EP4238447A1 - Faltverschluss - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP4238447A1
EP4238447A1 EP22205832.3A EP22205832A EP4238447A1 EP 4238447 A1 EP4238447 A1 EP 4238447A1 EP 22205832 A EP22205832 A EP 22205832A EP 4238447 A1 EP4238447 A1 EP 4238447A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
blade
clasp
components
housing
parts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22205832.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Elio Granito
Jeremy SCHUEPBACH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dexel SA
Original Assignee
Dexel SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dexel SA filed Critical Dexel SA
Publication of EP4238447A1 publication Critical patent/EP4238447A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
    • A44C5/22—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps
    • A44C5/24—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for closed straps with folding devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a folding clasp and a timepiece, for example a wristwatch, provided with the clasp.
  • clasps for a wristwatch comprising a clasp body and at least one leaflet which is articulated on the body
  • clasps with a folding clasp for example, two types of closing mechanisms can be distinguished, provided for holding the clasp in a position closed in the absence of a deliberate action by the wearer of the watch.
  • the clasp comprises one or more dedicated activation members, generally a pusher or a pair of pushers, which form part of a locking mechanism.
  • the wearer activates the activation members and thus generates an unlocking which allows the separation of the leaflet relative to the body of the clasp.
  • a simpler solution is some sort of snap-fit or snap-fit, usually based on cooperating parts of the base and leaflet having dimensions or orientations intended to hold the clasp in the closed position due to the pressures which result in forces of friction between parts. These pressures or frictional forces hold the leaflet in its closed position relative to the body.
  • the cooperating parts are generally arranged close to the end of the leaflet which is opposite to that by which the leaflet is articulated on the body.
  • the wearer acts directly on the leaflet, or on the bracelet strand connected to this leaflet, in the direction of opening of the clasp, in order to force the clipped parts to overcome the pressure between the parts, so as to allow the leaflet to pivot relative to the body to the open clasp position. This is the standard closing mechanism for folding clasps.
  • a major drawback of these clasps is linked to the wear of the parts due to clipping following the numerous openings and re-closings of the clasp in the context of the usual use of a wristwatch. Over time, the effectiveness of maintaining the closed position by the cooperating parts decreases and the clasp can open involuntarily, for example in the presence of a slight pressure exerted accidentally, without intention to open the clasp.
  • the document EP 2 233 026 A1 discloses a clasp of the folding clasp type.
  • This clasp comprises a folding flap which can be pivoted by a user, and a bar with two balls which form a locking system in which the folding flap, when it is folded down, completely prevents the opening of the clasp.
  • WO 2020/187907 discloses a clasp of the type with a double folding clasp, provided with a main blade and two U-shaped leaflets.
  • the leaflets surround the main blade when the clasp is closed.
  • the body houses two pairs of twin ball pawls, each twin pawl has a tubular body and two balls housed in the body.
  • the balls cooperate with recesses arranged in the leaflets, to stabilize the closed position.
  • the clasp can be opened by applying traction on a leaflet or on a strand of bracelet attached to the leaflet, which has the effect of pushing the balls back to the bottom of their housing in the tubular body, thus making it possible to open the clasp.
  • ball pawls has drawbacks in terms of their design, in that it is not possible to easily adjust the force required to open the clasp. Generally, a single ball catch will not hold the clasp in the closed position, which is why two paired ball catches are used for each leaflet. It is an objective of the present invention to implement a solution allowing better stabilization of the closed position by ideally using fewer components, while allowing improved assembly and maintenance.
  • objectives of the invention are to reduce the number of different parts, or to be able to use several identical or similar parts in the constitution of the clasp, to use parts making it possible to assume and/or contribute to several functionalities, to facilitate assembly and/or maintenance, to be able to use different materials, for example materials allowing parts to be manufactured less expensively.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a clasp having a harmonious and aesthetic external appearance, presenting, for example, homogeneous and rounded external faces.
  • the present invention relates to a deployment buckle clasp comprising a first blade and at least a second blade, the clasp being provided with a closing mechanism for maintaining said first and second blades in a closed position, said closing mechanism comprising a movable part provided with a locking end and a spring or another elastic return member, the return member being arranged to urge the locking end in the direction of an orifice of the second blade and to cooperate with a recess or recess arranged in the first blade to receive said locking end.
  • the clasp comprises a second fastening member, intended to be connected to a second free end of the bracelet (or to the end of a second bracelet strand), the second fastening member being connected to the first blade, if necessary to a third blade and/or to a cover of the clasp, the third blade and/or the cover being preferably hinged to the first blade.
  • the plurality of components comprises two components, attached to each other using at least a second and optionally a third blade, the second blade and/or third blade being hinged to the first blade.
  • the two components are framed between and/or joined using the spars of another blade, for example a leaflet.
