EP3753441A1 - Device for mechanical link between a bracelet and a mechanical part - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mechanical connection between a bracelet (11) and a mechanical part (12) such as a wristwatch. The bracelet (11) comprises a pivot (14) and a stop (15). The mechanical part (12) comprises a retaining member (21) of the pivot (14) arranged to hold the pivot (14) on the mechanical part (12) in a first configuration and to release this pivot (14) from the mechanical part (12) in a second configuration. This connection device comprises a lock (28) movable between a closed position in which it maintains said pivot (14) on the mechanical part (12) and an open position in which the pivot (14) can be released from the mechanical part ( 12). The latch (28) has an elastic restraint element (33) pressing the latch (28) into the closed position. The latch (28) comprises an inclined plane (27) such that the application of a force on this inclined plane (27) in one direction generates a displacement of the latch (28) in the open position, in another direction. The latch (28) has a bearing zone (36) such that the application of a force on the bearing zone (36) moves the latch (28) into the open position. The mechanical part (12) comprises a stop member (17) cooperating with the stop (15) of the bracelet to prevent the pivot (14) from applying a force to the latch (28) and moving it into its open position. when the bracelet (11) is in a position of use. The stopper (17) does not interact with the stopper (15) when the bracelet is in the replacement position. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a mechanical connecting device (10) as described. above.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a mechanical connection device between a bracelet and a mechanical part, in particular a mechanical part in the field of jewelry or watchmaking and more particularly between a watch strap and a component such as a watch case. , a clasp or another part of the watch strap.

PRIOR TECHNIQUE

Currently, when a watch strap, for example, is worn or a user wishes to change the strap, for whatever reason, this user must generally bring his watch to a specialist who has the appropriate tools and know-how to change this bracelet. Indeed, watch straps are often attached to the horns of the case by means of a spring bar. Changing the strap involves detaching the strap from the watch case and therefore acting on the spring bar, which requires special tools that watch users generally do not have.

A change of strap therefore presents constraints and costs. This also prevents having a watch associated with several bracelets and changing the bracelet as the mood of the moment.

There are devices for attaching bracelets to wristwatches which do not require special tools. Such devices are for example described in documents CH 697 598 and CH 704 810 . These documents describe devices for fixing watch straps to a wristwatch, in which the strap can be replaced without any particular tool. In these devices, the watch case has two horns between which is placed a pivot of the bracelet. The horns have recesses 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 actuating a lock. When the lock is closed, the pivot is held between the horns, in the recesses. When the latch is open, the pivot can be separated from the horns by the opening opening into the lower part of the horn.

The inventions described in these two documents have flaws. Indeed, the locks are actuated by an actuating mechanism which is 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 take place, for example, following a displacement of the mechanism for actuating the locks, when this mechanism is hooked in particular by a suit. Opening of the locks can occur when the watch is on the user's wrist. This opening can also occur following improper closing of the lock or for other reasons. In such a case, there is a great risk that the pivot will become detached from the watch and that the latter will fall from the wrist of the user.

In the watches described in these documents, the pivot placement should be done meticulously, then when the pivot is in place the latches should be closed making sure the ends of the pivot are still in place. These operations require careful handling, otherwise the pivot could come out of the hollows in the lugs and the watch could fall.

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 of making the strap change more complex, which goes against the intended purpose.

There is therefore a need to provide 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 ensuring that the two parts cannot be separated when the watch is worn by the user.

In addition, it would be desirable for the bracelet not to be able to unintentionally separate from the watch when the watch is handled without being worn on a user's wrist.

It is also desirable that the bracelet cannot be badly positioned during its change, which would present the risk that the user thinks he has fixed his bracelet correctly when in reality it is badly placed.

