Wristband with segments made of hard material
By setting connecting rods and limiters between the links of the wristband to limit the range of rotation, and by using inserts and covering areas made of softer materials, the problem of the fragility of hard materials is solved, achieving both sturdiness and aesthetics for the wristband.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- COMADUR
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Wristbands made of hard materials are fragile during processing and handling, and the links are prone to breakage from impact.
By setting connecting rods and limiters between the links of the wristband, the rotation range of the links is limited. Inserts and connecting rods made of softer materials are used to avoid direct contact with hard materials, and a covered area design is adopted to avoid collisions.
It effectively controls the mobility of hard material sections, enhances the strength of the wristband, avoids collisions and pressure on hard materials during processing, and simplifies the processing.
Smart Images
Figure CN117322710B_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, which increases the risk of breakage during processing and when the wristband segments move or collide with each other during handling. 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 rods of the different rows of the wristband include two limiters at each end, which are supported on an insert that is fitted within a side section that surrounds the central section. These two limiters restrict the angular movement of the side section 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, fixedly mounted relative to the center section of the first row and forming an axis, about which the side sections of the second and third rows are pivotally mounted.
[0010] The wristband is characterized in that the side segment is hollowed out and includes an insert defined by two outer side walls in its hollowed-out portion, and the connecting rod includes a first limiter and a second limiter at each end, which are supported on a portion of the outer side wall respectively when the side segment pivots about the connecting rod, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the side segment about the connecting rod.
[0011] Therefore, according to the invention, the 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, as well as the inserts, are protected from the outside by the sections and can therefore be made of materials with low hardness (e.g., steel or titanium alloys), which facilitates their machining.
[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, side sections, 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 5B The magnified part A in the image.
[0020] Figure 6A It is based on Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the wristband, showing... Figure 6B The magnified part C in the middle.
[0021] Figure 6C This is a partial cross-sectional view of the wristband in a flat position.
[0022] Figure 7A This is a side view of the wristband in a pivot position. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A sectional view, having in Figure 7C The magnified part in the text.
[0023] Figures 8 to 10 This is a view of the wristband portion during assembly.
[0024] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of the end of the connecting rod, where the angle between the two flat surfaces is α. Detailed Implementation
[0025] 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 three 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 should be understood as 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.
[0026] According to the present invention and as follows Figure 4B and 7A As illustrated, the rotation range of the joint is limited. For this purpose, the connecting rod 4 between the central joint 2 and the two side joints 3 includes two adjacent flat surfaces 4a and 4b at each end, which respectively form a first and second limiter for the side joints 3 when they pivot. Figure 7C , 8 and 11).
[0027] In a known manner, the center section 2 includes two through holes 2a, each designed to accommodate a connecting rod 4, which will also be referred to as a shaft. According to the invention, the connecting rod 4 is fixed to the center section 2, and the side section 3 has relative rotational movement about the shaft formed by the connecting rod relative to the fixing block (bloc solidaire) formed by the connecting rod and the center section. Several possibilities exist for fixing the connecting rod and the center section. Preferably, the connecting rod has a portion with a non-circular cross-section between its ends, which is positioned in a through hole of the center 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 4c positioned against a plane 2e inside the through hole 2a of the center section 2. In the illustrated example, the portion with a non-circular cross-section includes, for example, two radially opposite flat surfaces 4c positioned against two planes 2e that define the through hole 2a of the center section 2. Figure 3 and 6C Fastening can also be achieved by gluing within the through-hole of the center section. Alternatively, fastening the connecting rod within the through-hole of the center section can be easily achieved by gluing, without requiring a non-circular cross-section at the connecting rod and the through-hole.
[0028] According to the present invention, the side section 3 is hollowed out and provided with an insert 5, which is disposed within the hollowed-out portion 3a. Figure 2B Therefore, the side section 3 consists of a cover 3e, which gives the side section its external appearance. The side section is made of a hard material that ensures good scratch resistance, while the insert is hidden inside the cover. Subsequently, the insert, as well as the connecting rod concealed within the section, can be made of a material with lower hardness, allowing for easy forming through machining. For example, the insert and connecting rod can be made of steel or titanium alloy. Typically, they are made of materials with a hardness below 1200 HV. The insert 5 includes two outer side walls 5a, on which the connecting rod 4 is located respectively. Figure 6B ).
