Attachment member for connecting watchband to watchcase

Abstract

The invention relates to an attachment member (10) for connecting a watchcase (70) to an attachment end (52) of a watchband (50), the attachment member (10) being intended to be fixed between a pair of ears (72) of the watchcase (70), the watchcase (70) comprising two pairs of ears. The attachment member (10) comprises a coupling element (12) configured to cooperate with the attachment end (52) so as to assemble the coupling element (12) and the attachment end (52) by interlocking in a direction perpendicular or inclined to a plane defined by two pairs of tabs (72) of the case. The attachment member (10) also includes a latch (30) to allow locking and unlocking of the coupling of the coupling element (12) to the attachment end (52). The invention also relates to a watchband comprising an attachment end (52) configured to be connected to an attachment member by interlocking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment member for connecting a watch strap to a watch case, the attachment member being intended to be fixed between pairs of lugs of the watch case. The present invention also relates to a watch strap comprising an attachment end configured to be connected to the attachment member, and a watch comprising two attachment members fixed to two pairs of lugs on both sides of the watch case, and two watch straps of a bracelet connected to the attachment members. Background Art

[0002] Many mechanisms have been proposed to simplify the assembly / disassembly of the bracelet to the case, avoiding the use of specific tools. This allows the wearer of the watch, for example, to change the style or color of the bracelet at will without complicated operations and without the risk of damaging or scratching the case through clumsy use of tools.

[0003] These mechanisms often have the disadvantage of requiring modifications to the watch case so that it can be adapted to cooperate with the attachment ends of each of the straps of the bracelet. Other mechanisms incorporate pushers in the attachment ends to enable the straps to be fastened to and detached from the watch case. Changing or adapting a bracelet for different watch cases in a series necessarily involves non-negligible costs.

[0004] As an example, CH564922 discloses a mechanism comprising a female element connected to the lugs of a watch case, and comprising a housing that houses a latch and comprises an open side for receiving a male element of a watch band therein. The male element has two protrusions intended to fit into two circular holes arranged in the wall of the housing. The latch comprises a guide device so that when the male element is inserted into the housing, the protrusions are aligned with the circular holes.

[0005] This mechanism has several disadvantages. The circular hole is not directly visible to the user, which makes the mechanism more complicated by incorporating the aforementioned guide means. Moreover, this mechanism does not allow the user to ensure that the assembly has been correctly carried out after inserting the male element into the opening of the housing of the female element. Finally, locking the male element to the female element requires a two-step operation, since the user must first insert the male element in a direction along the plane defined by the general plane of the case and then lower the male element in a direction perpendicular to the general plane of the case in order to fit the protrusion into the hole of the female element.

[0006] Other examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in publications CH712656B1, EP2353428B1, EP3213654A1 and CH698584B1, among others.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the above-mentioned disadvantages. This object is achieved in particular by proposing an interchangeable attachment member intended to be fixed to a watch case and allowing a bracelet to be removably connected to it. The interchangeable nature of the attachment member has the advantage that it can be fitted to a plurality of watch cases without having to modify them. This in particular allows modernizing or refurbishing an existing watch by replacing an old bracelet with a new or more recent one.

[0008] Another object of the invention is not to make the watch case more complex in terms of the means required to achieve its assembly with the bracelet.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to propose an attachment member that allows a simple operation to connect a strap to the attachment member.

[0010] An additional purpose of the invention is to propose a watch strap having simplified attachment parts so as to allow the bracelet to be replaced at low cost. Summary of the invention

[0011] These objects are achieved in particular by an attachment member intended to be fixed between pairs of lugs of a watch case, the watch case comprising two pairs of lugs, in order to connect the watch case to the attachment end of a watch band. For this purpose, the attachment member comprises a coupling element configured to cooperate with the attachment end so as to assemble the coupling element and the attachment end by interlocking in a direction perpendicular or inclined to the plane defined by the two pairs of lugs of the watch case. The attachment member also comprises a latch movably mounted in a recess in the attachment member between a locked position and an unlocked position, thereby allowing locking and unlocking the assembly of the coupling element and the attachment end. The coupling element is configured to be located on the visible face of the attachment member when the assembly of the coupling element and the attachment end is not carried out, and wherein the assembly is directly carried out by interlocking the coupling element and the attachment end.

