Wristband with joints made of rigid material
By setting a connecting rod and a limiter between the center section and the side section of the wristband, the rotation range is limited, solving the problem of the fragility of the rigid material wristband section and achieving a combination of sturdiness and aesthetics.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- COMADUR
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Wristbands made of rigid materials are fragile during processing and handling, and are prone to breakage when moved or collided with each other.
By setting a connecting rod between the central section and the side sections of the wristband, and designing a hollowed-out section and a limiter in the central section, the rotation range of the section is limited. The shoulder of the connecting rod is supported on the limiter in the hollowed-out section to control the rotation range of the section and avoid direct contact and collision with hard materials.
It effectively controls the mobility of the rigid material sections, enhances the sturdiness of the wristband, avoids the breakage and impact of the rigid material, and improves durability while maintaining aesthetics.
Smart Images
Figure CN117322709B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a wristband formed of hinged elements, particularly a wristband formed of segments (mailons), at least some of which are made of a rigid material. The invention also relates to an article comprising a timepiece (such as a watch) or jewelry item including said wristband. Background Technology
[0002] In the watchmaking and jewelry manufacturing industries, a variety of materials are used to manufacture wristbands with various appearances. In particular, wristbands made of hard materials are known to be produced. Hard materials should be understood as materials having a Vickers hardness greater than 1200 HV. Examples of these hard materials are ceramics, such as silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, or alumina. Ceramic materials can also be included. Hard materials are used because of their mechanical properties, especially because they are virtually scratch-resistant.
[0003] The disadvantage of these materials is their fragility; the risk of breakage increases during the processing of the segments and when these segments move or collide with each other during the handling of the wristband. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing an assembly between the sections that allows control over the rotational range of the sections, thereby avoiding collisions.
[0005] For this purpose, the connecting rod connecting the different rows of sections of the wristband includes a shoulder that fits into a cutout formed in the middle row of sections. This cutout is defined by two limiters that restrict the angular movement of the middle row of sections relative to the connecting rod.
[0006] More specifically, the present invention relates to a wristband comprising:
[0007] - The first row, which has at least one central segment, has two through holes, referred to as the holes of the central segment.
[0008] - The second and third rows, respectively arranged on both sides of the first row, each include at least one side section, each side section having two holes, referred to as side section holes, wherein the holes of the side sections of the second row are aligned with the holes of the center section of the first row and the side sections of the third row to form a group with three aligned holes.
[0009] - A connecting rod, positioned in three aligned holes, is fixedly mounted relative to the side sections of the second and third rows and forms an axis around which the central section is pivotally mounted.
[0010] The wristband is characterized in that the connecting rod includes a shoulder, and wherein each hole of the central section leads at one of its ends to a hollow portion formed in the central section, the hollow portion being defined by a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall is referred to as the inner wall due to its proximity to the center of the central section, and the second wall is referred to as the outer wall due to its distance from the center of the central section, the first wall and the second wall serving as a first limiter and a second limiter for the shoulder when the central section pivots about the connecting rod, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the central section about the connecting rod.
[0011] Therefore, according to the invention, shafts serving as joints and pivots between sections are used to limit the rotational range of the sections and absorb all or part of the pressure during abutment. These shafts are protected from the outside by the sections and can therefore be made of a material that is less hard and therefore less brittle than the sections. Thus, they can be easily shaped by machining to create shoulders that allow control of the rotational range.
[0012] In addition, the central segment includes a protruding portion, also known as a covering area, which extends between the lateral segments in the second and third rows. This protruding portion of the central segment, as well as the lateral segments, has a specific shape that gives the wristband an aesthetic appeal without any contact between the protruding portion and the lateral segments during pivoting of the central segment. This lack of contact allows for the avoidance of stress on segments made of rigid materials.
[0013] In summary, the wristband assembly according to the invention allows control over the mobility of the wristband segments made of rigid material, with a design that includes a covered area to ensure its robustness while preventing impact or pressure on the fragile parts made of rigid material during handling.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description of preferred embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0015] - Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional partial view of the wristband according to the present invention.
[0016] - Figure 2A and 2B This is an exploded and three-dimensional partial view of the wristband according to the present invention.
[0017] - Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the center section and connecting rod according to the present invention.
[0018] - Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are partial sectional views of the wristband in its flat and pivot positions, respectively.
[0019] - Figure 5A This is a side view of the wristband in a flat position, showing... Figure 5D The magnified part D in the middle. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A sectional view, having in Figure 5C The magnified part C in the middle.
[0020] - Figure 6A This is a side view of the wristband in a pivot position. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A sectional view, having in Figure 6C The magnified part C in the middle.
