WO2024134585A1

WO2024134585A1 - Fixing system for assembling parts

Info

Publication number: WO2024134585A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/063110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabio Cesa; Stéphane Renard
Original assignee: Performance Mécanique SA
Priority date: 2022-12-23
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: CH720379A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing system comprising a male element (20) and comprising a female element (30) in the form of a receptacle made in a part (60) on which an element or a component (70) is to be fixed. The receptacle (30) is adapted to securely receive the male element (20) therein after at least one translation and one rotation of the male element (20) along and about a central axis (X) of the receptacle. Said translation and rotation are separate and sequential movements. One of the male and female elements (20, 30) comprises at least two protrusions (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b), while the other of the male and female elements (20, 30) comprises at least one cavity (34a, 34b) for receiving one of the two protrusions (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) therein. The male element (20) is intended to be introduced into and pivoted in the receptacle (30) such that said one of the two protrusions (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) is introduced into the cavity (34a, 34b) and the other of the two protrusions passes through a passage (36a, 36b) in order to pass from a first clearance (32a, 32c) to a second clearance (32b, 32d) comprising, above the passage (36a, 36b), two opposite walls (32b', 32b''; 32d', 32d''). The at least two protrusions (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) are offset from each other either axially along the central axis (X), or angularly at the same axial level, or axially and angularly. The fixing system further comprises a constraining member (50) arranged to move the male element (20) axially in the receptacle (30) so that: i) said one of the two protrusions is in contact with an upper face (35a, 35b) of the cavity (34a, 34b) in order to ensure an axial locking of the male element (20) in the receptacle (30), and ii) said other of the two protrusions is arranged between the two walls (32b', 32b''; 32d', 32d'') of the clearance in order to ensure an angular locking of the male element (20) in the receptacle (30).

Description

Fixing system for assembling parts

Domain

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing system for joining two parts together. This fixing system is particularly well suited for mounting different components in the design of a watch part.

State of the art

[0002] One of the problems encountered in the manufacture of watches is the tendency of the screws to unscrew. The design, complications and design of the exterior of a mechanical watch determine the number, size and shape of the tightening screws. The screw's mission is to assemble different components allowing subsequent disassembly. The very nature of the operating principle of a screw generates various problems such as untimely unscrewing, breakage of the screw head, tearing of threads or even shearing. Vibrations and shocks are the main reasons for these problems which can cause significant damage to the watch.

Brief summary of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a fixing system for assembling parts, in particular watch components, which offers better resistance to vibrations/shocks in order to solve the problem of untimely unscrewing.

[0004] This goal is achieved thanks in particular to a fixing system comprising a male element and a female element in the form of a housing made on a part on which an element or component must to be fixed. The housing is adapted to fixedly receive the male element after at least one translation and one rotation of the male element along and around a central axis of the housing. Said translation and rotation are dissociated and sequenced movements. One of the male and female elements has at least two projections while the other of the male and female elements has at least one cavity to receive one of the two projections. The male element is intended to be introduced and pivoted into the housing so that said one of the two projections is introduced into the cavity and the other of the two projections passes through a passage to pass from a first clearance to a second clearance comprising, above the passage, two opposite walls. Said at least two projections are offset relative to each other either axially along the central axis, or angularly at the same axial level, or axially and angularly. The fixing system further comprises a constraint member arranged to axially move the male element in the housing so that: i) said one of the two projections is in contact with an upper face of the cavity to ensure axial locking of the male element in the housing, and ii) said other of the two projections is arranged between the two walls of the clearance in order to ensure angular locking of the male element in the housing.

[0005] In one embodiment, the male element comprises a head provided with a coupling portion adapted for the application of a rotation by means of a tool, a body adapted to be introduced into a recessed central portion of the housing as well as said at least two projections secured to the body. The housing comprises at least one clearance extending from the opening to the level of a shoulder, and at least one cavity for receiving one of the two projections in order to ensure axial locking of the male element in the housing, the other of the two projections ensuring angular locking. [0006] In one embodiment, said one of the two projections has an inclined upper face intended to abut against the upper face of the cavity having the same inclination.

