EP3801116B1 - Folding clasp for a wrist watch and method for retrofitting same - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a folding clasp, a wristwatch with such a folding clasp and a method for retrofitting such a folding clasp.

State of the art

The ends of wristwatch straps are typically connected with pin clasps or folding clasps to usually be secured to the wearer's arm. The folding clasp has an open state with a large opening circumference and a closed state with a small opening circumference. By attaching the strap to the folding clasp, the small opening circumference can be adjusted to the wearer's arm circumference. By subsequently opening or closing, the opening circumference of the band can be increased or reduced in one fell swoop to the set positions without any further action on the part of the wearer in order to remove the wristwatch from the arm or fix it on it. The impressive advantage is that when the folding clasp is open, the watch cannot fall off the wrist uncontrollably or unnoticed. Since the watch forms a closed ring even when open, the watch can only be removed by hand. If the folding clasp opens unintentionally, the watch will only slip over the wearer's wrist when the arm is hanging down, which usually allows the watch to be caught. With a pin buckle, however, the watch falls off your arm uncontrollably. Furthermore, such folding clasps have the advantage that, in contrast to the pin clasps mentioned at the beginning, straps are less bent and are therefore retained over a longer period of time, which is not only more cost-effective, but is also advantageous in terms of the aesthetic requirements of the watch, especially in the high-price segment. If folding clasps with flexible Bracelets, for example made of leather, rubber, textile or Milanese bracelets, are used, one end of the bracelet is often fixedly connected to a first end of the folding clasp and a second end of the bracelet is connected to the second end of the folding clasp in an adjustable axial position to adjust the circumference of the bracelet in the closed state of the folding clasp.

Some approaches for folding clasps that are intended for adjusting the length of straps are known from the prior art.

JP2006115992A describes a folding clasp with a push button housing body which is equipped with a groove and which is rotatably connected to a frame. The frame has an adjusting pin which can be guided through a length adjustment hole in the band element and engages in the groove of the push button housing body to fix the position. The push button housing body further has an opening which forms part of the locking mechanism of the folding clasp. JP2006115992A discloses the preamble of claim 1.

GB2278148A describes a clasp for a wristwatch comprising a fastening device with an upper and a lower part which has an adjustment element. The upper and lower parts are rotatably connected to each other. The bracelet is inserted between the two parts and held in position using the adjustment element.

EP2997847A1 and FR 2699796 describe folding clasps with a fastening device comprising a base plate which is rotatably connected to a cover. The tape is inserted between the base plate and the cover. In EP2997847A1 a push button is provided for actuating a locking device which can hold the fastening device in a closed position or release it into an open position. FR 2699796 provides side locking devices to keep the fastening device closed. Both documents describe Adjustment elements in the form of pegs or a pin that can be inserted into adjustment holes in the bracelet.

As can be seen from the documents cited above, fastening devices for fixing the axial position of the second end of the bracelet to the second end of the folding clasp often included a pin extending through the bracelet in the desired position. The problem, however, is that the flexible bracelet softens and wears out more or less over a long period of time, but inevitably due to the wearer's natural arm movements and depending on the wearing conditions and the surrounding medium, depending on the quality of the bracelet, which is particularly noticeable with natural materials such as leather is. For example, the bracelet loses rigidity near the said position and/or the holes for the pin to pass through become worn out. This can lead to the pin slipping unintentionally out of the bracelet when the folding clasp is open and the watch falling uncontrollably or unnoticed from the wrist, as with pin clasps, and the folding clasp actually no longer fulfills the important purpose of preventing accidental falls if it is not done in time said band is replaced with a new one.

Presentation of the invention

It is the object of the invention to find a folding clasp that can securely fix a flexible bracelet in several axial adjustment positions.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a folding clasp according to claim 1. The folding clasp includes a pin for fixing the axial position of a flexible bracelet and a blocking means.

The blocking means is designed to hold the end of the pin guided through the bracelet so that the bracelet remains blocked on the pin in the open state of the folding clasp.

This has the advantage of effectively preventing the pin from slipping out of the bracelet when the folding clasp is open. At the same time, the existing mechanism of the folding clasp only needs to be changed slightly, as only the blocking agent needs to be added. This still allows existing folding clasps to be easily and very effectively retrofitted to eliminate this problem.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the second fastening mechanism is attached to the second bracket so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation. Preferably, the second fastening mechanism and the second bracket are rotatably mounted relative to one another on a shaft running along the fastening axis. Preferably, the blocking means is mounted on the shaft so that it can rotate relative to the pin and/or the second bracket. This has the advantage that the fastening mechanism hardly needs to be changed. It is sufficient to rotatably mount a blocking device on the shaft in addition to the existing mechanism. This makes it particularly easy to create a blocking means that can rotate relative to the second bracket and/or is rotatably arranged relative to the pin. The latter allows the blocking agent to move between a blocking and releasing state.