  • the present invention relates to a clasp with a folding clasp for a bracelet comprising: a first blade and a second blade, hinged relative to each other, a first fixing member connected to the second blade and intended to be connected to a first free end of the bracelet; a closing mechanism for holding said first blade and said second slat in the closed position when one of the slats is folded over the other slat, said closing mechanism comprising: a housing arranged in the second slat, an orifice being arranged on a side face of the said second slat; at least one movable part arranged in the housing, said movable part comprising a locking end, and a spring arranged in the housing so as to urge said movable part in the direction of said orifice so that the locking end passes through said lateral orifice to protrude from the side face; a recess provided in the first blade to receive said locking end when the clasp is in the closed position.
  • said movable part is arranged to be forced to move towards the inside of its housing when one of the blades chosen from among said first and second blades is moved relative to the other blade chosen, respectively, from among said second and first blades and when the locking end is forced into contact with an inner side face of the first blade.
  • said movable part is arranged to be forced to move in a transverse direction when the second blade passes from an open position of the clasp to a closed position of the clasp, and vice versa, and/or when the second blade is moved relative to the first blade such that a side face of the second blade moves from a position where it is aligned with an inner side face of the first blade to a position where the side face of the second blade is no longer aligned with the inner side face of the first blade.
  • the second slat is preferably aligned with one or both spars of the first slat.
  • the blades, components forming the body of a blade, and spare parts of the clasp can be made of any material commonly used in the manufacture of clasps for wristwatches, in particular metal, for example steel, gold, silver, or metal alloys.
  • the construction of the clasp is preferably such that it allows the use of other materials, in particular composites and/or ceramics for the manufacture of the components and/or parts of the clasp.
  • one or more parts and/or parts of the clasp comprise are made of ceramic and/or composite.
  • said moving part is made of metal, ceramic and/or composite.
  • said movable part comprises said locking end and a base arranged to receive one end of the spring, said base preferably having a U-shape.
  • the spring is arranged to urge said locking end of said second movable part through the second lateral orifice.
  • said movable part has a base forming a shoulder, the locking end emerging as a distinctive structure with respect to said shoulder, said shoulder serving as a movable abutment horn which, in cooperation with the walls of the housing, limits the displacement of the moving part outwards in the transverse direction.
  • said locking end has rounded and/or oblique faces in cross-section of the clasp.
  • said first clasp blade comprises two side rails and a transverse spacer secured to said side lodgements, the second blade being arranged to be positioned between the two side rails when the clasp is closed.
  • the second blade comprises a cover arranged to close said housing, preferably on an underside of the second blade facing the wearer of the clasp when the clasp is in the closed position.
  • the cover is detachable and resealable.
  • the cover is arranged to be able to slide, preferably in the transverse direction, in said second blade, preferably outside the usual use of the clasp, for example in the context of mounting the closing mechanism and/ or maintenance.
  • the second blade has two rails to accommodate said cover, preferably in a sliding way.
  • said guide rail is machined into the second blade.
  • the clasp comprises a locking, blocking or other fixing means, to block or lock the cover in the closed position of the housing, preferably so as to make the cover integral with the blade and/or to prevent the lid from sliding.
  • the locking device of the previous embodiment comprises a recess, preferably in the form of a blind hole, arranged in the leaflet, a spring housed in the recess, and a pin arranged to be biased by the spring in the direction of a hole in the lid when the lid closes the housing, the hole receiving the pin to allow the locking of the lid.
  • the housing of the closing mechanism passes through the second blade in the transverse direction.
  • the housing for the closure mechanism is machined into the second blade.
  • said orifice is a first orifice and said movable part is a first movable part
  • said housing comprising a second orifice and said closure mechanism comprising a second movable part, said second orifice being arranged on an opposite side face of the second blade, and a locking end of said second movable part being arranged to be able to pass through said second lateral orifice.
  • the housing comprises a cavity arranged to house and/or guide said moving part, preferably a pair of cavities arranged to house and/or guide said first and second moving parts.
  • the housing comprises two cavities arranged respectively to house and guide the first and second moving parts, the housing further comprising a channel arranged to be traversed by said spring, said channel connecting preferably said cavities, each of the ends of the spring resting on one of the two moving parts in order to distance said moving parts transversely from one another.
  • said fastening member is a first fastening member
  • said closing mechanism is a first closing mechanism
  • the clasp comprising a third blade and a second fastening member connected to the third blade, the third blade comprising a second closing mechanism comprising the characteristics of the invention and/or of any one of the embodiments of the invention.
  • the body of at least one of the blades of the clasp is formed from a plurality of components.
  • the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising the clasp of the invention.
  • the clasps illustrated without limitation in the figures correspond to two embodiments of the present invention.
  • the clasps shown are of the type with a double folding clasp and are in particular intended to be fitted to watch straps.
  • the bracelets can be of any type, such as for example made of flexible plastic, leather, or consist of an assembly of metal links.
  • the clasp can be a two- or three-blade folding clasp, for example.
  • the clasp is of the double folding clasp type, comprising three blades.
  • THE figures 1 to 3 show the clasp according to a first embodiment in the closed position ( figure 1 ) and in the open position ( figures 2 and 3 ).
  • the clasp comprises a main blade 1, eg the first blade, and second and third blades 2, 2', also called leaflets, arranged to pivot relative to the main blade blade.
