FASTENING SYSTEM FOR REPLACEABLE BAND

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening system intended to removably connect a watch strand to a component, i.e. a fastening system which allows the strand to be easily attached to and detached from the component without the aid of a tool and without the risk of involuntary detachment. Etat de la technique

[0002] There are a number of products consisting of a bar assembly and a strand, and intended to allow the latter to be detached from the object worn. In the watchmaking field, solutions have been proposed to allow the user to easily change the strap of his watch, particularly in the case of a replacement when it is too worn, to interchange a leather strap and a metal strap for example, or to regularly change the color of the strap. A great effort has been made in recent years to improve these systems for detaching the strap from the case side, and many solutions have been proposed.

[0003] However, the same effort has not been made to detach the buckle, and this results in a lack of advantageous solutions. However, the value of a buckle or clasp made of precious metal is such that the user would like to be able to swap a bracelet without changing the buckle, and this in a simple, quick, secure manner and without the aid of a tool.

[0004] Pin bars of the type proposed in document EP0089166 require an opening in the strand which is often a source of damage when worn, and the use of these bars for the buckle has additional disadvantages.

[0005] The present applicant has already disclosed in international patent application WO2021IB53077 a solution allowing the buckle to be changed without tools and intended to be implemented with bracelets known on the market, so as to give the user freedom of choice of the bracelet for a given dimension. However, for cases in which the user wishes to keep without modifying the object to which the strand is attached, this configuration cannot necessarily be implemented.

[0006] Therefore, for products already on the market, and having significant sentimental and / or financial value, it is important to be able to easily change strands while taking this imperative into account, that is to say without changing the object part or doing so in a minimal way.

[0007] Patent application CH713091 by the present applicant describes a fastening system for removably attaching a strap to a watch or to a buckle of a leather goods item.

[0008] Document EP3718429 discloses an insert for a strand of a watch strap, the insert comprising a housing for a watch case bar. The insert further comprises a hinged lock and comprising a closing wall and an elastic tab. The closing wall will close the housing in the locking position, by an edge of the housing which fits into a notch provided in a wall of the tab.

[0009] Document EP3756501 which discloses the preamble of claim 1, describes a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, the device comprising on the one hand a bar secured to the watch case by means of a horn, and on the other hand an insert secured to the end of a bracelet, the bar and the insert being complementary to cooperate by interlocking by constituting removable assembly means to make the bracelet interchangeable. Bref résumé de l'invention

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a fastening system for removably connecting a strand to a component and comprising: a first fastening element comprising a strand element extending along a strand axis and intended to be secured to the strand, and a transverse housing extending along a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to a strand axis. The fastening system further comprises a second fastening element, configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to the component, and comprising a connecting portion arranged to cooperate with the transverse housing. The fastening system further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a first locking element provided on the first fastening element, a second locking element provided on the second fastening element, and a return element.The locking mechanism is configured such that the first locking member moves relative to the second locking member between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first locking member is engaged with the second locking member, the biasing member exerting a pressing force between the two locking members, such that the second fastening member is secured to the transverse housing. In the unlocked position, an unlocking force opposite the pressing force is exerted on the biasing member, disengaging the second fastening member from the transverse housing.The first locking element is configured to cooperate with the component so as to exert the unlocking force on the return element upon pivoting of the fastening system about the transverse axis, relative to the component, such that the first locking element is not engaged with the second locking element.

[0011] The connecting portion and the transverse housing may be configured so as, in the locked position, to prevent rotation of the second fastening element about the transverse axis.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first fastening element comprises a guide housing in which the first locking element moves. Optionally, the first locking element may also comprise a guide surface cooperating with the guide housing and configured to guide the locking element in movement along the strand axis.