Other documents describe inventions the objective of which is to allow the bracelet to be separated from the watch component to which it is connected. One of these documents is published under the number CH 661 173 . This document describes a watch strap comprising a bar in the form of a pin, and a case comprising two lugs connected by a bar forming a bearing zone. The horns, the bar and a wall of the watch case form a housing in which one end of the bracelet is placed. The ends of the bar of the bracelet are arranged in recesses made in the lugs and part of the bracelet rests on the bar of the bearing zone. When the watch is worn, the bracelet cannot be removed, the ends of the bar cannot come out of the recesses. When the bracelet needs to be changed, the bar is removed from the housing and the bracelet is removed by passing through this housing.

This embodiment has the drawback that the watch case must imperatively include a bar forming the support zone. This greatly limits the aesthetic aspects that it is possible to give to the watch. Furthermore, when the watch is handled without being worn on the wrist, there is a risk that one end of the bar, or even both ends, unintentionally come out of the horn and that the bracelet is in an undesired position. . In addition, the end of the bracelet opposite to that which comprises the bar must be introduced into the housing defined by the lugs and the bearing zone. This implies that the width of the elements of the bracelet at this end should be less than the width between the lugs. This makes this system unusable with a bracelet having a conventional buckle or a folding clasp type closure. Indeed, these elements practically always have a width greater than the maximum width of the bracelet.

The document WO 2018/127779 describes a device making it possible to connect a bracelet to a clasp in a removable manner, that is to say in such a way that the bracelet can be separated from the clasp in order to change the clasp. In the invention described in this document, the bracelet is fixed in a conventional manner, by means of a spring bar, to a connecting piece arranged between the conventional clasp and the conventional bracelet. This intermediate part comprises a pin having a flat, cooperating with a groove of the clasp. In a first position of the connecting piece relative to the clasp and to the bracelet, the pin cannot be removed from the connecting piece and the bracelet is integral with the clasp. This first position corresponds to the position taken by the various components when the watch is worn by a user. In a second position, the connecting piece is pivoted relative to the clasp and the bracelet is pivoted relative to the connecting piece. In this second position, the pin can be moved in the connecting piece and the bracelet can be removed from the clasp.

This mechanism is not suitable for connecting a bracelet to a watch case. It is only intended for use with a clasp. Due to the presence of an intermediate connecting piece, it could not be placed on a watch case. Thus, this mechanism does not make it possible to replace a watch strap, but only to change the clasp. Furthermore, if the watch is handled without being placed on the wrist of a user, the involuntary separation of the bracelet and the clasp is prevented by an element of this clasp, only when the clasp is closed. In the open position of the clasp, there is a risk of involuntary separation of the bracelet and the clasp.

The document FR 2 758 951 describes a watch in which a bracelet can be removed from a watch case without special tools. In this document, a bracelet is described comprising a plate provided with four lugs. The watch case has lugs each with two hollows. When the bracelet is attached to the watch case, two lugs are inserted into two L-shaped hollows made in two opposite lugs of the watch case. The other two pins are introduced into the other two recesses and act as a lock.

This system does not allow the use of conventional bracelets. Indeed, the presence of four lugs is essential to obtain the desired effect. Since these lugs must be relatively far apart to be effective, the horns of the watch case must therefore be relatively large, which imposes a particular aesthetic aspect on the watch. In addition, the involuntary separation of the bracelet and the case when the watch is handled without being worn on a user's wrist is possible.

In addition to the needs mentioned above, there is a need for a device for connecting a bracelet both with a watch case and with a clasp, which is simple to use for putting on and taking off the bracelet. 'a bracelet. This device must be reliable in that the bracelet cannot unintentionally separate from the clasp and / or from the case even when the watch is handled by a user without being worn on the wrist.

The simplicity of the system should also be present when fitting a new bracelet, with ideally very little manipulation to be carried out for the user and a guarantee that the bracelet and is entirely separated from the watch case or the watch case. mechanical part, is entirely linked to this mechanical part, without it being able to be partially linked to it, which will entail a risk of involuntary separation of the bracelet.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the operation of the connection device does not impose a particular aesthetic on the watch case, so that this mechanism can be used on watches having aspects chosen by the designer of the watch and not imposed by constraints related to this device.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes to provide such a mechanical connection device, which allows a user to very simply separate the two mechanical parts, without tools and without complex handling, and which at the same time guarantees that the mechanical parts do not separate from each other. unintentionally or accidentally, in particular when the mechanical parts to be linked are part of a wristwatch and when the wristwatch is worn by a user, but also in the case where the watch is handled by a user without the latter the door on his wrist.