[0021] - Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the wristband according to the present invention.
[0022] - Figures 8 to 11 This is a view of the wristband portion during assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The present invention relates to a wristband 1, which includes at least three rows of segments, wherein the first row 8 includes a central segment 2, and the second row 9 and the third row 10 located on both sides of the first row 8 include side segments 3. Figure 1 The image shows a partial view of a wristband 1 having two adjacent central sections 2 and two side sections 3. This wristband is intended, for example, to mount a timepiece such as a watch or a piece of jewelry. More specifically, the assembly described below applies to wristbands in which some sections are at least partially made of a hard material. A hard material is understood to be a material whose hardness is substantially equal to or greater than 1200 HV, and which undergoes little or no plastic deformation before breaking. Examples of hard materials include, but are not limited to, enamel, gemstones (precious or non-precious, such as rubies, sapphires, or quartz), ceramics (such as oxides, carbides, or nitrides), cermets, or hard metals. It should be noted that while this assembly is particularly suitable for sections made of hard materials, it is also suitable for sections made of more malleable materials.
[0024] According to the present invention and as Figure 4B and 6C As illustrated, the rotation range of the central section 2 is limited. For this purpose, the connecting rod 4 between the central section 2 and the two side sections 3 includes a shoulder 5, which abuts against the walls 6b and 6c of the hollowed-out portion 6 formed in the central section 2 when the central section 2 pivots. Figure 2A and Figure 3 Advantageously, the connecting rod is made of a material with low hardness (e.g., steel or titanium alloy) to facilitate machining. Typically, the material of the connecting rod has a hardness of less than 1200 HV.
[0025] In the known manner, the center section 2 includes two through holes 2a, each designed to receive the connecting rod 4, also referred to as a shaft, and each side section 3 includes two blind holes or through holes 3a to receive the ends of the connecting rod 4. Figure 2A and Figure 8 According to the present invention, the through hole 2a of the central section 2 leads to the hollow portion 6 formed in the central section 2, and this is only true at one end of each through hole. Figure 3 In each center section, the cutouts for the two through holes can be formed on the same surface of the center section (e.g., Figure 2A (as shown), or respectively, a through hole is formed on one side of the central segment and another through hole is formed on the other side of the central segment, similar to the case of... Figure 2B Assembly.
[0026] According to the invention, the connecting rod 4 is fixed to the side section 3, and the center section 2 has relative rotational movement with respect to the fixing block about an axis formed by the connecting rod. Several possibilities exist for fixing the connecting rod and the side section. Preferably, the connecting rod has a portion with a non-circular cross-section at each end, which is positioned within a portion of the blind hole or through hole of the side section that also has a non-circular cross-section. For example, the portion of the connecting rod with a non-circular cross-section includes at least one flat surface positioned against a plane within the hole of the side section. In the illustrated example, the portion of the connecting rod 4 with a non-circular cross-section includes, for example, two radially opposite flat surfaces 4a positioned against two planes 3b that define the blind hole or through hole 3a of the side section 3. Figure 3 and 7 The connecting rod 4 can be secured to the side section 3 using a screw 7 positioned at one end of hole 3a, in which case hole 3a is through, as shown. Figure 2A and 2B As shown. Fastening can also be achieved by gluing within blind or through holes in the side section. Alternatively, fastening the connecting rod within the holes of the side section can be achieved simply by gluing, without needing the non-circular cross-section portion at the end of the connecting rod.
