EP4233628A1 - Clasp for wristwatch - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clasp (100) with a folding clasp for a wristwatch comprising at least a first branch (2) and a second branch (3) articulated with respect to each other around an axis (23) , said clasp (100) comprising on the one hand a locking device for holding said first branch (2) and second branch (3) in the folded position one on the other in the closed position of the clasp, and on the other hand a device (45) for adjusting the useful length of said bracelet comprising a connecting element (4) mounted to slide under a cover (7) of said clasp (1), and a stop element (54) cooperating with said connecting element (4) sliding, as well as a control member that can be actuated from a rest position (Pr) to an active position (Pa). The clasp (100) is characterized in that the end of the said second branch (3) opposite the axis (23) comprises means of attachment to a first strand (B1) of the bracelet and that the end of the first branch (2) opposite the axis (23) is connected in an articulated manner to the sliding connecting element (4), and that the control member is arranged so as to be able, when it is in position active (Pa), both causing the unlocking of the clasp (100) by acting on a locking element (53), and releasing the connecting element (4) from the stop element (54), the sliding connecting element (4) which can be moved, when the control member (5) is in the active position (Pa), independently of the open or closed position of said clasp (100).

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular to a clasp for a wristwatch. It relates even more particularly to a clasp for a diver's watch.

State of the art

For leather or plastic watch straps, clasps using a buckle and a barb are known, in which one of the strands of the clasp is pierced with several holes regularly spaced from each other. To define the length of the bracelet, the barb is introduced into one of the holes to define the desired length and locking is then obtained by introducing the remaining length of the pierced strand into a hoop formed above the other strand.

For watches using straps preferably made of metal, clasps of the type with a folding clasp with two branches folded over one another in the closed position are known, and which allow the user to insert his wrist into the bracelet in the open position without having to separate the two strands thanks to the increase in diameter conferred. Such an arrangement makes it possible to improve safety and comfort of use, by making it possible on the one hand to simply put the wristwatch on one's wrist, and to remove it just as quickly and efficiently, without having to separate the strands from the wristband; on the other hand, such combined strap attachment and locking devices make it possible to prevent the watch from falling if the two strands were to separate from each other in the event of a malfunction of the locking system.

In addition to two-arm clasps, three-arm devices are also known, also called “butterfly”, where two small side arms arranged symmetrically and hinged around the ends of a central arm fold into the center thereof.

The disadvantage of folding clasps, especially when used with bracelets made of metal links, is that they do not allow any automatic adjustment of the length according to the conditions of use, that is to say by example heat and pressure having a significant influence on the circumference of the wrist. This is the reason why mechanisms for fine adjustment of the useful length of such straps have been proposed in addition to such types of straps to overcome this lack of comfort.

One of the most basic solutions that has been proposed for folding clasps is to provide a plurality of pairs of holes on a cover in which it is possible to house bars for fixing one of the ends of a strand. In this way, the spacing between two pairs of adjacent holes defines an adjustment step for the useful length of the bracelet. Such a solution, described for example in the patent application EP0913106A1 , however, has the disadvantage of having to use a small pointed tool to perform the adjustment, which therefore cannot be easily performed by the wearer of the watch himself.

To avoid such inconvenience and improve the convenience of adjustment operation, the patent EP0350785B1 describes an alternative solution presenting a device for adjusting the length making it possible to carry out the adjustment in a simpler way using a trigger actuated by the user himself using a pusher. According to this solution, a hook arranged at the end of one of the blades can come to engage in several holes provided in a second blade formed in two sliding parts relative to each other. The trigger releases and locks the hook, and the length adjustment is then made by sliding the blade until the next hole is opposite the hook. However, the disadvantage of such a system is to require the complete opening of the clasp to be able to perform the adjustment, which is impossible as long as the hook is positioned in one of the holes.

Most of the time, the control members intended for actuating the adjustment device and the unlocking are separated in order to avoid any handling error. However, the document CH707483 present for example an original solution according to which a control member in the form of a lever can assume two distinct activation positions to respectively actuate unlocking and allow adjustment of the length by pivoting the lever in opposite directions. Such a solution certainly has the advantage of a certain compactness due to the dispensation of redundancy of activation members and dedicated actuation kinematic chains, but it is not, however, very ergonomic or intuitive for the operator. user who must himself associate a direction of tilting of the lever from a rest position to a predetermined function. Since there is no explicit association between a swivel direction and the function to which the corresponding activation position relates, repeated handling errors are always possible.

There is therefore a need for a solution free from these known limitations.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution of a folding clasp, which is provided with a locking and adjustment device that can be operated more intuitively by a common control member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a clasp of simple and elegant construction.

According to the invention, these aims are achieved thanks to a clasp for a timepiece in accordance with the characteristics of the main claim; the features of the dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

In particular, these aims are achieved by virtue of a clasp with a folding clasp for a wristwatch comprising at least a first branch and a second branch hinged with respect to each other around an axis, the clasp comprising on a apart from a locking device to hold the first branch and second branch in the folded position one on the other in the closed position of the clasp, and on the other hand a device for adjusting the useful length of said bracelet comprising a connecting element mounted to slide under a cover of the clasp, and a stop element cooperating with this sliding connecting element, as well as a control member that can be actuated from a rest position to an active position. The clasp is characterized in that the end of the second branch opposite the axis comprises means of attachment to a first strand of the bracelet and that the end of the first branch opposite the axis is connected in an articulated manner to the sliding connecting element, and that the control member is arranged so as to be able, when it is in the active position, both to cause the unlocking of the clasp by acting on a locking element, and to release the 'sliding connecting element of the stop element, the sliding connecting element can then be moved, when the control member is in the active position, independently of the open or closed position of said clasp.