  • Each slat comprises and is essentially formed of a body, the body preferably forming the elementary and/or carrier structure of the slat, assuming a frame function. If necessary, other parts, for example spare parts, can be attached, connected, hinged to and/or housed in or by said body.
  • the body of the blades is formed in one piece and/or comprises a single component.
  • first blade is used in this description for the main blade (or the central blade), but according to the invention it is envisaged that a leaflet is the first blade and the main blade the second blade, the purpose of the words “first”, “second” etc. being to distinguish one blade from another blade and not to impose a precise function on the blade thus designated.
  • the main blade is generally longitudinal and slightly curved to better adapt to the wrist of a user wearing a wristwatch fitted with the clasp.
  • the leaflet(s) generally have a curvature, so as to be able to extend parallel to the main blade when the clasp is closed, preferably so as to provide a homogeneous appearance of the clasp towards the outside when the clasp is closed.
  • Each leaflet has first and second ends 43, 43' and 44, 44', respectively.
  • the first end 43 of the first leaflet 2 is articulated on a first end of the main blade, and the first end 43' of the second leaflet 2' is hinged on a second end of the main blade.
  • the second ends, or free ends, 44, 44', of each of the leaflets comprise a fixing member, 11, 11', arranged to allow the clasp to be connected to the free ends of the two strands of the bracelet of a wristwatch, For example.
  • the fixing members 11, 11' are illustrated in a simplified manner by a transverse hole arranged towards the second end of each of the leaflets.
  • the leaflets Towards this end, the leaflets have a bulge which protrudes from the general outer surface 32, 42 of the clasp when the clasp is closed. This bulge makes it possible to arrange the holes above this general surface.
  • a bar can be housed in each of the holes to connect the free end of the bracelet strand. It can be for example the last link of a bracelet with metal links, as illustrated in the document WO 2020/187907 .
  • the main blade of the clasp comprises two substantially parallel side rails 41 which extend following the curvature of the main blade, as well as a transverse spacer 34 secured to the side rails.
  • the transverse spacer is preferably arranged midway between the two opposite ends of the main blade.
  • the clasp is closed.
  • the leaflets are folded down and are located in the space 35 between the side rails. In this position, the free ends of the leaflets, and therefore the fastening members 11, 11', are brought together.
  • the leaflets In the figure 2 which shows an open position of the clasp, the leaflets have been lifted and rotated upward relative to the main blade.
  • the free ends of the leaflets are in a position of maximum distance from each other, and the lower faces 31 of the leaflets are visible.
  • the clasp is closed, the lower faces face the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch.
  • the position of the picture 3 also corresponds to a position opening in which the circumference of the watch-wristband-clasp assembly is maximum. The wristwatch can thus be easily removed from the wrist, or conversely, be easily put on.
  • FIG. 3 shows a recess 16 which is arranged in the inner side face 29 of the main blade 1.
  • the recess is arranged to receive a locking end 14 of the closing mechanism when the clasp is in the closed position, a locking end then emerging from each of the side faces 18 of each of the leaflets, in accordance with what will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures.
  • a recess it would also be possible to create a niche in the main slat.
  • THE figures 4A and 4B are enlarged views of the free end (the second end) 44 of the first leaflet (or the second blade) 2.
  • the first and the second leaflet (the second and the third blade) 2 and 2 ' are made identically and only the leaflet 2 will be described.
  • the apostrophe (') associated with a reference number is used for an identical structural element concerning the second leaflet.
  • cover 8 of the leaflet closing mechanism has been omitted.
  • the parts of the mechanism including the lid and the locking parts of the latter, are shown exploded.
  • FIG. 4B allows to see the housing 3 arranged in the leaflet, for example near its free end.
  • the housing 3 extends in the transverse direction and crosses the entire width of the leaflet in order to open out through the two orifices 7, 9 which the opposite side faces 18, 19 of the leaflet have.
  • the housing has two cavities 36, 37, through which the housing 3 is widened, here in the longitudinal direction. These cavities are arranged to accommodate the parts of the closing mechanism, in particular the moving parts 4, 5 and the spring 6, as seen in the figure 4A And 5 .
  • the moving parts 4, 5 each have a base 17 and a locking end 14, which emerges from the base.
  • One function of the base is to house one end of the helical compression spring 6, in order to be able to urge the movable part in the direction of the side orifice 7 or 9.
  • the base 17 has a U-shape , the base of the U constituting the bearing surface of the spring and the wings of the U serving to frame and thus guide and the spring.
  • the moving parts 4, 5 Due to their constituents (the locking end and the base), the moving parts 4, 5 have only two planes of symmetry.
  • the moving parts are not spherical unlike the balls of a ball bar.
  • a constriction 27 situated between the cavities 36, 37 contributes to the guiding of the spring, the latter pushing back the moving parts on either side in the transverse direction.
  • the tightening 27 of the housing leaves a sufficiently wide channel in the longitudinal direction to accommodate the central part of the spring 6.
  • Leaflet 2 further comprises shapes and/or arrangements provided to accommodate cover 8 of the closing mechanism.