[0007] In one embodiment, said other of the two projections comprises two lateral flanks, each consisting of a surface of determined profile, intended to cooperate with a surface of complementary profile of the two walls of said clearance.

[0008] In one embodiment, the two projections are angularly offset relative to each other, for example by 90°. The housing has at least two clearances for the introduction of the two projections into the housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, the male element comprises at least two projections located at a first level of the male element and arranged to each be positioned between two walls respectively with two clearances in order to ensure angular locking of the male element in the housing. The male element further comprises at least two projections located at a second level of said male element and arranged to be positioned in two cavities in order to ensure axial locking of the male element in the housing.

[0010] In one embodiment, the two projections of the first level are angularly offset relative to the two projections of the second level, for example by 90°. The housing has four clearances for the introduction of the four projections into the housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the two projections of each of the first and second levels are diametrically opposed. The four clearances are arranged at 90° to each other around the central portion. [0012] In one embodiment, the constraint member is an elastic member, preferably of toric shape, disposed between the head of the male element and a face of the component or between a face of the part and a face of the component.

[0013] In one embodiment, the body comprises a cylindrical distal portion. The housing includes a cylindrical hole to receive said distal portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the part and the element are watchmaking parts or components.

[0015] In one embodiment, the female element is in the form of a nut for fixing two elements together between the nut and a screw head of the male element.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch part comprising a plate, and several watch components fixed to the plate by several fixing systems according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch part comprising a watch case, a back, a seal and several fixing systems according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments for fixing the back against the case watch. The seal plays the role of the constraint member.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch part comprising an oscillating mass fixed to a movable cage of a bearing by several fixing systems according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. Another aspect of the invention relates to a fixing system comprising a male element and a female element in the form of a housing arranged to receive the male element. One of the male and female elements has at least one projection while the other of the male and female elements has at least one cavity. This comprises a first surface, called the lower surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, called the upper surface. The upper surface comprises a first portion located at a first height, and a second portion located at a second height lower than the first height relative to an end portion of the housing. The male element is intended to be introduced into the housing then pivoted into an angular pre-locking position in which said at least one projection is positioned in said at least one cavity. The male element is adapted to move axially from the pre-locking position to a locking position in which said at least one projection is arranged against the first portion and facing the second portion of the upper surface of said at least a cavity so that said second portion locks the male element in rotation.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second portion of the upper surface is an inclined portion. The projection is arranged in the cavity beyond the inclined portion in the locking position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the lower surface of the cavity is flat and is in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the male element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the male element comprises a cylindrical body comprising at least a first and a second series of projections. The projections of each series are aligned along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the male element. The first and second series of projections are angularly separated by a predefined angle. Housing comprises at least a first and a second series of cavities separated by said predefined angle and each comprising said lower and upper surfaces. The housing further comprises at least two clearances for receiving the first and second series of projections of the male element. Each projection of the first and second series of projections is positioned in a cavity of the corresponding first and second series of cavities against said first portion of the upper surface in the locking position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the male element comprises three series of projections separated from each other by an angle substantially equal to 120°. The housing comprises three series of cavities separated from each other by an angle substantially equal to 120°. The housing further comprises three clearances arranged between the three series of cavities to receive the three series of projections of the male element.

[0024] In one embodiment, said at least one cavity or each cavity comprises a portion to prevent clockwise rotation of the male element. The portion can for example be a lateral side of the cavity acting as a stop.

[0025] In one embodiment, the male element comprises a screw head comprising a portion adapted for the application of a tightening torque, by means of a tool, in particular a screwdriver.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fixing system further comprises an elastic member arranged between a bearing surface of the screw head and a surface of a fixing element. The elastic member is intended, on the one hand, to be compressed before rotation of the male element in the pre-locking angular position and, on the other hand, to axially move the male element from the pre-locking position -lock to lock position. [0027] In one embodiment, the fixing element is an integral part of a watch component to which another watch component is fixed by means of the male element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the female element is in the form of a nut for fixing two elements together between the nut and a screw head of the male element.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch part comprising a plate and several watch components fixed to the plate by several fixing systems.