Thus, thanks to the fact that only one active position is now defined for the control member which is the same for actuating the unlocking of the clasp and allowing adjustment of the useful length of the bracelet, the convenience of use is greatly improved since the user no longer has to ask the question of the type of activation to activate the desired function. Furthermore, adjustment no longer requires opening the clasp as is the case for most solutions of the prior art.

Another advantage conferred by the proposed solution is to be particularly compact and discreet. Indeed, not only the locking mechanism, but also the adjustment mechanism are mounted under a cover.

According to a preferred embodiment, the clasp with a folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that the locking element consists of hooking means coming into engagement against lower bearing surfaces of the second branch.

In this way, the locking device is produced without adding any additional level of complexity, and according to an embodiment that is relatively simple to implement. Furthermore, this solution has the advantage of minimizing the total height of the system compared, for example, with conventional solutions using fixing studs arranged on one of the blades collaborating with clamping jaws.

According to another preferred embodiment for the present invention, the clasp with folding clasp for a wristwatch is characterized in that the hooking means are retractable hooks bearing against shoulders arranged inside a first leg and a second leg of a stretcher forming the second branch.

In this way the locking device is produced in a particularly simple and intuitive manner in combination, for example, of retractable hooks with side pushers; moreover, the arrangement of the locking device entirely inside the lid towards the stretcher makes it possible to avoid any protruding shape outside the frame of the lid, while minimizing the total volume of the system by occupying the gap between the two stretcher legs. In addition, the internal shoulders provided inside the legs of the stretcher make it possible on the one hand to prevent any flushing of the hooks against the skin, and thus to avoid any pinching and consequently to improve the wearing comfort of a wristwatch equipped with such a clasp; these shoulders make it possible, moreover, to further minimize the total thickness of the combined system provided for locking and adjustment.

According to yet another preferred embodiment for the present invention, the folding clasp for a wristwatch is characterized in that the stopper element of the adjustment device is formed by at least one tooth engaging with notches a rack arranged inside said sliding connecting element.

An advantage of such an arrangement of the adjustment device is to be particularly simple to implement, while once again minimizing the volume requirements.

According to an even more preferred variant of the previous embodiment, the teeth and notches of the rack have a surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the clasp and an oblique direction oriented in the direction of the narrowing of the useful length of the bracelet.

In this way, it is possible to request a shrinkage of the bracelet by acting directly on the strands of the bracelet and without having to actuate the control member, which therefore significantly improves the convenience of use, whereas an actuation of the control unit remains necessary to enlarge its size. Beyond the practical nature of such a version, it proves to be particularly suitable for a diver's watch where the impossibility of being able to enlarge the size of the bracelet by incorrect manipulation is almost vital, while the adjustment by simple mutual tightening of the strands may be desirable to adjust the size of the bracelet to one's wrist as quickly and efficiently as possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, the clasp with a folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that the adjustment device is housed in a first compartment arranged entirely under the lid of the clasp.

In this way, the proposed solution has a modular construction that can leave room for the integration of other devices under the cover, and also has a particularly advantageous aesthetic appearance by concealing the locking and adjustment devices from the outside of the lid.

According to an even more preferential variant of the previous embodiment, the folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that the sliding connecting element can move between a first shortened adjustment position and a second position adjustment, the sliding connecting element being entirely concealed on the one hand under the cover and on the other hand under a cover fixed removably to the cover in the first shortened adjustment position, and always concealed under the cover even in the extended second position.

In this way, the aesthetics are further improved, hiding the adjuster not only from above, but also from below. Furthermore, concealment under a removable cover makes it possible to facilitate after-sales service by changing only the adjustment device in a modular fashion without having to change the cover in parallel or more generally the clasp in its entirety.

According to a preferred embodiment, the clasp with a folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that the control member consists of at least one push button housed in a side opening of said cover.

Even more preferably, two pushers arranged symmetrically on either side of the cover will be taken so as to facilitate their gripping and make handling particularly intuitive, as on known folding clasps without an adjustment mechanism, the advantage It is well known for such pushers in the context of the present invention being that they make it possible to simultaneously actuate the setting without having to open the clasp at the same time.

According to an even more preferential variant relating to the previous embodiment, the folding clasp for a wristwatch is characterized in that the push-button is actuated from the rest position to the said active position by acting against means return elastics arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said bracelet towards the inside of the cover, the locking element being formed by a retractable hook and the stop element being formed by a tooth, and the retractable hook and the tooth being integral with said pusher.

In this way, the actuation of the pusher acts directly and immediately on the hooks and on the tooth, so that the unlocking and actuation of the adjustment are reliable and immediate.

According to an even more preferential variant for the previous embodiment relating to the folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention, the retractable hook and the tooth are formed in one piece with said push button.

This variant thus has the advantage of a particularly simple and compact construction for integrating and merging three functional elements generally distinct from each other, namely a control member, a locking element formed by the retractable hook and the tooth as adjusting device stop element. In this way, the actuation of the pusher generates unlocking and adjustment in the most efficient way possible, without any loss of energy at the level of the transmission.

According to an even more preferred variant of the folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the previous embodiment, the control member, and respectively the tooth and the retractable hook are movable in planes superimposed on each other in the direction of the thickness of the cover.

In this way, the gear planes of each of the actuation, locking and adjustment mechanisms are completely separated under the cover, as if each of the functions were triggered by stages of a column wheel. Thus, this solution is on the one hand particularly reliable and on the other hand particularly elegant from a technical point of view.