The blocking means has a blocking opening configured to receive and hold the distal end of the pin.

According to the invention, the blocking opening is formed by two leaf spring elements arranged opposite each other. This makes it possible to open the blocking opening slightly and to allow the distal end of the pin to snap into place by lightly pressing the distal end of the pin against the blocking opening and thus against the spring force.

Preferably, the two leaf spring elements are formed from the same leaf spring. Preferably, the blocking means forms at least one eyelet for rotatably mounting the leaf spring element on a shaft made of the same leaf spring. This has the advantage that the blocking means can be made in one piece and is therefore easy to install of production. At the same time, the blocking mechanism is particularly simple and effective thanks to the spring action of the leaf spring. Preferably, the blocking means or the leaf spring has a curvature along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet or from the eyelet to the blocking opening, which is designed such that in the blocked state the distal end of the pin protrudes on the concave side and / or the convex side facing the bracelet. This curvature improves the functionality of the locking mechanism and/or better follows the shape of the bracket(s).

In one embodiment, the second attachment mechanism includes a frame for the bracelet, the pin protruding from the frame, the frame having a first side with the pin and two side sides, the pin extending from the first side of the frame toward the second Bracket protrudes, the locking mechanism being independent of the blocking means to keep the first and second brackets in the closed state.

In one embodiment, the blocking means is arranged between the second bracket and the frame.

In one embodiment, the blocking means is retrofitted onto an existing folding clasp. Preferably, the existing folding clasp has a shaft around which the second bracket and the second fastening mechanism are rotatably mounted relative to one another. Retrofitting involves mounting the blocking means on the shaft so that the blocking means is rotatable relative to the pin and/or to the second bracket. This type of installation of the blocking means allows for particularly simple retrofitting, which can be easily carried out even by a layperson.

Short description of the characters

Fig. 1

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der geschlossenen Faltschließe mit einem gestrichelt und durchsichtig dargestellten Armband.

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der geschlossenen Faltschließe ohne Armband.

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der geschlossenen Faltschließe entlang der Linie III-III der Fig. 2.

Fig. 4

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels des Blockiermittels.

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht von oben des Ausführungsbeispiels des Blockiermittels.

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels des Blockiermittels.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which show

Fig. 1

a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the closed folding clasp with a bracelet shown in dashed lines and transparently.

Fig. 2

a side view of a second embodiment of the closed folding clasp without a bracelet.

Fig. 3

a sectional view of the second embodiment of the closed folding clasp along line III-III of Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the blocking means.

Fig. 5

a view from above of the exemplary embodiment of the blocking means.

Fig. 6

a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the blocking means.

Ways of carrying out the invention

Fig. 1 to 3 show two exemplary embodiments of the folding clasp 1 according to the invention Fig. 1 The bracelet is transparent and shown in dashed lines. In Figs. 2 and 3 the folding clasp 1 is shown without a bracelet 22. In Fig. 2 the hidden contours of the folding clasp 1 are drawn in dashed lines.

The folding clasp 1 is preferably used in a wristwatch having the folding clasp 1, a watch case with a watch mechanism and / or electronics and a bracelet 2. The folding clasp 1 is designed as an opening mechanism for the wristwatch, in particular for flexible bracelets 2, for example Leather, textile, rubber, plastic, flexible, delicate bracelets are made. Flexible, delicate bracelets can, for example, be made of finely braided wire, so-called Milanese bracelets. The folding clasp 1 is designed to connect the bracelet 2 of the watch with the folding clasp 1. Preferably, the folding clasp 1 is connected to a first side of the watch case via a first bracelet 21 and to a second side of the watch case via a second bracelet 22. However, it is also possible to realize the first bracelet 21 and the second bracelet 22 by a common or connected bracelet, for example below the Watch case runs. It would also theoretically be possible to connect the first side of the watch case directly to the folding clasp 1, ie without a first bracelet 21 or a bracelet 2 between the first side of the watch case and the folding clasp 1. Preferably, the bracelet 2 has two flat sides and two lateral sides. These four sides preferably run roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis or the axial direction of the bracelet. A lower flat side faces the arm of the watch wearer. An upper flat side located opposite the lower flat side is directed outward, ie away from the wearer's arm. The bracelet 2 has a first end and a second end. A first end of the bracelet 2 is connected to a later-described first fastening mechanism 6 of the folding clasp 1 or the watch case. The second end of the bracelet 2 is connected in differently adjustable fastening positions to a second fastening mechanism 7 of the folding clasp 1, described later. The different adjustable fastening positions can be realized, for example, through holes 23 in the bracelet 2. The second end of the bracelet 2 is preferably realized by a second end of the second bracelet 22, the first end of the second bracelet 22 being connected to the watch case. The first end of the bracelet 2 is preferably realized by a first end of the first bracelet 21, with the second end of the first bracelet 21 being connected to the watch case. When the bracelet 2 is fastened in the second fastening mechanism 7 and the bracelet 2 or the watch case is connected to the first fastening mechanism 6 of the folding clasp, the watch case, the bracelet 2 and the folding clasp 1 form a closed ring. The axial direction or the longitudinal axis of the bracelet 2 or the folding clasp 1 is intended to indicate the circumferential direction of this ring.