Brief description of the figures

[0030] Examples of implementation of the invention are described in the description with reference to the appended figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the fixing system for assembling a first part to a second part, in a form of non-limiting preferred embodiment, Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the male element of the fixing system of Figure 1, in a first orientation; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the male element of the fixing system of Figure 1, in a second orientation; Figure 4 illustrates two sectional views of the housing of the fixing system of Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the part of the fixing system of Figure 1 including the housing; Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 5 along AA; Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 6 along BB; Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the fixing system when the male element is introduced into the housing before its rotation; Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 8 along A1-A1; Figure 10 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 9 along B1-B1; Figure 11 illustrates a view similar to Figure 8 after rotation of a quarter turn of the male element in the housing and when the constraining member is compressed; Figure 12 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 11 along A2-A2; Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 12 along B2-B2; Figure 14 illustrates a view similar to Figure 11 after axial movement of the male element under the action of the constraint member; Figure 15 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 14 along A3-A3; Figure 16 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 15 along B3-B3; Figure 17 illustrates a side view when the male element of Figure 1 is in a locked configuration in the housing thus fixing the first part to the second part; Figure 18 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 17 along AA; Figure 19 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 17 along BB; Figure 20 illustrates a sectional view of Figure 17 along CC; Figure 21 illustrates a perspective view of the fixing system comprising a male element and a female element produced on a part on which a component must be fixed, according to another embodiment, Figure 22 illustrates an elevation view of the male element of Figure 21, Figure 23 illustrates a top view of the part of Figure 21 including the female element, Figures 24 and 25 illustrate two perspective views, in different orientations, of a portion of the part of Figure 32 according to section AA, and Figure 26 illustrates a detailed perspective view of one of the cavities illustrated by Figures 24 and 25.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

The fixing system, illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 20, represents a preferred embodiment. This system comprises a male element 20 and a female element 30 in the form of a housing made on a part 60 on which an element or component 70 must be fixed (figure 1). The part 60 can for example be a watch component, in particular a plate on which several housings 30 are made according to the detailed description below. Various watch components, in particular bridges, dials, springs, jumpers can thus be fixed to the plate by means of the male element 20 inserted in a hole made on the watch component then fixed in the housing.

[0032] The part can also be a watch case on which several housings 30 are made to attach the bottom of the case to the means of a corresponding number of male elements. A seal is mounted between the back and the case to ensure the watertightness of the watch. This joint is used as a constraint element for all of the male elements in order to bring the latter into their locking position as described later. The part can also be an oscillating mass fixed to the movable cage of a bearing by several fixing systems.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the male element 20 comprises a head 21 provided with a coupling portion 21a, for example a slot, adapted for the application of a rotation by means of a tool, especially a screwdriver. The male element 20 further comprises a cylindrical body 22 intended to be housed in the housing 30 of the part 60. The body 22 is provided, in this example, with a first pair of projections 23a, 23b diametrically opposed and located at a first level, and a second pair of projections 24a, 24b diametrically opposed and located at a second level so that these two pairs of projections are offset axially along the longitudinal axis of the body 22. The first pair of projections 23a , 23b is also, in this example, angularly offset relative to the second pair of projections 24a, 24b, for example by 90°. Four projections are therefore distributed at 90° to each other on two levels.

[0034] Each projection 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b has an upper face a and a lower face b which are for example inclined relative to a plane of symmetry orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the male element 20, two sides side c which are preferably made up of a flat surface, as well as a front face d having a curvature in the orthogonal plane and along an arc of a circle concentric with the axis of rotation of the male element. Note that the upper and lower faces of each projection are not necessarily inclined but can form a right angle with the longitudinal axis of the male element. This variant is, however, less advantageous since there is a risk of generating an incipient break at the right angle.

The male element 20 further comprises a cylindrical portion 25 comprising, preferably, a diameter greater than the diameter of the body 22. The cylindrical portion 25 is arranged to be centered in a hole 72 made on the element or component 70 which must be fixed to the part 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. According to the embodiment illustrated, this cylindrical portion 25 forms with the head 21 for example a groove 26 to partly receive a constraining member 50. The member stress can be in the form for example of an elastic element, typically an O-ring, an elastic washer or a spring. The constraint member 50 is intended to axially move the male element 20 into a final position, according to the detailed description below, to ensure both axial and angular locking of this male element 20 in the housing 30.