[0013] The proposed solution allows easy disassembly without tools and applies to all types of watch strands. Other advantages and other embodiments of the invention are described in the following description and in the appended dependent claims. Brève description des figures

[0014] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: THE figures 1a à 1f show a fastening system for removably connecting a strand to a component comprising a pin buckle, the fastening system comprising a first fastening element, a second fastening element, a first and a second locking element, according to one embodiment; the figures 2a And 2b represent a variant of the attachment system in which the component comprises a watch case; figures 3a And 3brepresent a variant of the fastening system in which the component comprises a folding clasp type clasp; figures 4a And 4b illustrate the fixing system according to another embodiment; the figures 5a à 5c illustrate the fastening system in which the second fastening element comprises an actuating device, according to one embodiment; figures 6a à 6c illustrate another variant of the fixing system; the figure 7 illustrates another variation of the fixing system; the figures 8a à 8d have a variant of the second fixing element; figures 9a et 9b present a variant of the first fixing element; the figure 10 illustrates the fixing system, according to another embodiment; the figure 11 illustrates the fixing system, according to another embodiment; the figures 12a et 12b represent a variant of the first locking element; and the figures 13a et 13b illustrate the fixing system, according to another embodiment; Exemple(s) de mode de réalisation de l'invention

[0015] A fixing system 1 is shown in figures 1a-1f , according to a first embodiment. In particular, the figure 1a is an exploded and three-quarter view of the fixing system 1 and the figure 1b shows an assembled and bottom view of the fastening system 1. The fastening system 1 allows a strand 60 (partially shown in the figure 1a ), such as a bracelet strand, to a component 50 in a removable manner. In the example of the figures 1a et 1b , the component comprises a loop 51 provided with a pin 52. The fastening system 1 therefore makes it possible to attach the strand 60 in a removable manner to the loop 51.

[0016] The fastening system 1 comprises a first fastening element 10 comprising a strand element 13 extending along a strand axis A 13 and intended to be secured to the strand 60. The first fastening element 10 also comprises a transverse housing 11 extending along a transverse axis A 20 substantially perpendicular to a strand axis A 13. In the examples of figures 1a-1f , the strand element 13 takes the form of a frame.

[0017] The fastening system 1 further comprises a second fastening element 20 configured to be directly or indirectly fastened to the component 50. The second fastening element 20 comprises a connecting portion 210 arranged to cooperate with the transverse housing 11 and an attachment portion 22 intended to cooperate with the component 50 so as to fasten the fastening system 1 to the component 50.

[0018] The fastening system 1 also comprises a locking mechanism comprising a first locking element 12 provided on the first fastening element, and a second locking element 212 provided on the second fastening element 20. The locking mechanism also comprises a return element 120. The locking mechanism is configured so that the first locking element 12 moves relative to the second locking element 212 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first locking element 12 is engaged with the second locking element 212. The return element 120 exerts a pressing force between the two locking elements 12, 212, so that the second fastening element 20 is secured to the transverse housing 11.

[0019] In the unlocked position, an unlocking force opposite to the pressing force is exerted on the return element 120 so that the first locking element 12 is no longer engaged with the second locking element 212, detaching the second fixing element 20 from the transverse housing 11.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the second locking element 212 is provided on the connecting portion 210. The first locking element 12 can be mounted on the strand element 13 so as to move and exert the bearing force along the strand axis A 13.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first locking element 12 comprises a bolt 121 connected to the return element 120. The second locking element 212 may comprise a cavity for engaging with the bolt 121.

[0022] Depending on the form of execution of the figures 1a-1f , in the locked position, the return element 120 is configured to exert the pressing force in a direction towards the second fastening element 20. The bolt 121 is configured to engage with the second locking element 212 being positioned on the second fastening element 20, on the side of the strand element 13. In the unlocked position, the unlocking force is exerted on the return element 120, in a direction away from the second fastening element 20, so as to disengage the bolt 121 from the second locking element 212

[0023] As shown in the figure 1b , the strand element 13 may comprise a guide housing 124 in which the first locking element 12 moves. The guide housing 124 may make it possible to guide the movement of the first locking element 12. The first locking element 12 may also comprise a guide surface 125 (one on each side of the first locking element 12 in the illustrated example). The guide surface 125 makes it possible to ensure good guidance of the first locking element 12 along the strand axis A 13, even in the case where its movement is small compared to its width.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion 210 may comprise an external profile of geometry substantially conforming to the internal profile of the transverse housing 11. This configuration makes it possible to prevent rotation of the second fastening element 20 around the transverse axis A 20 , relative to the transverse housing 11, in the locked and unlocked positions. In the unlocked position, the second fastening element 20 can exit the transverse housing 11 along an exit axis A 11 . When mounted on the component 50, the fastening system 1 can pivot relative to the component 50 around the transverse axis A 20 thanks to the attachment portion 22.