[0012] According to one embodiment, when the attachment member is secured between the pair of lugs of the watch case and the attachment end is not connected to the attachment member, the visible face of the attachment member is visible on the bezel side of the watch case.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the latch comprises a hook or a locking tongue configured to prevent any separation between the attachment end and the coupling element when the latch is in the locked position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the movement of the latch is limited by a stopper which prevents the latch from moving out of the recess.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locked position of the latch is achieved and maintained by the action of a resilient member on the latch.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the latch comprises a clamping member that allows the latch to be moved in at least one direction between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the clamping part is arranged to be accessible from the non-visible side of the attachment member when the attachment member is secured between the pair of lugs and when the case is viewed from the bezel side.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the coupling element is formed by at least one female element configured to receive at least one male element of complementary shape of the attachment end.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the coupling element is formed by at least two elements chosen from female elements and / or male elements arranged on both sides of the recess of the latch.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the attachment member further comprises a bearing surface intended to come into contact with the watch case.The bearing surface is configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the attachment member when the attachment member is secured between the lugs of the watch case.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the bearing surface of the attachment member has a shape complementary to a portion of the watch case.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch band comprising an attachment end portion configured to be connected to an attachment member according to any of these embodiments by interlocking.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the attachment end comprises at least one male element configured to fit into the coupling element of the attachment member.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the attachment end comprises a rim or a fixing window configured to cooperate with a latch of the attachment member in order to lock the assembly of the attachment end and the coupling element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rim or the fixing window is situated between at least two elements complementary to the male and / or female elements forming the coupling element of the attachment member.

[0026] According to one embodiment, when the attachment end is assembled to the attachment member, the attachment end is hidden beneath a portion of the strap covering the attachment member.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a watch comprising: a case including two pairs of lugs; an attachment member installed between the lugs of each pair of lugs according to any of these embodiments; and a bracelet including a strap fixed to each attachment member according to any of these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Examples of embodiments of the invention are shown in the description illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a portion of a watch case including an attachment member and an attachment end of a watch band before connecting the attachment end according to an embodiment, - Figure 2 showing a perspective view of an attachment end of a strap adapted for detachable connection with an attachment member, - Figure 3 Show Figure 2 Side view of the attached end, - Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an attachment member according to an embodiment, - Figure 5 The latch is shown when operably mounted on the attachment member. Figure 4 Similar views; - Figure 6 Shown from Figure 4 A perspective view of the attachment member viewed from below, - Figure 7 A perspective view showing a portion of the watch case viewed from the back when connected to the attachment end of the watch strap via the attachment member, - Figure 8 a cross-sectional view showing the attachment end of the watch band, the attachment member and a portion of the watch case when the attachment end of the watch band is locked to the attachment member, and - Fig. 9 Shown with Figure 8 Similar view with the latch's locking tongue now disengaged from the retaining window at the attachment end of the watch band to allow the watch band to be removed from the watch case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] According to the preferred embodiments and with particular reference to Figures 1 to 3 The watch comprises a case 70, which typically comprises two pairs of lugs 72 and an attachment member 10 intended to be mounted between the lugs 72 of each pair, in particular fixed thereto, for example by means of screws 74. The watch also comprises a bracelet, at least one strap 50 of which comprises an attachment end 52 intended to be locked to the attachment member 10 in order to fix the strap 50 to the case. The attachment member thus constitutes an interchangeable intermediate member, serving as a connection between the case and the attachment end 52 of the strap.

[0030] For this purpose, the attachment member 10 includes a coupling element 12, which is located on the visible face of the attachment member when the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the attachment end 52 is not performed. The coupling element 12 is configured to cooperate with the attachment end 52 so that they can be assembled by interlocking in a single specific direction, which is different from the aforementioned prior art that requires the attachment end to be manipulated by two continuous movements in two perpendicular directions relative to each other. This specific direction is perpendicular or inclined to the plane defined by the two pairs of lugs 72, such as a plane passing through the same part of the lugs (such as their ends). Such a plane corresponds to the general plane of the case. The attachment member 10 also includes a latch 30 that allows locking and unlocking the assembly of the coupling element 12 to the attachment end 52.

