EP3753439B1 - Removable device for mechanical link between a bracelet and a mechanical part - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a removable mechanical connection device between a bracelet and a mechanical part, in particular a component of a wristwatch, this component comprising at least one pair of lugs, the bracelet comprising at least one pivot configured to cooperate with the horns of said pair of horns.

PRIOR TECHNIQUE

Currently, when a watch strap is worn, for example, or when a user wishes to change the strap, for whatever reason, this user must generally take his watch to a specialist who has the appropriate tools and know-how to change this bracelet. Indeed, such a change of strap requires special tools which are generally not available to watch users.

This presents constraints and costs. This also prevents having a watch associated with several bracelets and changing the bracelet according to the desire of the moment.

There are devices for attaching bracelets to wristwatches which do not require special tools. Such devices are for example described in the documents CH 697 598 And CH 704 810 .

In these devices, the watch case comprises two horns between which is placed a pivot of the bracelet. The horns have hollows opening into the lower part of the horn, so as to allow the pivot of the horns to be released. These recesses can be closed or opened by operating a bolt. When the lock is closed, the pivot is held between the lugs, in the recesses. When the locks are open, the pivot can be separated from the horns by the opening emerging in the lower part of the horn.

The inventions described in these two documents have a defect. Indeed, the locks are actuated by an actuating mechanism which is movable in a longitudinal direction, that is to say a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bracelet, this actuating mechanism being moreover accessible from the side of the watch. It is not excluded that the locks move from the closed position to the open position while the user is wearing the watch. Such opening of the locks can be done for example following a displacement of the mechanism for actuating the locks, when this mechanism is hooked in particular by a garment. The opening of the locks can occur when the watch is on the user's wrist. This opening can also occur following a bad closure of the lock or for other reasons. In such a case, there is a great risk that the pivot will detach from the watch and that the latter will fall from the user's wrist.

Although it is possible to secure the locks to prevent them from opening untimely, this securing has the effect of increasing the complexity of the parts and their manufacture and/or making it more complex to change the bracelet, which defeats the intended purpose.

There is therefore a need to produce a mechanical connection device between two parts, and in particular between a bracelet and a component of a watch, which is easy to use for the user, while guaranteeing that the two parts cannot not separate when the watch is worn by the user.

EP 2 657 795A1 discloses a device for attaching an interchangeable bracelet, the device being provided with a push button connected to a retaining rod comprising reduced thicknesses at defined locations. When the pushers are activated, the reduced thicknesses move and allow the bracelet to be released by means of attachment elements linked to the bracelet, these elements being able to be separated from the stem when they are aligned with reduced thicknesses. WO2005029204A1 describes a mechanical connection device between a bracelet and a watch according to the preamble of claim 1.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes to produce such a mechanical connecting device, which allows a user to very simply separate the two mechanical parts, without tools and without complex handling, and which guarantees at the same time that the mechanical parts do not separate from each other. involuntarily or accidentally, accidental, in particular when the mechanical parts to be linked are part of a wristwatch and when the wristwatch is worn by a user.

This object is achieved by a mechanical connection device having the characteristics of claim 1.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a timepiece comprising a mechanical connection device as described above.

The mechanical linking device according to the invention makes it possible to link, in a simple and effective manner, different mechanical components and in particular different components of a watch. The components which can be linked together are in particular a bracelet with a watch case, a bracelet with a clasp or links of a bracelet.

This mechanical connection device can be opened easily, without tools and without special know-how, so as to separate the mechanical parts from each other. This makes it possible in particular to change the watch strap very easily.

The mechanical link device is also safe in the sense that the mechanical parts cannot come apart when the watch is worn by a user, even in the event of sudden movement or friction.

Moreover, this mechanical connection device is also interesting because its construction is relatively simple.

An advantage of the invention comes in particular from the fact that the bracelet does not include any moving part. The linking part of the bracelet is a very simple part, generally made in the form of a simple turned axis. The bracelet can therefore be made relatively simply, without increasing the manufacturing cost compared to a conventional bracelet. Mobile parts or parts that require more complex manufacturing are in principle made on the other component to be linked to the strap, especially on the clasp or case. The invention can also be used with a conventional bracelet comprising a spring bar.