  • two rails 51, 52 extend parallel in the transverse direction on either side of the housing 3.
  • these rails are machined directly in the leaflet, in particular in the lower side 31, preferably close to the second end of the leaflet.
  • the lid has side edges 53, 54 arranged to cooperate with the rails to allow the lid to slide transversely.
  • the rails 51, 52 and the side edges 53, 54 preferably have complementary shapes allowing the cover to be guided as described.
  • the rails and the edges have complementary inclined faces, making it possible to prevent the cover from being lifted when it is threaded into the rails. Due to these inclined faces, the lid has a trapezium-shaped longitudinal section.
  • the housing of the lid is hollowed out in the lower face 31 of the leaflet, so that, when the lid is placed on its housing, the lower face 31 of the leaflet remains homogeneous and/or continuous, the lid being integrated into the volume of the leaflet.
  • Leaflet 2 further comprises a locking device 21-25 to hold the cover in position in its locked position.
  • this locking device and the cover is to be able to mount the parts of the closing mechanism in the leaflet before closing the cover, and/or being able to remove the cover to change parts of the closing mechanism, for example due to repair and/or maintenance.
  • the locking device is preferably arranged to be able to be actuated by a user or, preferably, by a maintenance person or a repairman.
  • the closure mechanism includes a detachable and resealable cover. Opening the cover allows access to the parts of the closing mechanism and/or to exchange these parts.
  • the locking device comprises a blind hole 21 which is arranged in a plate 55 located between one of the rails 51, 52 and the housing 3.
  • the plate 55 preferably extends parallel to the face bottom of the cover and faces the latter when the cover is in place on the leaflet.
  • Tray 55 is preferably planar, and is at a lower level relative to the lower surface 31 of the leaflet, due to the machining of the tray into the leaflet as the housing for the cover.
  • the locking device further comprises a spring 22 and a pin 23 which are housed in the blind hole 21 so that the spring biases the pin towards the outside of the hole.
  • the pin has an annular flange 25 arranged to rest on the end of the spring when the pin is inserted axially into the spring 22.
  • Cover 8 has a through hole 24 provided to align with hole 21 when the cover is in place. During such an alignment, thanks to the spring 22 urging the pin upwards from the figures 4A and 4B , the pin 23 is inserted into the hole 24 of the cover in order to lock the sliding movement of the latter. It is in particular a tenon of the pin which emerges beyond the annular rim 25 and which fits into the hole 24.
  • the moving parts 4, 5 and the spring 6 of the closing device are placed in the housing 3 as shown in fig. 4A .
  • the spring 22 and the pin 25 are placed in the hole 21.
  • the cover 8 is slipped between the rails and it is made to slide to cover the mechanism.
  • Pin 23 and hole 24 are aligned when the cover reaches its intended location, shown in the picture 3 , and the pin fits into hole 24 to lock the cover in position.
  • the locking device is arranged so as to allow the cover to be reopened.
  • a maintenance person can access the pin 23 through the through hole 24 with a pointed object, so as to depress the pin against the force of the spring 22.
  • the driving of the pin out of the hole 24 allows the sliding of the cover 8 and finally its removal.
  • the clasp is closed.
  • the leaflet 2 is folded down and inserted into the space 35 between the longerons 41 of the main blade.
  • the side faces 18, 19 of the leaflet are aligned with the inner side faces 28, 29 of the beams.
  • the upper surface 32 of the leaflet is also aligned with the upper surface 42 of the longerons, so that the appearance and the surface (visible from the outside) of the clasp are homogeneous, continuous and, if necessary, rounded.
  • the free end 44 of the leaflet 2, in particular the fixing member 11, emerges from the common surface 42, 32 of the leaflet and the longitudinal members.
  • the fixing members 11, 11' form a kind of bulge or protuberance relative to said common surface.
  • the fixing member(s) is (are) the only structure(s) of the clasp to emerge from said common upper surface 42, 32 of the longerons and of the leaflet.
  • the clasp comprises two leaflets 2, 2', for example, it is the two fixing members 11, 11' which emerge from the upper surface.
  • the locking ends 14 of the moving parts 4, 5 are urged through the side orifices 7, 9 formed in the side faces of the leaflet by direction of the niches or recesses 15, 16 which are arranged in the inner side faces of the beams (cf. Figure 6A ).
  • the recesses are arranged to receive the free ends of the locking ends, the latter protruding from the side orifices 7, 9. Inserting the tips of the locking ends into these recesses stabilizes the closed position of the clasp.
  • the pivoting movement of the leaflet relative to the main blade is hindered by the cooperation between the locking ends of the moving parts and the recesses that the main blade has.
  • each movable part comprises a base 17 from which the locking end 14 emerges.
  • One function of the base is to create a shoulder and/or a movable abutment, which is retained against the walls of the housing 3 when the movable part is urged towards port 7 or 9.
  • the extent of the base in the longitudinal direction is greater than the extent of the locking end in the same direction.
  • the extent of the locking end in the transverse direction is long enough so that it can pass through the lateral orifice 7 or 9 and fit into the recess.