The folding clasp 1 is designed to be moved between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, said ring has a larger diameter than in the closed state. This is achieved in that the distance between the first and second fastening mechanisms 6 and 7 is smaller in the closed state than in the open state. In the open With the larger circumference, the wristwatch can simply be carried over the hand onto the forearm. In the closed state, the circumference is reduced so that the wristwatch no longer fits over the hand and is therefore blocked in this state. By adjusting the axial fastening position in the second fastening mechanism 7, the circumference of the ring or wristwatch can be adjusted to the circumference of the wearer's wrist. The ring of the wristwatch described remains closed both in the open state and in the closed state (provided the bracelet 2 is connected to the folding clasp 1). Only when the bracelet 2 is removed from the second fastening mechanism 7 (or the first fastening mechanism 6) is the ring opened.

The folding clasp 1 has a first bracket 3 and a second bracket 4.

The first bracket 3 has a first end and a second end. The first bracket 3 has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis preferably extends along the longest side and/or from the first end to the second end. Preferably, the first bracket 3 has two flat sides and two lateral sides. A lower flat side faces the arm of the watch wearer. An upper flat side located opposite the lower flat side is directed outward, ie away from the wearer's arm. The first bracket 3 is preferably shaped so that it follows a slight curvature. Preferably the two flat sides are curved. As a result, the first bracket 3 or the folding clasp 1 better follows the shape of the arm of the wearer of the wristwatch and / or the first bracket 3 has a spring tension that can be used for the closing mechanism of the folding clasp 1. The first bracket 3 is preferably arranged in the folding clasp 1 so that it rests on the arm of the wearer when the folding clasp 1 is closed. The first bracket 3 preferably has a recess in which the second bracket 4 is received. This recess is preferably arranged on the upper side of the first bracket 3 and is not continuous. However, it is also possible for the recess to be partially or completely continuous, so that the (upper and lower) flat side of the bracket 3 is formed by two webs. It is also possible to arrange the two brackets 3 and 4 next to each other instead of a recess.

The first bracket 3 has a first fastening mechanism 6 for fastening to a wristwatch. The first fastening mechanism 6 is preferably designed to fasten the bracelet 2 of the wristwatch, preferably the first bracelet 22 of the wristwatch. The first fastening mechanism 6 is preferably designed to fasten the wristwatch or its bracelet 2 in such a way that its axial position is not adjustable (but fixed). The first fastening mechanism 6 is preferably realized by a shaft 62 mounted in the first fastening mechanism 6, on which the bracelet 2, in particular a loop of the bracelet 2, can be mounted (rotatably). The shaft 62 is preferably a spring bar which is mounted between two recesses in the side walls 63 of the first fastening mechanism 6. So the shaft 62 can simply be removed in order to attach the bracelet 2 or 21 to it, i.e. to push the loop of the bracelet 2 or 21 onto the shaft 62, and then the shaft 62 with the attached bracelet 2 or 21 again to fix. The longitudinal axis 61 of the shaft 62 preferably extends at right angles to the axial direction of the bracelet 2 and / or parallel to the flat side or sides of the bracelet 2. However, it would also be possible to make the first fastening mechanism 6 adjustable, so that also in the first fastening mechanism 6, the axial fastening position of the bracelet 2 can be adjusted. The first fastening mechanism 6 is preferably arranged at the second end of the first bracket 3.

The first bracket 3 further has connecting means in order to connect the first bracket 3 to the second bracket 4 in a movable, preferably rotatable manner relative to one another. The connecting means is preferably a recess which is mounted on a shaft 52. The recess is formed here by two lateral bearing points or bearing recesses. The recess of the connecting means is preferably designed to support a shaft 52, the longitudinal axis of which or Axis of rotation 51 is arranged parallel to the shaft 62 or its longitudinal axis 61 and/or to the shaft 78 or axis 77 and/or at right angles to the axial direction of the first bracket 3 and/or parallel to the flat sides of the first bracket 3. The connecting means is preferably arranged at the first end of the first bracket 3. However, it is also possible not to arrange the connecting means and/or the first fastening mechanism 6 at the first and/or second end. It is sufficient if the connecting means and the first fastening mechanism 6 are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the first bracket 3.

