Quick release system for watchband

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for fixing a watchband to a watchcase, comprising an end link, the watchcase comprising at least one pin and a longitudinal groove delimited by two main support surfaces, and a connecting piece comprising at least one side, the side itself comprising at least one guide groove arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with the pin, and the end link comprises at least one lock comprising a sliding lock key arranged to cooperate with the slot in a locked position towards which the sliding lock key is moved by an elastic return means, and the end link comprises an unlocking means arranged to be directly operated by a user to move the sliding lock key away from the slot of the watchcase, the guide groove is a curved guide groove such that the guide groove is firmly held against one of the two main surfaces of the longitudinal groove in the locking position, characterized in that the end link comprises locking means arranged to cooperate with the end link and the rod to lock the rod on the end link when the end link is attached to the watchcase.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a quick-release system for a watch strap, in particular a metal strap, or for example leather or rubber, on a watch case. Background Art

[0002] For example, a device for fixing a watch strap to a watch case is known from EP2229836, which discloses a quick release system using a spring bar combined with a rotatable rod, wherein the connecting element is pushed onto the spring bar from above. However, the use of a spring bar severely limits the implementation of the locking system. A quick-change system is also known from EP1128237A1 and EP3266333A1, which has a milling portion on the underside of the lug, into which the interchangeable connecting piece is pushed. In a first solution, the locking mechanism is implemented by a pivotable rod, and in a second variant, the locking mechanism is implemented by having a pusher that moves the slide when pressed. However, this device has some disadvantages in terms of handling and functional safety. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to propose a device for quickly and easily connecting a watch strap to an end link and which offers a high level of security.

[0004] The invention therefore relates to a device for fixing a watch strap to a watch case, the device comprising an end link of a wristband for a watch for fixing the watch strap to a watch case, the watch case comprising at least one pin, wherein the watch case comprises a longitudinal groove defined by two main support surfaces parallel to a main plane, and the end link comprises at least one side surface, which itself comprises at least one guide groove for fixing it to the watch case (1), the at least one guide groove being arranged to cooperate with the pin in a complementary manner, and the end link comprising at least one lock, wherein the lock comprises a sliding catch arranged to cooperate with the groove in a locked position, the sliding catch being moved towards the locked position by an elastic return device belonging to the lock, and the end link comprising an unlocking device arranged to be directly operated by a user to move the sliding catch away from the groove of the watch case, the guide groove being a curved guide groove so that the sliding catch is firmly held against one of the two main surfaces of the longitudinal groove in the locked position. According to the invention, the end link comprises locking means arranged to cooperate with the end link and the rod in order to lock the rod to the end link when the end link is attached to the watch case.

[0005] According to other features of the present invention:

[0006] - the end link comprises a through hole through which the rod passes and in which the locking device partially rests;

[0007] - the locking device comprises a locking pin arranged to cooperate with a groove formed on the rod;

[0008] - said end link comprises a hole opening into said through hole, said hole being arranged to receive said locking pin;

[0009] - the locking pin is movable along its axis, the movement of the locking pin being limited by a step of the hole, the step cooperating with a shoulder of the locking pin and forming an end stop of the locking pin;

[0010] - the end link comprises a cover plate fixed thereto to hold the locking pin, the cover plate comprising a first opening for the sliding latch and a second opening for the locking pin;

[0011] - the locking device comprises an elastic return device, which is placed on the locking pin and whose ends respectively rest on the second opening of the cover plate and against the shoulder of the locking pin;

[0012] - the hole has a first portion with dimensions similar to those of the shoulder and a second portion with dimensions similar to those of the locking pin;

[0013] The sliding detent comprises a head cooperating with the slot, the head comprising an inclined surface arranged to cooperate with one of the two main support surfaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given in a non-limiting manner and in which:

[0015] - Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view, seen from the top, of a watch equipped with the device according to the invention;

[0016] - Figure 2a is a perspective view from the bottom of a watch equipped with the device according to the invention;

[0017] - Figure 2b and 2c is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the present invention;

[0018] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a locking pin of a device according to the present invention;

[0019] - Figure 4is a perspective view of a rod according to the present invention;

[0020] - Figures 5a to 5c are respectively a top view and a cross-sectional view of a watch equipped with the device according to the invention in a locked position;

[0021] - Figures 6a to 6c 1. A top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a watch equipped with a device according to the invention in the unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention proposes to give the user the possibility to easily and safely change the watch strap fitted to his / her watch, without modifying the end links or the quick release system between watch and watch strap.