[0025] In the configuration of the figures 1a-1f , the output axis A 11 is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis A 20 and to the strand axis A 13 .

[0026] Still in the example of the figures 1a-1f , the connecting portion 210 comprises a through cavity 214 in which the attachment portion 22 can be housed. The through cavity 214 can extend substantially parallel to the transverse axis A 20 . In this arrangement, the connecting portion 210 is configured as a sleeve. As illustrated in the sectional view of the figure 1f , the attachment portion 22 comprises a cylindrical axis provided at its ends with pivots 221. The attachment portion 22 and the connecting portion 210 can be configured so that the pivots 221 protrude outside the connecting portion 210. The pivots then form an attachment portion 221 intended to be fixed to the component 50, for example by being inserted into holes 511 provided in the loop 51. Alternatively, the attachment portion 22 can comprise a bar (not illustrated) whose ends act as pivots. The attachment portion 22 can also comprise at least one screw.

[0027] The component 50 may comprise a watch case, the pivots 221 being fixed in holes 511 provided in the lugs of the case.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the second fastening element 20 is configured to cooperate pivotally with the barb 52. In the example of figures 1a-1f , the connecting portion 210 comprises an intermediate portion 211 configured to cooperate with the barb 52. For example, the intermediate portion 211 may comprise an external profile of substantially circular geometry configured to cooperate with an opening 521 of the barb 52 so that the barb 52 can pivot freely around the intermediate portion 211. In this configuration, and as illustrated in figure 1a , the transverse housing 11 may include a window 110 arranged to allow the pin mounted on the intermediate portion 211 to pivot.

[0029] The connecting portion 210 is provided with a second locking element 212 configured to cooperate with the first locking element 12, when the connecting portion 210 is received in the transverse housing 11. When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the first locking element 12 does not act on the second locking element 212, so that the connecting portion 210 can exit the transverse housing 11. In the unlocked position, the fastening system 1 (and the strand 60) can be detached from the component 50. When the locking mechanism is in a locked position, the first locking element 12 acts on the second locking element 212, so that the connecting portion 210 cannot exit the transverse housing 11. In the locked position, the fastening system 1 (and the strand 60) is secured to the component 50.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the second locking element 212 may comprise a cavity 212 provided in the connecting portion 210. The bolt 121 may have a geometry conforming to that of the cavity 212. The return element 120 may comprise a spring (see figures 1a And 1c ) or any other suitable elastic or flexible element.

[0031] There figure 1c shows the fixing system 1 according to a section AA' (see figure 1b , in which the section AA' is along a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis A 20 ). In particular, the figure 1c shows the bolt 121 coming into engagement with the second locking element 212.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the bolt 121 can be provided with a clearance 122 (see the figures 1a et 1b ) leaving a gap between the bolt 121 and the second fixing element 20. The clearance 122 defines an actuating wall 123 on the bolt 121. The figure 1d shows the fixing system 1 according to a section BB' (see figure 1b ) in which the clearance 122 and the actuating wall 123 are visible.

[0033] In one embodiment, the component 50 comprises a barb 52 mounted on the intermediate portion 211, as described above. In such a configuration, the barb 52 may perform a function of an actuating device. For example, the first locking element 12 may be configured to cooperate with the barb 52 when the first fastening element 10 pivots about the transverse axis A 20 . More particularly, when the first fastening element 10 pivots about the transverse axis A 20 , at least a portion of the barb 52, for example a rod 522 of the barb 52, bears on the actuating wall 123, exerting the unlocking force on the return element 120, so as to move the bolt 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position.The locking mechanism will therefore be brought into the locked position or into the unlocked position, depending on the pivoting position of the pin 52 around the transverse axis A 20.

[0034] In the figures 1c et 1d , the pin 52 is pivoted into the service position, i.e. a relative position between the first fastening element 10 and the component 50 when worn. The service position also corresponds to the locked position. Depending on the application of the fastening system 1, there may be a multitude of service positions. The angle between the strand 60 and the component 50 may vary according to various parameters, including the relative size of the wearer's wrist in relation to the watch, the type of wearing, whether it is rather tight or loose, etc. The figure 1e shows the fixing system 1 according to section BB' (see figure 1b ) in which the barb 52 is shown in a position other than the service position, i.e. the strand 60 is not worn. This position also corresponds to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the rod 522 of the barb 52 comes to bear on the actuating wall 123, as described above.