[0027] The relative rotational movement between the connecting rod 4 and the center section 2 is limited by the shoulder 5 of the connecting rod 4, which is supported on a first limiter 6b or a second limiter 6c of the hollowed-out portion 6 of the center section 2 according to the pivoting of the center section 2. Preferably, the shoulder 5 expands radially from the connecting rod 4 into an arc. The arc 5a is connected to the connecting rod 4 via a first side surface 5b and a second side surface 5c, which are supported on the first limiter 6b or the second limiter 6c. Figure 3Compared to the second limiter 6c, which is formed by the outermost wall relative to the center of the center section, the first limiter 6b is formed by the innermost wall of the cutout (i.e., the wall closest to the center of the center section). Preferably, the two connecting rods and their shoulders are arranged within the cutout of the center section to allow the wristband to bend inward in the direction of the wristband, as shown. Figure 6A As shown in the diagram. For this purpose, within the central section, two connecting rods are positioned at different angles in two through holes. In the flat position, the shoulders 5 for the two connecting rods 4 are supported on the inner wall 6b of the hollowed-out portion 6. Figure 4A Therefore, for one connecting rod, the first side 5b is supported on the inner wall 6b of the hollowed-out portion, while for the other connecting rod, the second side 5c is supported on the inner wall 6b of the hollowed-out portion. Figure 5C In the fully pivoted position, the shoulders 5 of the two rods are supported on the outer wall 6c of the hollowed-out portion 6. Figure 4B Therefore, for one connecting rod, the second side 5c is supported on the outer wall 6c of the hollowed-out portion, while for the other connecting rod, the first side 5b is supported on the outer wall 6c of the hollowed-out portion. Figure 6C The cutout 6 formed at the end of the through hole is also widened into an arc, and the arc 6c of the cutout 6 has a longer length than the arc 5a of the shoulder 5, so that the shoulder 5 can pivot within the cutout. Compared with the length of the arc of the shoulder, the length of the arc of the cutout allows for defining the range of angular movement of the center section relative to the connecting rod. Typically, the rotation amplitude of the center section relative to the connecting rod is less than or equal to 150°, preferably less than or equal to 60°. In the illustrated example, each center section 2 has a rotation amplitude of 60°, which allows for a 120° pivot between two adjacent side sections 3 after two adjacent center sections have rotated 60°, as shown. Figure 5C and 6C The diagram is illustrated.
[0028] Preferably, the side segment 3 has two circular lugs 3c, which are positioned in a circular recess 2c, which is formed in the protrusion 2b of the central segment 3 between the two through holes 2a. Figure 5D and 11 The protruding portion 2b of the central segment 2 is inserted between the two side segments 3 to form the second row 9 and the third row 10 with the side segments 3 respectively. Figure 1 Typically, the protruding portion 2b of the center segment 2 has a thickness substantially equal to that of the side segment 3. The lugs 3c of the side segment 3 are fitted without contact into the circular recesses 2c of the protruding portion 2b of the center segment. The recessed portions 3d relative to the lugs 3c of the side segment form the tops of these lugs. Figure 5D The recessed portion 3d is positioned so as to be non-contactly opposite the top 2d of the protrusion 2b, which is suspended above the recess 2c. Figure 5DThe distance d between the top 2d of the protruding portion 2b and the recessed portion 3d of the side section 3 was observed. Positioning was performed without contact to avoid subjecting the rigid material to stress.
[0029] The assembly of the different components of the wristband is accomplished in the following manner. It can be like... Figure 2A In this configuration, all the hollowed-out portions of the central section are formed on the same surface of the section, so all connecting rods with shoulders are introduced through that surface. It can also be implemented as follows: Figure 2B The process is implemented in the same manner, where hollowed-out sections are alternately formed on one and the other sides of the central section, and connecting rods are introduced in the same alternating manner. The assembly principle is basically the same in both cases, and is combined with... Figure 2A and 8 11 were described. Figure 10 A simplified view is displayed, without a central section.
[0030] Two connecting rods 4 (and more specifically, portions having flat surfaces 4a) are installed in corresponding holes 3a in the side section 3, wherein the shoulders 5 of the connecting rods 4 are positioned opposite the side section 3 with axial clearance. Fastening between the connecting rods 4 and the side section 3 is performed using screws 7, which are inserted into one end of the through hole 3a of the side section up to the recessed portion of the connecting rod. Alternatively, fastening can be performed by gluing. The center section 2 is then fitted onto one of the connecting rods 4, wherein the shoulder 5 is fitted into the hollow portion 6 of the center section 2 with axial clearance and supported on the inner wall 6b of the hollow portion. Similarly, the center section 2 is fitted onto the other connecting rod 4 of the side section 3, again wherein the shoulder is supported on the inner wall of the hollow portion. Finally, the other ends of the two connecting rods, having flat surfaces, are inserted into the side section, and fastening is performed using two screws or by gluing. This process is repeated until the entire wristband is assembled.
[0031] List of reference numerals
[0032] 1. Wristband
[0033] 2. Central segment
[0034] a. Through hole
[0035] b. Prominent parts
[0036] c. Circular concave part
[0037] d. Top of the protruding part
[0038] 3. Lateral segments
[0039] a. Through hole or blind hole
[0040] b. Plane
[0041] c. Round protruding ears
[0042] d. Indented portion
[0043] 4. Connecting rod
[0044] a. flat surface
[0045] 5. Shoulders
[0046] a. arc
[0047] b. First side view
[0048] c. Second side
[0049] 6. The hollowed-out part of the central segment is also called the poche.
[0050] a. arc
[0051] b. First limiter, also known as inner wall or first wall
[0052] c. Second limiter, also known as outer wall or second wall
[0053] 7. Screws
[0054] 8. First row
[0055] 9. Second row
[0056] 10. Third row.