[0036] For this purpose, the constraint member 50 can be arranged mainly in two ways. It can for example be positioned between the head 21 of the male element 20 and an upper face of the component 70 as illustrated in particular by Figure 9. The other way consists of arranging the constraint member between the interface of the part 60 and the component 70 for example in a groove made on the upper face of the part 60. In this case, the constraint member acts indirectly on the axial movement of the male element since, as soon as the tool is released from the head of the male element, the constraint member will raise the component 70 whose upper face will act directly on the head of the male element to move it axially into its final position.

The body 22 of the male element 20 further comprises a cylindrical distal portion 27 intended to be housed in a cylindrical through hole 40 (Figure 4) or blind hole of similar diameter. [0038] With reference to the cylindrical portion 25, the first pair of projections 23a, 23b is therefore located at the level of a proximal portion of the body 22 while the second pair of projections 24a, 24b is located at the level of a distal position of the body 22.

[0039] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 7, the housing 30 comprises in particular a recessed central portion 31 of cylindrical shape to receive the body 22 of the male element 20 as well as four clearances 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d distributed around of the central portion 31 for the introduction into the housing 30 of the two pairs of projections of the male element. These four clearances are spaced from each other, for example by 90°. It will be noted in particular in view of Figure 4 that two diametrically opposite clearances 32b, 32d extend along an axis parallel to the central axis of the housing 30 from the opening 30a of the housing 30 to the level of a cavity 34a.

The two other clearances 32a, 32c also extend along an axis parallel to the central axis of the housing 30. With particular reference to Figures 4, 5 and 19, the housing 30 further comprises a first passage 36a between the two clearances 32a, 32b as well as a second passage 36b between the two clearances 32c, 32d.

[0041] Unlike the clearances 32b, 32d, the clearances 32a, 32c stop at a lower side of the respective passages 36a, 36b of the housing 30. These passages are in the form of a groove so that the first pair of projections 23a, 23b, and where appropriate, the second pair of projections 24a, 24b, can pass from one to the other of two adjacent clearances. Indeed, as explained in detail below, the male element 20 can be rotated differently in order to reach its final position, and this depending on its initial angular position when it is introduced into the housing 30. [0042] Each clearance 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d in the example illustrated has a constant cross section along the axis parallel to the central axis of the housing 30. This cross section consists for example of a cylindrical portion and two rectilinear portions on either side of the cylindrical portion in order to form two opposite walls consisting of a flat surface extending parallel to the central axis of the housing. Thus, according to Figures 6, 7 and 18, the clearance 32a has two opposite walls 32a', 32a", the clearance 32b has two opposite walls 32b', 32b", the clearance 32c has two opposite walls 32c', 32c" and the clearance 32d has two opposite walls 32d', 32d".

[0043] Two cavities 34a, 34b are made on the wall of the central portion 31 of the housing at its bottom. These two cavities 34a, 34b are in this example diametrically opposed and each include an upper face 35a, 35b intended to cooperate with the upper face a of each projection 24a, 24b of the second pair.

The different sequences of the maneuverability of the male element 20 in the housing 30 in order to fix the element or component 70 to the part 60 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 8 to 16.

According to Figures 8 and 10, the male element 20 is introduced into the housing so that the distal portion 27 of the body 22 is housed in the cylindrical hole 40 of the housing. The cylindrical portion 25 of the male element is located at the level of the hole 72 made on the part 70. In this example, the second pair of projections 24a, 24b have been aligned with the clearances 32b, 32d (figure 5) before the introduction of the body 22 of the male element into the central portion 31 of the housing. Since the clearances 32b, 32d extend to the annular shoulder 42 as illustrated in Figure 4, the male element 20 has only carried out a translational movement so that the lower face b of the projections 24a, 24b comes into abutment against the chamfer of the shoulder 42. [0046] In the case where the second pair of projections 24a, 24b are aligned with the clearances 32a, 32c before the introduction of the body 22 of the male element into the central portion 31 of the housing, the male element moves axially until the second pair of projections 24a, 24b abut against the bottom 33 of these clearances 32a, 32c. The male element must therefore be rotated, by a tool, for example a screwdriver, in a clockwise direction so that the projections 24a, 24b pass through respectively the first and second passages 36a, 36b in order to end up in the clearances 32b, 32d to allow additional axial movement of the male element until the lower face b of the projections 24a, 24b rests on the shoulder 42.