The second bracket 4 has a first end and a second end. The second bracket 4 has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis preferably extends along the longest side and/or from the first end to the second end and/or, in the closed state of the folding clasp, basically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first bracket 3 and/or the bracelet 2. Preferably, the second Bracket 4 has two flat sides and two lateral sides. Preferably, the two flat sides and the two lateral sides run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second bracket 4. A lower flat side is directed towards the arm of the wearer of the wristwatch. An upper flat side located opposite the lower flat side is directed outward, ie away from the wearer's arm. The second bracket 4 is preferably shaped so that it follows a slight curvature along the longitudinal axis. Preferably the two flat sides are curved. As a result, the second bracket 4 or the folding clasp 1 better follows the shape of the arm of the wearer of the wristwatch and / or the second bracket 4 has a spring tension that can be used for the closing mechanism of the folding clasp 1. The second bracket 4 is preferably arranged in the folding clasp 1 in such a way that it is arranged on the first bracket 3 and/or in the recess of the first bracket 3 when the folding clasp 1 is closed. It is also possible for the first bracket 3 to be arranged next to the second bracket 4 in the closed state of the folding clasp 1.

The second bracket 4 has a second fastening mechanism 7 for fastening the bracelet 2, in particular the second bracelet 22 of the wristwatch. The second fastening mechanism 7 is designed to adjustably fasten the bracelet 2 or 22 in its axial fastening position. This allows the length or circumference of the wristwatch or the ring formed by the watch case, the bracelet and the folding clasp (in the open and closed state of the folding clasp 1) to be adjusted. For this purpose, the second fastening mechanism 7 has a protruding pin 74. The pin 74 is arranged and/or designed so that it can be passed through the bracelet 2 so as to fasten the bracelet 2 in its set axial fastening position. The pin 74 protrudes from the second fastening mechanism 7 with a distal end of the pin 74. The distal end of the pin 74 can thus be guided, threaded, pressed or stabbed through the bracelet 2. Preferably, the second fastening mechanism 7 is designed such that the bracelet 2 can be displaced in the axial direction by the second fastening mechanism 7, and/or the distal end of the pin 74 can be passed from one flat side to the other flat side of the bracelet 2. Preferably, the pin 74 is arranged such that the distal end of the pin 74 is passed from the upper flat side to the lower flat side to secure the bracelet 2 in the second fastening mechanism 7. This means that when the folding clasp 1 is closed, the distal end of the pin 74 basically points in the direction of the first and/or second bracket 3, 4. This has the advantage that the blocking means described later is less visible and/or of the second bracket 4 experiences counter pressure when the pin 74 is pressed against the blocking means 8. However, it is also possible that the pin 74 is arranged such that the distal end of the pin 74 is passed from the lower flat side to the upper flat side in order to fasten the bracelet 2 in the second fastening mechanism 7, and/or that When the folding clasp 1 is closed, the distal end of the pin 74 basically points away from the first and/or second bracket 3, 4. Preferably, the second fastening mechanism 7 has a frame. The frame has at least one, preferably two opposite side parts or side walls 72 and 73, which are connected by a connecting element or a connecting wall 71. Preferably, the pin 74 extends orthogonally to the connecting element and/or parallel to the side walls 72 and 73. The pin 74 is preferably arranged in the middle between the two side parts 72 and 73. The frame of the second fastening mechanism 7 is shaped such that the lateral sides of the bracelet are guided parallel to the side walls 72 and 73 and the (upper) flat side of the bracelet is guided parallel to the connecting element 71. Preferably, the fourth side of the frame (opposite the connecting part 71) is closed in the exemplary embodiment shown by the second bracket 4 and/or a shaft 78 described later, so that the fastening mechanism 7 (here together with the second bracket 4 or the shaft 78) forms a (preferably closed) passage which only allows the bracelet 2 to be removed axially from the second fastening mechanism 7 and/or does not allow the bracelet 2 to be led out laterally from the second fastening mechanism 7. However, it would also be possible to close the frame on the fourth side or to allow the bracelet 2 to be led out to the side from the second fastening mechanism 7. The pin 74 is preferably designed to be movable, so that the pin 74 (here together with the frame/second fastening mechanism 7) can be guided into the bracelet 2 (to fix the axial fastening position) and out of the bracelet 2 (to release the axial position). can. Preferably, the pin 74, preferably the frame/second fastening mechanism 7, is movably, preferably rotatably connected to the second bracket 4. Preferably, the second bracket 4 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 77 on a shaft 78 mounted in the frame or the second fastening mechanism 7. The second fastening mechanism 7 or its frame preferably has recesses in the side parts 72 and 73 for mounting the shaft 78. The shaft 78 thus extends between the two side walls 72 and 73. The second bracket 4 and the second fastening mechanism 7 are thus arranged rotatably relative to one another (about the axis of rotation 77). The axis of rotation 77 or the longitudinal axis 77 of the shaft 78 is preferably parallel to the rotation and/or longitudinal axis 51 and/or 61 and/or to the shaft 52 and/or 62. By rotating the second fastening mechanism 7, the frame and/or the pin 74 about the rotation axis 77, the pin 74 can do this Release bracelet 2 and fasten it. The second fastening mechanism 7 is preferably arranged at the second end of the second bracket 4. The shaft 78 is preferably a spring bar which is mounted between two recesses in the side walls 72, 73 of the second fastening mechanism 7.