According to a particularly preferred variant for the clasp with a deployment clasp for a wristwatch according to the previous embodiment which also uses the cover, the retractable hook is precisely mounted through a window of the cover.

In this way, the adjustment mechanism is completely concealed under the cover, and the locking device simply appears from below as a solution using retractable hooks. The adjustment device is thus totally separate and invisible in relation to the locking device.

According to an even more preferred embodiment, the folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic return means are formed by a first elastic return element and a second elastic return element arranged parallel to the 'one relative to the other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

Such a duplication of the elastic return means according to the direction of actuation of the push-buttons, that is to say radially towards the inside of the cover, makes it possible to avoid any discomfort of use by eliminating any degree of freedom in rotation of each of the push-buttons, which then being confined to an inward sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.

According to a preferred embodiment linked to a diver's watch, the folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that it also comprises a device for extending the useful length of the bracelet housed in a second compartment arranged entirely under the cover of the clasp.

An advantage of such a solution is that it allows on the one hand a modular construction for the integration of both the device for fine adjustment of the length of the bracelet and the usual extension device of diving watches for passing the watch above a neoprene suit, but also particularly refined and aesthetic because each of the two adjustment and extension devices offered are perfectly concealed under the clasp cover.

According to an even more preferential variant of the previous embodiment linked to a diver's watch, the folding clasp for a wristwatch according to the invention is characterized in that the extension device comprises an attachment part to a second strand bracelet forming a hinge with an intermediate link pivotally fixed relative to the cover, a cylindrical locking pin of the intermediate link able to fit into a transverse groove for fixing the attachment part in the retracted position of the extension device.

In this way, it is particularly easy to switch from normal carrying mode to diving mode, that is to say from retracted mode to extended mode of the bracelet by simple pressure action on the attachment part which causes its detachment vis-à-vis the underside of the cover by releasing the pin cylindrically from its fixing housing formed by the transverse groove, and returning to position being just as easy by folding the intermediate link under the cover and clipping the pin cylindrical in the transverse groove via a slight elastic deformation.

Other preferred embodiments will also be detailed in the following description.

It will be understood from the rest of this detailed description that the advantageous characteristics drawn from the preferred embodiments may be taken in isolation or in combination, except when the latter have been presented as mutually exclusive.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue en trois dimensions d'un fermoir selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel pour l'invention, en position fermée du fermoir, avec les poussoirs dans leur position correspondante de repos;
• les figures 2A et 2B montre deux vues éclatées de deux variantes particulièrement avantageuses pour la mise en oeuvre du mode de réalisation préférentiel pour l'invention illustré par la figure 1 précédente, permettant respectivement un réglage selon 2 ou 3 positions;
• les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en trois dimensions de dessous d'un fermoir selon le mode de réalisation préférentiel pour l'invention illustré sur la figure 1 précédente, montrant le fermoir respectivement en position fermée et ouverte;
• la figure 4A montre une vue en trois dimensions de dessous d'un couvercle d'un fermoir selon le mode de réalisation préférentiel des figures précédentes, vu de dessous, mettant en évidence les deux compartiments pour loger le dispositif de réglage et le dispositif de rallonge.
• La figure 4B montre une vue en trois dimensions, toujours de dessous, du couvercle de la figure 4A, mais avec désormais des poussoirs avec des dents et des crochets rétractables intégrés insérés dans les ouvertures latérales de ce couvercle;
• La figure 4C montre une vue en trois dimensions, toujours de dessous, du couvercle et des poussoirs de la figure 4B, avec désormais le mécanisme d'actionnement intégral avec les éléments élastiques positionnés entre chacun des poussoirs constituant les organes de commande;
• Les figures 5A et 5B montrent respectivement un mode de réalisation avec 3 positions de réglage et 2 positions de réglage, avec l'élément de liaison coulissant respectivement en position libre de réglage, c'est-à-dire lorsque le poussoir est en position active, et en position indexée, correspondant au contraire à la position de repos du poussoir. La figure 5A montre par ailleurs l'élément coulissant dans une position raccourcie du bracelet et la figure 5B l'élément coulissant dans un position respectivement allongée sous le couvercle du fermoir.

Other advantageous characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and represented by the appended drawings, in which:

• there figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a clasp according to a preferred embodiment for the invention, in the closed position of the clasp, with the pushers in their corresponding rest position;
• THE figure 2A And 2B shows two exploded views of two particularly advantageous variants for the implementation of the preferred embodiment for the invention illustrated by the figure 1 previous, respectively allowing an adjustment according to 2 or 3 positions;
• THE figure 3A And 3B are three-dimensional views from below of a clasp according to the preferred embodiment for the invention illustrated in the figure 1 previous, showing the clasp respectively in closed and open position;
• there figure 4A shows a three-dimensional view from below of a cover of a clasp according to the preferred embodiment of the previous figures, seen from below, highlighting the two compartments for housing the adjustment device and the extension device.
• There figure 4B shows a three-dimensional view, still from below, of the lid of the figure 4A , but now with pushers with integrated retractable teeth and hooks inserted into the side openings of this cover;
• There Fig. 4C shows a three-dimensional view, still from below, of the cover and pushers of the figure 4B , now with the integral actuation mechanism with the elastic elements positioned between each of the pushers constituting the control members;
• THE figures 5A and 5B respectively show an embodiment with 3 adjustment positions and 2 adjustment positions, with the sliding connecting element respectively in the free adjustment position, that is to say when the pusher is in the active position, and in the indexed position , corresponding on the contrary to the rest position of the pusher. There figure 5A furthermore shows the sliding element in a shortened position of the bracelet and the figure 5B the sliding element in a respectively elongated position under the cover of the clasp.

detailed description

In the following description, the constituent elements of a clasp of several preferred embodiments for the present invention, corresponding to a diver's watch, will be described in detail; those skilled in the art will however understand that these embodiments are given only as indicative and are not intended to describe all the possible variants for the implementation of the invention.

