36 is arranged towards the second end (or outer end). interior).

The stud 15 has a geometric shape 31 allowing the sliding and guiding of the stud in translation in a housing 38 in the body 5. Preferably, this sliding or guiding structure 31 is cylindrical. In one embodiment, the guide structure 31 has the shape of a rotation cylinder, like the tenon, but having a diameter greater than that of the tenons. Due to the cylindrical shape, the stud 15 can be movable in translation in a housing having the shape of a hollow cylinder of revolution, for example in a drilled hole. However, the invention is not limited by the shape of the guide structure 31, and other shapes are possible, for example a flat plate which can be guided in grooves forming, for example, a kind of rail and /or which guide the sliding structure in translation like a drawer. In principle, the guide structure can have any regular geometric shape making it possible to guide the entire stud 15 in translation by implementing a housing having a complementary shape.

In one embodiment, said movable body 15 comprises a cylindrical guide structure 31, arranged to allow the translational movement of said movable body during activation of the device.

In one embodiment, the movable body 15 and the tenon 11 to which it is attached are preferably coaxial. Preferably, the tenon 11 is at least the guide part 31 of the movable body 15 are coaxial. Preferably, the mobile body 15 is arranged mobile to be able to move in translation along the axis of the tenon 11.

In one embodiment, the mobile body 15 is arranged to move in translation along an axis 35 of a cylindrical part 31 of said mobile body 15.

In the direction of the interior end of the stud 15, the latter has a connecting structure 32, the function of which is to connect the tenon 11 and, where appropriate, the guide structure 31 to the support or cooperation surface 36, all by allowing the horns 21 to move, as this is described below. A function of the connecting structure 32 is thus not to hinder (and to allow) the movement of the part 22, in particular of the actuation surfaces 25 of the part 22. By producing the structure 32 so as to reduce its dimensions in radial direction, for example with respect to the guide structure 31, it is possible to reduce the bulk of the entire device 1.

In one embodiment, which said mobile body 15 comprises a connecting structure 32 between said first and second ends, and in that this connecting structure has a reduced thickness in the radial direction.

In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 3 , the connecting structure 32 comprises a flat upper surface 34 which extends in a transverse plane, defined by the orthogonal and longitudinal directions. The main orthogonal axis 35 ( fig. 4B ) of the stud 15 preferably corresponds to the axis of the tenon 11. Preferably, the plane in which the surface 34 is arranged also extends in this main orthogonal axis or close to the latter. Preferably, the plane in which the surface 34 is arranged intersects the tenon 11, and is thus not located above or below the tenon 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 34 is made in the form of a notch with respect to the cylindrical guiding part 31. The flat surface 34 is arranged or created by this notch or cutout. The connecting structure 32 could also be produced in the form of a rod or could not be structurally different from the guide structure 31, if the latter itself has the shape of a plate, for example.

In one embodiment, said connecting structure 32 is arranged to leave a space to allow movement of said transmission structure 21 in the longitudinal direction. This movement, when the transmission structure 21 crosses the mobile body 15, takes place at least partially in the space arranged by the mobile body 15, that is to say above a surface 34 which defines a space (or a surface) in a transverse plane in which the mobile body 15 also moves.

Towards its inner end, each stud 15 has a structural shape having the appearance of a projection and/or a bulge 33 having a generally vertical/radial orientation or axis, perpendicular to the main axis 35. projection 33 has the shape general of a longitudinal section of a cylinder of revolution oriented in the radial direction and thus has a rounded surface 36. This rounded surface is the support surface 36 on which the actuation surface 25 linked to the actuation member 20 comes to rest during activation of the device 1, as will be described below. The surface 36 is rounded in a transverse and longitudinal plane, for example in the Figures 4B and 5B .

In one embodiment, said movable body 15 comprises a rounded support surface 36. Preferably, said transmission structure 21 is arranged to act on said support surface 36 in order to cause the movement of said at least one tenon 11 towards the retracted position. In the embodiment shown, the transmission structure 21 is arranged to press on said support surface 36 and to slide on said support surface in order to cause the movement of said movable body 15 and said at least one tenon 11. The rounded bearing surface minimizes the contact surface between said transmission structure 21 and the sliding body 15 and makes it possible to reduce the friction between the two parts during activation and release of the actuating member.

In one embodiment, said movable body 15 comprises a bulge and/or an appendage 33 comprising or connected to a support surface 36, said appendage 33 extending essentially in a longitudinal direction resulting in the arrangement of said surface support 36 offset and/or a longitudinal distance relative to the axis of movement of said mobile body 15.

THE Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the mechanism of the device of the invention in the rest position, when the tenons 11 are in the elongated position, for example when the bracelet is attached to the watch case, or even when the bracelet is detached from the watch case and is not is therefore not used.

THE Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the mechanism of the device of the invention in the activation position, when the tenons 11 are in the retracted position so as to allow a user to detach the bracelet from the case or, when the bracelet is detached, to attach it to the housing.

THE Figures 4B and 5B are cuts along AA and BB, respectively, Figures 5A and 5A .

The sections AA and BB extend in the same orthogonal/longitudinal plane in which the axis 35 of the tenons 11 and the cylindrical section 31 of the stud are also located. In the view of this section, indicated by the arrows in the Figures 4A and 5A , the horns 21 are seen from below and are not cut. This view is thus located at the level of the surfaces 34 of the connection sections 32 of the pads 15.