[0035] Alternatively, the portion of the barb 52 comprising the opening 521 may comprise a non-cylindrical external geometry such as a cam-like portion, acting on the actuating wall 123.

[0036] There figure 1f shows a sectional view according to plan A 13 -A 20 (see the figure 1a ) of the fastening system 1 assembled to the component comprising a loop 51 and a tongue 52. The connecting portion 210 covers the attachment portion 22 (here an axis) over a part of its periphery which is not engaged in the stretchers 512 of the loop. According to one embodiment, the attachment portion 22 comprises a groove 222 configured to cooperate with a rib 213 provided in the sleeve housing 214 of the connecting portion 210. The cooperation of the rib 213 with the groove 222 makes it possible to limit the lateral displacement (along the transverse axis A 20 ) of the attachment portion 22 (centering of the attachment portion 22). Thus, the connecting portion 210 being kept in movement along the transverse axis A 20 by the stretchers 51, it results that the second fixing element 20, once mounted in the loop 50, is retained and cannot be detached from it.The disassembly of this assembly can be done as is known to those skilled in the art, by pushing the attachment portion 22 from the hole of one of the stretchers 51, with a pin punch type tool, or, by providing openings on the connecting portion 210, with a tool for removing the bars. Other means for centering the attachment portion 22 can also be considered.

[0037] THE figures 2a And 2b represent a variant of the first embodiment in which the component 50 comprises a watch case, of the caseband type 51 with central attachment 52. The figure 2a shows a three-quarter view of the fastening system 1 assembled on the component 50 and in a service position. The strand is not shown. Note, however, that the locking mechanism can be integrated into the last link of a link bracelet, the strand element 13 then being the last link.

[0038] The fixing system 1 can be considered as identical to that described in the first embodiment of the figures 1a-1f . In the present variant, however, the fastening system 1 cooperates with a component 50 comprising a middle 51 provided with a central attachment 52. Here, the first locking element 12 is configured to cooperate with the central attachment 52. In such a configuration, the central attachment 52 can fulfill the function of an actuating device, making it possible to move the locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0039] More particularly, the central attachment 52 can be pivotally mounted on the intermediate portion 211 of the second fixing element 20. When the first fixing element 10 pivots around the transverse axis A 20, at least a portion of the central attachment 52, for example the periphery 513 of the central attachment 52, can come to bear on the actuating wall 123, exerting the unlocking force on the return element 120, so as to move the bolt 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position. figure 2b shows a side sectional view in which the locking mechanism, and thus the strand (not shown) is pivoted about the transverse axis A 20 , relative to the central fastener 52, so that the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. In the figure 2a , the locking mechanism, and therefore the strand (not shown), is in the service position, corresponding to the locked position. In the locked position, the bolt 121 is engaged with the second locking element 212, for example a lock housing 212, as described above.

[0040] THE figures 3a And 3b represent another variant of the first embodiment in which the component 50 comprises a clasp of the folding buckle type having a central element 52. The second fixing element 20 is configured to pivotally cooperate with the central element 52. In such a configuration, the central element 52 can fulfill a function of an actuating device, allowing the locking mechanism to be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0041] More particularly, when the first fixing element 10 pivots around the transverse axis A 20 , at least a portion of the central element 52 comes to bear on the actuating wall 123, exerting the unlocking force on the return element 120, so as to move the bolt 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The locking mechanism will therefore be brought into the locked position or into the unlocked position, depending on the pivoting position of the central element 52 around the transverse axis A 20 .

[0042] There figure 3a shows a perspective view of the fastening system 1 assembled on the clasp 50 and in a service position. The figure 3b shows a side sectional view in which the locking mechanism, and thus the strand (not shown) is pivoted relative to the central element 52, so that the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

[0043] The fastening system 1 according to the first embodiment is particularly suitable for a component 50 comprising a central strand element such as a pin, a central case attachment or a clasp hook of a folding buckle.