The clasp 100 will also be described in various positions to highlight the operation of the opening of the clasp 100 and its adjustment.

There figure 1 shows the clasp 100 in the closed position, and thus highlights the particularly refined aesthetic conferred by the fact that the entire opening and adjustment mechanism is hidden under the cover 7.

In this figure, the two blades of the clasp, that is to say the first branch 2 and the second branch 3, which are shown in detail in particular in the exploded figures 2A and 2B which follow, are folded one over the other. other and concealed under the upper surface 73 and the side walls 74 of the cover 7, which extends in the longitudinal direction L. At one end of the second branch 3 are provided first attachment means 33 of a first strand bracelet B1, which here preferably consist of a first fastening strip 35 arranged between a first pair of attachment lugs 34. In the closed position of the clasp 100, the other end of the second branch 3 is positioned under a second pair attachment horns 812 forming, with the second fixing strip 83, second attachment means 81 for the second strand B2 of the bracelet.

According to this preferred embodiment corresponding to a diver's watch, the second bracelet strand B2 is not directly connected to the cover 7, but connected to the latter via an extension device 8 which is also at least partially hidden under the cover 7 during normal use of the watch, that is to say when it is not necessary to have recourse to an extension of the bracelet of at least 10 millimeters, and preferably of approximately 15 to 20 millimeters to pass the strap over a neoprene wetsuit. This extension device 8 is fixed to the cover 7 via third attachment means 741, inserted into fixing holes provided in the side walls 74 of the cover. It will however be understood that the constituent elements of the extension device 8 only constitute connecting means intermediate between the cover 7 and the second strand B2 of the bracelet, and that this second strand B2 could, according to a variant not shown, also be attached directly to the cover 7 and not only indirectly thereto.

On either side of the cover 7, inserted into side openings provided for this purpose in the side walls 74 of the bracelet 7, are provided push-buttons, namely a first push-button 5A and a second push-button 5B , which together form a control member 5 for preferably actuating both the unlocking of the clasp 100 and the adjustment of the length of the bracelet.

In what follows, reference will be made to the figure 2A And 2B , which have exactly the same references, but whose only difference consists in the number of adjustment positions available via the sliding connecting element 4, which comprises a rack 42 respectively defining two or three positions (two for the rack of the figure 2B And 3 for the rack of the figure 2A ). In both cases, and as described later using the figures 5A and 5B , it may however be noted that the orientation of the first toothing 42A and second toothing 42B of the rack 42 are arranged in such a way that it is possible to shorten the useful length of the bracelet without having to resort to actuating the adjustment device, which is only necessary to require an increase in length.

At the top of figure 2A And 2B , we thus find the cover 7 taken separately with its upper surface 73, its side walls 74, one of which is provided with a first lateral insertion opening 740A provided for the first push-button 5A shown just below. At the rear end of the clasp 7, that is to say towards the right in the figures, is materialized the first connection orifice 741A into which is inserted the visible end of the fixing bar 821 of the intermediate link 82 of the extension device 8, which is connected in an articulated manner to a central link 811 preferably made in one piece with the second pair of attachment horns 812 of the second strand B2 to form the second attachment means 81 of the second strand .

The detail of the extension device 8 is illustrated at the top right of FIGS. 8A and 8B, with the intermediate link 82 formed by a first side link 82A and a second side link 82B connected to the cover 7 via the fourth fixing bar 821, and the connecting pin 882 inserted into the central through hole 8110 of the central link 811 of the second attachment means 81 from which the third attachment horn 812A of the second pair of attachment horns 812 can be discerned, as well as the associated third fixing hole 8210A, the fourth attachment horn 812B as well as the fourth fixing hole 8120B being hidden in this figure, but visible for example on the Figure 3B described later.

In the intermediate part of the second attachment means 81 is arranged a transverse fixing groove 813 intended to receive the transverse fixing pin 812 when the intermediate link 82 is bent at 180 degrees with respect to the configuration illustrated in this figure, corresponding to that for example of the Figure 3B . In order to maintain the central link 811 nested on the intermediate link 82, a slight elastic deformation is necessary, which it is possible to apply to one or the other of these elements generally preferably made of metal. The shape of the transverse fixing groove 813 is preferably provided such that insertion is facilitated at the edge, and that retention is ensured at the bottom of the groove, for example by means of a slight curvature towards the inside requiring a greater deformation to pass behind but at the same time producing an upward retaining stop keeping the pin at the bottom of the groove. We generally refer to this type of fixing requiring the exceeding of a certain elastic deformation threshold to reach a rest position where this deformation is again reduced by "clipping" and it is this type of fixing mode which is preferred in the context of the present invention in order to ensure maximum compactness to the system; however, it will be understood here again that the person skilled in the art could envisage other modes of actuation and locking to switch from a normal mode of use of a diver's watch according to the invention and the dive mode requiring the bracelet extension.