[0047] It will be noted that at this moment, the second pair of projections 24a, 24b is clear of the cavities 34a, 34b while the first pair of projections 23a, 23b are located in the clearances 32a, 32c and approximately at the height respectively of the first and second passages 36a, 36b. More particularly, when no axial pressure is exerted on the head 21 of the male element, the projections 23a, 23b are located slightly above the respective passages 36a, 36b. An axial pressure must therefore be applied to the head 21 of the male element to lower the projections 23a, 23b at the level of these passages then the male element must be maneuvered in rotation by a quarter of a turn in the clockwise direction. maintaining this pressure so that the male element is positioned in the housing as illustrated in Figures 11 to 13.

[0048] According to these figures, it will be noted in particular that the second pair of projections 24a, 24b is located at this moment in the cavities 34a, 34b, the lower face of the projections 24a, 24b being abutting against the chamfer of the shoulder annular. The first pair of projections 23a, 23b is located in the clearances 32b, 32d at the level of the respective passages 36a, 36b. [0049] In order to ensure both axial and angular locking of the male element 20 in the housing 30, the body 22 of the element 20 is moved axially under the action of the constraint member 50 once the tool is released from the head 21. The axial position of the male element in its final position is illustrated by Figures 15 to 20. It will be noted that the upper face a of each projection 24a, 24b of the second pair is located abutting against the upper face 35a, 35b of the respective cavities 34a, 34b thus locking the axial position of the male element 20 in the housing 30.

[0050] It will also be noted that according to this axial position, the lateral sides c of each projection 23a, 23b of the first pair are found partly between the two walls 32b', 32b" of the clearance 32b and the two walls 32d', 32d" of the clearance 32d as illustrated in Figure 18. It will be noted, still according to Figure 18, that there is a slight clearance J between one of the sides of each projection 23a, 23b and the corresponding wall in order to allow the movement axial in the respective clearances 32b, 32d. These projections ensure angular locking of the male element. In the present application, angular locking means maintaining the projections 23a, 23b between the two walls 32b', 32b", 32d', 32d" of the respective clearances 32b, 32d in order to prevent the male element from becoming separated of the housing while allowing a slight angular movement caused by the clearance J between one of the sides of each projection and the respective wall.

Unlike conventional screws, each translation and rotation of the male element 20 in the housing 30 to bring it into its final position are dissociated, these two movements of translation and rotation taking place in a sequenced manner.

[0052] Numerous variants can be considered. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the body 22 has only two projections located at the same axial level, that is to say they both intersect a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the element male. These two projections are angularly offset from one another, for example by 180°. Both of the two projections are intended to respectively ensure axial locking and angular locking of the male element in the housing. For this purpose, it comprises, like the preferred embodiment, a central portion to receive the body of the male element, two diametrically opposed clearances, a cavity similar to that described with reference to the shape of aforementioned embodiment arranged between the two clearances as well as a passage between one of the two clearances and a third clearance diametrically opposite the cavity.

[0053] Thus, when the two projections are aligned with the two diametrically opposite clearances, the body of the male element can be introduced into the housing until the two projections come to a determined depth in the two clearances. This determined depth is dictated by the axial displacement of the male element in the housing resulting from the crushing of the constraint member. The male element must then be maneuvered in rotation, by a tool, preferably in a clockwise direction while exerting axial pressure on the head of the male element so that one of the projections can pass through the passage to be accommodate in the third clearance and that the other of the projections can be accommodated in the cavity. The body of the male element is then moved axially under the action of the constraint member once the tool is released from the head. The upper face of the projection housed in the cavity thus comes against the upper face of the cavity thus ensuring axial locking of the male element in the housing. At the same time, the projection housed in the third clearance rises so that its lateral sides are between two opposite walls of the clearance above the passage thus ensuring the angular locking of the male element in the housing.