[0031] Thanks to this assembly obtained by engaging in a direction outside the extension of the strap, in particular when the strap is substantially parallel to the general plane defined by the case, the locking mechanism is advantageously released when a traction force is exerted on the strap. It is therefore possible to advantageously reduce the size of the latch or locking mechanism since it no longer has to withstand traction forces.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element of the attachment member is formed by at least one female element 12 configured to receive at least one male element 56 complementary in shape to the female element and forming part of the attachment end 52. Preferably, the coupling element 12 is formed by at least two elements arranged on both sides of the latch 30. These elements are selected from the female element 12 and / or the male element 56. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises two female elements 12 in the form of two, for example oblong holes, extending from one side to the other through the attachment member 10. According to an alternative embodiment, the two holes 12 can also be two blind holes.

[0033] according to Figure 2 , the attachment end 52 of the strap 50 is hidden at one of the ends of the strap under a portion 58 of the strap which is intended to cover the attachment member 10 so that it is not visible when the watch is worn. Figure 8 As illustrated, the end of portion 58 is in contact with or proximate to watch case 70 when watch band 50 is locked to watch case 70 .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment end 52 also comprises at least one male element, preferably two male elements 56, for example of rectangular shape, which are arranged to be introduced into two holes 12 in the attachment member. As already mentioned, the male element 56 and the female element 12 are intended to be able to couple with each other and, for this purpose, preferably have complementary shapes. In addition, the male element 56 is arranged on a first bearing surface 60, which is intended to bear against the upper surface 26 ( Figure 6 ).

[0035] The attachment end 52 further comprises a second bearing surface 53 which is preferably adjacent to and substantially perpendicular to the first bearing surface 60. The second bearing surface 53 is intended to bear against a Figures 4 to 5 16a of the attachment member 10 shown in the figure. In order to lock the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the attachment end 52, the latter comprises an edge, a fixing cavity or a window 54 intended to cooperate with the latch 30 integrated into the attachment member 10. The window 54 is typically arranged on this second bearing surface 53. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing window 54 is set back relative to the two male elements 56 and preferably centered between them. More generally, it should be noted that the edge or fixing window 54 is located between at least two elements complementary to the male element 56 and / or the female element 12 forming the coupling element.

[0036] Advantageously, the first and second bearing surfaces of the attachment end 52 allow obtaining a better retention and / or rigidity of the assembly formed by the strap and the attachment member.

[0037] refer to Figures 4 to 5 , the attachment member 10 comprises a recess 14 located on the lower surface 24 opposite the upper surface 26. The recess 14 is preferably centered between the two holes 12 and is configured to receive a latch 30 therein. The latch comprises a latch body 32 movably, in particular slidably mounted in the recess 14, and a locking tongue 34 arranged to be positioned in a fixed window 54 of the attachment end 52 of the strap when the latch 30 is in the locked configuration. Instead of the locking tongue 34, a hook can also be used to prevent any separation between the attachment end 52 and the coupling element 12 when the latch is in the locked position. In this case, the edge or the fixed window can be configured to allow the hook to clamp it.

[0038] The latch 30 also comprises a resilient member 36 intended to push the latch into its locked position. This resilient member is preferably in the form of two compression springs 36. One end of each spring 36 rests against the side 15 of the recess 14, while the other end of each spring rests against the latch body 32, so as to push the bolt 34 into the fixed window 54. According to a variant implementation, a single spring of larger size can be used.

[0039] According to a variant not shown, the latch is mounted to pivot about an axis parallel to the lower surface 24 and the upper surface 26 of the attachment member 10, or even about an axis perpendicular to these surfaces. In both cases, a bolt or hook is provided on the latch body so as to engage a fixed window or a fixed rim by tilting or rotating the latch.

[0040] According to another embodiment not shown, the attachment means 12 comprises only one male element. A fixing window or fixing edge is located on this male element, facing the latch tongue or hook, for locking the attachment end 52 of the strap to the attachment member.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the latch 30 also includes a trigger or clamping member 38, which allows the latch 30 to move in at least one direction between the locked position and the unlocked position. Although the elastic member 36 allows the latch to be automatically returned from its unlocked position to its locked position, such a configuration can be provided, wherein the latch can be blocked in at least one of these positions. Therefore, in order to be able to move from one position to another, the user will first have to unlock the latch by initiating the movement applied to its clamping member 38. In the case of the need to move from the unlocked position to the locked position, the elastic member 36 will be responsible for automatically terminating the movement of the latch. In the case of the opposite movement, it is the user himself who will overcome the return force applied by the elastic member 36 to end the movement of the latch.