These objects are achieved by a mechanical connection device between a bracelet and a mechanical part, in particular a component of a wristwatch, this bracelet comprising a pivot and a stopper, said mechanical part comprising a member for retaining said pivot, this member retainer being arranged to hold said pivot on the mechanical part in a first configuration and to release this pivot from the mechanical part in a second configuration; this mechanical connection device being characterized in that it further comprises a lock movable between a closed position in which it maintains said pivot on said mechanical part and an open position in which the pivot can be released from said mechanical part; in that the latch comprises an elastic constraining element arranged to constrain said latch in its closed position; in that this lock comprises at least one inclined zone arranged so that the application of a force to this inclined zone in one direction generates a displacement of the lock in its open position, in another direction; in that this lock comprises at least one bearing zone arranged so that the application of a force to this bearing zone generates a displacement of the lock in its open position; and in that the mechanical part comprises a stop member cooperating with said stopper of the bracelet so as to prevent the pivot of the bracelet from applying a force on the bearing zone when the bracelet is in a position of use, this stop member not interacting with the stopper of the bracelet when the bracelet is in a replacement position.

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

The mechanical linkage device according to the invention makes it possible to link in a simple and efficient manner, various mechanical components and in particular various components of a watch. The components which can be interconnected 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 one another. When the bracelet is linked to a watch case by means of the device of the invention, this device makes it possible in particular to change the watch strap very easily.

The bracelet can also be linked to a clasp which makes it possible to change the clasp or to keep the same clasp while changing the bracelet. The bracelet can of course be linked by one of its ends to a clasp and by its other end to the watch case. This can be particularly interesting since the clasp is generally a part having an aesthetic appearance suited to the aesthetic appearance of the case and may have a significant value. It is then possible to easily change the bracelet while keeping the same clasp.

The mechanical connection device is also particularly simple to use and particularly reliable. Indeed, a simple pressure on the bracelet in a determined direction makes it possible to bind this bracelet to the mechanical part. No other part should be handled when fitting a new bracelet. In addition, the bracelet cannot be placed in an intermediate position between a release position and a closed position. Thus, if a user has placed the bracelet in the wrong place and the latter is not correctly fixed to the mechanical part, it will not be fixed at all to this mechanical part and the user will notice it immediately. If the bracelet is fixed to the mechanical part, it will necessarily be fixed correctly and securely.

The mechanical connection device is also particularly safe in the sense that the mechanical parts cannot become detached when the watch is worn by a user, even in the event of sudden movement, friction or improper closing of the system.

Moreover, this mechanical connection device is also advantageous because of the fact that its construction is simple and does not involve a large number of complex parts to be machined or assembled.

An advantage of the invention comes in particular from the fact that the bracelet does not include a moving part. It can therefore be produced relatively simply, without increasing the cost of manufacture compared to a conventional bracelet. The moving parts or those which require more complex manufacture are in principle produced on the other component to be linked to the bracelet, in particular on the clasp and / or the case.