[0023] The wristband must be able to be replaced using a simple cylindrical tool such as a pin or pencil and without the need for specialized manipulation, while allowing, for example, a quick change between a leather wristband and an attached metal wristband, or also allowing the wristband to be matched to the clothing and / or jewelry items worn by the user or the skin color of the user depending on the environment in which the watch is used. Interchangeable wristbands also enable wristbands of different lengths to be replaced on the fly, which allows retailers and dealers to immediately provide their customers with a watch that is a good fit.

[0024] Here, the invention more precisely describes the preferred case of watchband end links, which can be produced in series at manageable costs and only need to be attached to the wristband body, but it is also possible to choose a wristband construction in one piece, without the need for separate end parts, and including the interchangeability and locking functions required for good function, but naturally with a higher cost price. A person skilled in the art will know how to make the following arrangement for the end links adapt effortlessly to the entire wristband.

[0025] The invention therefore preferably relates to a bracelet end link 10 for a wristband 200 .

[0026] In order to receive such a link 10, this case 1 comprises two pins 3 or studs or the like belonging to the case 1, inserted by gluing, pressing or welding in corresponding holes drilled perpendicularly to the 6H-12H axis of the case from the inner surface of the lug 11. These pins 3 are arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with curved guide grooves 40 machined in the side 56 of the end link 10.

[0027] Each pin 3 is preferably carried by a reinforced area of ​​case 1, in particular a lug. The connection between each pin 3 and each lug must be of sufficiently wide dimensions to absorb the stresses to which the bracelet and case 1 are subjected, in particular traction, torsion and acceleration. The simple insertion of the end links 10 onto these pins 3, preferably symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry, ensures the interchangeability of the bracelet 9 with respect to the case 1. Similarly, the removal must be designed so as not to encounter obstacles.

[0028] In order to ensure the safety function and the locking mechanism of the insertion of the end link 10 when the pin 3 is in the abutment position in the guide groove 40 , the mechanism comprises a system for locking and unlocking.

[0029] To this end, the end link 10 has a specific machined structure, as can be seen from the particular non-limiting variant shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0030] This particular machined structure preferably comprises at least a longitudinal groove 2 delimited by two main support surfaces 21, 22 parallel to the main plane PP, comprising an upper support surface 21 and a lower support surface 22, the upper support surface being longer than the lower support surface. Of course, the surfaces 21 and 22 could have the same length without preventing the groove 2 from retaining the sliding catch.

[0031] Such a groove 2 with two parallel faces is very easy to manufacture by turning or milling. The groove is preferably located between the lugs 11 of the watch case 1, such as Figure 1 Can be seen.

[0032] Advantageously, the vertical planes between the lugs are angled so that the connector 10 follows the natural shape of the wrist. The slot 2 is milled parallel to the PP surface in order to make manufacturing as easy as possible.

[0033] In order to ensure the locking function, link 10 comprises at least one lock 50. This lock 50 comprises a sliding detent 51 arranged to cooperate with slot 2 in a complementary manner and with minimal play in a locked position, towards which it is moved by elastic return means 62 belonging to end link 10. In addition, end link 10 comprises an unlocking device arranged to be directly operated by the finger of the user in order to move said sliding detent 51 away from said slot 2 of said case 1. Thus, no tool is required to perform unlocking or locking or to perform insertion of link 10 into or removal from case 1.

[0034] like Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG, the guide groove is a curved guide groove so that the sliding catch 51 is firmly held in the locked position on one of the two main surfaces 21, 22 of the longitudinal groove 2. The curved or angled shape of the guide groove also ensures that the end link always abuts against the watch case to avoid play between these parts.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the sliding lock key 51 includes a head 54 that cooperates with the groove 2, and the head 54 includes a bevel that is arranged to be adjacent to and cooperate with one of the main support surfaces 21, 22 of the groove 2 of the watch case 1, wherein the head 54 preferably extends in the groove with minimal clearance.