Just below the extension device 8 but more to the left of the figure 2A And 2B , is detailed the adjustment device 45 according to the invention, which connects the cover 7 to the front end (first end 21) of the first branch 2 via the sliding connecting element 4. This sliding connecting element 4 is arranged, for questions of aesthetic and ergonomic order - in particular to avoid any pinching - under a cover 70 fixed here by screwing to the internal face of the cover 7. The first fixing screw 712A is inserted into a first fixing through hole 701A, tapped or not, corresponding and the second fixing screw 712B in a second fixing through hole 710B, tapped or not, arranged in a front bulge 701 making it possible to create sufficient space in height to accommodate the sliding connecting element 4. At the rear of the cover 70 is provided a spoiler 702 which delimits a first compartment under the lid, illustrated later in particular on the figures 4A to 4C .

The cover 70 is also provided with a first window 70A and a second window 70B constituting orifices intended to let the locking hooks pass - that is to say the first locking hook 53A secured to the first button- pusher 5A and the second locking hook 53B integral with the second push-button 5B - being inserted, in the closed position of the clasp 100, under the second branch 3, and here more exactly under a first shoulder 36A of the first leg 3A and a second shoulder 36B of the second leg 3B.

In the adjustment device 45 according to the preferred embodiment described, the connecting element 4 is slidably mounted under the cover 7, but is fixed with respect to the first end 21 of the first branch 2, to which it is connected via the fixing axis 24, and therefore relative to the first strand B1. The sliding connecting element 4 is thus mounted between the underside of the cover 7 and the cover 70 so as to be able to move only according to a degree of freedom in translation, and in an indexed manner according to different adjustment positions, according to the number of notches of the rack 42. The fixing pin 24 preferably consists of an elastic bar introduced on the one hand into a first through fixing hole 210 of the first end 21 of the first branch 2, and on the other hand in the second fixing through hole 41A and the third fixing through hole 41B provided at the level of the front end 41 of the sliding connecting element 4, which is closed behind the first lateral toothing 42A and the second lateral toothing 42B by a crosspiece forming the rear end 43.

The only difference between the figure 2A And 2B simply consists of the number of notches of the rack 42, which are three in number for the rack of the figure 2A and two for the figure 2B . In other words, the clasp 100 according to the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figure 2A determines a shortened, intermediate and elongated position for the useful length of the bracelet, while that illustrated by the figure 2B only has a shortened position and an extended position, spaced however by the same adjustment pitch as that corresponding to the other variant. Preferably, the adjustment step between each of the positions of the variant of the figure 2B is between 2.5 and 4 millimeters, so that the difference between the minimum and maximum length of the bracelet is between 5 and 8 millimeters. If the disadvantage of the variant illustrated by the figure 2B is to remove an intermediate setting position, this variant however has the advantage of allowing easier handling to move from one setting to another due to the lower slope of the elongated notch of the rack. These aspects will be discussed in more detail when describing the figures 5A and 5B . According to the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figure 2B , the adjustment pitch is preferably between 6 and 7 millimeters.

As explained above, since the sliding connecting element 4 is fixed relative to the two branches, and therefore relative to the first bracelet strand B1 which is connected via the first attachment means 33, that is to say a barrette (not shown on these figure 2A And 2B ) inserted between a first pair of horns 34 each provided respectively with a first fixing hole 340A and a second fixing hole 340B. It nevertheless slides with respect to the cover 7, and therefore of the control member 5 formed by the first push-button 5A and the second push-button 5B, which are themselves fixed with respect to the cover 7 since they are arranged in openings insertion side arranged in the side walls 74 of the lid.

The two push-buttons are connected to each other via elastic return means 6, formed here by a first elastic return element 61 and a second elastic return element 62 which consist of sorts of spring bars or pawls , the ends of which are inserted, for example but not necessarily by press-fitting, into insertion orifices provided on the internal face of the push-buttons, that is to say opposite their protruding curved part intended to be manipulated by the user.

On the figure 2A And 2B , it can thus be seen that the first elastic return element 61 has a first insertion stud 61A and a second insertion stud 61B intended to be fitted respectively into a first insertion orifice 51A of the first push-button 5A and a third insertion hole 51B of the second push-button 5B, while the second elastic return element 62 has a third insertion pin 62A and a fourth insertion pin 61B intended to be fitted respectively in a second insertion hole 52A of the first push button 5A and a fourth insertion hole 52B of the second push button 5B. On the figure 2A And 2B , one can discern all of the components of the elastic means formed by the first elastic element 6 and the second elastic element; however, the internal face of the first push-button 5A in which the first insertion orifice 51A and the third insertion orifice 51B are arranged is hidden; however, this is highlighted on the figure 4B .

The advantage of such a configuration for the elastic return elements is to guarantee the stability of the movement of the pushers when they are pushed in when the user tries to cause the unlocking of the clasp and/or to actuate the adjustment device 45.

According to the preferred embodiment described, the push buttons each respectively have both a locking element and an integrated stop element, which act in superimposed planes. Thus, the first push button 5A has a first retractable hook 53A, which is disengaged from its bearing surface formed by the first shoulder 36A below the first leg 3A of the second branch 3 when a force F is exerted. towards the inside of the cover (NB: this force is not illustrated in these figures for reasons of readability but represented on the figure 5B ). Similarly, the second push-button 5B has a retractable hook 53B, which bears under the second shoulder 36B of the second leg 3B in the closed position of the clasp, that is to say when the first end 21 of the first branch 2, opposite its second end 22 at the level of the axis of articulation 23 with the second branch 3, is interposed between the third ends 31A of the first leg 3A and fourth end 31B of the second leg 3B of the second branch 3. Nevertheless, the stop elements interacting with the teeth of the rack are masked - one can barely discern the first stop tooth 54A supposed to cooperate with the first lateral toothing 42A of the rack 42 of the connecting element 4 sliding. For this reason, the detail of the configuration of the stop elements will be explained in view of the Figures 4A-4C and 5A-5B.