The second bracket 4 has a connecting means for movably, preferably rotatably, connecting the second bracket 4 to the first bracket 3. The connecting means is preferably a recess which is mounted on the shaft 52. The recess is designed as a hole through the second bracket 4. The hole preferably extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the second bracket 4 and/or parallel to the flat sides of the second bracket 4 and/or from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. The connecting means is preferably arranged at the first end of the second bracket 4. However, it is also possible not to arrange the connecting means and/or the second fastening mechanism 7 at the first and/or second end. It is sufficient if the connecting means and the second fastening mechanism 7 are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the second bracket 4.

The connection 5 of the first and second brackets 3 and 4 (via their connecting means) allows the two brackets to move relative to one another. The folding clasp 1 is preferably designed to connect the first and second brackets 3, 4 to one another so that they can rotate relative to one another. By rotating the second bracket 4 to the first bracket 3 (or vice versa), the second bracket 4 can be moved between an open and closed position. In the closed position, the second bracket 4 preferably rests on the first bracket 3 and/or is arranged at a minimum angle (here close to 0°) to the first bracket 3. In this closed position, the distance between the first fastening mechanism 6 and the second fastening mechanism 7 is preferably smaller than in the open position, preferably minimal. In the open position, the angle is increased and thus the distance between the first fastening mechanism 6 and the second fastening mechanism 7 is increased. At 180°, the circumference of the wristwatch should be increased by the sum of the two distances between the fastening mechanisms 6 and 7 and the axis of rotation 51. Here the connection 5 is designed as a hinge.

The folding clasp 1 also has a closure means 9, which is designed to hold the folding clasp 1 in the closed state. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the closure means 9 is a snap-in connection that automatically snaps into the closed position when the brackets are pressed against each other. The snap-in connection is usually opened by pulling the brackets apart with a force that is above an opening threshold. The snap-in connection is realized here by a positive shape on the underside of the second bracket 3 and a corresponding recess in the first bracket 4. By bending the brackets 3, 4, the second bracket 4 extends under pressure and thus snaps into the recess in the first bracket 3. There are numerous alternative closure means for folding clasps 1, which are also possible here.

A classic folding clasp is shown in the exemplary embodiments shown. The invention described below can also be applied to other folding clasps, for example a butterfly folding clasp. In the case of the butterfly folding clasp, the first fastening mechanism at the second end of the first bracket would have a third bracket, which would be rotatably arranged on the first bracket 3 at its first end (like the second bracket 4) (with an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation 51). The bracelet 2 or 21 would then be attached to the second end of the third bracket.

The open and closed states of the folding clasp 1 are, as described above, preferably achieved by rotating the first and/or second bracket 3, 4. However, it is also possible to use other movements of the first and / or second bracket 3, 4 in the folding clasp 1 in order to switch them between the open and to move back and forth when closed. This could also be achieved, for example, by translation or a superposition of translation and rotation.