[0036] The end link 10 comprises a guide cavity 6 to receive said sliding detent 51 and for receiving elastic return means 62 (not visible in the figures).

[0037] In the figure, the sliding catch 51 is guided by two grooves 60 belonging to the end links and cooperating with two guide surfaces 52 of the sliding catch 51. The sliding catch 51 is mounted from the side facing the watch case by pushing it into the guide cavity 6 at the front.

[0038] The end link 10 also has a rear guide cavity ensuring the reception of elastic return means, illustrated in a non-limiting manner by a helical spring.

[0039] For its operation, the lock 50 preferably comprises a button 53 arranged to be operated by a finger of a user to control the unlocking of the locking device by applying pressure to the button 53 to retract the sliding latch 51 .

[0040] In an advantageous configuration, the guide cavity 6 comprises an opening 61 arranged to receive the push button 53 passing through said opening 61 and sliding therein.

[0041] According to the invention, the end link comprises locking means 8 arranged to cooperate with the end link 10 and the rod 9 so as to lock the rod to the end link 10 when the end link is attached to the watch case 1 .

[0042] The end link 10 comprises a through hole 42 arranged to receive the strap bar 9, the slot 42 extending across the width of the end link 10 along the axis X. Furthermore, the end link 10 comprises a hole 100 perpendicular to the through hole 42, which opens into the through hole 42 and extends along the axis Y. Said hole 100 is arranged to receive a locking pin 8 in order to lock the strap bar 9 in the connecting piece 10 when the connecting piece 10 is mounted on the watch case 1.

[0043] like Figure 5b and 5c As can be seen, a locking device 8 partially rests in the through hole 42 , the locking device comprising a locking pin 8 arranged to cooperate with a groove 90 formed on the rod 9 in order to lock the rod in the end link 10 .

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2cAs shown, the end link 10 comprises a cover plate 7 having a through hole 2a for the locking pin 8, the cover plate 7 being fixed to the end link 10. The cover plate 7 can be fixed in a usual manner, for example by using screws 71. Other variants are possible, depending on the design, such as a sleeve fixed in the hole 100. The cover plate 7 also comprises a first opening 70 for the sliding latch 51 and a second opening 72 for the locking pin 3.

[0045] The locking pin 8 can move along its axis in the Y-direction. The movement of the locking pin 8 is limited in the Y-direction by the step 102 of the hole 100 which cooperates with the shoulder 82 of the locking pin 8 and forms an end stop for the locking pin 8.

[0046] The hole 100 has a first portion 101 having a size similar to that of the shoulder 82 of the locking pin 8 and a second portion 103 having a size similar to that of the locking pin 8 , and a step 102 forms a gap between the first portion 101 and the second portion 103 .

[0047] According to the invention, the locking pin 8 comprises elastic return means 83 in order to keep the locking pin in its resting position. The elastic return means comprises a helical spring 83, which is arranged on the locking pin 8 and whose ends rest respectively on the second opening of the cover plate 7 and on the shoulder 82 of the locking pin 3. As a result, the locking pin 8 protrudes slightly from the plate 7 when the end link 10 is not mounted on the watch case and when the strap bar 9 slides out of the slot 42. Therefore, the strap 200 can be removed only when the end link is not mounted on the watch case.

[0048] Advantageously, locking pin 8 comprises, on each end, a first hemispherical surface 80 and a second hemispherical surface 81. Thus, when assembled, second hemispherical end 81 easily engages in groove 90 of strap bar 9 and prevents strap bar 9 from moving along slot 42. First hemispherical end 80 is arranged to rest against case 1 when end link 10 is mounted on the case.

[0049] like Figures 5a to 5c As shown, when the end link 10 is attached to the watch case 1, the first hemispherical end 80 of the locking pin 8 is in contact with the surface of the watch case 1. This ensures that the locking pin 8 cannot move in the Y direction and the first hemispherical end 81 is always firmly engaged in the groove 90 of the strap bar 9. As a result, the strap bar 9 cannot move in its axial direction, even when a large force is applied, which ensures a secure connection between the end link 1 and the strap 200.