The connection device thus makes it possible to have several bracelets and to choose the bracelet to use at a given time, according to his desire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1a est une vue de profil du dispositif de liaison mécanique selon un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention, dans une première position ;
• la figure 1b est une vue de profil du dispositif de la figure 1a, dans une deuxième position ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus d'une partie d'un bracelet utilisé dans un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessous d'une variante de bracelet utilisé dans un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe du bracelet de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessous d'un fermoir comportant un dispositif de liaison selon la présente invention, dans la position illustrée par la figure 1 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessous du fermoir de la figure 5, dans la position illustrée par la figure 2 ;
• la figure 7 est une vue d'une partie du fermoir de la figure 5 ;
• la figure 8 est une vue d'une partie du fermoir de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de dessous d'une partie d'un dispositif de liaison mécanique selon une variante de l'invention, en position fermée ;
• la figure 10 est une vue partielle de la partie du dispositif de liaison de la figure 9, vu de dessus ;
• la figure 11 est une vue de dessous du dispositif de la figure 9, en position ouverte ;
• les figures 12a à 12d sont des vues de profil d'une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, représentant différentes positions du bracelet ;

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

• the figure 1a is a side view of the mechanical connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in a first position;
• the figure 1b is a side view of the device of the figure 1a , in a second position;
• the figure 2 is a top view of part of a bracelet used in a connecting device according to the invention;
• the figure 3 is a bottom view of a variant of a bracelet used in a connecting device according to the invention;
• the figure 4 is a sectional view of the bracelet of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 5 is a bottom view of a clasp comprising a connecting device according to the present invention, in the position illustrated by figure 1 ;
• the figure 6 is a bottom view of the clasp of the figure 5 , in the position illustrated by figure 2 ;
• the figure 7 is a view of part of the clasp of the figure 5 ;
• the figure 8 is a view of part of the clasp of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 9 is a bottom view of part of a mechanical connection device according to a variant of the invention, in the closed position;
• the figure 10 is a partial view of the part of the connecting device of the figure 9 , seen from above;
• the figure 11 is a bottom view of the device of the figure 9 , in open position;
• the figures 12a to 12d are profile views of another variant embodiment of the invention, showing different positions of the bracelet;

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 link a bracelet 11, in particular a wristwatch bracelet, to a mechanical part 12, in particular a component of a wristwatch. This component may for example be a watch case, a clasp and / or another part of the bracelet.

According to an advantageous embodiment making it possible to change the strap of a watch, this strap is linked at least to the case of the watch by means of the device of the invention. This bracelet can for example be closed in a conventional manner with a pin buckle.

The bracelet can also be connected to a clasp, for example of the butterfly type. In this case, the bracelet can be replaced while the clasp is retained.

The bracelet can furthermore be connected to a bracelet element such as a link, which makes it possible to easily lengthen or shorten this bracelet by adding or removing a link. It should be noted that the mechanical connection device of the invention is compatible with a mechanism for fine-tuning the length of the bracelet and can be mounted on such a mechanism. Thus, it is possible to adjust the length of the bracelet in steps corresponding to a link and to carry out the fine adjustment of the length using the corresponding mechanism.

In the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the mechanical part 12 connected to the bracelet 11 is a clasp 13. The connection device 10 is however the same if it is another component and in particular the case of a watch.

In the invention, the bracelet 11 is integral with a bar or a pivot 14. This pivot may be an integral part of the bracelet 11 or be placed for example in a loop arranged near the end of this bracelet. This pivot can be a simple rod and does not have any moving parts relative to each other, unlike a spring bar for example.

The bracelet 11 further comprises a stop 15. In the embodiment illustrated by figure 2 , the stop 15 comprises a shoulder 16 arranged set back from the pivot 14 relative to the component to be linked to the bracelet. This shoulder 16 cooperates with a stop member 17 produced here in the form of horns 18 so as to prevent the movement of the bracelet 11 in the direction of the center of the component which is linked to this bracelet.

In other words, when the bracelet 11 is in a position of use, that is to say in a position corresponding substantially to the position taken by this bracelet when the watch is worn on the wrist of a user, and when this bracelet is pushed in the direction of the center of the case or of the clasp 13 of the watch, the shoulder 16 bears against the stop member 17, for example the lugs 18, and prevents greater displacement of the bracelet.

The stopper 17 could have a shape other than that of horns. It could be formed for example by a shoulder of the case and the clasp or by a part specially designed for this function of stopping the movement of the bracelet.