THE Figures 4A and 5A illustrate, respectively, the actuating member in the rest position and in the activated position. In the activated position, the tenon(s) 11 are retracted. The activated position is not a stable position, because it must be obtained or maintained by a user against the force of the return means 17, the user pushing with his finger on the actuating member 20 of the slide 22.

The return means 17 are housed in housing 6 of the device of the invention.

As we can see in Figures 4B and 5B , each of the two springs 17 rests on the one hand on a support surface (or a support) arranged in the housing 6 and on the other hand on a support surface 37 arranged on the inner end of each of the studs 15 , so as to push the tenons towards the elongated or extended position.

Due to this arrangement, activation of the device 1 by the user by means of the actuating member is necessary to bring the studs 15 together and thus pass the tenons 11 into the retracted position.

Housing 6 in body 5 comprises two housings 38 specifically arranged, using complementary shapes, to guide the guide structure 31 of each stud in translation ( Figures 4B and 5B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the guide structures 31 are cylinders having a diameter greater than that of the tenons 11. Consequently, the housings 38 are made in the form of cylindrical hollows (drilled holes). As mentioned, any other combination of complementary shapes of the guide structure 31 and the housing 38 allowing the guidance of the stud 15 according to a translational movement is also covered by the present invention.

In view of the description above, the operation of the activation mechanism allowing a user to retract the tenons 11 in order to remove a bracelet or to attach it to the case of shows becomes clear.

A characteristic of the invention is that the activation member 20 is located outside the housing 6 and/or projects relative to the housing 6, but the transmission structure 21 is located inside the housing 6 of the device 1. Thus, the user can access said activation member using a finger, for example.

When the user presses the actuating member 20 and moves it in the longitudinal direction from the position illustrated by the fig. 4A towards the position illustrated by fig. 5A , the inclined actuation surfaces 25 arranged on the frame 18 ( fig. 2A ) act on the bearing surfaces 36 of the studs 15 and force the studs to move closer together along their orthogonal axis, against the force of the springs 17, as shown in Figure 5B . This rapprochement of the studs causes the retraction of the tenons 11 and thus the detachment of the bracelet if it has been attached to the watch case. When the user releases the slide 20, the latter automatically returns to the rest position, due to the springs 17, which act on the studs 15 so that, this time, the bearing surfaces 36 of the studs act on the actuating surfaces 25 of the assembly 22. In the absence of support by the user, the force of the springs thus causes the return of the actuating member 20 (and the assembly 22) towards its starting position shown in fig. 4A .

It should also be noted that the assembly 22 comprising the activation member 20 is guided in translation in the longitudinal direction by the central and longitudinal rod 14, which is fixed in the housing 6 and which passes through the central hole 19 of the 'set 22.

In one embodiment, a frame 18 is arranged on a lower face 23 of said actuating member 20, said transmission structure 21 being arranged on and/or forming part of said frame, and in that a guide 19 is arranged in said frame, the guide preferably being 19 a drilling and/or a rail arranged in the and/or centered in relation to the plane of symmetry of the device.

In reference to the Figure 7 , it is described below how the device 1 of this embodiment is assembled from the various parts and how it is possible to achieve the reduced dimensions of this device to allow integration of the device even in thin bracelets.

Picture ① of the Figure 7 illustrates the body 5 of the device 1 comprising the housing 6, this housing comprising several hollow parts and/or openings 10, 13 for housing the parts of the device. As mentioned, housing 6 can also be made in the terminal link of a link bracelet.

Images ② and ③ show the insertion of a first stud 15 through the main upper opening 10 of the housing 6 towards its location in the cylindrical hollow 38 ( fig. 4B ). Then ④, the spring 17 is inserted into its location through said upper opening 10. In image ⑤, the second stud and its spring are inserted in the same way into their opposite housing. Images ⑥ and ⑦ show the insertion of the assembly 22 comprising the slide 20 through the upper opening 10. To insert the assembly 22, it may be necessary to hold the studs 15 in their place, for example by holding the body 5 by pressing with the thumb and index finger on the side ribs 16 of the body to maintain the tenons inside the housings 38 (retracted position). This makes it possible to place the horns 21 of the part 22 in the space left by the connecting structure 32. Then, when the part 22 is correctly inserted, the tip 29 of the horns 21 ( fig. 2A ) remains pressed against the support surface 36 of each of the studs and prevents it from moving beyond the elongated position as illustrated by the fig. 4B in rest position.

In images ⑧ and ⑨, the guide rod 14 is inserted through an opening 3 arranged on the front side 2 of the body 5, this side 2 facing the watch case when the strap is attached to the case. The rod 14 is also inserted through the hole 19 of the part 22. The rod 14 thus makes it possible to guide the assembly 22 in a longitudinal direction to allow its movement in translation and to retain the assembly 22 in the housing 6.

Compared to the solutions proposed in the documents EP2353428 , CH694393 And CH713211 , the device of the present invention is significantly less bulky, thinner in its axial/vertical extension and more narrow in its longitudinal extension.