[0054] The fixing system according to the above-mentioned embodiment has the advantage of having a reduced bulk at the axial level, which makes it possible to fix parts of reduced thickness together. [0055] According to another non-illustrated embodiment, the male element can be similar to the male element of Figure 3 further comprising two additional projections at the distal portion 27 which are diametrically opposed and angularly aligned with the projections 24a, 24b. For this purpose, the housing comprises two pairs of diametrically opposed cavities, the cavities of each pair being superimposed in order to receive the projections 24a, 24b as well as the two additional projections. This variant has the advantage of offering better resistance to removal of the male element from the housing.

[0056] According to another variant not shown, the male element can also be similar to the male element of Figure 3 with the difference that the first pair of projections 23a, 23b is aligned angularly with the second pair of projections 24a, 24b, which simplifies machining. On the other hand, the maneuverability of the male element to bring it into its final position is less easy since it is necessary, depending on the orientation of the male element before its introduction into the housing, either to rotate in the counterclockwise, which is a clockwise rotation then a counterclockwise rotation, which is counter-intuitive.

[0057] According to an additional embodiment, the characteristics of the housing, in particular the clearances, the cavities and the passages, can be produced beforehand on a tube which is then driven into a cylindrical housing. Machining a tube is easier since certain parts can be made from outside the tube.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the fixing system can be adapted for bracelets, in particular to articulate two links together. Instead of using a conventional fixing rod, a fixing tube, comprising a shoulder at one end, is used with a male member intended to be inserted at the other end of the tube. This includes the characteristics of the accommodation according to the above-mentioned description in order to to fixedly receive ('male elements. A constraining member, for example a compression spring, and arranged inside the tube in order to constrain the male element in order to ensure axial and angular locking of the male element. An O-ring is preferably arranged around the male element between the head of this element and the corresponding end of the tube in order to avoid axial movement of the links along the tube. Thus, the two links are arranged to pivot between. the tube shoulder and the seal.

[0059] According to another non-illustrated embodiment, the male element comprises in particular the cavities, the clearances and the passages between the clearances. The housing for its part comprises projections arranged to cooperate with the cavities and the clearances in order to ensure axial and angular locking of the male element in the housing.

One of the advantages of the fixing system, according to the illustrated embodiment, is to allow a determined angular position of the male element 20 in the housing 30 in its secure position. This allows, for a part comprising a multitude of fixing systems for fixing different components, to be able to orient the heads 21 of the male elements with their coupling element 21a always in the same angular position, in order to align the different heads for reasons aesthetic. Another advantage of this fixing system is that it allows the male element to be brought into its axial and angular locking position without having to apply a tightening torque unlike conventional screws.

[0061] According to another embodiment illustrated by Figures 21 to 26, the fixing system comprises a male element 120 and a female element 130 in the form of a housing arranged to receive the male element 120. The housing 130 can be made on a part 150 to which another element must be fixed. The part 150 can for example be a watch component, in particular a plate on which the housing 130 according to the detailed description below. Various watch components, in particular bridges, a dial and/or a watch case, can thus be fixed to the plate by means of the male element 120 inserted into a hole made on the watch component then screwed into the housing.

[0062] The characteristics of the male and female elements make it possible to offer a robust fixing system intended to replace conventional screw fixing systems, in particular used in the watchmaking field. The system according to the invention has the advantage of preventing untimely unscrewing of the male element under the effect of vibrations and/or shocks.

[0063] For this purpose and with reference to Figure 22, the male element 120 is similar to a screw and comprises a cylindrical body 126, and a screw head 128 provided with a coupling portion 128a adapted for application of a tightening torque using a screwdriver. The cylindrical body 126 comprises three series of three projections 124a, 124b, 124c. Each series of projections is aligned along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the screw 120 in the housing 130. The three series of projections are also distributed around the cylindrical body 126 in order to form an angle between them which is substantially equal to 120°. The projections each have a pyramidal shape according to this non-limiting example. The fixing system further comprises an elastic member 140 which can for example be in the form of a foil or a spring metal washer. This elastic member 40 is mounted around the cylindrical body 126 in order to come against a bearing surface 129 of the screw head 128.