In the context of the invention, the bracelet 11 is generally fixed to the periphery of the mechanical part 12. The center of this mechanical part or of the component to be linked to the bracelet is located in a direction opposite to the bracelet with respect to the area in which the bracelet is attached to this mechanical part.

The stopper or retaining effect is obtained by the cooperation between the shoulder 16 of the bracelet and the horns 18 or more generally by the cooperation between the stopper 15 and the stop member 17 of the component to be linked to the bracelet. This abutment effect can also be obtained by means of a projecting zone 19 arranged in front of the pivot 14, towards the center of the component to be linked. This protruding zone 19 is in particular visible on the figure 1 . This protruding zone 19 bears against a part of the component to be linked to the bracelet 11, when this bracelet 11 is pushed towards the center of the component, this part of the component playing the role of a stop member 17. When the protruding zone 19 is resting against the component, the strap 11 can no longer be moved further in this direction.

It should be noted that a bracelet could have a protruding zone 19 and a shoulder 16 acting one or the other or both as a stop, in cooperation with a part of the mechanical part 12 to be linked to the bracelet.

It should also be noted that the shoulder 16 as well as the protruding zone 19 do not fundamentally change the aesthetics of the bracelet, which makes it possible to keep a bracelet having a conventional aesthetic to which users are accustomed.

The figures 3, 4 and 12 show another type of bracelet in which the bracelet comprises a housing 20 receiving the pivot 14. This housing 20 is closed upwards so as to form a stop 15 having the same function as the shoulder 16 or as the projecting zone 19 of the embodiments described above.

The bracelet 11 is linked to the mechanical part 12 by means of a retaining member 21 of the pivot 14 of the bracelet, this retaining member 21 comprising a retaining zone 22 and a release zone 23. When the pivot 14 is in the retaining zone 22, this pivot 14 cannot separate from the retaining member 21. When the pivot 14 is in the release zone 23, it can be withdrawn from the retaining member 21, which makes it possible to separate the bracelet 11 of the mechanical part 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, the retaining member 21 of the pivot is formed from the two horns 18 mentioned above, these horns 18 being positioned and dimensioned so as to be able to receive the pivot 14 of the bracelet. This bracelet 11 can in particular be of the type represented by the figure 2 . To this end, several variants are possible. According to a variant as illustrated, the horns 18 each comprise a groove 24 forming a hook 25, one part of which opens out under the horns 18 and forms the release zone 23 and another part of which forms the retaining zone 22.

The grooves 24 made in the horns may be through, in that each groove passes right through the horn in the direction of its thickness. However, it is also possible to provide a non-through groove, open only on the inside of the horn, that is to say on the side facing the other horn.

It is possible to provide that each horn 18 has a groove 24. It is however also possible to provide a groove on a single horn, the other horn simply comprising a hole which can be blind or through, intended to receive one end of the pivot. 14 of the bracelet. This hole can have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the pivot 14 or be slightly oval so that the pivot 14 can move slightly in the hole without being deformed or strained.

The mechanical part 12 to be linked to the bracelet 11 comprises a lock 28. In the embodiments illustrated by the figures 1 and 5 to 11 , this lock comprises two shoes 30 slidably mounted in a rail 29 of the room mechanical 12. These shoes can slide between an open position and a closed position.

In the open position, the shoes 30 release the release zone 23 from the grooves 24 while in the closed position, these shoes 30 block this release zone 23.

The figures 5 to 8 illustrate in more detail the locks 28 used in the connecting device 10 of the invention. The shoes 30 are connected by a connecting rod 31. The mechanical part 12 comprises a screw 32 disposed near the rail 29 and aligned with this rail.

The latch 28 comprises an elastic stress element 33 having the function of pressing this latch into the closed position when no force other than that of the elastic stress element 33 is applied to the latch.

In the illustrated embodiments, this elastic stress element 33 is formed by a compression spring 34 supported by the screw 32. This compression spring 34 is supported on the one hand on the screw 32 and on the other hand on the shoe 30 of lock 28.