The second fastening mechanism 7 now has the blocking means 8, which is designed to block the distal end of the pin 74 when the pin 74 extends through the bracelet 2 to fix the axial position of the bracelet 2. Blocking the distal end of the pin 74 works with a blocking mechanism of the blocking means 8, which can be carried out in many ways. For example, it may be a locking mechanism that releases the pin 74 when a force is applied to the blocking means 8 or the pin 74 (in a certain direction) when the force exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value can be different for different force directions. However, the blocking mechanism can also have a locking mechanism which blocks the pin 74 held in the blocking means 8 until the locking mechanism is actuated or opened by the wearer. Fig. 4 to 6 shows various views of an exemplary embodiment of a blocking means 8. In 5 and 6 the invisible contours are drawn in dashed lines

The blocking means 8 is preferably movably arranged in the second fastening mechanism 7. The blocking means 8 is preferably arranged to be movable relative to the frame and/or pin 74. This allows the blocking means 8 to be moved back and forth between a blocked state and a releasing state. Preferably the movement is a rotation. The blocking means 8 is preferably arranged on the shaft 78, so that the blocking means 8 can be rotated about the same axis of rotation 77 as the pin 74 or as the frame. Depending on the design of the folding clasp 1, the rotatable arrangement of the blocking means 8 can be mounted directly on the shaft 78 or indirectly on the shaft 78. Here the blocking means is mounted, for example, on the spacers 79, which in turn are mounted on the shaft 78. The spacers 79 hold the second bracket 4 in the correct position between the side parts 72 and 73. This allows the Angle between the blocking means 8 and the frame can be varied and so the distance between the blocking means 8 and the distal end of the pin 74 can be varied. The blocking means 8 has at least one bearing recess 83, which is designed to be rotatably mounted on the shaft 78. Depending on the design of the folding clasp 1 and the position of the brackets 3 and 4, the bearing recess 83 can be stored on the shaft 78. Here the bearing recess 83 has two bearing openings which are arranged on both sides of the second bracket 4 on the shaft 78. This allows stable storage of the blocking agent. Advantageously, the at least one bearing recess is arranged in an area of the shaft 78 in which the second bracket 4 is not mounted on the shaft 78. As a result, the folding clasp 1 is hardly thicker despite the additional blocking means 8. The described attachment of the blocking means 8 on the existing shaft 78 of the second fastening mechanism 7 is particularly advantageous since this allows the blocking means 8 to be easily retrofitted into a large number of existing folding clasps 1.

The blocking means 8 has a blocking recess 84 which is designed to block the distal end of the pin 74. Preferably, the distal end of the pin 74 is shaped such that the distal end of the pin 74 blocks in the axial direction of the pin 74 after the pin 74 has been inserted into the blocking recess 84. Therefore, the pin 74 has a step that forms a blocking surface facing away from the distal end of the pin 74. Here this step/stop surface is realized by a mushroom-shaped distal end of the pin 74. However, it would also be possible to provide a groove around the pin 74, which blocks in the blocking recess 84. The groove also forms a step, with the groove wall forming the stop surface with the surface normal pointing away from the distal end of the pin 74. Other shapes of the pin 74 are also conceivable, such as a T-, anchor- or double-hook-shaped design of the end of the pin 74, which, when aligned accordingly, fulfills the same function as the pin 74 with a mushroom-shaped end. However, the mushroom-shaped end is particularly advantageous because it simultaneously achieves a blocking in the bracelet 2 (if the distal end of the pin 74 is not blocked by the blocking means 8). The blocking recess 84 has a movable and/or deformable holding element. The holding element is preferably the edge, for example edge regions of the blocking recess 84. The holding element is designed, in the rest state, to hold the distal end of the pin 74 in the blocked state and / or not to let the distal end of the pin 74 through the blocking recess 84. The holding element is designed to move and/or deform (from the rest state) when the distal end of the pin 74 is pressed (in the axial direction of the blocking recess 84 or the pin 74) in such a way that the blocking recess 84 is enlarged and the distal End of the pin 74 can be inserted into the blocking recess 84.