[0029] The relative rotational movement between the fixed blocks formed by the connecting rod 4, the central section 2, and the side section 3 is limited by two limiters 4a and 4b on the connecting rod 4, either of which is supported on a portion of the outer wall 5a of the insert 5. More specifically, the end of the connecting rod includes two adjacent flat surfaces 4a and 4b surrounded by a circular portion 4d. Figure 11The two flat surfaces are inclined relative to each other at an angle α between them, the angle α being between 10° and 220°, wherein the angle α is defined relative to a line formed by one of the two flat surfaces. This angle will define the range of rotation of the side section about the connecting rod. Preferably, the corresponding limiter is supported on a portion of the outer wall of the insert, which is a planar wall having a vertical direction, such as... Figure 6B As shown. The vertical direction should be understood as the direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the flat section. There is a first limiter 4a, which occupies a higher position relative to the second limiter 4b, which occupies a lower position. The higher position, in contrast to the lower position, should be understood as the position closest to the top of the section. When the wristband is flat, the limiter 4a in the higher position supports this portion of the outer wall 5a of the insert. Figure 6B When the wristband is fully pivoted, the lower limiter 4a is supported on this portion of the outer wall of the insert. Figure 7C Within the side section, the two connecting rods are positioned such that a first limiter abuts against the outer wall of the insert when the wristband is in the flat position, and a second limiter abuts against the outer wall of the insert when the wristband is in the fully pivoted position. This arrangement of the connecting rods within the side section allows the wristband to bend inward, such as... Figure 7A As shown.
[0030] Preferably, the cover 3e of the side section 3 has a shape with two circular lugs 3c, which are positioned in a circular recess 2c, which is formed in the protrusion 2b of the central section 3 between the two through holes 2a. Figure 3 and 5B The protruding portion 2b of the center section 2 is inserted between the two side sections 3 to form a second and a third row, respectively. Typically, the thickness of the protruding portion of the center section is substantially equal to the thickness of the side sections. The lugs 3c of the side sections 3 are fitted non-contactly into the circular recesses 2c of the protruding portion 2b of the center section. Recessed portions 3d relative to the lugs 3c of the side sections form the tops of these lugs. These recessed portions 3d are positioned non-contactly opposite the tops 2d of the protruding portions 2b, which are suspended above the recesses 2c. Figure 5B The minimum distance d between the top 2d of the protruding portion 2b and the recessed portion 3d of the side section was observed. Positioning was performed without contact to avoid subjecting the rigid material to stress.
[0031] According to the present invention, the insert 5 is positioned inside the cover 3e, between the two lugs 3c, wherein the connecting rod 4 is fitted into the hollow portion of the lug 3c. Figure 6A and 6BAdvantageously, the connecting rod has a specific profile between the end with retainers 4a, 4b and the central flat surface 4c, so that it can be positioned against the insert within the circular lug. For example, the connecting rod 4 includes a portion 4e with a circular cross-section after the flat surface 4c, followed by a groove 4f, and then terminates in a portion with a partially circular cross-section having two retainers 4a, 4b. Preferably, the portion 4e with the circular cross-section has a diameter substantially equal to that of the portion with the partially circular cross-section having two retainers 4a, 4b. When the insert 5, intended to be positioned opposite the center section 2, is inserted, this portion 4e with the circular cross-section fits into the circular recess 5b formed in the side outer wall 5a. Figure 2B The groove 4f may be designed to accommodate a device 5c for blocking the connecting rod, such as... Figure 2B Roughly illustrated. These blocking devices 5c are positioned within the insert 5 and are designed to reversibly block the connecting rod in its lateral position, i.e., a position perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting rod. These blocking devices are disclosed in patent EP1977658.
[0032] refer to Figure 1 and Figures 8 to 10 The different components of the wristband are assembled in the following manner. Figure 10 A simplified view is shown without the center section. The ends of the two connecting rods 4 are fitted between the inserts 5 and the cover 3e within the side section 3. The portion with the flat surface 4c is fitted into the corresponding hole 2a of the center section 2 abutting the plane 2e. Subsequently, the side section 3 with the inserts 5 is fitted at the other ends of the two connecting rods 4, and so on, to complete the assembly of the wristband.
[0033] List of reference numerals
[0034] 1. Wristband
[0035] 2. Central segment
[0036] a. Through hole
[0037] b. Highlighted parts
[0038] c. Circular concave part
[0039] d. Top of the protruding part
[0040] e. Plane
[0041] 3. Lateral segments
[0042] a. Excavated section
[0043] c. Round protruding ears
[0044] d. Indented portion
[0045] e. Cover
[0046] 4. Connecting rod
[0047] a. The first flat surface at the end of the bar, also known as the first limiter, is the limiter of the wristband in the flat position or the limiter in the higher position.