In the embodiment illustrated by figures 9 to 11 , the shoes 30 of the lock are independent of one another and are therefore not connected by a rod.

As in the previous embodiment, the shoes 30 are pressed into a closed position by the compression spring 34 of the elastic stress member 33. The closed position of the latch is illustrated by the figure. figure 9 . The figure 10 also illustrates the latch 28 in the closed position, seen from above.

In the figure 11 , the lock 28, and more specifically the shoes 30, are illustrated in an open position, that is to say in a position in which the release zone 23 of the retaining member 21 is accessible by the pivot 14 of the bracelet. This position of the shoes 30 is reached when a force acts against the elastic constraining element 33. When the clamping device link 10 of the invention is used, this force is applied by the pivot 14 of the bracelet 11.

The shoes 30 can be held in the rails 29 for example by virtue of their profile which can be in particular dovetail, T or other. The shoes 30 can also be held in place by a part placed over the shoes. These shoes can also slide along the screw 32, for example along an unthreaded portion of the screw or a rod aligned with the screws.

The figures 5, 7 , 9 and 10 illustrate the latch 28 in its closed position while the figures 6, 8 and 11 illustrate the lock 28 in the open position.

The shoes 30 comprise an inclined plane 27. This inclined plane is arranged such that pressure on this inclined plane 27 in a first direction has the effect of moving the corresponding shoe against the force of the compression spring 34, in a second direction. direction, towards the open position of the lock. The inclined plane 27 thus transforms the direction of the force applied by the pivot 14 of the bracelet 11 into a movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of this force, which has the effect of moving the shoes 30 towards their open position.

The relative dimensions of the retaining zone 22 and the horns 18 and the distance between the pivot 14 and the stopper 15 of the bracelet are such that the pivot 14 cannot reach the release zone 23 when the bracelet is in its position of. use, that is to say in the position it takes when the watch is worn on the wrist of a user. In this way, the bracelet 11 cannot come out of the horns 18 and therefore cannot separate from the component to which it is linked.

In the case where the stop 15 comprises a projecting zone 19, the distance between the pivot 14 and the end of the projecting zone are such that the pivot 14 cannot reach the release zone 23, when the watch is worn by a user.

When the bracelet 11 is to be mounted on a mechanical part 12, in particular when the bracelet is to be fixed to the clasp 13 or to the case of a watch, this bracelet is presented in front of the lock 28 of the mechanical part, in a position such that 'a longitudinal axis 35 of the bracelet is substantially perpendicular to a plane of said mechanical part and in such a way that the pivot 14 of the bracelet is facing the release zone 23 of the retaining member 21 and facing the inclined planes 27 shoes 30 of the lock 28.

In the context of the invention, the longitudinal axis 35 of the bracelet is defined as an axis forming part of the bracelet when the latter is arranged on a plane and extending along this bracelet. This axis is visible on the figures 2, 3 , 12a and 12b and often corresponds in practice to an axis of symmetry of the bracelet.

The plane of the mechanical part 12 is defined as a plane containing the bottom of the part, that is to say the part of the mechanical part which is in contact with the user when the mechanical part is worn by a user. When the mechanical part is a watch worn by a user, the plane of the part is a plane tangent to the arm of the user, in the zone in which the mechanical part is in contact with the arm of this user.

For the assembly of the bracelet, in the case where the mechanical part is as illustrated by the figures 5 to 11 , this bracelet 11 is first of all pressed in the direction of its longitudinal axis 35 so that the pivot 14 bears against the inclined planes 27 of the shoes 30 of the lock and applies a force to these shoes, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 35 of the bracelet.

The application of this force on the inclined planes 27 has the effect of generating a force in a substantially perpendicular direction, against the force exerted by the compression springs 34 of the latch 28. This perpendicular force moves the shoes 30 of the latch so as to release the release zone 23 from the retaining member 21 and so as to allow the pivot 14 to engage in this release zone 23.