[0050] When the wearer wishes to change the watch strap 200, he first needs to unlock the end link 10 from the watch case 1 by means of the sliding lock key 51. Therefore, when the end link 10 is detached from the watch case, the first end 80 of the locking pin 8 is no longer blocked from the watch case, as shown in FIG. Figure 6b and6c shown.

[0051] Then, when a sufficient force exceeding the stopping force of the coil spring 83 is applied to the strap bar in its axial direction, the second end 81 of the locking pin 8 slides out of the groove 90 of the strap bar 9 and thus releases it. Now, the strap bar 9 can be removed from the end link 10 and the strap 200 can be replaced with another strap.

[0052] To reinstall the strap 200 to the end link 10, the end link 10 is positioned in the recess of the strap so that the axis of the hole in the strap 200 is aligned with the slot 42 in the end link 10. The strap pin 9 is then inserted through the hole in the strap into the slot 42 in the end link. The strap bar 9 can then be inserted until the second end 81 of the locking pin 8 engages in the groove 90 of the strap bar 9. When the end link 10 is again attached and locked to the watch case, the strap bar 9 is again fixed against axial movement, as described above, so that a secure connection is achieved.

[0053] The invention also relates to a watch 1000 comprising a case 1 configured to receive at least one said end link 10. More particularly, the watch 1000 comprises at least one removable strap 200 having, at one of its ends, such a removable end link 10, equipped with locking means to provide a secure connection of the strap to the end link 10.

Claims

1. A device for fixing a watch strap to a watch case (1), said device comprising an end link (10) of a wristband for a watch for fixing the watch strap to said watch case (1), said watch case (1) comprising at least one pin (3), wherein said watch case (1) comprises a longitudinal groove (2) delimited by two main support surfaces (21, 22) parallel to a main plane (PP), and said end link (10) comprises at least one side (56) which itself comprises at least one guide groove (4) for fixing it to said watch case (1), said guide groove being arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with said pin (3), and said end link (10) comprising at least one A lock (5), wherein the lock (5) comprises a sliding lock key (51), the sliding lock key being arranged to cooperate with the groove (2) in the locked position, the sliding lock key (51) being moved towards the locked position by an elastic return device (62) belonging to the lock (5), and the end link comprises an unlocking device, the unlocking device being arranged to be directly operated by a user to move the sliding lock key (51) away from the groove (2) of the watch case (1), the guide groove (51) being a curved guide groove so that the guide groove (51) is firmly held against one of the two main surfaces (21, 22) of the longitudinal groove (2) in the locked position, characterized in that The end link comprises locking means (8) arranged to cooperate with the end link (10) and the rod (9) to lock the rod to the end link (10) when the end link is attached to the watch case.

2. The device for fixing a watch strap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end link (10) comprises a through hole (42) through which the rod (9) passes and in which the locking device (8) partially rests.

3. The device for fixing a watch strap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking device (8) comprises a locking pin (90) arranged to cooperate with a groove (90) formed on the rod (9).

4. The device for fixing a watch strap to a watch case (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end link (10) comprises a hole (100) opening into the through hole (42), the hole (100) being arranged to receive the locking pin (8).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The locking pin (3) is movable along its axis, the movement of the locking pin (3) being limited by a step (102) of the hole (100), the step cooperating with a shoulder (82) of the locking pin (3) and forming an end stop for the locking pin (3).

6. The device according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that The end link (10) comprises a cover plate (7) fixed to the end link to hold the locking pin (3), the cover plate (7) comprising a first opening (70) for the sliding detent (51) and a second opening (72) for the locking pin (3).

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The locking device (8) comprises an elastic return device (83), which is arranged on the locking pin (3), and the ends of the elastic return device respectively rest on the second opening of the cover plate (7) and against the shoulder (82) of the locking pin (8).

8. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The hole (100) has a first portion (101) having dimensions similar to those of the shoulder (82) and a second portion (102) having dimensions similar to those of the locking pin (8).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The sliding detent (51) comprises a head cooperating with the slot (2), the head comprising an inclined surface (54) arranged to cooperate with one of the two main support surfaces (21, 22).

10. Wristband (9) comprising at least one end link (10) of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A watch (1000) comprising a watch case (1) configured to receive at least one device for fastening a watch strap to the watch case (1) according to claims 1 to 9.

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