[0048] b. A second flat surface at the end of the bar, also known as a second stop, is the stop for the wristband in its fully pivoted position or in its lower position.
[0049] c. The third and fourth flat surfaces between the two ends of the rod
[0050] d. Circular part
[0051] e. The part with a circular cross-section
[0052] f. Groove
[0053] 5. Inserts
[0054] a. Lateral wall
[0055] b. Circular notch
[0056] c. Blocking device
[0057] 8. First row
[0058] 9. Second row
[0059] 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 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), each of the second row (9) and the third row (10) including at least one side section (3), the side section having two holes, referred to as the holes of the side section (3), wherein the holes of the side section (3) of the second row (9) are aligned with the holes (2a) of the center section (2) of the first row (8) and the holes of the side section (3) of the third row (10) to form a group with three aligned holes. - Connecting rod (4), the connecting rod being positioned in the three aligned holes, the connecting rod (4) being fixedly mounted relative to the center section (2) of the second row (8) and forming an axis, the side sections (3) of the second row (9) and the third row (10) being pivotally mounted around the axis, The wristband (1) is characterized in that the side section (3) is hollowed out and includes an insert (5) defined by two outer side walls (5a) in its hollowed-out portion (3a), and the connecting rod (4) includes a first limiter (4a) and a second limiter (4b) at each end, wherein the first limiter and the second limiter are supported on a portion of the outer side wall (5a) respectively when the side section (3) pivots about the connecting rod (4), thereby limiting the range of rotation of the side section (3) about the connecting rod (4).
2. The wristband (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each outer wall (5a) includes a planar portion on which the first limiter (4a) and the second limiter (4b) are respectively supported.
3. The wristband (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The planar portion points in a vertical direction, which is defined relative to the horizontal direction in which the wristband (1) is laid flat.
4. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connecting rod (4) includes two adjacent flat surfaces at each end, which form the first limiter (4a) and the second limiter (4b) respectively when the side section (3) pivots about the connecting rod (4).
5. The wristband (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two adjacent flat surfaces are inclined relative to each other at an angle α between the two flat surfaces, the angle α being between 10° and 220°, the angle α being defined relative to a line formed by one of the two adjacent flat surfaces, and defining the maximum range of rotation of the side section (3) about the connecting rod (4).
6. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first limiter (4a) occupies a higher position relative to the second limiter (4b) which occupies a lower position, the higher position being defined by the position closest to the top of the side segment (3), and wherein, when the wristband (1) is laid flat, the first limiter (4a) in the higher position is supported on the portion of the outer wall of the insert (5), and wherein, when the wristband (1) is fully pivoted, the second limiter (4b) in the lower position is supported on the portion of the outer wall of the insert (5).
7. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The central section (2) includes a protrusion (2b) at each end between the two holes (2a), the protrusion (2b) extending in the second row (9) and the third row (10) adjacent to the side section (3).
8. The 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 claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting rod (4) is positioned against the insert (5) in each circular lug (3c).
11. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connecting rod (4) has a portion with a non-circular cross section, and each hole (2a) of the center section (2) also has a portion with a non-circular cross section. The portion with the non-circular cross section of the connecting rod (4) is fitted into the portion with the non-circular cross section of the hole (2a) of the center section (2), so that the connecting rod (4) is fixedly installed relative to the center section (2).
12. The wristband (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The portion of the connecting rod (4) with a non-circular cross-section includes at least one flat surface, which is supported on the plane (2e) of the portion of the central section (2) with a non-circular cross-section.
13. The wristband (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The connecting rod (4) includes a portion (4e) with a circular cross-section on each side of the portion with a non-circular cross-section, followed by a groove (4f), and then terminates at an end including the first limiter (4a) and the second limiter (4b), which are defined by a circular portion (4d).
14. The wristband (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the insert (5) positioned opposite the center section (2) is inserted, the portion (4e) with a circular cross section is fitted into a circular notch (5b) formed in the outer side wall (5a), wherein the groove (4f) accommodates a device (5c) for blocking the connecting rod (4), the device (5c) for blocking the connecting rod (4) being located in the insert (5) and allowing the connecting rod (4) to be blocked in a direction perpendicular to its axis.
15. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.
16. The wristband (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The insert (5) and possibly the connecting rod (4) are made of a material having a hardness of less than 1200 HV.
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.