The connection device thus makes it possible to have several bracelets and to choose the bracelet to be used at a given moment, according to one's desire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de l'invention appliqué à un fermoir, en position de maintien ;
• la figure 2 est une vue du fermoir de la figure 1, en position de libération ;
• la figure 3 est une vue partielle du fermoir de la figure 1, en position de maintien ;
• la figure 4 et une vue de dessous du fermoir de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention en position de maintien ;
• la figure 6 représente le dispositif de la figure 5, vu de dessous ;
• la figure 7 illustre le dispositif de la figure 5, en position de libération ;
• la figure 8 illustre le dispositif de la figure 5 et le bracelet, ces deux éléments étant séparés l'un de l'autre ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe partielle du dispositif de la figure 5, en position de maintien, le bracelet étant séparé du dispositif de maintien ;
• la figure 10 est une vue similaire à la figure 9, en position de libération ;
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe partielle du dispositif de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 12 est une vue en perspective d'un troisième mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention en position de maintien verrouillée ;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de la figure 12, en position de maintien déverrouillée ;
• la figure 14 illustre le dispositif de la figure 13, en position de libération ;
• la figure 15 illustre le dispositif de la figure 12 et le bracelet, ces deux éléments étant séparés l'un de l'autre ;
• la figure 16 est une vue en coupe partielle du dispositif de la figure 12, en position de maintien verrouillée ;
• la figure 17 est une vue du verrou et d'un détail du dispositif de l'invention, en position verrouillée ;
• la figure 18 est une vue du verrou et d'un détail du dispositif de l'invention, en position déverrouillée ;
• la figure 19 est une vue de face en coupe partielle d'un détail du dispositif de l'invention, en position de maintien verrouillée ;
• la figure 20 est une vue de côté du dispositif de la figure 19 ;
• la figure 21 est une vue similaire à la figure 19, en position de maintien déverrouillée ;
• la figure 22 est une vue de côté du dispositif de la figure 21 ; et
• la figure 23 est une vue similaire à la figure 19, en position de libération ;

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood with reference to the appended figures and the detailed description of particular embodiments, in which:

• there figure 1 is a perspective view of the device of the invention applied to a clasp, in the holding position;
• there figure 2 is a view of the clasp of the figure 1 , in the release position;
• there picture 3 is a partial view of the clasp of the figure 1 , in the holding position;
• there figure 4 and a bottom view of the clasp of the figure 1 ;
• there figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device of the invention in the holding position;
• there figure 6 represents the device of the figure 5 , seen from below;
• there figure 7 illustrates the device of the figure 5 , in the release position;
• there figure 8 illustrates the device of the figure 5 and the bracelet, these two elements being separated from each other;
• there figure 9 is a partial sectional view of the device of the figure 5 , in the holding position, the bracelet being separated from the holding device;
• there figure 10 is a view similar to the figure 9 , in the release position;
• there figure 11 is a partial sectional view of the device of the figure 10 ;
• there figure 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device of the invention in the locked holding position;
• there figure 13 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 12 , in the unlocked holding position;
• there figure 14 illustrates the device of the figure 13 , in the release position;
• there figure 15 illustrates the device of the figure 12 and the bracelet, these two elements being separated from each other;
• there figure 16 is a partial sectional view of the device of the figure 12 , in the locked holding position;
• there figure 17 is a view of the lock and of a detail of the device of the invention, in the locked position;
• there figure 18 is a view of the lock and of a detail of the device of the invention, in the unlocked position;
• there figure 19 is a front view in partial section of a detail of the device of the invention, in the locked holding position;
• there figure 20 is a side view of the device from the figure 19 ;
• there figure 21 is a view similar to the figure 19 , in the unlocked holding position;
• there figure 22 is a side view of the device from the figure 21 ; And
• there figure 23 is a view similar to the figure 19 , in the release position;

MANNER OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures, the mechanical connection device 10 according to the invention is intended in particular to connect a strap 11, in particular a wristwatch strap, to a mechanical part 12, in particular a component of a wristwatch. This component can be for example a case of the watch, a clasp or another part of the bracelet. In the illustrated embodiments, the mechanical part 12 linked to the bracelet 11 is a clasp. The connecting device 10 is however the same if it is another component.

In the invention, the bracelet 11 is integral with a pivot 13. This pivot can form an integral part of the bracelet or be placed for example in a loop arranged close to the end of this bracelet. The pivot is generally cylindrical and may include two lugs 14 used to hold the bracelet in the connecting device.

The mechanical connection device 10 according to the invention essentially comprises at least one pair of horns, arranged to cooperate with the pivot 13 or the lugs 14 of the pivot if the latter comprises lugs. At least one of the horns 15 of the pair of horns is movable in a transverse direction, this transverse direction being aligned with a longitudinal axis of the bracelet pivot. The other horn of the pair of horns can be a fixed horn 16.