When the bracelet has been moved far enough, the shoes 30 push the pivot 14, under the action of the elastic constraint element 33, in the direction of the retaining zone 22 of the retaining member 21.

The bracelet 11 can then be pivoted about the pivot 14 so that its longitudinal axis 35 is substantially contained in the plane of the mechanical part 12. The bracelet 11 and this mechanical part are then in a position of use.

In this position, the stopper 15 of the bracelet is placed near the stopper member 17 or rests against this stopper member 17 produced on a part of the part on which this bracelet is mounted. Thus, when the watch is in the position of use, that is to say when the longitudinal axis 35 of the bracelet is contained in the plane of the part linked to this bracelet, it is not possible to move the pivot. 14 far enough so that it reaches the release zone 23 of the hook 25.

In all the embodiments, when the bracelet 11 has reached the desired position, it is rotated by an angle substantially equal to 90 °, so that the longitudinal axis 35 of the bracelet is contained in the plane of the mechanical part 12. .

In this position, the mechanical part 12 and in particular the watch if it is a timepiece, can be worn on the wrist of a user.

When the user wishes to separate the bracelet 11 from the mechanical part 12, he must first remove the watch from his wrist so as to be able to rotate the bracelet 11 around the pivot 14. In fact, the position, the configuration, the form of stops or another element of the bracelet or of the mechanical part prevents the pivot from accessing the release zone 23 of the retaining member 21. According to an advantageous variant, the release zone 23 is not either more accessible by the pivot 14 when the bracelet is rotated in a direction of rotation opposite to the wrist.

The bracelet 11 is rotated so that its longitudinal axis 35 is perpendicular to the plane of the part, this rotation being preferably carried out in the direction of the wrist or more precisely in the direction of where the wrist would be if the watch were worn by a user.

The bracelet 11 is pressed at the level of the pivot 14, against a bearing area 36 of the shoes 30 of the lock, in a direction opposite to the direction of the force exerted by the elastic constraint element 33. The shoes 30 of the lock are then moved back until they release the release zone 23. The pivot 14 can then be withdrawn from the horns 18 and the bracelet 11 can be separated from the mechanical part 12.

The figures 12a to 12d illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention in which the lock 28 forms part of the retaining member 21.

This embodiment is illustrated with a bracelet as represented by the figure 3 and 4 , but could also work with other bracelet. In the case of the bracelet of figures 3 and 4 , the mechanical part 12 comprises a central retaining element 37 on which is fixed the pivot 14. This central retaining element 37 plays the role played by the horns in the embodiments described above.

In this embodiment, the lock 28 comprises a groove 38 intended to receive the pivot 14 of the bracelet. The bracelet has a stop 15 which is formed by an upper part of the housing 20 in which this pivot is arranged.

In the position of use as represented by the figure 12a , the longitudinal axis 35 of the bracelet is contained in the plane of the part. The pivot 14 is held in the retaining member 21, more precisely in the groove 38 of the latch 28. The bracelet cannot reach the release zone 23 of the retaining member 21 because in this position, the stop 15 rests on a part of the mechanical part having the function of a stop member.

When the bracelet 11 is to be removed, it is first of all pivoted so that its longitudinal axis 35 is perpendicular to the plane of the part. This position is illustrated by the figure 12b . In this position, the stop 15 is released from the stop member 17 which no longer prevents the movement of the bracelet 11.

The bracelet can then be pressed against the bearing zone 36 of the lock and moved in the direction of the release zone 23 of the retaining member 21. During this movement, the shoes are moved against the force of the compression springs 34. which frees the passage for the pivot of the bracelet.

In the embodiment illustrated by figures 12a to 12d , the shoes have an inclined plane 39 arranged at the level of the groove 38, near the bearing zone 36. In this case, the bracelet 11 can be removed from the mechanical part 12 by pulling this bracelet towards the bottom of the shoe. the mechanical part or in the opposite direction to that of the force applied to put on a new bracelet. These inclined planes 39 of the groove avoid having to push the bracelet in the direction of the center of the mechanical part, these inclined planes having the characteristic of modifying the direction of the force applied by the user in relation to the direction of the force which emerges from it. results on hooves 30.