Compared to the document EP2353428 the solution of the invention is finer, at least in part due to the fact that the actuating member is a slide which is arranged to move in a longitudinal direction, while the device EP2353428 features a pusher that moves along a radial/vertical axis. On the other hand, the pusher of this device is probably also inserted during the assembly of this device in this radial direction. For these reasons, this device has a high radial extension. This also applies to the solution proposed in US2017/0045910 .

Compared to the document CH694393 , the solution of the present invention is less bulky in the longitudinal direction as well, despite the fact that this document provides a slide with longitudinal movement for activation. In this solution the bearing surfaces between the slide (or the insert) and the tenons are displaced relative to the axis of the tenons in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the spring to maintain the rest position is also oriented in the longitudinal direction, which widens the longitudinal extension in this case.

In the device of the present invention, a return means oriented in the longitudinal direction is preferably absent. Then, the structure (the horns) 21 comprising the actuation surface 25 to generate the orthogonal narrowing of the studs 15 and/or the tenons 11 crosses or passes over the axis 35 of the tenons, as visible in the Figures 4B and 5B . The transmission structure 21 and the tenons 11 are then in the same orthogonal/radial plane at least during activation of the device.

This arrangement is the result of a rapprochement in the longitudinal direction of the structural elements necessary to carry out the movement of the tenons 11. This rapprochement is possible thanks to the particular geometric configuration of the studs 15, comprising several sections and/or parts having shapes adapted to a particular function. In particular, the studs 15 comprise a connecting structure 32 between a guide structure 31 and/or the tenons and the support structure 33, said connecting structure 32 comprising a notch and/or having a reduced radial extension, so as to to allow the actuation structure 21 of the slide to pass over the stud 15 without increasing the bulk in the axial direction.

In one embodiment, said transmission structure 21 is arranged to move by crossing and/or crossing said movable body 15 during activation of the actuating member and/or to move in a transverse plane ( and longitudinal) which cuts at least part of said movable body 15 and/or which cuts said tenon 11. The reference number 130 at the fig. 11A indicates such a transverse plane.

In one embodiment, said mobile body 15 and said transmission structure 21 are brought together radially so as to form part of the same transverse plane and in that a connecting structure 32 of reduced thickness and/or a notch is arranged in said mobile body 15 in order to allow the movement of said transmission structure and said mobile body.

There is also a radial (and orthogonal) plane which intersects both said mobile body 15 and said transmission structure 21, preferably also the tenon 11, in particular when the device of the invention is in the activated position. For example, reference number 139 in fig. 10A indicates this radial plane. Axis 135 at figure 11b is also located in this radial plane. The existence of a radial and transverse plane which cuts all these structural elements is the result of the crossing of the mobile body 15 by the transmission structure 21 and thus of the rapprochement of the structural elements of the device in the longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, when the device of the invention is activated, the movable body 15, the transmission member 21 and the tenon 11 are cut both by a longitudinal and transverse plane 130 and by a radial and transverse plane 139, the two planes being perpendicular to each other and preferably perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the device.

On the other hand, the arrangement of the springs 17 in an orthogonal direction, instead of the longitudinal direction as in CH694393 also makes it possible to reduce the longitudinal extension of the device.

Compared to the document CH713211 , the device of the present invention is distinguished again by the arrangement of the springs in the orthogonal direction, preferably coaxial with respect to the tenons 11 and/or the studs 15. In this document, a central and longitudinal spring is necessary, in addition a pair of return means also arranged so as to occupy a lot of space in the longitudinal direction. The central spring is necessary because the return means are not sufficient to return the tenons to the extended position and to return the actuation slide to the rest position when the user releases the slide.

In summary, the device of the invention is less bulky than the state of the art solutions. technical because it combines the following characteristics: an actuating member 20 with translational movement in the longitudinal direction and return means 17 arranged coaxially with respect to the tenons 11 and/or the corresponding studs 15. Preferably, the structure 21 comprising the actuation surfaces 25 for acting on the studs 15 is arranged to cross or pass over the axis 35 of said studs 15 and/or said tenons during activation.

Preferably, the studs 15 provide a passage 34, allowing the actuation surfaces 25 to move in the same longitudinal/orthogonal plane, or very close to the latter, as the studs 15 and/or the tenons 11. in other words, thanks to the passage 34, the actuating surfaces 25 and the studs 15 occupy the same space or almost, in the device 1, in the radial direction.

On the other hand, the device is designed so as to allow the assembly of the assembly 22 and/or the actuating member 20 ( Figure 7 images ⑥ and ⑦) in a direction other (preferably radial) than the movement of said member for activation 20 (preferably longitudinal). This is possible on the one hand thanks to an upper opening 10 in the body 5 of the device, allowing the insertion of the part 22, and thanks to the fact that the guide structure 14, for example a rod, for the part 22 is arranged to be assembled after installation of the actuating member. In other words, the guide structure 14 guiding the movement in the longitudinal direction is a separate part of the body 5, made integral with the latter only when the actuating member 20 (or the assembly 22) has been placed at its position provided in the device of the invention. The actuator 20 and/or the transmission structure 21 is retained in the housing by a separate part, added after positioning the transmission structure 21 in the housing.