[0044] In the case where the component 50 comprises a lateral strand element, for example horns, the component 50 cannot be directly used as an actuator to unlock the locking mechanism.

[0045] Thus, if such a case is equipped with a bracelet strand equipped at one of its ends with a pin buckle according to the invention, by taking advantage of the flexibility of the strand when the buckle is still mounted there or by removing the buckle beforehand, the pin buckle can serve as an actuator to separate the two ends of the strand attached to the case of the watch.

[0046] Thus, a second embodiment proposes to unlock the fastening system according to the invention for the case side for a case with side attachments by an actuator provided on a component other than that to which the strand is intended to be attached.

[0047] THE figures 4a And 4b illustrate the fixing system 1 according to the second embodiment. The figure 4a shows a perspective view of the fastening system 1 assembled on the component 50 and in a service position. The strand is not shown but is provided with a pin buckle (only shown with the number 52) at its end opposite that attached to the fastening system 1. The figure 4b shows a side sectional view in which the strand (not shown) is bent so that the barb 52 (its end) can act on the actuating wall 123 so as to exert the unlocking force on the return element 120 in order to move the first locking element 12 into the unlocked position.

[0048] The fixing system 1 can be considered as identical to that described in the first embodiment of the figures 1a-1f .

[0049] THE figures 5a à 5c illustrate the fastening system 1 according to a third embodiment in which the second fastening element 20 comprises an actuating device 23 pivoting about the transverse axis A 20. The actuating device 23 is configured, when pivoting, to move the first locking element 12 relative to the second locking element 212 so as to move the locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position, and vice versa.

[0050] In the example of the figures 5a à 5c , the actuating device 23 is provided on the second fixing element 20. The figure 5a shows a perspective view from below of the fastening system 1 assembled on the component 50 and in a service position. The figure 5b shows a side sectional view in which the fastening system 1 is still in a service position, and therefore, the locking mechanism is in the locked position. figure 5c shows a side sectional view in which the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

[0051] More particularly, the actuating device comprises a lever 23 pivotally mounted on the intermediate portion 211 and configured to act, during its pivoting, on the locking mechanism so as to put it in the locked position or in the unlocked position, depending on the pivoting position of the lever 23. In the configuration illustrated in figures 5a-5c , the lever 23 comprises a flank 231 bearing on the actuating wall 123, depending on the angular position of the lever 23. The lever 23 can therefore move the bolt 121, exerting the unlocking force on the return element 120, from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the lever 23 may act on the locking mechanism via an external profile of the lever 23. For example, the geometry of the external profile may be configured to press on the actuating wall 123 depending on the degree of pivoting of the lever 23.

[0053] According to a variant illustrated in figures 6a-6c , the first locking element 12 is provided on the transverse housing 11 and the second locking element 212 is provided on the actuating device 23. The return element 120 is configured so that the first locking element 12 exerts a pressing force against the second locking element 212.

[0054] THE figures 6a et 6b show a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis A 20 of the fixing system 1. According to one embodiment, the first locking element 12 comprises a bolt 121 and the second locking element 212 comprises a cavity shaped to engage with the bolt 121. The return element 120 comprises a spring element extending along the transverse axis A 20 and cooperating with the actuating device 23.

[0055] There figure 6c represents the fixing system 1 of the figures 6a et 6b seen from below, in which the spring element 120 extends substantially parallel to the transverse axis A 20 . The spring element 120 may be secured at its ends to the second fixing element 20. The actuating device 23 cooperates with the spring element 120, for example at its middle part in the direction of its length, so that the pivoting of the actuating device 23 about the transverse axis A 20 deforms the spring element 120 in a plane formed by the transverse axis A 20 and the strand axis A 13 . The spring element 120 thus deformed exerts a bearing force between the two locking elements 12, 212. A clearance 25 provided in the second fixing element 20 allows the actuating device 23 to pivot and the spring element 120 to deform in flexion.

[0056] The fixing system 1 according to the variant shown in figures 6a-6c lends itself well to a second fastening element 20 supported on the component 50 at its ends, such as on a case middle with side horns. The fastening system 1 may however be adapted for mounting on a component 50 comprising a case middle with central attachment or a pin of a pin buckle, or any other similar configuration already mentioned previously. The fastening system 1 may also comprise more than one actuating device 23.