At the bottom of figure 2A And 2B , it may be noted that the distal ends of the first and second legs 3A, 3B of the stretcher forming the second branch 3 according to the preferred embodiment described have an indentation of length E relative to the thickness of the legs at their proximal end vis-à-vis the axis of articulation 23 with respect to the first branch 2. To facilitate reading and show the opposition between the proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the second branch has been referenced 32 and consequently the proximal end of each of the legs of the stretcher referenced 32A and 32B, respectively for the first leg 3A and the second leg 3B. However, this notch does not correspond to the maximum possible travel for the adjustment, which is materialized by the reference C, also illustrated further on the figure 5B . However, it is precisely at this notch that the shoulders are arranged, that is to say the first shoulder 36A and the second shoulder 36B. These shoulders constitute a preferred particular form of lower bearing surfaces of the first branch 3, that is to say bearing surfaces located on the lower side of the latter. Since they make it possible to maintain the hooks above the lower surface of the first leg 3A and of the second leg 3B in the closed position of the clasp, in such a configuration, the fact that no prominent shape goes to the -below bottom surface of the legs avoids on the one hand any discomfort to the wearer of the bracelet in use, since no protruding shape perceptible at the wrist does not risk generating pinching; on the other hand, this also makes it possible to prevent fingerprints from being left on the skin of the wearer of the wristwatch when the latter is removed from the wrist.

There Figure 3A shows a view of the clasp 100 in the closed position, in accordance with the figure 1 , but this time seen from below. For the sake of brevity, all the references already mentioned in detail in the context of the description of the figure 1 And 2A-2B will not be reintroduced in full in the description of this figure. In reality the only references to introduce are those which were masked in the previous figures, and in particular the fourth fixing hole 8120B of the fourth attachment horn 821B, as well as the second connection hole 741B of the third attachment means 741 , all the others having already been introduced.

There Figure 3A shows the clasp 100 in the closed position, but also the pusher in its rest position (Pr), that is to say not depressed. In this position, it can be seen that the retractable hooks 53 - that is to say the first retractable hook secured to the first push-button 5A and the second retractable hook 53B secured to the second push-button 5B are resting on their surfaces respective locking, the first shoulder 36A under the first leg 3A being here particularly highlighted. Such shoulders forming a sort of “intermediate step” make it possible to minimize the total height of the clasp, and thus its overall size. They also and above all make it possible to minimize any risk of pinching or discomfort worn at the level of the wearer's wrist by not generating any prominent shape at the level of the internal face of the clasp, that is to say under the first leg 3A and the second leg 3B.

There Figure 3B shows the same clasp 100, that is to say according to the same preferred embodiment as that illustrated by the preceding figures, but in the now open position. The comparison between the figure 3A And 3B highlights one of the major advantages of the present invention, that is to say that dissociating the adjustment from the position of the clasp 100. In other words, the adjustment can be carried out both in the open or closed position, and thus does not require unlocking the clasp to carry out the adjustment operation, as is often the case according to the solutions of the prior art and which constitutes a constraint not appreciated by users. In this way, user-friendliness is greatly improved. Indeed, even if the clasp is closed as illustrated in the Figure 3A , the depression of the first and second pushers 5A, 5B causes the disengagement of the first and second retractable locking hooks 53A, 53B and thus allows any adjustment operation, regardless of the fact that the latter are located close to their bearing surfaces respective when locking, that is to say the first shoulder 36A and the second shoulder 36B.

There Figure 3B makes it possible to highlight the separate and superimposed gear planes between the adjustment device 45, just below the cover 7, and the locking mechanism, arranged one floor below. It also highlights the compactness of a clasp 100 made for a diver's watch with the adjustment device 45 arranged in a first compartment on the left under the clasp 100, and the extension device 8 placed right next to it so modular. According to the configuration illustrated, the extension device 8 is in the retracted position Pn, that is to say in the context of normal use, not corresponding to the diving mode. In this folded configuration of the intermediate link 82 and the central link 82, one can note the similarity between the two side links (first side link 82A and second side link 82B) of the intermediate link 82 and the stretcher of the folding clasp of the clasp. To activate the dipped mode and switch to an unfolded configuration of the extension device 8, and thus provide an extension of the useful length of the bracelet by a predetermined length, it suffices to press one of the two attachment horns of the second pair of horns 812 of the bracelet downwards, or respectively pull the cover 7 upwards at this attachment end of the second strand B2.

There Figure 3B also makes it possible to highlight, in addition to the compactness of the combined locking and adjustment device, the effectiveness and aesthetics of the concealment of the proposed adjustment mechanism. Indeed, the adjustment device 45 proposed in the context of the present invention remains hidden under the cover 7, interposed between the latter and the cover 70, regardless of the adjustment position, that is to say in the shortened or extended position. According to the proposed embodiment, the cover 70 is screwed under the cover 7 so that the after-sales service is also greatly facilitated due to the removable nature of the fixing of the latter. In this way, constituent parts of the clasp can be replaced in a modular fashion without requiring the entire clasp to be changed if any problem were to arise.

THE figures 4A to 4C which follow aim to highlight the particular arrangement of the control mechanism 5 of the proposed clasp 100, as well as the modular character of the adjustment device 45 with respect to the extension device 8 which it contains according to the preferred embodiment described. Here again, all the references which have already been introduced in the preceding figures will not necessarily be repeated in their entirety, the emphasis being simply placed on certain particular parts.