In one embodiment, movement in the longitudinal direction of said actuating member 20 and of said transmission structure 21 is guided by a separate part 14, preferably designed to be integrated into the device during assembly of the device once and after said transmission structure 21 has been placed in its housing in the device.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a longitudinal guide structure 14 for an assembly 22 comprising said transmission structure 21 and actuating member 20, said guide structure 14 being arranged so as to be centered with respect to the extent of the device in the orthogonal direction and/or said guide structure 14 extending in the plane of symmetry of the device

The difference between the direction of insertion during assembly (radial) and the movement during activation (longitudinal) described above applies in particular to the frame 18 of the assembly 22 and not necessarily to the assembly 22 in its entirety. For example, the invention envisages that the actuating member 20 is a separate part relative to the frame 18, and is made integral with the frame 18, for example by screwing or gluing, once the latter is placed in its housing through the upper opening 10. The frame 18 includes in particular the actuation surfaces 25.

The characteristic according to which a slot 26 is arranged between the transmission structure 21 and the control member 20 also contributes to the advantages making it possible to make the device compact and to reduce the dimensions. The positioning of the transmission structures 21 overhanging relative to the lower surface 23 of the actuating member 20 makes it possible to have a finer upper opening 10 and to better stabilize and/or guide the assembly 22, because a part of the upper wall 12 of the body 5 is located in the slot 26.

A particular advantage of the device of the invention and its assembly shown in Figure 7 concerns the choice of the moment of assembly of the device considering the entire manufacture of the bracelet, in particular in leather or injected plastic bracelets. In the case of an injected plastic bracelet, it is possible to add the body 5 to the mold, before injection, and "overmold" the body. Then, the separate parts of the device (15, 17, 22, 14) can be added to the body 5 when the latter is already integrated into the bracelet. This is a notable advantage, because certain parts of the device, such as the springs 17, may be sensitive to high temperature during injection. It would not be possible to add the complete device, including springs, to the mold before injection. In other words, the arrangement of the device of the invention makes it possible to integrate the device into plastic bracelets, manufactured by injection. In the case of a leather strap, glue is generally used to adhere the lining. Thanks to the assembly of the device after the integration of the body 5 in the bracelet and after the manufacture of the bracelet, there is no risk that parts (15, 17, 22, 14) of the device are stuck together during of the manufacture of the leather bracelet comprising the device, because the parts are assembled at the end, when the glue is already dry.

THE figures 8 to 11B represent a fixing device according to a second embodiment. In these figures, the reference numbers are increased by 100 relative to a corresponding structural element illustrated by the Figures 1A to 6B representing the first embodiment. This logic also applies to the following embodiments, the numbers increased by 300 relating to the corresponding structural elements of the third embodiment, etc.

The parts of the second embodiment having corresponding reference numbers generally have the same general structure and perform the same function as those of the first embodiment.

In one embodiment, the sliding elements 115 each comprise two parts 115.1, 115.2. The two parts 115.1 and 115.2 of the mobile body 115 are preferably made integral with each other in the functional device ( figures 8 , 10A-11B ).

The two parts 115.1 and 115.2 are preferably connected to each other, for example plugged into one another. Of course the two parts can be joined together by any other appropriate means, for example by screwing, gluing, welding, riveting, interlocking, etc. On the other hand, the two parts forming the mobile body 115 can be connected by a non-permanent connection, for example by a bayonet connection, by a coupling, or by a non-permanent nesting, to name only a few examples.

In the embodiment shown, each of the two parts 115.1, 115.2 comprises part of the structural elements of the stud 15 of the first embodiment. The first part 115.1 comprises the support surface 136, the connecting structure 132 of reduced diameter preferably comprising a flat surface 134 to allow the passage and/or sliding of the horn 121 during activation of the member activation 120. The second part 115.2 essentially comprises the tenon 111 and preferably the guide part 131, which can be cylindrical, as shown.

As we can see in Figures 10B and 11B , the second part 115.2 of the sliding element 115 is plugged onto the first part 115.1. The first part includes a male plug 141, and the second part includes a female plug 142.

In the embodiment shown, the male plug is made in the form of a rod 141 and the female plug is in the form of an essentially cylindrical housing or hollow 142. In order to make an integral connection in translation, the rod 141 comprises an annular groove 143 and the housing 142 comprises an annular bulge 144 of essentially complementary shape, so as to allow snap-fastening and/or nesting, preferably permanent, once the two parts 115.1, 115.2 are fitted one on top of the other, as shown in Figures 10B and 11B .

An advantage of the sliding element 115 in two parts 115.1, 115.2 becomes apparent if we consider the assembly of the device of the invention as described with respect to the Figure 7 . One of the two parts of the stud 115, the first part 115.1, is inserted in the same way as the stud 15 through the upper opening 10 ( fig. 1 C ), 110 ( fig. 9 ), shown in images ② and ③ of the Figure 7 . Unlike the assembly described with reference to Figure 7 , the second part 115.2 is then inserted through the lateral opening 113. The two parts 115.1 and 115.2 are fitted together by exerting pressure in an orthogonal direction on the second part 115.2 in order to force the nesting of the second part onto the first, this last having been previously placed in housing 138.