[0057] In the variant illustrated in the figure 7 , the return element 120 comprises a blade secured to the actuating device 23 and bearing against the transverse housing 11.

[0058] THE figures 8a et 8b present a variant of the second fixing element 20 applicable to one or more of the embodiments previously described, in particular the embodiments illustrated by the figures 1 , 3 , 4 And 5, wherein the second locking element 212 takes the form of grooves provided in the connecting portion 210 of the second fixing element 20. The figure 8a shows an isometric view of the fastening device 1. The first locking element 12 comprises a bolt 121 engaging with the second locking element 212, when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

[0059] There figure 8b shows a sectional view of the fastening device 1, along a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis A 20 . In the present configuration, the first locking element 12 moves in a strand element plane P 13 substantially parallel to the plane formed by the transverse axis A 20 and the strand axis A 13 , and which is offset relative to the transverse axis A 20 . This arrangement makes it possible to generate a torque when the bolt 121 of the first locking element 12 is inserted into the groove of the second locking element 212. The generated torque makes it possible to keep the second fastening element 20 fixed in the transverse housing 11 and prevent it from pivoting in the housing 11 even in the case where the connecting portion 210 has a cylindrical geometry (as well as the transverse housing 11). As illustrated, the connecting portion 210 may comprise several grooves 212 at its periphery.Each of the splines 212 may be configured to engage with the bolt 121, for example each of the splines 212 may have the same geometry.

[0060] There figure 8c shows a variant of the attachment device 1 according to the configuration of the figure 8b , in which the inner face of the transverse housing 11 comprises a lug 111 engaging with one of the grooves 212 not cooperating with the bolt 121 when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. The lug 111 is preferably arranged in the transverse housing 11 so as to engage with one of the grooves 212 substantially diametrically opposite the groove 212 cooperating with the bolt 121. The lug 111 makes it possible to limit the rotation of the second fixing element 20 around the transverse axis A 20 in the transverse housing 11, and therefore to minimize the effort of the unlocking force on the bolt 121. The lug 111 therefore reinforces the locking of the second fixing element 20 in the transverse housing 11.

[0061] There figure 8d shows another variant of the attachment device 1 according to the configuration of the figure 8b , in which the transverse housing 11 is configured such that the output axis A 11 of the second fastening element 20 is perpendicular to the transverse axis A 20 but inclined relative to the strand axis A 13 . This configuration makes it possible to make the bolt 121 bear in the groove 212 as close as possible to the transverse axis A 20 . The angle of inclination of the output axis A 11 relative to the strand axis A 13 is non-zero and smaller than 90°. For example, the angle of inclination is between 5° and 85° or between 10° and 80°, or between 20° and 70°, °, or between 30° and 60°.

[0062] Different configurations of the bolt 121 and the grooves 212 can be envisaged so as to obtain reliable, simple locking, and by minimizing the effects of production factors such as tolerances, surface conditions, wear, etc.

[0063] THE figures 9a et 9b represent a variant in which the fixing device 1 comprises an encapsulating element 14 embedding the return element 120 so as to cover it as well as the first locking element 12. For example, the protective element 14 can be formed integrally (in one piece) with the strand element 13. This configuration is particularly advantageous in the case where the strand element 13 is integrated into the strand 60 by overmolding (e.g. rubber or similar material) or bonding (e.g. flexible strand made of leather or other material coating the strand element 13 with inner and upper faces made integral by bonding). In the case where the first locking element 12 is mounted in the strand element 13 before overmolding / bonding, the intrusion of material in an at least partially liquid state into the strand element 13 could hinder the proper functioning of the first locking element 12.Thus, in this variant, it is possible to provide the guide housing 124 by techniques such as slide molding, injection, 3D printing or any other method achieving the same goal, by providing inside the housing geometries (. fig. 9b ) allowing the travel of the first locking element 12 to be limited so that it cannot come out after having been inserted there.

[0064] Likewise, depending on the geometry of the transverse housing 11, in particular if the transverse housing 11 extends beyond the plane of the strand element P 13, it may be necessary to provide an opening to allow the passage of the first locking element 12 during its introduction. According to this variant, it is thus possible to provide for mounting the strand element 13 during its integration into the bracelet strand 60 and to only mount the first locking element 12 in a later step.