  • the orifice is dimensioned in such a way that the locking end can pass through it and that the base abuts against the walls of the housing 3 to limit the movement of the moving part in the transverse direction in the direction of the orifices.
  • the locking ends 14 have rounded or inclined faces in cross section.
  • the displacement of the locking ends in the transverse direction is not completely locked, and they can move towards the inside of their housing 3 under the action of an appropriate force.
  • a user can pull on a bracelet strand or directly grab a leaflet to lift it and rotate it relative to the main blade to open the clasp.
  • the force applied by the user is transformed into a force of friction or sliding between the rounded surface of the locking end and an upper surface of the corresponding recess 15, 16.
  • the cooperating shapes of the surfaces of the end of locking and the recess which come into contact, as well as the housing 3 allow the transformation of the vertical directional force of the user acting on the leaflet into a force having a component in the transverse direction, this component of transverse force pushing the locking end and thus the whole of the movable part towards the interior of the housing 3, against the force of the spring 6.
  • the clasp according to the invention does not show wear of the surfaces which exert pressure, arranged in the clasps of the state of the art to keep the clasp closed.
  • the clasp of the invention provides a mechanism comprising parts 4, 5 that can move when a user opens the clasp. Consequently, the problems of the state of the art due to permanent displacement, abrasion or even flattening of the contact or clipping faces of a standard clip (or click) mechanism do not arise.
  • THE figures 7 to 15 show a clasp 100 according to a second embodiment.
  • a difference between the clasp 100 and that of the first embodiment is that each of the leaflets 102 and 102' comprises two longerons 141 and in that the main blade 101 (eg the first blade 101) is arranged centrally in the transverse direction. , so that the spars 141 of the leaflets laterally frame the main blade 101 when the clasp is closed, as shown in the figure 7 .
  • the leaflets 102 and 102' have a general U shape, in which the spars form the wings of the U, while the base of the U is formed by a transverse spacer 146, preferably in the form of a tube.
  • the leaflets 102 and 102' are hinged respectively on the opposite ends 138 and 139 of the main blade 101 and each leaflet has first and second ends, respectively 143, 144 and 143', 144'.
  • the longitudinal members (or arms) 141 of the leaflet 102 which extend in parallel and are spaced so as to be able to partially frame the main blade 101 by aligning themselves parallel to the main blade when the leaflet is folded down on the body, the clasp being in the closed position.
  • the spars 141 follow the curvature of the main blade at least approximately to the second end 144 of the leaflet 102, where the uprights are connected to the transverse strut 146.
  • the spacer 146 is arranged at the second end or free end 144 of the leaflet 102. It connects the two beams 141 and has a transverse through hole 151 ( fig. 9 ) which serves as a housing for an assembly formed of a notched tube 147 and a rod 145 with a groove. This assembly being intended to attach a fixing member 111 in a pivoting manner, the fixing member 111 itself being provided for attaching the free end of a bracelet strand.
  • Fastener 111 has a pair of holes 149 (149' on second leaflet 102) to accommodate the ends of rod 145. Articulation of fastener 111 using the notched tube assembly / rod 147/145 works according to the same principle which is described later below in relation to the articulation of the leaflet to the main blade.
  • the fixing member comprises two horns 152, 153 provided with blind holes allowing the strap strand to be fixed using a strip, for example.
  • the transverse tube 146 is arranged offset upwards relative to the general geometry of the side members and/or relative to the homogeneous upper surface of the clasp 142, 132 so that it can be accommodated in a slight transverse depression 135 in the center between the ends 138, 139 of the body when the clasp is closed. This is visible in the section of the figure 15 , in which the spars are covered by the main blade (because they are parallel to and behind the main blade) but the transverse spacer 146 and the fixing member 111, placed on the main blade, are visible.
  • the upper surfaces 132 and 142 of the spars of the leaflet and of the main blade are aligned to form a common homogeneous and/or continuous surface, with the exception of the part in the middle of the clasp which is provided for the fastening member when the clasp is closed.
  • the leaflets are centered with respect to the main blade in the transverse direction and carry the parts of the locking mechanism.
  • a difference in the way of carrying out the figures 7 to 15 is that the main blade (eg the first blade 101) is centered with respect to the leaflets 102, the parts 104-106 of the locking mechanism being housed by and/or in the main blade.
  • An object of the invention is to minimize the dimensions of the clasp and to make it possible to produce part or more of the components of the clasp in ceramic, in metal or even in other materials.
  • one objective is to reduce the thickness (the extension in the radial direction) of the clasp, while making it possible to stabilize the housed parts and guaranteeing reliable operation of the closing mechanism in particular.
  • Another objective is to reduce the number of constituent parts of the clasp and/or to facilitate its assembly.
  • the clasp according to the first embodiment requires the presence of a slide comprising the cover 8 of the housing of the closing mechanism parts. Since the cover is housed using rails 51, 52 arranged in the blade 2, it is necessary to make the latter thick enough, at least in part, to accommodate the cover.