Claims
1. A wristband (1), the wristband comprising: - First row (8), the first row has at least one central section (2), the central section is provided with two through holes (2a), referred to as the through holes (2a) of the central section (2). - A second row (9) and a third row (10) are respectively arranged on both sides of the first row (8). The second row (9) and the third row (10) each include at least one side section (3). The side section is provided with two holes (3a), referred to as the holes (3a) of the side section (3). The holes (3a) of the side section (3) of the second row (9) are aligned with the through holes (2a) of the center section (2) of the first row (8) and the holes (3a) of the side section (3) of the third row (10) to form a group with three aligned holes. - A connecting rod (4), positioned in three aligned holes, the connecting rod (4) being fixedly mounted relative to the side sections (3) of the second row (9) and the third row (10) and forming an axis, the center section (2) being pivotally mounted about the axis. The wristband (1) is characterized in that the connecting rod (4) includes a shoulder (5), and wherein each through hole (2a) of the central section (2) leads at one of its ends to a hollow (6) formed in the central section (2), the hollow (6) being defined by a first wall (6b) and a second wall (6c), wherein the first wall (6b) is referred to as the inner wall due to its proximity to the center of the central section (2), and the second wall (6c) is referred to as the outer wall due to its distance from the center of the central section (2), wherein the first wall (6b) and the second wall (6c) serve as a first limiter and a second limiter for the shoulder (5) as the central section (2) pivots about the connecting rod (4), thereby limiting the range of rotation of the central section (2) about the connecting rod (4).
2. Wristband (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The shoulder (5) of the connecting rod (4) is radially expanded into an arc (5a) from the connecting rod (4), the arc (5a) being connected to the connecting rod (4) via a first side (5b) and a second side (5c), and wherein the hollow portion (6) also has an expanded arc (6a) shape, the length of the arc (6a) being greater than the length of the arc (5a) of the shoulder (5) so that the shoulder (5) can pivot within the hollow portion (6).
3. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The rotation of the central section (2) around the connecting rod (4) is less than or equal to 150°.
4. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that When the center section (2) has zero rotation amplitude, that is, when the group formed by the center section (2) of the first row (8) and at least one side section (3) of the second row (9) and the third row (10) is in the same plane, the shoulder (5) is supported on the first wall (6b) of the hollow section (6), and wherein when the center section (2) has reached its maximum rotation amplitude, the shoulder (5) is supported on the second wall (6c) of the hollow section (6).
5. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The connecting rod (4) has a portion with a non-circular cross section at each end thereof, and each hole (3a) of the side section (3) also has a portion with a non-circular cross section. The portion with a non-circular cross section of the connecting rod (4) is fitted into the portion with a non-circular cross section of the hole (3a) of the side section (3), such that the connecting rod (4) is fixedly mounted relative to the side section (3).
6. Wristband (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The portion of the connecting rod (4) with a non-circular cross-section includes at least one flat surface (4a), which is supported on the plane (3b) of the portion of the side section (3) with a non-circular cross-section.
7. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The central section (2) includes a protrusion (2b) at each end between the two through holes (2a), the protrusion (2b) extending in the second row (9) and the third row (10) adjacent to the side section (3).
8. Wristband (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The thickness of the protruding portion (2b) of the central segment (2) is substantially equal to the thickness of the side segment (3).
9. The wristband (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The side section (3) includes two circular lugs (3c), wherein the circular lugs (3c) are fitted into the circular recesses (2c) formed in the protrusion (2b) of the central section (2) without contact.
10. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The two holes (3a) of the side section (3) are through, and the fastening between the side section (3) and the connecting rod (4) is achieved by a screw (7) positioned at the end of the hole (3a) of the side section (3) on the side opposite to the center section (2).
11. Wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The two holes (3a) of the side section (3) are through holes or blind holes, and the fastening between the side section (3) and the connecting rod (4) is achieved by using adhesive.
12. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The central section (2) and / or the side section (3) are at least partially made of a material with a hardness equal to or greater than 1200 HV.
13. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The connecting rod (4) has a hardness of less than 1200 HV.
14. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The hollowed-out portion (6) of the central section (2) for the two through holes (2a) is formed on the same surface of the central section (2).
15. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The hollowed-out portion (6) of the center section (2) for the two through holes (2a) is formed on one side of the center section (2) for one through hole (2a) and on the opposite side of the center section (2) for the other through hole (2a).
16. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The rotation of the central section (2) around the connecting rod (4) is less than or equal to 60°.
17. An article comprising a wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. The article according to claim 17, characterized in that, The object in question is a timepiece.