Thanks to this way of assembling the sliding element 115.1, 115.2, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the upper opening 110 compared to the upper opening 10 of the first embodiment, because the half-stud 115.1 is shorter than the entire pad 15 of the first embodiment. More specifically, the extent in the orthogonal direction of the upper opening 110 of the second embodiment is reduced compared to the corresponding extent of the opening 10 of the first embodiment. Consequently, the actuator 120 also has a reduced orthogonal direction extent compared to that of the actuator of the first embodiment.

Another advantage of the sliding element in two parts 115.1, 115.2 is linked to the desire to rationalize the parts by reducing the number of different parts to produce devices that can be used in different situations. Typically, the width of different bracelets (the extent in the orthogonal direction) and/or the distance between the lugs of different cases can vary naturally, as there are bracelets that are wider than others and/or cases designed to accommodate more or less wide bracelets, for example. In this case, it would be necessary principle to implement a device specifically adapted to the distance between the horns of a housing in question. On the other hand, in the case of the device illustrated in Figures 9 to 11B , it is possible to replace only the second part 115.2 of the sliding element 115 in accordance with the distance from the lug of any housing. The same device 100 in combination with a (second) part 115.2 having a suitable length can be used in a bracelet having any width.

THE Figures 10A, 10B and 11A and 11B , illustrate the activation of the mechanism making it possible to disconnect a bracelet comprising the device 100 from a watch case. What has been described above in relation to the first embodiment with reference to the Figures 4A to 5B also applies to Figures 10A to 11B . It should be noted that the Figures 10B and 11B show sections shifted along AA and BB of Figures 10A and 11A , respectively, in top view, while the sections along AA, BB of Figures 4A and 5A are not offset and are bottom views (arrows). For this reason, the transmission structure 121 comprising the actuation surface 125 is shown in section (hatched) at Figures 10B and 11B . The bearing surfaces 137 in the inner ends of the sliding elements 115.1, for the springs 117 are visible in the Figures 10B and 11B .

Another detail visible at Figure 10B concerns the operation of the points 129 of the horns 121 as a limitation of the maximum elongated position of the tenons 111. Each of the studs 115 has at its inner end a bearing surface 136 arranged on a bulge 133. When the studs 115 are stressed in the elongated position by the springs 117, the bearing surfaces 136 arranged on the bulges 133 come into abutment against the points 129 of the transmission member 121. Thus, the structure or the transmission member 121 also includes the stop 129 to limit the stroke of the studs 115 towards the outside and in this way retains the corresponding stud 115 in the device.

THE Figures 10B and 11B also show the movement of the transmission structure 121 over and/or through the pads 115, in particular due to the connection structure 132 with reduced dimensions of each of the pads 115. The connection structure 132 preferably has the shape of a longitudinal section of a cylinder of revolution. This cylinder section has a rounded exterior surface as well as a flat surface 134 allowing the transmission structure 121 to move in the longitudinal direction, while being in the same transverse plane as the tenons 111 and/or the guide structure 131 and again the means of recall 117. The upper plane of the two AA planes indicated in the fig. 10A (corresponding to the upper plane of the two BB planes in the fig. 11A ) cuts both the springs 117, the guide structure 131 and the transmission structure 121. In the embodiment shown, this upper plane also cuts the tenons 111.

In one embodiment, the transmission structure 121 (and in particular the actuation surfaces 125) and the movable body 115 are brought together in the radial direction so as to be cut by the same transverse plane. At the same time, the actuating surfaces 125 pass, during their movement, over a transverse surface 134 of said movable body.

THE Figures 12A to 12C show a fixing device 300 adapted to a metal link bracelet, according to a third embodiment. The sliding elements or pads 315 of the third embodiment also comprise two parts 315.1, 315.2 made integral as described with reference to the second embodiment. The activation and operation of the mechanism of the fixing device 300 according to the third embodiment using the activation member 320 is carried out as described with reference to the first two embodiments.

THE figures 12A-12C show in particular a terminal metal link 360 having a shape adapted to the watch case in order to integrate or add harmoniously to the design of a particular case. The housing 306 is directly worked, for example machined, in the terminal link and the parts are assembled as described above. The metal link 360 has one or more holes 365 to allow the connection of a next link (or "real" link) to the terminal link. The connection of the terminal link 360 to the housing is carried out using tenons 311, as described above with respect to the fixing devices according to the first and second embodiment.

THE figures 13 to 16 show a fixing device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The particularity of this embodiment compared to the previous embodiments is that it is thinner in the radial direction than the devices 1, 100, 200 and 300 described above. On the other hand, the fixing device 400 is more extended in the longitudinal direction. The reduction in thickness is achieved thanks to flattened sliding elements 415 ( fig. 16 ). On the other hand, the assembly 422 comprising the activation member 420 and the frame 418 is made of several (preferably two) parts which are connected during the assembly of the device 400. The assembly of the device according to this embodiment does not follow the same diagram as that illustrated in Figure 7 .

The activation member 420 comprises two fingers 471 ( fig. 14C ) and the frame 418 includes a rear extension 478 comprising two holes 472 adapted to receive the fingers 471 and to allow an integral connection between the two parts. The insertion of fingers 471 creates a permanent riveting type connection. The assembly 422 can also be made in one piece.