[0065] Although it is described here for flexible strands 60 using overmolding or bonding, this variant could just as advantageously be implemented in the case of a strand 60 with a rigid end piece (metal, ceramic or other bracelet) in which the strand element 13 is made of the same material as the rigid end piece of the bracelet, the latter then constituting the body of the strand element 13.

[0066] There figure 10 presents another variant of the fastening system 1 adapted for a so-called wire-handle strand assembly. This type of assembly, very popular before the introduction of pump bars, had the disadvantage of making the change of bracelet complicated, the handles being welded to the caseband, which limited the change to bracelets specifically designed for this type of assembly and therefore limited the choice of users. An improvement was proposed in document EP1089644 to make the wire-handles removable. This solution, although it allows the change of bracelet with strands for pump bars, does not meet the need for easy change by the user. In the present variant, the second fastening element 20 comprises the wire-handles 52 as well as at least one connecting portion 210 mounted on the wire-handles 52 in a pivoting or non-pivoting manner. The fastening system 1 may comprise an actuating device 23 as in the examples of figures 5 à 7 .

[0067] There figure 11 shows the fastening system 1 according to another embodiment, in which the fastening system 1 is adapted for a second curved fastening element 20, that is to say a second fastening element 20 having a certain curvature in the plane of the strand element P 13. Such a second fastening element 20 makes it possible to follow the rounding of a case 51 on which the fastening system 1 is mounted. On the figure 11 , the second fixing element 20 is not visible. The curved shape is visible through the transverse housing 11 which also has a curved shape in the plane of the strand element P 13.

[0068] THE figures 12a-12brepresent a variant of the first locking element 12 in which, in the locked position, the return element 120 is configured to exert the pressing force in a direction towards the second fastening element 20. The bolt 121 is configured to engage with the second locking element 212 being positioned on the second fastening element 20, on the side opposite to the side of the strand element 13. In the unlocked position, the unlocking force is exerted on the return element 120, in a direction away from the second fastening element 20, so as to disengage the bolt 121 from the second locking element 212.

[0069] The axis of the attachment portion 221 may be coincident with the transverse axis A 20 . Alternatively, the axis of the attachment portion 221 may be offset relative to the transverse axis A 20 . The Figures 13a and 13bshow a fastening system 1 in which the axis A 221 of the attachment portion 221 can be offset relative to the transverse axis A 20 . In this latter configuration, it is possible to provide fine adjustment positions at each end of a strand 60 mounted on the fastening system 1. For example, in the case where the axis A 221 of the attachment portion 221 is offset relative to the transverse axis A 20 in the direction of the strand element 13, the latter, and therefore the strand 60, will be closer to the component 50 when the fastening system 1 is mounted on the component 50. The strand element 13 will be further from the component 50 in the case where the axis A 221 of the attachment portion 221 is offset relative to the transverse axis A 20 in the direction opposite to the strand element 13.

[0070] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the second fastening element 20 may be configured to block rotation of this element relative to the component 50, when fixed thereto. For example, the second fastening element 20 may comprise a geometry or bearing elements which, when the second fastening element 20 is fixed to the component 50, cooperate with the component 50 so as to block rotation.

[0071] The fastening system 1 described here can be removably attached to a component 50 comprising a pin buckle, a folding clasp, a tip for a rigid link bracelet, a length adjustment link, or any other watch or leather goods component. Reference numbers used in the figures

[0072] 1fastening device 10first fastening element 11transverse housing 111lug 12first locking element 110window 120return element 121bolt 122disengagement 123actuating wall 124guide housing 125guide surface 13strand element, frame 14encapsulating element 20second fastening element 210connecting portion 211intermediate portion 212second locking element, bolt housing 213rib 214through cavity 22attachment device 221pivot 222groove 23actuating device, lever, profile 231flank 25disengagement 50component 51buckle, middle 511drilling 512stretch 513peripheral 52tang, central attachment, element attachment, central element 521opening 522rod 53end 60strand A 11 output axis A 13 strand axis A 20 transverse axis A 221 axis of the attachment portion P 13 strand element plane