  • An object of the invention is to house the parts of the closure mechanism without the need to increase the thickness and/or without having to provide a cover.
  • one or more components and/or parts of the clasp comprise or are made of ceramic and/or of a composite material.
  • the parts 101a and 101b of the main blade can comprise and/or be made essentially of ceramic and/or of composite.
  • the leaflet(s) 102 and 102' can comprise and/or be made essentially of ceramic and/or of a composite material.
  • the locking parts 104, 105 can comprise and/or be made essentially of ceramic and/or of a composite material.
  • Fasteners 111, 111' may include and/or be made essentially of ceramic and/or a composite material.
  • At least the main blade and/or a leaflet are made of ceramic and/or a composite material. In another embodiment, at least the main blade and/or a leaflet are made of metal.
  • the main blade 101 of the clasp 100 is formed of several components 101a, 101b forming the body and/or the frame of the blade. These components are separate parts and are connected together to form the main blade 101 of the clasp during assembly of the clasp.
  • the letters a and b, associated with a reference number generally indicate a characteristic of the corresponding component 101a or 101b, respectively.
  • the components of the first blade while being separate parts, are made integral and immobile with respect to each other when the clasp is assembled and thus functional.
  • relative movement between the components or between parts of the components is constructively excluded when the clasp is assembled.
  • the main blade has two components 101a and 101b.
  • a characteristic of this embodiment is on the one hand that the components 101a, 101b together form the general structure of the body of the first blade 101. Another characteristic is that, when they are separated (and the clasp is not still assembled), the components release at least one mounting opening 108 giving access to a housing 103 intended to house at least one part in the body of the first blade.
  • At least one of the components comprises a housing for spare parts of the clasp, the opening giving access to the housing being covered when the components are made integral in the assembled clasp.
  • the components are both integral but also immobilized with respect to the other component or to the other components (if there are more than two) once the clasp is assembled.
  • the part or parts housed in the housing arranged in the body of a blade and/or connected to a blade are also called “spare parts". Like the blade components, they are separate parts when the clasp is disassembled. The expression “spare parts” is used to distinguish these parts from the components 101a, 101b forming the body of a blade.
  • housing 103 houses one or more parts of the clasp closing mechanism.
  • the housing 103, or the partial housings, is arranged in the main blade and in particular in the body of the main blade, the body being formed by said components 101a and 101b.
  • the components of said plurality of components differ from another part of the clasp, such as a cover, in that they each preferably constitute an essential and/or structural element of the body of a blade of the clasp. Without one of the components, the body and thus the slat is not formed, is not present, is not complete and/or does not fulfill its function as a body (frame) for arranging other elements of the clasp, such as a leaflet and/or the other blades of the clasp.
  • the two components 101a and 101b are identical parts. Consequently, the components 101a and 101b have the same dimensions, in particular the same longitudinal extension and the same thickness.
  • the body of the first blade is formed from two components 101a and 101b, but the invention contemplates a blade body formed by three or more, for example four or more, components as separate parts. It is envisioned to have 2 to 10 components forming the structural building blocks of a blade body.
  • the first blade is formed by two longitudinal components 101a and 101b, but the invention also contemplates a first blade in which one component comprises the first end 138 and another component comprises the other end 139 of the clasp. In this configuration, it is also possible to provide a central (third) component of the blade connecting the components comprising the first and second ends. According to this embodiment, the components separate the body of the blade into successive sections in the longitudinal direction, whereas in the embodiment shown, the parts 101a and 101b separate the first blade into successive sections in transverse direction.
  • one or more of said components comprises an assembly opening giving access to a housing or to a partial housing, one or more parts of the clasp being housed in said housing and/or part of said one or several parts is housed in said partial housing, said mounting opening being closed when the clasp is assembled, preferably covered by another part of said plurality of components.
  • the clasp 100 comprises two leaflets and each of the two components thus comprises two mounting openings 108, 108', giving access to partial housings 103a and 103'a of the parts of the closure mechanism.
  • the parts of the closing mechanism comprise at least one locking part 104 and at least one elastic return member, here a spring 106.
  • a closing mechanism is provided separately for each of the leaflets.
  • Each closure mechanism comprises two locking parts 104, 105 and the return member 106 arranged to urge the locking parts towards a position which promotes locking and/or closing of the clasp.
  • components 101a and 101b of the embodiment shown are identical. When they are assembled, the mounting openings of the two components are superimposed, so that a complete and/or continuous housing 103 is formed by the partial housings 103a and 103b of each of the components 101a and 101b, as shown at there figure 12 .
  • the continuous housing 103 comprises the partial housings 103a and 103b.
  • the housing 103 is made by assembling the components 101a and 101b when the mounting openings 108 are superposed and thus closed.
  • Housing 103 differs from housing 3 in that a constriction 27 to guide the spring is absent.
  • the spring 106 is however sufficiently guided, in particular by the notches 113 of the locking parts ( fig. 16 ).
  • the mounting opening 108 is arranged on an inner side face 155 of each of the components 101a, 101b. During assembly, the inner side faces of each of the components 101a and 101b are in contact with each other and/or are superimposed, so as to cover the respective mounting openings 108.