[0064] In view of Figures 23 to 25, the housing 130 comprises three series of three cavities 134a, 134b, 134c. Each series of cavities is made along the height of a portion of the wall delimiting the housing 130 in order to form an angle between them substantially equal to 120°. The housing 130 further comprises three clearances 136a, 136b, 136c arranged between the three series of cavities and extending to the bottom 137 of the housing. [0065] According to Figure 26, each cavity has a lower surface 135 as well as an upper surface 136 opposite the lower surface. This is substantially flat and is in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the screw 120. The upper surface 136 comprises a first portion 136a located at a first height h1, and a second portion 136b located at a second height h2 less than the first height h1 relative to the bottom 137 of the housing. The second portion 136b can for example be inclined.

[0066] According to a variant not shown, the second portion can be located in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the screw 120 at a height less than the height of the first portion relative to the bottom of the housing in order to form at the interface between the two portions a vertical face. Each cavity further comprises a side flank 138 acting as a stop.

[0067] The second portion 136b of the upper surface 136 of each cavity is therefore located at the level of the corresponding projection under the action of the elastic member 140, thus preventing the rotation of the screw in the counterclockwise direction and any unscrewing untimely. The intentional unscrewing of the screw, for example in the context of a service, is carried out by applying pressure on the screw head with a tool to axially move the screw in order to clear the projection of the second portion 136b then by exerting torque the screw counterclockwise to release the projections from their respective cavity.

[0068] For fixing a part, in particular a watch component, to the element 150, in particular to a plate of a watch movement, the screw is introduced into a hole made on the part then fixed to the interior of housing 130. [0069] For this, the three series of projections 124a, 124b, 124c of the cylindrical body are aligned with the three clearances 136a, 136b, 136c of the housing 130 in order to slide the body inside the housing until its free end comes into contact with the bottom 37 of the housing. At this instant, the elastic member 140 is compressed between the bearing surface 129 of the screw head and a surface 139 of the element 150 under the action of the force exerted by a tool, in particular a screwdriver.

[0070] The tool is then handled in order to exert a tightening torque on the screw so that it is brought into a pre-locking position to engage each projection 124a, 124b, 124c in the respective cavities 134a, 134b , 134c of the corresponding cavity series until each projection abuts against the lateral flank 138 of the cavity. At this instant and as soon as the tool is released from the screw head, the cylindrical body 126 moves axially under the action of the elastic member 140 from the pre-locking position to a locking position in which the projections 124a, 124b, 124c are arranged against the first portion 136a of the upper surface 136 of the corresponding cavity.

[0071] According to a variant not shown, the axial movement of the screw from the pre-locking position to the locking position can be achieved by the elasticity of a seal or another component arranged between the element 150 and the part that must be attached to element 150.

[0072] According to another variant not shown, the fixing system is adapted to tighten two parts together using a nut whose thread is replaced by the internal profile of the housing according to the above-mentioned description. In this case, the length of the cylindrical body of the male element is adapted according to the thickness of the two parts to be assembled. Furthermore, the projections can be arranged only close to the free end of the cylindrical body intended to be inserted into the nut. [0073] The number of projections per series as well as the number of series can obviously vary depending on the different constraints to which the fixing system can be subjected depending on the areas of application. When the fixing system is intended to be subjected to low stresses, in particular low axial stresses, the screw body and the housing can only have one projection and one cavity respectively. Conversely, for a fixing system intended to be subjected to significant stresses, the number of projections can be increased. The screw body may for example comprise at least two series of projections each comprising between 5 and 10 projections, or even more.

[0074] Although the fixing system according to the above-mentioned description is particularly well suited to the field of watchmaking, the dimensions of the male and female elements can be adapted for other fields of application where the problem of unscrewing screws conventional due to vibrations arises.