Claims

1. Fastening system (1) intended to removably connect a strand (60) to a component (50), and comprising: a first fixing element (10) comprising a strand element (13) extending along a strand axis (A13) and intended to be fixed to the strand (60), and a transverse housing (11) extending along a transverse axis (A20) substantially perpendicular to a strand axis (A13); a second fixing element (20), configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to the component (50), and comprising a connecting portion (210) arranged to cooperate with the transverse housing (11); a locking mechanism comprising a first locking element (12) provided on the first fixing element (10), a second locking element (212) provided on the second fixing element (20), and a return element (120); the locking mechanism being configured so that the first locking element (12) moves relative to the second locking element (212) between: a locked position in which the first locking element (12) is engaged with the second locking element (212), the return element (120) exerting a bearing force between the two locking elements (12, 212), so that the second fixing element (20) is attached to the transverse housing (11); and an unlocked position in which an unlocking force opposite to the supporting force is exerted on the return element (120), disengaging the second fixing element (20) from the transverse housing (11); characterised in that the first locking element (12) is configured to cooperate with the component (50) so as to exert the unlocking force on the return element (120) when the fastening system (1) pivots around the transverse axis (A20), in relation to the component (50), so that the first locking element (12) is not engaged with the second locking element (212).

2. The fastening system (1) according to claim 1, in which the first locking element (12) is mounted on the strand element (13) so as to move and exert the bearing force along the strand axis (A13); and in which the second locking element (212) is provided on the connecting portion (210).

3. The fastening system (1) according to claim 2, in which the first locking element (12) comprises a bolt (121) connected to the return element (120); and in which the second locking element (212) comprises a cavity for engaging with the bolt (121).

4. The fastening system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the bolt (121) is provided with a recess (122) defining an actuation wall (123) enabling the unlocking force to be exerted in order to move the first locking element (12) into the unlocked position.

5. The fastening system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the component (50) comprises a pin (52) of a buckle (51), the second fastening element (20) being configured to pivotally cooperate with the pin (52) so that when the first fastening element (10) is pivoted about the transversal axis (A20), the locking mechanism is brought into the locked position or into the unlocked position.

6. The fastening system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the component (50) comprises a central attachment (52) of a middle, the second fastening element (20) being configured to cooperate pivotally with the central attachment (52), so that when the first fastening element (10) pivots about the transverse axis (A20), the locking mechanism is brought into the locked position or into the unlocked position.

7. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the component (50) comprises a clasp of the folding-buckle type comprising a central element (52), the second fastening element (20) being configured to cooperate pivotally with the central element (52), so that when the first fastening element (10) pivots about the transverse axis (A20), the locking mechanism is brought into the locked position or the unlocked position.

8. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the connecting portion (210) and the transverse housing (11) are configured so as to, in the locked position, prevent the rotation along the transverse axis (A20) of the first fixing element (10) with respect to the second fixing element (20).

9. The fixing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the transverse housing (11) is configured such that, in the unlocked position, the second fixing element (20) can exit the transverse housing (11) along an exit axis (A11) that is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis (A20) and to the strand axis (A13).

10. The fastening system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which transverse housing (11) is configured such that, in the unlocked position, the second fastening element (20) can exit the transverse housing (11) along an exit axis (A11) that is substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis (A20) but inclined with respect to the strand axis (A13).

11. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the first locking element (12) moves in a strand element plane (P13) substantially parallel to the plane formed by the transverse axis (A20) and the strand axis (A13), and which is offset from the transverse axis (A20).

12. The fastening system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the connecting portion (210) comprises a plurality of second locking elements (212) at its periphery.

13. The fastening system (1) according to claim 12 wherein the inner face of the transverse housing (11) comprises a catch (111) configured to engage with one of the second locking elements (212) not cooperating with the first locking element (12), when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

14. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the second fastening element (20) includes a fastening portion (221) intended to be fixed to the component (50).

15. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the connecting portion (210) comprises a through cavity (214) configured to accommodate a fastening portion (22) such that the ends of the fastening portion (22) project outside the connecting portion (210) and form a fastening portion (221) intended to be fixed to the component (50).

16. The fixing system (1) according to claim 14 or 15, in which the axis of the attachment portion (221) is offset from the transverse axis (A20).