[0042] Preferably, the clamping parts 38 are arranged to be accessible from the non-visible side of the attachment member 10 when the attachment member 10 is fastened between the pair of lugs 72 and the watch is worn or viewed from the dial side.

[0043] Preferably, the movement of the latch 30 is limited by a stop 40, preventing the latch from moving out of its recess 14. To this end, the latch body 32 may comprise, at its base, a blind groove 33, the axis of which coincides with the axis of movement of the latch. This groove 33 is intended to receive a pin 40, which is housed through a hole 14a ( Figure 6 ). When the latch moves under the action of the elastic member 36, the pin limits its movement by abutting against the blind end of the groove 33.

[0044] In order to be able to fix the attachment member 10 between the pairs of lugs 72 of the watch case, the attachment member typically comprises two holes 22 located on its two lateral sides 20. Screws 74 are screwed into the lugs 72 through the tapped holes. The holes 22 receive the ends of the screws so as to fix the attachment member to the lugs 72 of the watch case 70. According to a variant, each lug has only one non-tapped through hole, while the two holes 22 in the attachment member 10 are tapped to screw in the screws 74. These therefore constitute the fixing points of the attachment member 10 to the lugs 72 of the watch case.

[0045] Advantageously, and as Figures 4 to 6As clearly illustrated in , the attachment member 10 also comprises, on a second longitudinal side 16b opposite the first longitudinal side 16a, a bearing surface 18 intended to come into contact with the case. In addition to its aesthetic function, this bearing surface is configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the attachment member when it is fixed between the lugs 72. To this end, the bearing surface 18 preferably has a shape complementary to a portion of the case with which it may come into contact. In the above-mentioned figures, this shape is curved to match the complementary curved portion of the case. It should be noted that the profile of this bearing surface 18 and the profile of the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the attachment end 52 advantageously allow, by interlocking, to completely prevent the bracelet from rotating around the lugs. Therefore, the lateral side of the attachment end 52 always follows the profile of the lugs of the case, thereby ensuring a significant aesthetics.

[0046] according to Figure 8 and 9 , when the latch 30 is in the locked configuration, the locking tongue 34 is arranged above the lower edge 55 of the fixed window 54 so as to prevent or limit relative movement between the attachment end 52 of the strap 50 and the attachment member 10 in a direction preferably substantially orthogonal to the plane of the watch case. It should be noted that in this position, the pin 40 abuts against the edge of the groove 33 of the latch body 30.

[0047] When a force is exerted on the clamping part 38 of the latch, the latch body 32 comes to bear against the side 15 of the recess in the direction of the watch case. This movement allows the bolt 34 to be disengaged from the lower edge 55 of the fixing window 54 and allows a relative movement between the attachment end 52 and the attachment member 10. This relative movement, which in this case takes place in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the watch case, allows the watch strap to be disconnected from the attachment member.

[0048] from Figure 8 and 9 It becomes clear that the fixed window 54 can be replaced by a simple edge so that when the locking tongue 34 of the latch engages at this edge, relative movement between the attachment end and the attachment member is prevented.

[0049] The attachment member just described does not complicate either the case or the bracelet. In fact, the most complex elements advantageously constitute and are contained in the attachment member 10. For example, in the event of damage or defects, it is possible to replace only this attachment member without having to replace the case. Moreover, given that the complexity of the fixing is not on the bracelet, in particular at the attachment end of each strap, the strap can be replaced at a lower cost and more frequently, in particular when it is, for example, a leather strap. Having a more economical bracelet also makes it easier to offer a range of easily interchangeable bracelets and whose color can be matched, for example, to the wearer's clothes.