The invention is described here as having a single pair of horns and among the horns forming this pair of horns, only one is mobile, the other being fixed. The device of the invention could be used for example on a watch case, in which case it could be advantageous for the case to have two pairs of horns, each pair of horns cooperating with a different pivot of the bracelet. In this case, each pair of horns preferably has at least one mobile horn.

It is also possible to provide for the two horns of a pair to be mobile, which would allow easy handling of the device for people wearing the watch on the left wrist or on the right wrist, as well as for right-handers and left-handers. The functions of the device are however accessible if only one of the horns is mobile.

The element to which the bracelet is attached is described as a horn. Other embodiments of the bracelet fastening element could be used, provided that this fastening element is capable of receiving the pivot of the bracelet or, more generally, that it is capable of maintaining and release the wristband. The various embodiments having the same functions as the horns, the term horn used in the text must be understood as covering these various embodiments.

THE figures 1 to 4 represent a clasp 17 comprising a connecting device 10 according to the invention. This connecting device essentially comprises a stirrup 18 having a fixed horn 16, integral with this stirrup, and a movable horn 15. The stirrup 18 comprises a chamber 19 in which are arranged the movable horn 15, a guide screw 20 and a compression spring 21. The movable horn 15 comprises a housing 22 and an end wall 23 provided with a through hole. Guide screw 20 comprises a screw head 24 having a posterior face positioned generally flush with the stirrup 18 and an anterior face disposed towards the interior of the housing 22 of the movable horn 15. The guide screw 20 as a whole is also placed partly in the housing 22 of the movable horn, passes through the through hole made in the end wall 23 and is fixed in the bracket 18.

A space is defined between the guide screw 20 and the housing 22 of the mobile horn. The compression spring 21 is arranged in this space, around the guide screw 20 and in the housing 22 of the movable horn. This compression spring 21 bears on the one hand on the end wall 23 of the mobile horn and on the other hand on an anterior face of the head 24 of the guide screw.

The characteristics of the compression spring 21, of the mobile horn 15 and of the guide screw 20 are such that, in the absence of force applied by a user to the mobile horn 15, the compression spring 21 pushes this mobile horn to the interior of chamber 19 of the stirrup. In this position, the horns 15, 16 are separated by a distance such that the pivot 13 of the bracelet can be placed between the horns, this pivot being held in position by the lugs 14 of the pivot, these lugs being placed in holes 25 horns. This position of the horns is called the hold position.

When a force is applied to the mobile horn 15 in a direction opposite to the force applied by the compression spring 21, this mobile horn moves transversely, so as to increase the distance between the two horns 15, 16 of the same pair. . The amplitude of the displacement of the mobile horn 15 is such that the pivot 13 can be withdrawn from the horns, which makes it possible to separate the bracelet 11 from the stirrup 18. This position of the horns is called the release position.

When a new bracelet 11 has to be put back in place, it suffices to move the mobile horn 15 transversely so as to move the horns away from each other. While the movable horn 15 is held away from the fixed horn 16, the pivot 13 can be presented between the two horns and positioned appropriately. The mobile horn 15 can be released. The compression spring 21 has the effect of pushing the mobile horn 15 in the direction of the fixed horn 16 and therefore of reducing the distance separating these two horns. In this close position, the pivot 13 of the strap is held by the two lugs and the strap 11 is fixed to the stirrup.

This realization is interesting for several reasons. On the one hand, both the strap and the part on which this strap is mounted do not undergo any changes in their aesthetic appearance. As far as security is concerned, closing the movable horn 15 is very secure. Indeed, the opening movement is a transverse movement and not a longitudinal movement. When the watch is worn by a user, there is little chance that the mobile lug will remain attached somewhere and that it will undergo a transverse movement. The bracelet therefore has very little risk of falling off. As far as manufacturing is concerned, all that is needed is a movable horn, a screw and a spring to achieve the desired goal. The manufacture of these parts is relatively uncomplicated, while guaranteeing an easy and reliable installation and removal of the bracelet.

THE figures 5 to 11 illustrate a second embodiment of the removable mechanical connection device 10 according to the invention. This embodiment is in particular intended to be used on a folding clasp. In this embodiment, as in the previous one, the device of the invention comprises a stirrup 118 provided with two horns, namely a fixed horn 116 and a mobile horn 115. The mobile horn 115 can be placed in a holding position, in which the distance between the mobile horn 115 and the fixed horn 116 is such that a pivot 13 of the bracelet can be firmly held by the two horns, and a release position in which the pivot 13 of the bracelet can be released from the horns.