According to the invention, the blocking recess 84 is realized by two leaf spring elements 81, 82 arranged opposite each other. The leaf spring elements 81, 82 are roughly arranged in a common plane (apart from the curvature described later). The leaf spring elements 81, 82 preferably extend along the longitudinal axis of the folding clasp 1 and/or at right angles to the axis of rotation 77 and/or in the direction of the axis of rotation 77 from the outside to the inside (towards the center). Due to the extension in the direction of the axis of rotation 77 (from the outside to the inside), an axial pressure on the blocking recess 84 causes a rotation or curvature of the leaf spring element 81, 82 about an axis of rotation or axis of curvature which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blocking means 8 (and on the side edge). As a result, the blocking recess 84 is enlarged. By extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the blocking recess 84 is positioned relative to the pin 74. When the folding clasp 1 is closed, the longitudinal axis of the blocking means 8 is roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the folding clasp 1, to the longitudinal axis of the second bracket 4 and / or to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet 2. The two leaf spring elements 81 and 82 are shaped so that they are separated by a gap 85 through which the distal end of the pin 74 does not pass. This gap 85 opens to the blocking recess 84. The gap 85 extends in the longitudinal direction of the blocking means 8. The blocking recess 84 narrows at both ends in the direction of the longitudinal direction of the blocking means 8 to the gap 85. The blocking recess 84 preferably has an elongated extension Direction of the longitudinal direction of the blocking means 8. The gap 85 widens towards the axis of rotation 77 and/or at least a bearing recess 83. Widening here means that the distance between the two leaf spring elements 81 and 82 becomes larger. The widening 86 can occur continuously or suddenly. This widening preferably results in the extension of the leaf spring elements parallel to the axis of rotation 77. After this widening 86, the two leaf spring elements 81 and 82 are preferably connected to one another via a connecting web 87. Preferably, the two leaf spring elements 81 and 82, preferably the entire blocking means 8, are formed from a leaf spring. The blocking means 8, the leaf spring elements 81, 82 and/or the leaf spring has a curvature along the longitudinal axis of the blocking means 8 (see Fig. 6 ). This curvature improves the spring effect and thus the functionality of the blocking means. At the same time, this curvature allows the blocking means 8 to be better adapted to the shape of the first and/or second bracket 3, 4 and thus to save space. The determination of the size of the curvature of the blocking means 8 can depend on various factors, for example: the selected material and the size, in particular the selected thickness of the blocking means 8 in connection with the strength and shape of the bracelet 22. The radius of the curvature of the blocking means 8 is preferably chosen in such a size that it is hardly noticeable when viewed from the side, but still ensures the functionality of the blocking means 8 just mentioned. Furthermore, it should be noted here that depending on the design and choice of the material of the blocking means 8, depending on the selected strength of the bracelet 22, the curvature of the upper part is preferably parallel to the curvature of the lower part of the said blocking means 8 at a certain distance ( Fig.6 ), but can also be shifted from one another at a minimum angle and a certain distance to ensure functionality. Preferably, the at least one bearing recess 83 is also formed by the leaf spring. The blocking means 8 can thus be made from a metal, preferably from a flat-rolled metal, for example metal sheet or strip. The blocking means 8 can be formed from the previously described metal (hot or cold), for example punched, cut, bent, drawn or folded. The curvature and/or the at least one bearing recess 83 is created by cold or hot forming of the metal reached. Alternatively, other manufacturing methods can of course also be used, such as machining a workpiece, in particular the machining of bar blanks on automatic lathes or in milling centers. Sintering (changing materials using pressure and heat) is another possible shaping process for producing the blocking agent 8, in which fine-grained ceramic, metallic materials, etc. are heated and changed under increased pressure and brought into shape. Of course, other flexible or deformable materials can also be used, such as plastic, rubber (e.g. vulcanized rubber) or composite materials, for example made of carbon fibers, etc. Injection molding processes or 3D printing are also possible methods for producing such blocking agents. There are no limits to what an expert can do here. The edge of the blocking recess 84 is preferably rounded or beveled to facilitate insertion and/or extraction of the distal end of the pin 74 into or out of the blocked state.

The blocking means 8 described is particularly advantageous because it allows most of the existing folding clasps 1 to be retrofitted. It is sufficient to mount the blocking means 8 on the folding clasp 1 and the problems of the prior art are solved in a simple manner. This is particularly simple if the blocking means 8 is mounted on the shaft 78 as described above. So only the shaft 78 of the existing folding clasp 1 needs to be removed. This is easy because of the spring bars that are often, but not exclusively, used. The blocking means 8 is then pushed onto the removed shaft 78. Then the shaft 78 with the retrofitted blocking means 8 is to be reinstalled into the second fastening mechanism 7.

Claims (16)