[0050] Various modifications may be made to the watch just described without departing from the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the attachment member may comprise one or more male elements instead of holes, while the attachment end may comprise one or more female elements of complementary shape. Reference numerals list Attachment member 10 Connecting element 12 Recess 14 Hole 14a Side 15 The first longitudinal side 16a Support surface 19 The second longitudinal side 16b Connecting member 18 (eg, bent portion) Lateral side 20 Hole 22 Lower surface 24 Upper surface 26 Latch 30 Body 32 Groove 33 Lock tongue 34 Elastic member 36 (eg, compression spring) Clamping member 38 Stopper 40 Strap 50 Attachment end 52 Support surface 53 Fixed window 54 Bottom 55 Male element 56 Section 58 Support surface 60 Case 70 Lugs 72 Screw 74.

Claims

1. An attachment member (10) for connecting a watch case (70) to an attachment end (52) of a watch strap (50), the attachment member (10) being intended to be fixed between pairs of lugs (72) of the watch case (70), the watch case (70) comprising two pairs of lugs, the attachment member (10) comprising a coupling element (12), the coupling element (12) being configured to cooperate with the attachment end (52) so as to assemble the coupling element (12) and the attachment end (52) by interlocking in a direction perpendicular or inclined to a plane defined by the two pairs of lugs (72) of the watch case, the attachment member (10) further comprising a latch (30), the latch (30) being movably mounted in a recess (14) of the attachment member (10) between a locked position and an unlocked position, thereby allowing locking and unlocking of the assembly of the coupling element (12) to the attachment end (52), characterized in that The coupling element (12) is configured to be located on a visible face of the attachment member when assembly between the coupling element (12) and the attachment end (52) is not being performed, and wherein the assembly is performed directly in a single movement by interlocking the coupling element (12) and the attachment end (52).

2. The attachment member (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that When the attachment member (10) is secured between the pair of lugs (72) of the watch case (70) and the attachment end (52) is not connected to the attachment member, the visible surface is visible on the bezel side of the watch case (70).

3. An attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The latch (30) includes a hook or locking tongue (34) configured to prevent any separation between the attachment end (52) and the coupling element (12) when the latch is in the locked position.

4. The attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The movement of the latch (30) is limited by a stopper (40) which prevents the latch (30) from moving out of the recess (14).

5. An attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locked position of the latch (30) is achieved and maintained by the action of a resilient member (36) on the latch (30).

6. An attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The latch (30) includes a gripping member (38) that allows the latch (30) to move in at least one direction between the locked position and the unlocked position.

7. The attachment member (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The clamping part (38) is arranged to be accessible from the non-visible surface of the attachment member (10) when the attachment member (10) is fixed between the pair of lugs (72) and when the watch case (70) is viewed from the bezel side.

8. An attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coupling element (12) is formed by at least one female element (12) configured to receive at least one male element (56) of a complementary shape of the attachment end (52).

9. The attachment member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The coupling element (12) is formed by at least two elements selected from female elements (14) and / or male elements (56) arranged on both sides of the recess (14) of the latch (30).

10. The attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a supporting surface (18) intended to contact the watch case (30), the supporting surface (18) being configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the attachment member (10) when the attachment member (10) is fixed between the lugs of the watch case (70), the supporting surface (18) preferably having a shape complementary to a portion of the watch case (70).

11. A watch strap (50) comprising an attachment end (52) configured to be connected to an attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims by interlocking.

12. The watch strap (50) according to claim 11, wherein: The attachment end (52) includes at least one male element (56) configured to fit into the coupling element (12) of the attachment member (10).

13. The watch strap (50) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The attachment end (52) includes a rim or a securing window (54) configured to cooperate with a latch (30) of the attachment member (10) to lock the assembly of the attachment end (52) and the coupling element (12).

14. The watch strap (50) according to claim 13, wherein: The rim or the fixing window (54) is located between at least two elements complementary to the male element (56) and / or the female element (12) forming the coupling element of the attachment member (10).

15. The watch strap (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: When the attachment end (52) is assembled to the attachment member (10), the attachment end (52) is hidden beneath a portion (58) of the strap that covers the attachment member (10).

16. Watches, including: A watch case (70), the watch case (70) comprising two pairs of lugs (72); An attachment member (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 mounted between the lugs (72) of each pair of lugs; and a bracelet comprising a strap (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 15 fixed to each attachment member (10).

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