There figure 4A , which illustrates a bottom view of the cover 7 taken in isolation, thus highlights the two compartments in which are intended to be housed respectively the adjustment device 45 and the extension device 8 illustrated on the Figure 3B previously described. The first internal compartment 71 of the cover 7 is thus intended to receive the adjustment device 45 while the second internal compartment 72 of the cover 7 is provided to receive, in a modular fashion, the extension device. Thus, it is possible to adjust the maximum adjustment stroke C in a complementary way - visible on the figure 5B described below - of the adjustment device 45 with respect to the desired length extension in the context of use in diving mode. We can see in particular on the left of the figure 4A that an internal bulge 711 is provided towards the center of the first internal compartment 71 of the cover, which is provided with a first tapped blind hole 710A and a second tapped blind hole 710B, in which the first fixing screw is respectively inserted 712A and the second fixing screw 712B. Such an arrangement makes it possible to carry out the removable fixing of the cover 70 simply, by screwing, without however risking damaging the exterior appearance of the cover 7 or having to modify the thickness of its upper outer wall.

THE figures 4B and 4C show, in addition to figure 4A , how the push-buttons are mounted on the cover 7 and how the locking 53 and stop 54 elements are integrated into the control member 5, that is to say to form a single piece made of a single piece, for example by molding. There figure 4B shows in particular the first fixing hole 51A and the third fixing hole 51B intended to receive the ends of the first elastic 61 and of the second elastic element 62 and which were hidden in the previous figures; THE figures 4B and 4C distinctively show the shape and arrangement of a stop tooth, here in particular the second stop tooth 54B, just under the body of the second push-button 5B. It can thus be understood how by actuating the push-buttons, and in particular the second push-button 5B, inwards, one can simultaneously trigger the unlocking and the adjustment operation in a simple, efficient and intuitive manner.

Contrary to figure 2A And 2B , there Fig. 4C shows the interior of the return means 6, and in particular the arrangement of the first elastic element 61 and of the second elastic element. However, this figure clearly highlights the fusion of the various functional parts mentioned above, namely the control member 5, the locking element 53 and the stop element 54, made by a single and same structural part, namely a push button, a tine and a retractable hook. The duplication of each of these structural elements makes it possible to further increase the comfort of use by using a particularly intuitive operation. Furthermore, this figure also shows how the guiding of the two push-buttons is carried out in translation along a radial direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the clasp 100 (corresponding to that of the cover 7), thanks to the use of two elements separate recall elastics. Indeed, the fact that the outer casing of both the first push-button 5A and the second push-button 5B is in contact with respect to the internal surface of each side opening for insertion provided in the side walls 74 of the combined cover to this arrangement of a mutual connection via two split elastic return elements makes any tilting movement of the pushers impossible and confines their movement to a single translation towards the inside of the cover. Furthermore, it may be noted that the shape of the side walls of the internal bulge 711, which are partially cylindrical, additionally form at least in part an internal bearing surface for the elastic return means 6, when they consist of first and second elastic elements 61 and 62 respectively cylindrical, and therefore further strengthens the conferred slide structure.

Finally, we will describe in the following simultaneously the figures 5A and 5B , corresponding respectively to a position of the clasp in which the length of the bracelet is shortened, called by convention the first adjustment position P1, and a position of the clasp in which the length of the bracelet is on the contrary lengthened, called by convention the second adjustment position P2 . Apart from this configuration in terms of adjustment position, the figures 5A and 5B differ in that the figure 5A illustrates a case where the control member 5 is at rest (rest position Pr) while the figure 5B illustrates a case where the control member 5 is in the active position Pa, that is to say where the first push-button 5A and the second push-button 5B are pressed and consequently the stop teeth 54A, 54B integral with each of these push-buttons 5A, 5B are released from the toothing of the rack 42A, 42B which is associated with them, here in particular the second tooth 54B of the corresponding notch of the second lateral toothing 42B of the rack 4.

Each of figures 5A and 5B illustrates the inside of the cover 7 according to the same view as the Figures 4A-4C previous ones, and the only thing that has been added to these new latest figures compared to the previous ones mainly concerns the sliding connecting element 4 as well as the associated rack mechanism. As a reminder, this sliding connecting element 4 is connected in an articulated manner to a first end 21 of the first branch 2, itself connected to the first leg 3A and second leg 3B of the stretcher forming the second branch 3 of the clasp via the hinge pin 23, as illustrated on the left of these figures.

As can be seen by comparing the figures 5A and 5B , it is possible to pass from the second adjustment position P2 corresponding to the elongated length of the bracelet to the first adjustment position P1 without having to actuate the control member 5, but on the contrary simply acting on the strands of the bracelet. Indeed, the oblique surface O of the notches 420 of the rack, which had not been referenced on the figure 2A And 2B for some questions of readability, and oriented towards the inside going from right to left in the figure, which means that it is possible to push the sliding connecting element 4 from its "exit" position from the first internal compartment 71 of the cover 7 towards the bottom of this same compartment to the right, up to the demarcation line materializing the delimitation vis-à-vis the second internal compartment 72. In other words, a shortening of the length of the bracelet is possible without pressing the buttons - pushers 5A, 5B. Nevertheless, on the contrary and in accordance with the requirements applicable in particular to diving watches, it must always be impossible to generate an enlargement of the size of the bracelet without requiring specific actuation, in order to avoid any handling error and losing the watch, this which could be very dangerous. To do this, the shape of each of the notches of the lateral toothings of the rack, namely the first notches 420A of the first lateral toothing 42A and the second notches 420B of the second lateral toothing 42B have, in addition to the oblique surface O, a surface S perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the clasp, making any jump backwards impossible. Such a mechanism is therefore in no way liable to cause any involuntary lengthening of the length of the bracelet. The extension of the surfaces S and O of the notches has been shown in dotted lines on each of these figures.