1. A folding clasp for a wristwatch comprising a first bracket (3) and a second bracket (4), the first bracket (3) having a first fastening mechanism (6) for fastening a strap (2) or a watch case of the wristwatch, wherein the second bracket (4) comprises a second fastening mechanism (7) for fastening the strap (2) of the wristwatch, the first bracket (3) and the second bracket (4) being movably connected to each other such that the first and second brackets (3, 4) can be moved relative to each other between an open state and a closed state of the folding clasp (1), the folding clasp comprising a locking mechanism (9) for holding the first and second bows (3, 4) in the closed state, the second fastening mechanism (7) comprising a projecting pin (74) adapted to be passed through the strap (2) to fasten the strap (2) in different axial positions in the second fastening mechanism (7), wherein the second fastening mechanism (7) comprises a blocking means (8) adapted to hold the distal end of the pin (74) passed through the strap (2) such that the strap (2) is blocked on the pin (74) in the open state of the folding clasp (1), and wherein the blocking means (8) comprises a blocking aperture (84) adapted to receive and hold the distal end of the pin (74),
   characterized in that the blocking aperture (84) is formed by two leaf spring elements (81, 82) arranged opposite each other.
2. The folding clasp according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening mechanism (7) comprises a frame for said strap (2) having a first side (71) with said pin (74) and two lateral sides (72, 73), and wherein said pin (74) protrudes from said frame.
3. The folding clasp according to claim 2, wherein the blocking means (8) and the first side (71) of the frame are arranged such that the wristband can be passed between the blocking means (8) and the first side (71) of the frame, preferably the pin (74) being arranged to extend from the first side (71) of the frame through the strap (2) and the distal end of the pin (74) is held by the blocking means (8) such that the strap (2) is blocked on the pin (74) in the open state of the folding clasp (1).
4. The folding clasp according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the blocking means (8) is arranged substantially parallel to the first side (71) of the frame in a state blocking the distal end of the pin (74).
5. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening mechanism (7), in particular the frame with its two lateral sides (72, 73), is rotatably attached to the second bracket (4) about an axis of rotation (77).
6. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the second fastening mechanism (7), in particular the frame with its two lateral sides (72, 73), and/or the second bracket (4) are mounted on a shaft (78) extending along the axis of rotation (77)
7. The folding clasp according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the blocking means (8) is arranged on the shaft (78) and/or rotatable about the axis of rotation (77) relative to the pin (74) and/or relative to the second bracket (4).
8. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening mechanism (7), in particular the frame with its two lateral sides (72, 73), possibly together with the second bracket (4) and/or with the shaft (78), forms a closed passage for the strap (2) through which the strap (2) can be guided along the longitudinal axis of the strap (2) in order to fasten the strap (2) in different axial positions with the pin (74).
9. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking means (8) is arranged movably, in particular rotatably, relative to the pin (74) such that the blocking means (8) is movable, in particular rotatable, between a blocked state in which the distal end of the pin (74) is blocked by the blocking means (8) and an open state in which the distal end of the pin (74) is free.
10. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, the two leaf spring elements (81, 82) are formed from the same leaf spring.
11. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking means (8) forms at least one eyelet (83) for rotatably mounting the leaf spring element on a shaft (78) of the same leaf spring.
12. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, said first bracket (3) having a first end and a second end, said second bracket (4) having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first bracket (3) being pivotally connected to said first end of said second bracket (4), said first fastening mechanism (6) being disposed at said second end of said first bracket (3), said second fastening mechanism (7) being disposed at said second end of said second bracket (4).
13. The folding clasp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening mechanism (7) comprises a frame for the wristband (2), wherein the pin (74) protrudes from the frame, the frame having a first side (71) with the pin (74) and two lateral sides (72, 73), wherein the pin (74) protrudes from the first side (71) of the frame towards the second bracket (4), wherein the locking mechanism (9) is independent of the blocking means (8), such as to maintain the first and second bracket (3, 4) in the closed state and wherein the blocking means (8) is interposed between the second bracket (4) and the frame.
14. A wristwatch with a strap and a folding clasp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. A method of retrofitting a folding clasp (1) for a wristwatch, the folding clasp (1) comprising a first bracket (3) and a second bracket (4), the first bracket (3) comprising a first fastening mechanism (6) for fastening a strap (2) or a watch case of the wristwatch, the second bracket (4) having a second fastening mechanism (7) for fastening the strap (2) of the wristwatch, the first bracket (3) and the second bracket (4) being movably connected to each other such that the first and the second bracket (3, 4) can be moved relative to each other between an open state and a closed state of the folding clasp (1), wherein the folding clasp (1) comprises a locking mechanism (9) for holding the first and second brackets (3, 4) in the closed state, wherein the second fastening mechanism (7) comprises a projecting pin (74) adapted to be passed through the strap (2) for fastening the strap (2) in different axial positions in the second fastening mechanism (7),
    the method being characterized by the following step:
    Retrofitting of a blocking means (8) in the second fastening mechanism (7), the blocking means (8) comprising a blocking aperture (84) formed by two oppositely disposed leaf spring members (81, 82), the blocking aperture (84) being adapted to receive and hold the distal end of the pin (74) passing through the strap (2) such that the strap (2) is blocked on the pin (74) in the open state of the folding clasp (1).
16. The method according to claim 15, said folding clasp (1) comprising a shaft (78) about which said second bracket (4) and said second fastening mechanism (7) are rotatably supported relative to each other, said step of retrofitting comprising the steps of:

    Removing the shaft (78);

    Mounting the blocking means (8) on the shaft (78); and

    installing the shaft (78) with the blocking means (8).

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