Claims

1. Fixing system comprising a male element (20) and a female element (30) in the form of a housing made on a part (60) on which an element or component (70) must be fixed, the housing ( 30) being adapted to fixedly receive the male element (20) after at least one translation and rotation of the male element (20) along and around a central axis (X) of the housing, said translation and rotation being dissociated and sequenced movements, one of the male and female elements (20, 30) comprising at least two projections (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b), the other of the male and female elements (20, 30) comprising at least less a cavity (34a, 34b) to receive one of the two projections (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b), the male element (20) being intended to be introduced and pivoted in housing (30) so as to that said one of the two projections (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) is introduced into the cavity (34a, 34b) and that the other of the two projections passes through a passage (36a, 36b) to pass from one first clearance (32a, 32c) to a second clearance (32b, 32d) comprising, above the passage (36a, 36b), two opposite walls (32b', 32b"; 32d', 32d "), in which said at least two projections (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) are offset relative to each other either axially along the central axis (X), or angularly at same axial level, i.e. axially and angularly, the fixing system further comprising a constraint member (50) arranged to axially move the male element (20) in the housing (30) so that:

- said one of the two projections is in contact with an upper face (35a, 35b) of the cavity (34a, 34b) to ensure axial locking of the male element (20) in the housing (30), and

- said other of the two projections is arranged between the two walls (32b', 32b"; 32d', 32d") of the clearance in order to ensure angular locking of the male element (20) in the housing (30).

2. Fastening system according to claim 1, in which the male element (20) comprises a head (21) provided with a coupling portion (21a) adapted for the application of rotation by means of a tool, a body (22) adapted to be introduced into a recessed central portion (31) of the housing (30), as well as said at least two projections (23a, 23b , 24a, 24b) integral with the body (22), the housing (30) comprising at least one clearance (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) extending from the opening (30a) to the level of a shoulder, and at least one cavity (34a, 34b) for receiving one of the two projections in order to ensure axial locking of the male element (20) in the housing (30), the other of the two projections ensuring angular locking .

3. Fastening system according to the preceding claim, wherein said one of the two projections comprises an inclined upper face (a) intended to abut against the upper face of the cavity (34a, 34b) having the same inclination.

4. Fastening system according to claim 2 or 3, in which said other of the two projections comprises two lateral flanks (c), each consisting of a surface of determined profile, intended to cooperate with a surface of complementary profile of the two walls ( 32b', 32b"; 32d', 32d") of said clearance.

5. Fastening system according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the two projections are angularly offset relative to each other, for example by 90°, the housing (30) comprising at least two clearances ( 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) for the introduction of the two projections into the housing.

6. Fastening system according to claim 3, in which the male element (20) comprises at least two projections (23a, 23b) located at a first level of the male element (20) and arranged to each be positioned between two walls (32b', 32b", 32d', 32d") respectively with two clearances (32b, 32d) in order to ensure angular locking of the male element (20) in the housing (30), the male element ( 20) further comprising at least two projections (24a, 24b) located at a second level of said male element and arranged to be positioned in two cavities (34a, 34b) in order to ensure axial locking of the male element (20) in the housing (30).

7. Fixing system according to the preceding claim, in which the two projections (23a, 23b) of the first level are angularly offset relative to the two projections (24a, 24b) of the second level, for example by 90°, the housing (30 ) comprising four clearances (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) for the introduction of the four projections into the housing.

8. Fixing system according to the preceding claim, in which the two projections (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) of each of the first and second levels are diametrically opposed, the four clearances (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) being arranged at 90° relative to each other around the central portion (31).

9. Fastening system according to one of claims 2 to 6, in which the constraint member (50) is an elastic member, preferably of toric shape, disposed between the head (21) of the male element and a face of the component (70) or between a face of the part (60) and a face of the component (70).

10. Fixing system according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the body (22) comprises a cylindrical distal portion (27), the housing (30) comprising a cylindrical hole (40) for receiving said distal portion.

11. Fastening system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the part (60) and the element (70) are watchmaking parts or components.

12. Fastening system according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the female element is in the form of a nut for fixing two elements together between the nut and a screw head of the male element (20 ).

13. Watch part comprising a plate, and several watch components fixed on the plate by several fixing systems according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Watch part comprising a watch case, a back, a seal and several fixing systems according to one of the claims

1 to 10, to fix the back against the watch case, the seal playing the role of said constraining member.

15. Watch part comprising an oscillating mass fixed to a movable cage of a bearing by several fixing systems according to one of claims 1 to 10.