In the absence of opposing force, in particular exerted by the user, the movable horn 115 is placed in the holding position.

The bracket 118 has a through hole in which is housed a rod 131 secured to the movable horn 115. This through rod 131 has a head 124 similar to the screw head 24 of the first embodiment. This screw head 124 is housed in a housing 122 made in the fixed horn 116. This housing 122 has a bottom wall 123 into which the through hole 130 of the bracket opens.

A compression spring 121 is arranged around the rod 131, in the housing 122 of the movable horn 115 and bears on the one hand against the screw head 124 and on the other hand against the bottom wall 123 of the housing. This compression spring 121 has the effect of pressing the screw head 124 in a direction opposite to the movable horn 115. The screw head 124 being integral with the rod 131 and the movable horn 115, the compression spring 121 has the effect of bringing the movable horn 115 into the holding position.

As can be seen from the figure 11 , the rod 131 has an external thread 132 in the part which is linked to the movable horn 115. Other embodiments could also be used, such as for example an internal thread of part of the rod.

The movable horn 115 comprises a pin 133 cooperating with a blind hole 134 made in the bracket 118. This pin 133 can slide in the blind hole 134, but in principle always remains in this blind hole, whatever the position of the horn. mobile 115. This pin 133 is provided to guide the mobile horn 115 and to prevent it from pivoting around the rod 131. This pin 133 can for example be screwed into the mobile horn, be driven into it or be made from a single piece with movable horn.

In the figures 5 to 11 , the rod 131 is shown as having a circular section. Therefore, it is useful to provide a pin 133 to prevent the rotation of the movable horn 115 around the rod. It is also possible to provide a rod having a non-circular cross-section at least over part of the length of the rod. In such a case, the mobile horn cannot in principle rotate around the rod and the pin is then no longer essential.

This embodiment has the same advantages as the previous embodiment, namely that, due to the transverse movement of the mobile horn, the holding of the bracelet is very secure and the risk of the bracelet coming off inadvertently is very low. The number of parts is very limited and these parts are relatively uncomplicated to produce. The aesthetic aspect of the watch is not modified and changing the strap is greatly simplified.

THE figures 12 to 23 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention similar to the second embodiment illustrated by the figures 5 to 11 . In this third embodiment, an additional locking mechanism 200 is provided.

In this embodiment, the device 10 of the invention also comprises a fixed horn 116 and a movable horn 115. The movable horn 115 is secured to a rod 231, disposed in a through hole 230 of the stirrup 218, this rod 231 ending in a screw 220 having a screw head 224 arranged in a housing 222 of the fixed horn 116. A compression spring 221 bears on the one hand on the screw head 224 of the rod and on the other hand, on a bottom wall 223 of the fixed horn housing.

As can be seen in particular on the figure 16 , 19, 21 and 23 , the rod 231 has a profiled area 240, having a non-circular cross-section. The function of this profiled area is the same as the function of the pin 133 of the second embodiment, namely to prevent the movable horn 115 from pivoting around the rod 231.

To achieve this goal, the profiled zone 240 is able to slide in a recess 241 of the stirrup, this recess having a cross section complementary to the cross section of the profiled zone 240 of the rod and a length or depth such that at least part of the profiled zone 240 always remains in the recess 241 of the stirrup regardless of the position of the mobile horn 115.

The rod 231 also includes a locking zone 242, made in the embodiment described, in the form of a zone of reduced diameter. This locking zone 242 cooperates with the locking mechanism 200 to prevent movement of the movable horn, as explained in detail below.

The locking mechanism 200 comprises a bolt 243 mounted in a slide of the stirrup 218. This bolt 243 comprises a push-button 244 intended to allow actuation of the bolt, a return spring 245 intended to recall the bolt in a position lock, and a groove 246 intended to block the movement of the rod 231.

In the locked position, the lock 243 is positioned in such a way that the locking zone 242 of the rod 231 is placed in the groove 246 of the lock. The dimension of this groove 246 is such that the locking zone 242 can be placed in the groove, with relatively little lateral play, and in such a way that the groove 246 does not allow the passage of the rod 231 outside the zone. lock 242. The lock 243 is mounted in the bracket 218, in the slide, so as to be constrained by the return spring 245 in a locked position, that is to say in a position in which the zone of lock 242 of the rod is placed in the groove 246 of the lock. In this position, due to the respective dimensions of the groove 246 of the lock and the diameters of the rod 231, the movement of the movable horn 115 is not possible. Other embodiments of the locking zone and of the lock are of course possible.