As in the previous embodiment, the shoe 30 of the lock comprises an inclined plane 27 disposed on the side of the back of the room. This inclined plane makes it possible to move the lock 28 against the force of the compression springs when a new bracelet has to be put in place.

As before, the force applied by the pivot 14 of a bracelet to be put in place is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shoes 30 of the lock.

Advantageously, although not compulsory, an element prevents the bracelet from rotating in a direction opposite to the wrist. This element can be the shape of the bracelet, the position of the pivot, a shape or a protuberance made on the mechanical part or any other element making it possible to achieve the desired goal.

In the illustrated embodiments, the bracelet and the mechanical part cannot be separated from each other when they are worn. Indeed, the stop of the bracelet prevents any movement of the pivot until the opening of the horn.

As mentioned above, 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 removed or added easily, so as to adapt the length of the bracelet to the needs of the wearer of the watch. It is also possible to place the entire device of the invention on a mechanism for fine-tuning the length of the bracelet. In this way, the general adjustment of the length could be done by adding or removing a link to the bracelet, then the fine adjustment could be done by means of a suitable mechanism.

Claims (14)

Device for mechanical connection between a bracelet (11) and a mechanical part (12), in particular a component of a wristwatch, this bracelet (11) comprising a pivot (14) and a stop (15), said mechanical part ( 12) comprising a retaining member (21) of said pivot (14), this retaining member (21) being arranged to hold said pivot (14) on the mechanical part (12) in a first configuration and to release this pivot (14) ) of the mechanical part (12) in a second configuration; this mechanical connection device being characterized : - in that it further comprises a latch (28) movable between a closed position in which it maintains said pivot (14) on said mechanical part (12) and an open position in which the pivot (14) can be released from said mechanical part (12); - in that the latch (28) comprises an elastic constraining element (33) arranged to constrain said latch (28) in its closed position; - in that this lock (28) comprises at least one inclined plane (27) arranged so that the application of a force on this inclined plane (27) in one direction generates a displacement of the latch (28) in its position opening, in another direction; - in that this latch (28) comprises at least one bearing zone (36) arranged so that the application of a force on this bearing zone (36) generates a displacement of the latch (28) in its open position; and - in that the mechanical part (12) comprises a stop member (17) cooperating with said stopper (15) of the bracelet so as to prevent the pivot (14) of the bracelet from applying a force to the latch (28) so as to move it in its open position when the bracelet (11) is in a position of use, this stop member (17) not interacting with the stop (15) of the bracelet when the bracelet is in a position of substitution. Mechanical connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the retaining member (21) comprises two horns (18). Mechanical connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the retaining member (21) comprises a hook (25). Mechanical connection device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the horns (18) comprise a retaining zone (22) and a release zone (23). Mechanical connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic constraining element (33) acts on the latch (28) so as to bring it into a position in which this latch (28) closes said release zone (23). Mechanical connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lock (28) comprises at least one shoe (30), this shoe comprising the said inclined plane (27). Mechanical connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the elastic stress element (33) comprises at least one compression spring (34) acting on said at least one shoe (30) so as to position it in the closed position . Mechanical connection device according to Claim 6, characterized in that said at least one shoe (30) is movable in a rail (29). Mechanical connection device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the shoe (30) comprises a groove (38) in which the pivot (14) of the bracelet (11) is positioned. Mechanical connection device according to Claim 9, characterized in that at least one zone of the groove (38) comprises an inclined plane (39). Mechanical connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stop (15) is formed by a shoulder (16). Mechanical connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stop (15) is formed by a wall of a housing (20) made in the strap (11). Mechanical connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mechanical part (12) is chosen from a watch case, a clasp (13) or a bracelet element. Timepiece comprising a mechanical connection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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