The body 405.1, 405.2 comprising the housing 406 for the parts of the fixing device 400 comprises several parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the body comprises a chassis 405.1 and an upper plate 405.2. The chassis has cutouts or cavities to receive the movable bodies 415, the springs 417 and the frame 418. Once the parts are assembled, the plate 405.2 is fixed using fingers 473 emerging from the chassis 405.1, which are inserted into corresponding holes 474 arranged in the plate 405.2 to allow permanent connection of the riveting type.

Compared to pads 15 and 115, pads 415 of this embodiment have a reduced extension in the radial direction, because an upper part of pads 415 is abraded or sectioned. Consequently, the section having the shape of a cylinder in the preceding embodiments has the shape of a cylinder sectioned by a plane parallel to the axis of revolution of the cylinder.

In a preferred embodiment, the pads 415, and in particular the guide structures 431 of the latter, have a flat upper surface 475, 476. Of course, it would be possible to have flat surfaces on the lower side in the direction radial or on both sides of the pads 415, in order to reduce their dimensions and thus make the entire device less thick.

The activation of the fixing device 400 and the tenon retraction mechanism 411 operate in the same manner as described above with reference to the previous embodiments. When a user pushes the activation member 420 to slide it in a longitudinal direction, the actuation surfaces 425 of the transmission structures 421 exert a force on the bearing surfaces 436 of the studs and force them to slide in translation to move closer to each other along their axis. The structures of transmission 421 move by crossing the pads in a space in the form of a cutout arranged in the pad 415. This cutout creates a connection zone 432 of reduced thickness. A flat surface 434 is arranged or created by this cutout, allowing the transmission structures 421 to move by crossing the studs, preferably by crossing the axis of the tenons. This movement causes the tenons 411 to retract.

The travel of the assembly 422 in the longitudinal direction is limited by one or more recesses or longitudinal stop holes 479 in the bottom of the chassis 405.1. When the assembly 422 is fixed to the chassis using the plate 405.2, the fingers 471 ( fig. 14C ), protrude from the holes 472 of the frame 418 in which they are anchored to form projecting ends serving as travel stops which limit the travel by abutting against the ends of the longitudinal holes 479 of the chassis. Instead of two longitudinal holes, it would be possible to provide just one opening or recess. It is interesting to use the structure of the chassis 405.1, in particular of the bottom of the housing 406 to create stroke limiting stops for the activation member 420.

THE figures 17 to 20C show a fixing device 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, the particularity of which is that the activation member 520 can be activated by pushing and/or pulling, that is to say at the choice of the user in both directions in the longitudinal direction.

As illustrated in Figure 19A , the activation member comprises two opposing support zones 520.1 and 520.2 arranged to facilitate activation using the user's finger by pulling or pushing, respectively, in order to cause the sliding of the member 520 in the corresponding direction in the longitudinal direction. The functionality of offering the user the choice of detaching the bracelet from the watch case (or attaching it) by activation by sliding the activation member in any of the two longitudinal directions is hereinafter called the “push and pull” functionality.

THE Figures 20A to 20C allow us to understand the adaptations compared to the devices of the previous embodiments which allow this embodiment to present the "push and pull" function. In particular, the transmission structure 521 has a V shape and/or cutout in cross section. The two interior faces of this V form two inclined actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2.

The transmission structure 521 is connected to the activation member 520 to transmit the force on the pivots 515 during activation of the device.

The shape of the transmission structure 521 is such that two inclined actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2 are produced, instead of just one as in the previous embodiments. Preferably, two actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2 are made to act on each of the two sliding elements 515. The two actuation surfaces are preferably opposite in the longitudinal direction, preferably symmetrical by reflection of an orthogonal plane. According to one embodiment, the two actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2 are arranged as interior surfaces of the two branches of the V.

In the fifth embodiment, the sliding elements 515 are made in two inserts 515.1 and 515.2, as described above with respect to the second embodiment ( fig. 9 ). Of course, it is possible to make each of the sliding elements in one piece, as illustrated by the first embodiment.

The structure 533 of each of the sliding elements 515 comprising the bearing surface 536 is oriented in the orthogonal direction, presenting a rounded bearing surface 536 towards an orthogonal end of the structure 533. In this way, the inclined actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2 are each arranged to act in a similar manner on a rounded part of the support surface 536.

In rest position ( fig. 20A ), the bearing surface 533 of the sliding element is located in a rounded hollow between the two branches of the V, the V being formed by the two inclined actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2.

According to the invention, the hollow between the inclined actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2 links the two actuation surfaces. The invention can also be carried out without further ado on the basis of two separate and/or unconnected inclined actuation surfaces 525.1 and 525.2, each of the surfaces preferably acting on a different support surface of a pad.

Compared to previous embodiments, the structure 533 of the sliding elements 515 presenting the support surface 533 is offset in the longitudinal direction and in particular is further away from the orthogonal axis of the sliding elements 515. A consequence of this arrangement is that the flat surface 534 of the connection zone 532 connecting the structure presenting the support surface to the guide structure 531 is more extensive, in order to allow movement in the longitudinal direction of the transmission structure 521.

As this embodiment allows activation in both directions of the longitudinal direction ("push and pull"), it is clear that the extension of the device 500 in the longitudinal direction is increased compared to some of the embodiments which do not allow only activation in one direction, because overall a longer longitudinal stroke (double) of the assembly 520, 521 is made possible by the device.