When you want to change the strap and therefore move the movable horn 115, it is first of all necessary to move the lock 243 so as to release the locking zone 242 of the stem. This can be done by actuating the push button 244 of the locking mechanism 200 against the force of the return spring 245. The groove 246 of the lock then moves relative to the rod 231 and this rod can be moved without being prevented from doing so by the lock 243. The movement of the rod then takes place as in the embodiment illustrated by the figures 5 to 11 , corresponding to the second embodiment.

The movable horn 115 can be separated from the fixed horn 116; the lug 14 of the bracelet 11 can be removed from the corresponding lugs and the bracelet can be removed. A new bracelet can be put back in place. When the mobile horn 115 is released, the compression spring 221 acting on the rod 231 of the mobile horn pushes the mobile horn 115 back into the holding position. This has the effect of positioning the locking zone 242 opposite the groove 246 of the lock. The return spring 245 of the locking mechanism 200 presses the lock 243 in such a way that the groove 246 of this lock engages around the locking zone of the rod, the locking mechanism 200 thus preventing the inadvertent movement of the horn mobile 115.

In this embodiment, the movement of the movable horn is similar to that of the second embodiment. It also has all the advantages mentioned earlier. This embodiment also has a locking mechanism which, on the one hand, is simple to make and, on the other hand, which prevents any involuntary opening of the mobile horn and any involuntary detachment of the bracelet. This locking mechanism can be made in such a way as to remain very discreet and therefore not to change the aesthetics of the watch. It can of course also be made in the form of a decorative element bringing a new aesthetic to the watch.

Three distinct embodiments have been described, each of these embodiments having specific characteristics. It should be noted that the characteristics of one of the embodiments could also be used with another embodiment and that the characteristics of these different embodiments could be combined or interchanged.

As mentioned previously, the component linked to the bracelet by means of the device of the invention can in particular be a watch case, a clasp or a bracelet element. According to one embodiment, it is possible for example to produce a bracelet link which can be easily removed or added, so as to adapt the length of the bracelet to the needs of the wearer of the watch. It is also possible to combine the different embodiments described.

Claims (12)

1. A releasable mechanical connecting device (10) between a bracelet (11) and a mechanical part (12), in particular a component of a wristwatch, this component comprising at least a pair of horns, the bracelet (11) comprising at least one pivot (13) configured to cooperate with the horns of said pair of horns, one of said horns (15, 115) being transversely movable between a holding position in which the pivot (13) is held by said horns of the pair of horns and a release position in which said horns are moved away from each other and said pivot (13) can be released from the horns, characterised in that the movable horn (15, 115) is constrained in the holding position by means of a compression spring (21, 121, 221).
2. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable horn (15) is placed in a housing (22) of the mechanical part (12).
3. The mechanical connecting device according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that when a force is applied to the movable horn (15) in a direction opposite to the force applied by the compression spring, the movable horn moves transversely, so as to increase the distance between the two horns (15, 16) of the same pair.
4. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the compression spring (21, 121, 221) is arranged in said housing (22, 122, 222) of the mechanical part (12).
5. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a screw (20, 220) which is rigidly connected to the mechanical part, this screw (20, 220) comprising a screw head (24, 124, 224), the movable horn (15, 115) comprising a wall (23, 123, 223) and a chamber in which the screw (20, 220) is placed, and in that the compression spring (21, 121, 221) is arranged around the screw (20, 220) and bears on the one hand on the screw head (24, 124, 224) and on the other hand on the wall of the movable horn (15, 115).
6. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable horn (115) is linked to the fixed horn (116) by a rod (131, 231), this rod being movable transversely in relation to the fixed horn (116) and being associated with a compression spring (21, 121, 221) arranged to constrain the movable horn (115) towards the holding position.
7. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the device (10) comprises a locking mechanism (200) arranged to lock the movable horn (116) in the holding position.
8. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 7, characterised in that the movable horn (115) is connected to a rod (231) comprising a locking area (242) and in that the locking mechanism (200) comprises a latch (243) cooperating with the locking area (242) of the rod (231) in order to block the movable horn (115) in the holding position.
9. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 8, characterised in that the latch (243) is movable between a locking position in which the latch prevents movement of the movable horn (115) and an unlocking position in which the latch (243) does not prevent movement of the movable horn (115).
10. The mechanical connecting device according to claim 8, characterised in that the latch (243) is constrained in the locking position by means of a return spring (245).
11. Mechanical connection device according to claim 7, characterised in that the locking mechanism (200) comprises a pushbutton (244) arranged to allow a user to place the locking mechanism (200) in an unlocked position.
12. Timepiece comprising a mechanical connecting device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

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