  • the locking parts 104, 105 and the spring are placed in the housing 103 as shown in figure 13 .
  • the arrangement of these parts in their housing resembles that of the locking mechanism of the first embodiment, with the difference that a cover is absent, because the assembly of the parts causes the closing of the mounting openings and thus of the housing 103 .
  • each of the components 101a, 101b comprises an orifice 107, precisely two orifices 107, 107' if the two closing mechanisms provided for each of the leaflets 102, 102' are taken into account.
  • Each of the locking parts 104, 105 of a locking mechanism has a locking end 114 which is sized to be able to pass through the orifice 107 and emerge as a bolt or bolt on the corresponding outer side face 156 of the first blade, as visible to figure 8 And 13 .
  • At least one recess 116 is arranged on the leaflet 102, preferably one recess on each of the longerons 141, close to the free end 144 of the leaflet.
  • the recesses 116 are adapted to be able to cooperate with the locking ends 114 when the leaflet is folded down on the main blade in order to stabilize the closed position of the clasp.
  • Each latch piece 104, 105 has a base 117, with the latch end emerging as a distinctive structure on one side of the base, an indentation 113 is on the opposite side of the base 117.
  • each of the two ends of the compression spring 106 rests on the notch 113 of one of the two locking parts 104, 105 of the locking mechanism to urge the locking end 114 in the direction of the outside through the corresponding side hole 107.
  • the recesses 116 are arranged on the leaflet to be able to form a clipping mechanism with the locking parts 104, 105, the spring and the housing 103, analogously to what has been described in the introduction above and with respect to the first embodiment.
  • the geometry and/or the shape of the locking parts allows a stronger and/or stable connection between the blades 101 and 102, compared to a mechanism based on ball pawls as used, for example, in the clasp disclosed in the document WO202/187907 .
  • a pair of twin ball pawls comprising four ball pawls can thus be replaced by the mechanism comprising two locking parts 104, 105.
  • the assembly of the clasp is just as simple, thanks to the main blade 101 formed of several separate components, allowing assembly of the closing mechanism without the need for a cover, for example. Maintenance and repair of the closing mechanism is possible, because the mechanism is removable.
  • Locking parts 104, 105 are almost identical to parts 4 and 5, and the frictional and/or sliding forces between the locking end 114 when forced out of the recess 116 in the leaflet correspond to the situation where the locking end 4 is forced out of the recess 16 in the body 1 of the first embodiment when opening the clasp.
  • the two components 101a and 101b are attached using the leaflets 102, 102'.
  • a notched tube 162 ( fig. 9 ) is inserted into the transverse hole 161a, 161b arranged at the first end 138 of each of the two components 101a, 101b, so that the tube passes through the two holes 161a, 161b of the two components, respectively.
  • each spar 141 of the leaflet 102 also includes a transverse hole 163, the two holes being able to be superposed on the openings of the notched tube 162 placed in the holes 161a, 161b of the body.
  • a rod 160 forming a pivot axis is then inserted through the hole 163 of a first spar, passed through the slotted tube 162 until it passes into the hole 163 of the second spar of the leaflet 102 to form the pivot axis of the leaflet.
  • the second leaflet (or the third blade) 102' is arranged analogously to the second end 139 of the main blade.
  • the fact of using the leaflet and in particular the articulation of the leaflet on the main blade to attach and hold together the first and second components 101a, 101b of a blade of the clasp constitutes another innovation of the present invention.
  • the attachment of the components is carried out using the longerons 141 of the leaflets 102, 102', or more generally, using the longerons of another blade, articulated on the blade whose body is formed by a plurality of components.
  • the attachment of the components is also achieved using the notched tube 162 and the rod 160.
  • the latter has grooves 168 provided to cooperate with notches 169 of the tube to fix the position of the rod inside the notched tube.
  • the components of the first blade of the clasp are made integral and preferably immobile relative to each other using the arrangement of the joint.
  • This arrangement may comprise a notched tube and a rod and/or may provide for the blade and/or its components to be framed by the longitudinal members of another blade.
  • the clasp 100 of the embodiment shown has two planes of symmetry, a longitudinal and radial plane and a transverse and radial plane.
  • the clasp comprises two leaflets 102, 102', a closing mechanism being provided for each of the leaflets.
  • Each closure mechanism comprises first and second locking parts 104, 105, arranged to allow cooperation with first and second recesses 116, a recess 116 being arranged in each of the two longerons 141 of the leaflet.
  • the main slat 201 comprises two substantially parallel spars 241 which extend following the curvature of the main slat, as well as a transverse spacer 234 secured to the side spars.
  • the clasp is closed (not shown), the leaflets 202, 202' are folded down and are located in the space 235 between the side rails.
  • the general plan of the clasp 200 based on interior leaflets, corresponds to that of the clasp of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-6C , in which the leaflets are arranged centrally in the transverse direction.
  • each of the leaflets (the second and third blades) 202, 202' is formed of two components 202a, 202b produced in the form of two separate parts, according to the principle of the first blade of the second embodiment.