THE Figures 20B and 20C illustrate the activation of the device 500 by a push or a pull, respectively, in the longitudinal direction of the activation member 520. In both cases, the transmission structure 521 moves in the longitudinal direction by acting on the surface of support 536 of the sliding element, in order to bring together the two sliding elements and the retraction of the tenons 511. As in the case of the previous embodiments, the force applied by the user is countered by two return elements 517 each of which finds its support on the one hand in the housing 506 and on the other hand on an interior end 537 of the corresponding sliding element 515.

Instead of providing a structure 533 having a rounded support surface 536 and oriented in the orthogonal axis (reference, outwards), it would be possible to provide a pair of opposite support surfaces on each of the sliding elements 515 (not shown). In this case, the bearing surfaces of a pair would preferably be oriented in opposite directions in the longitudinal direction. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in this case, a first actuation surface 525.1 of the transmission member is arranged to act on a first support surface and the second actuation surface 525.1 is arranged to act on a second support surface.

It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the support surface arranged on the pad 515 appears as a single continuous surface, but can in reality be divided into a (part of) surface which cooperates with a first surface of actuation 525.1 in the case of activation by a push and a (part of) surface which cooperates with a second actuation surface 525.2 in the case of activation by traction. The two (parts of) support surfaces form a single continuous surface corresponding to the exterior area of a sectioned cylinder of revolution. The invention can thus be carried out by separating the continuous support surface into two separate surfaces, and where appropriate by arranging them in a different manner than shown in the drawings. For example, the two actuating surfaces 525.1 and 525.2 can also be separated and arranged independently of one another so as to produce a functional device.

In one embodiment, said return elements or means are compression springs, preferably cylindrical compression springs. The springs are preferably coaxial with respect to the mobile body 515 on which the spring rests or with respect to the tenon connected to this mobile body.

THE figures 21 to 23 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the invention, which is based on a concept analogous to the fifth embodiment illustrated by the figures 17 to 20C . The difference in this embodiment is that it allows the device to be activated by a traction force in the longitudinal direction, that is to say movement/sliding in only one direction in the longitudinal direction. Compared to the first four embodiments, the movement to activate the device is done by moving the activation member away from the watch case (if the bracelet is attached to the case using the device of the invention). Typically, this removal is carried out by the application of a traction force. In the first four embodiments, the activation member is arranged to move towards the housing, that is to say approaching the housing to retract the tenons.

The device according to the sixth embodiment is similar to that of the ^5th embodiment with the main difference that the transmission member 621 only has one actuation surface 625, the part having a second opposite actuation surface (reference 525.1 to there Figure 20A ) being absent. The entire device 600 can be made over a reduced distance in the longitudinal direction. The structure 633 presenting the bearing surface 636 of the sliding element is closer (in the longitudinal direction) to the orthogonal axis of the sliding elements 615.

THE figure 24 , 25A and 25B illustrate an embodiment of the “curved bar” type. Attachments for bracelets with a curved bar generally have one side front 702 curved, adapted to the rounded and essentially circular shape of the wristwatch case. The curved front side of a bracelet strand end attached to the case essentially fulfills aesthetic functions, for example by creating a harmonious and fluid passage between the bracelet strand and the case itself rounded.

The device of the invention can be used in and/or for thin bracelets, such as leather bracelets, as illustrated by the fixing device 700 of the ^7th embodiment. In this embodiment, the first and second sliding elements 715 are not co-axial, but their axes form an angle less than 180° and generally greater than 100°. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two sliding elements moves along its own axis, preferably axially. In other words, in this embodiment, the sliding elements 715 are not actually curved as in the case of a curved bar, but are oriented at an angle allowing a "curved bar" type arrangement.

One reason why the device of the invention allows such an arrangement, unlike other fixing devices described in the state of the art, is the fact that each of the two sliding elements 715 is loaded into the extended position or extracted by an own spring 717, Each of the two springs is supported in a support surface arranged in the housing of the body 705. For this reason, the housings for the sliding elements 715 and thus the orientation of the latter can be achieved in an orientation desired, as long as it does not significantly exceed the primarily orthogonal orientation.

As we can see in Figures 25A and 25B , the same mechanism for transmitting forces from the actuating member 720 to the sliding elements 715 as described above also operates in the context of tenons 711 oriented in a direction which deviates from the strictly orthogonal direction, in order to assume a direction corresponding to that of a “curved bars”.

This embodiment further shows the universality of the device of the invention, that is to say the fact that it can be integrated into any type of bracelet, whether it is a leather bracelet, metal links, fabric and/or plastic, for example.

The embodiments shown are essentially symmetrical devices, having a plane of longitudinal symmetry. The invention also envisages that only one of the two tenons of the device can be retracted, the other tenon being rigid or non-movable relative to the body of the fixing device. A person skilled in the art can easily design constructions in which the retraction of a single tenon can be sufficient to remove the bracelet from a case, for example in cases where the bracelet is thinner than the distance between the horns of the case. housing, that is to say the bracelet can be moved in the orthogonal direction to remove a second tenon which would be rigidly connected to the device.