To achieve such an elongation, it is thus necessary, according to the invention, to switch to the active position Pa of the control member 5, illustrated here by the depression of the second push-button 5B under the action of a force F exerted radially towards the inside of the cover 7. Such an action thus releases the second locking tooth 54B from the second notch 420B with which it was engaged. In this way, if it is not necessary to have recourse to the active position Pa of the second push button 5B (and implicitly of the first push button 5A, actuated simultaneously) to pass from the second adjustment position P2 illustrated on the figure 5B to the first adjustment position shown on the figure 5A , such an active position Pa is on the other hand imperative to pass from the first adjustment position P1 as illustrated on the figure 5A to the second setting position P2 as shown in the figure 5B .

The maximum adjustment stroke C, which is preferably between 5 and 8 millimeters, is indicated on the figure 5B as corresponding to the difference in length of the strap between the first adjustment position P1 and the second adjustment position P2.

Thus, the present invention describes a new clasp with a folding clasp of simple and refined construction particularly suitable for a diver's watch with regard to the additional mechanism for extending the length of the bracelet which can be easily concealed in addition to that of the fine adjustment of the length under clasp cover. Furthermore, the adjustment device proposed can be easily integrated in a modular fashion into an existing folding clasp solution, and what is more in a particularly aesthetic way by concealing it entirely under a removable cover. This variant also has the additional advantage of facilitating after-sales service by making it easier to replace spare parts of the clasp.

Claims (15)

Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch comprising at least a first branch (2) and a second branch (3) hinged relative to each other around an axis (23), said clasp (100 ) comprising on the one hand a locking device for holding said first branch (2) and second branch (3) in the folded position one on the other in the closed position of the clasp, and on the other hand an adjustment device ( 45) of the useful length of said bracelet comprising a connecting element (4) mounted to slide under a cover (7) of said clasp (1), and a stop element (54) cooperating with said sliding connecting element (4), as well as a control member (5) which can be actuated from a rest position (Pr) to an active position (Pa), characterized in that the end of the said second branch (3) opposite to the said axis (23) comprises attachment means to a first strand (B1) of the bracelet and that the end of the first branch (2) opposite to said axis (23) is connected in an articulated manner to said sliding connecting element (4), and that said member control (5) is arranged so as to be able, when it is in the active position (Pa), both to cause the unlocking of said clasp (100) by acting on a locking element (53), and to release said element connecting element (4) of said stop element (54), said sliding connecting element (4) being able to be moved, when said control member (5) is in said active position (Pa), independently of the open position or closed said clasp (100). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (53) consists of hooking means coming into engagement against lower bearing surfaces of the said second branch ( 3). Clasp (100) with a folding clasp according to a wristwatch according to claim 2, characterized in that the said hooking means are retractable hooks (53A, 53B) bearing against shoulders (36A, 36B) arranged at the inside of a first leg (3A) and respectively of a second leg (3B) of a stretcher forming said second branch (3). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said stopper element (54) of the said adjusting device (45) is formed by at least one tooth (54A, 54B) engaging with notches (420) of a rack (42) arranged inside said sliding connecting element (4). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to claim 4, characterized in that said teeth (54A, 54B) and said notches (420) of said rack (42) having a surface (S) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the clasp (100) and a surface extending in an oblique direction (O) oriented in the direction of the narrowing of the useful length of the bracelet. Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said adjustment device (45) is housed in a first compartment (71) arranged entirely under the said cover (7) of the said clasp ( 100). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to claim 6, characterized in that the sliding connecting element (4) can move between a shortened first adjustment position (P1) and a shortened second adjustment position (P2 ) extended, said sliding connecting element (4) being completely concealed on the one hand under said cover (7) and on the other hand under a cover (70) removably fixed to said cover (7) in said first adjustment position (P1) shortened, and always concealed under said cover (7) even in the second extended position (P2). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control member (5) consists of at least one push-button (5A, 5B) housed in a lateral opening ( 740A, 740B) of said cover (7). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for wristwatch according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said push-button (5A, 5B) is actuated from the rest position (Pr) towards the said active position (Pa) by acting at against elastic return means (6) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the strap towards the inside of said cover, said locking element (53) being formed by a retractable hook (53A, 53B) and the stop element (54) being formed by a tooth (54A, 54B), and said retractable hook (53A, 53B) and said tooth (54A, 54B) being integral with said pusher (5A, 5B). Clasp (100) with a deployment clasp for a wristwatch according to claim 9, characterized in that said retractable hook (53A, 53B) and said tooth (54A, 54B) are formed integrally with said push-button (5A ,5B). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said control member (5), and respectively said tooth (54A, 54B) and said retractable hook (53A, 53B) are movable in planes superimposed on each other in the direction of the thickness of said lid (7). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to claim 11, when dependent on claim 7, characterized in that said retractable hook (53A,53B) is mounted through a window provided (70A,70B) in said cache (70). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the elastic return means are formed by a first elastic return element (61) and a second elastic return element (62 ) arranged parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the strap. Clasp (100) with folding clasp for a wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a device (8) for extending the useful length of the bracelet housed in a second compartment (72) arranged entirely under said cover (7) of said clasp (100). Clasp (100) with folding clasp for wristwatch according to Claim 14, characterized in that the said extension device (8) comprises an attachment piece (81) to a second bracelet strand (B2) forming a hinge with a intermediate link (82) pivotally fixed relative to the cover, a cylindrical locking pin (820) of said intermediate link (82) being able to fit into a transverse groove (813) for fixing said attachment piece (81 ) in the retracted position (Pn) of said extension device (8).

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