  • Parts 204-206 of the closure mechanism are identical to corresponding parts 104-106 of the second embodiment. They are housed in and/or by each of the leaflets, in a housing 203 formed by two partial housings 203a (203b not shown) arranged in each of the components, respectively.
  • the housing is accessible via a mounting opening 208 arranged on each of the components for mounting the parts 204-206 when the clasp 200 is disassembled and the components 202, 202' are separated, as shown at the figure 18 .
  • each of the components has an orifice 207 to allow the passage of the locking end of a locking piece 204 so that it can cooperate with a recess 216 arranged in a spar 241 and thus maintain the clasp in the closed position in the absence of a force applied by a wearer in order to open the clasp.
  • the cooperation between the locking parts 204 and the recess 216 when the clasp is closed and/or when the clasp moves into the open position operates as described above with respect to the first embodiment.
  • At least one slat chosen from a main slat and a leaflet comprises two longerons 141, 241, arranged to at least partially frame the other slat chosen, respectively, from the main slat and the leaflet when the clasp is closed, the two blades being articulated one on the other.
  • the frame is preferably a side frame.
  • the framed blade has a body formed from a plurality of components 101a, 101b or 202a, 202b, respectively, as described in this specification and the claims.
  • the blade comprising the body formed of several components is arranged centrally in the transverse direction. The central arrangement concerns the situation when the clasp is closed, for example when the blade framed is a leaflet.
  • clasps comprising a single plane of symmetry or even none.
  • a single locking piece 104, 204 per locking mechanism instead of two.
  • a mechanism comprising a single locking part to cooperate with a single recess arranged on one of the two beams 141, 241 could be envisaged.
  • the two components 101a, 201a and 101b, 201b be identical.
  • One of the two components for example the component 101b (or 201b) could be devoid of partial housing 103b as shown in figure 12 , or could be provided with a simplified housing provided only to guide one end of the spring 106, 206 the other end resting on the locking part 105, 205 housed, it, in the housing 103a, 203a of the first component 101a , 201a.
  • the components may comprise cooperating and/or complementary parts, for example of the male/female type, to facilitate the connection and/or the immobilization of the components. This can be useful, for example, if the components are not made integral and preferably immobile with respect to each other by means of the arrangement of the joint.
  • the components can also be connected in other ways, for example by screwing, gluing, and/or riveting.
  • the spare parts housed in the housing provided in at least one of the components form part of the mechanism for closing the clasp. It is possible to use the concept of components to provide accommodation for spare parts of another functionality, for example the parts of a complete locking mechanism and/or the parts of a bracelet strand detachment mechanism , to mention only a few examples.
  • the orifice could be used to arrange a pusher and/or a slider, arranged to be able to be actuated by a user when the clasp is closed. and/or open. In this case, the orifice can be arranged so that it is accessible from the outside when the clasp is closed.

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11318522A (ja) * 1998-05-14 1999-11-24 Zanon:Kk バンド部材用止め具
JP3569034B2 (ja) * 1995-06-23 2004-09-22 シチズン時計株式会社 観音開き型プッシュ中留構造
EP2233026A1 (de) 2009-03-25 2010-09-29 Rolex S.A. Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Verbindung und zum Verriegeln von zwei Teilen und Kugelleiste
US20120187907A1 (en) 2011-01-20 2012-07-26 Peter Nysen Rechargeable battery systems and rechargeable battery system operational methods
WO2019166671A1 (fr) 2018-03-02 2019-09-06 Dexel S.A. Fermoir pour bracelet comportant un dispositif de réglage de longueur du bracelet
WO2020187907A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-09-24 Bulgari Horlogerie Sa Fermoir pour bracelet

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1647108A (en) * 1927-02-11 1927-10-25 Hadley Company Wrist-watch bracelet
DE3362646D1 (en) * 1983-02-02 1986-04-30 Cornu & Cie Sa Foldable fastener for a bracelet
EP1920673A1 (de) * 2006-11-09 2008-05-14 Cornu & Cie Sa Faltverschluss für Armbänder
DE102008039843A1 (de) * 2008-08-27 2010-03-04 Momoplus Gmbh Schnappverbindung für ein Armband

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3569034B2 (ja) * 1995-06-23 2004-09-22 シチズン時計株式会社 観音開き型プッシュ中留構造
JPH11318522A (ja) * 1998-05-14 1999-11-24 Zanon:Kk バンド部材用止め具
EP2233026A1 (de) 2009-03-25 2010-09-29 Rolex S.A. Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Verbindung und zum Verriegeln von zwei Teilen und Kugelleiste
US20120187907A1 (en) 2011-01-20 2012-07-26 Peter Nysen Rechargeable battery systems and rechargeable battery system operational methods
WO2019166671A1 (fr) 2018-03-02 2019-09-06 Dexel S.A. Fermoir pour bracelet comportant un dispositif de réglage de longueur du bracelet
WO2020187907A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-09-24 Bulgari Horlogerie Sa Fermoir pour bracelet

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EP4176757B1 (de) 2024-05-08

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