Reference numbers:

1,

100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Attachment device according to the embodiments shown

2

(102, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, etc., if applicable) front side

3

hole in body 5

4

longitudinal direction

5

part or body

6

accommodation

7

orthogonal or transverse direction

8

vertical axis

9

guide structure, oriel

10

top opening

11

let's hold

12

upper surface of the body 5

13

side openings

14

pin, pin

15

stud or sliding element

16

side surface of the body 5

17

return means, springs

18

built

19

guide structure hole

20

actuator

21

transmission structure

22

part comprising the actuating member 20 as well as the transmission member 21

23

lower surface of the actuator

24

rear wall

25

actuation surface

26

slot

27

rear wall of housing 6

28

upper surface of the oriel window 9

29

tips of the horns

31

guide structure

32

linking structure

33

bulge

34

flat surface of the connecting structure

35

main axis of the tenon/stud

36

support surface of the stud.

37

spring support surface

38

housing of the studs

50

bracelet strand

51

underside of the bracelet strand

130

transverse (and longitudinal) plane

139

radial (and transverse) plane

141

male plug of the first part 115.1

142

female socket of the second part 115.2

143

annular groove

144

annular bulge

360

terminal metal link

365

breakthrough to attach the next link

471

finger

472

holes to receive fingers

473

fingers to fix plate 405.2

474

holes to fix plate 405.2

475

flat upper surfaces

476

flat upper surfaces

478

rear extension of frame 418

479

hollowing

Claims (15)

1. A fastening device (1) for attaching an end of a strap to a device such as a watch case, comprising,

   - two pins (11), arranged to cooperate with two holes in the case in order to secure the strap to the case when the two pins each cooperate with a respective hole,

   - at least one movable body (15) arranged to move between an extended, service position and a retracted position, said movable body (15) being integral with at least one of the two pins (11) and said at least one pin (11) being withdrawn from its respective hole in said retracted position so as to allow a user to detach the strap from the case,

   - at least one biasing means (17) arranged to urge said at least one movable body (15) and said at least one pin (11) into said extended position;

   - an actuating member (20) and a transmission structure (21), said actuating member (20) being operable by a user to detach the strap from the case, said actuating member (20) being integral with said transmission structure (21) and said transmission structure (21) being arranged to act on said movable body (15) when the actuating member is actuated in order to move said at least one pin (11) to the retracted position,

   characterised in that

   said actuating member (20) is arranged to be slidable in a longitudinal direction when actuated, in that

   a longitudinally oriented biasing means is absent and in that the device comprises a housing (6), said biasing means (17) bearing on the one hand on a support arranged in said housing (6) and on the other hand on an inner end of said movable body (15).
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said movable body (15) has first and second ends, in that said pin (11) is at a first (or outer) end and a bearing surface (36) is arranged towards the second (or inner) end.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said movable body (15) comprises a connecting structure (32) between said first and second ends, and in that this connecting structure has a reduced thickness in the radial direction.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said connecting structure (32) is arranged to keep a gap free to allow movement of said transmission structure (21) in a longitudinal direction.
5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said movable body (15) comprises a cylindrical guide structure (31) arranged to allow translational movement of said movable body upon activation of the device.
6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said transmission structure (21) is arranged to move by crossing and/or intersecting said movable body (15) upon activation of the actuating member and/or to move in a transverse plane that intersects at least a portion of said movable body (15) and/or that intersects said pin (11).
7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said movable body (15) and said transmission structure (21) are radially brought closer so as to share a same transverse plane and in that a connecting structure (32) of reduced thickness and/or a notch is arranged in said movable body (15) in order to allow the displacement of said transmission structure (21) and said movable body (15).
8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said movable body (15) comprises a rounded bearing surface (36), and in that said transmission structure (21) is arranged to act on said bearing surface (36) in order to cause the displacement of said at least one pin (11) towards the retracted position.
9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said movable body (15) is arranged to move in translation along an axis of a cylindrical portion (31) of said movable body (15), said movable body (15) comprising a bulge and/or an appendage (33) comprising or connected to a bearing surface (36), said appendage (33) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction resulting in the arrangement of said bearing surface (36) in an offset and/or longitudinally distanced with respect to the axis of movement of said movable body (15).
10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said biasing means (17) is a cylindrical compression spring.
11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a movement in a longitudinal direction of said actuating member (20) and said transmission structure (21) is guided by a separate part (14), preferably designed to be integrated into the device upon assembly of the device once said transmission structure (21) is placed in its housing in the device (1).
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a longitudinal guide structure (14) for an assembly (22) comprising said transmission structure (21) and actuating member (20), said guide structure (14) being arranged to be centred with respect to the extension of the device in an orthogonal direction and/or said guide structure (14) extending in the plane of symmetry of the device.
13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a frame (18) is arranged on a bottom side (23) of said actuating member (20), said transmission structure (21) being arranged on and/or forming part of said frame (18), and that a guide (19) is arranged in said frame (18), the guide preferably being (19) a bore and/or a rail arranged in and/or centred with respect to the plane of symmetry of the device.
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said movable body (5) comprises two parts (115.1, 115.2), connected to each other, a first part (115.1) comprising a bearing surface (136) for said transmission structure (121) and a second part (115.2) comprising said pin (111), the two parts (115.1, 115.2) being preferably co-axial.
15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said actuating member (520) is arranged to be moved in both directions in the longitudinal direction upon activation, at the option of the user, movement in either direction causing said at least one pin (11) to move to the retracted position.

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