Fastening device for bracelet

Abstract

The invention relates to a bracelet fastening device, comprising: - a terminal body (10) of the bracelet, - a lock (20) mounted on the terminal body (10), for sliding between: • a locking position, and • an unlocking position, - a stop (40) which can occupy: • a mounted position, in which the stop (40) is fixed on the terminal body (10), and in which the stop (40) is arranged to come into contact with the lock (20) to define one of the locking or unlocking positions, or • a disengaged position, in which the stop (40) is at least partially disassembled from the terminal body (10), so that the lock (20) can be mounted on the terminal body (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a bracelet attachment device, intended to attach a bracelet to a timepiece such as a watch.

[0002] A bracelet attachment device, such as the one shown in document US6328188B1, is known in the prior art. Assembling this type of system is delicate, as it requires housing several parts inside the link and connecting a mechanism that allows the user to operate the system. The assembly must be reliable to prevent accidental disassembly, which could lead to the watch detaching. It must also be as dustproof and dirt-proof as possible. However, some permanent assembly solutions may render disassembly impossible. Document CH 715 003 A1 discloses the preamble to claim 1.

[0003] One aim of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above. In particular, the invention aims to provide a device for attaching a bracelet, for example, to a watch case, which is both reliable and secure, while allowing for quick and easy assembly and / or disassembly.

[0004] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, according to claim 1.

[0005] The fastening device according to the invention comprises a lock mounted by means of a sliding connection on the terminal body. The stop, in the disengaged position, allows the lock to be mounted on the terminal body easily, and once the lock is mounted, it is quick to place the stop in the raised position, so that the stop then defines either the locking position or the unlocking position.

[0006] According to the invention, the stop is a retractable stop arranged to allow reversible transition from: The raised position, which is a stop position in which the retractable stop is arranged to engage with the lock to define either the locked or unlocked position, is followed by the retracted position, in which the lock can extend beyond either the locked or unlocked position. Such a retractable stop allows for easy removal of the lock.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the sliding connection is formed by a T-shaped groove in the terminal body and by a male T-shaped part in the lock.

[0008] In one embodiment, the T-slot has a sliding opening formed in a plane comprising at least one straight line parallel to a sliding direction of the lock in the end body, and the lock includes an operating portion that covers the sliding opening, at least when the lock is in the locked position, and preferably when the lock is in the unlocked position. The fastening device has an aesthetic appearance, since the sliding opening (typically an elongated slot) is covered and thus concealed by the lock.

[0009] In one embodiment, the T-slot has a mounting opening for the lock in the terminal body, perpendicular to the direction of sliding of the lock within the terminal body, and a portion of the male part of the T is arranged to protrude from the T-slot through the mounting opening, at least when the lock is in the locked position. With the lock in the locked position (which represents the normal resting position in which the strap is attached to the watch case, i.e., the position occupied most of the time), the lock occupies the entire mounting opening, so that the user does not see a cavity in which debris, dirt, or impurities could accumulate.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the male T-shaped part has a distal face at the apex of the T, the terminal body includes an engagement opening, such as a groove, arranged to receive a portion of the watch case, such as a spring bar, and: In the locked position, one face of a beak of the lock, contained in a plane of the distal face of the T of the male part, is arranged to close the engagement opening, and in the unlocked position, the lock is arranged to open the engagement opening.

[0011] According to the invention, the lock includes a tenon arranged to engage with the retractable stop in the stop position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the tenon is arranged as a protrusion on the distal face of the male part's T-slot. The T-slot includes a recess for receiving the tenon, extending out of the T-slot for a defined free length between a first end face of the T-slot and a second terminal face of the recess. The tenon, in the sliding direction, has a length shorter than the free length of the recess. This implementation provides the lock with a specific portion for abutment, and the retractable stop can be housed in an invisible part of the terminal body.

[0013] According to the invention, the lock comprises a control button formed as one piece with the lock.

[0014] Advantageously, the retractable stop is a pin.

[0015] Advantageously, in the stop position, the retractable stop is driven into the terminal body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fastening device includes a locking piece, mounted in a locking position on the terminal body to block a mounting passage through which the lock can be mounted in the terminal body. one of the lock / closing piece assembly includes a projection arranged to cooperate with the other of the lock / closing piece assembly when the lock slides between the locking position and the unlocking position to block the closing piece in the blocking position, and when the stop is in the clear position, the lock can protrude said one from the locking or unlocking position, so that the projection can release the closing piece.

[0017] In other words, the embodiment relates to a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, comprising: a bracelet end body, a slide-mounted latch on the end body arranged to slide between: a locking position in which the latch is arranged to attach the end body to the watch case, and an unlocking position in which the latch is arranged to allow release of the end body from the watch case, a locking piece, mounted in a locking position on the end body to block a mounting passage through which the latch can be mounted in the end body, one of the latch / locking piece assembly comprising a projection arranged to cooperate with the other of the latch / locking piece assembly when the latch slides between the locking position and the unlocking position to lock the locking piece in the locked position,and in that the fastening device comprises a retractable stop arranged to occupy: a stop position in which the retractable stop is arranged to come into contact with the lock in a stop or stop position corresponding to one of the locking or unlocking positions, so that the locking piece remains blocked by the projection, and a retracted position, in which the lock can extend beyond the stop or stop position, so that the projection can release the locking piece.

[0018] The fastening device as implemented above comprises an end body housing a lock, a locking piece mounted in the locked position arranged to block a mounting passage for the lock (once the lock is mounted), and a projection arranged to retain the locking piece while the lock slides between the locked and unlocked positions. To facilitate mounting, the fastening device includes a retractable stop that can be positioned in two locations.

[0019] In the stop position, the retractable stop engages with the lock to define either the locked or unlocked position, thus limiting the lock's travel between these two positions. Therefore, the protrusion of one part of the lock / closing piece assembly remains engaged with the other part, and it is not possible to remove the closing piece.

[0020] In the retracted position, the retractable stop no longer engages with the lock, allowing the lock to extend beyond its previously defined locking or unlocking position. This additional travel can then be used to release the locking mechanism by disengaging the protrusion from the other part of the lock / locking mechanism assembly. With the retractable stop in the retracted position, the locking mechanism can be easily installed or removed.

[0021] Such an implementation simplifies assembly operations, as the lock can be designed as a single piece: there is no part to attach to it to finalize the assembly.

[0022] Advantageously, the retractable stop is a removable stop, and the retracted position corresponds to a clear position (i.e., the retractable stop is separated from the attachment device / terminal body).

[0023] Advantageously, the retractable stop is a pin.

[0024] Advantageously, in the stop position, the retractable stop is driven into the end body. In other words, the retractable stop is press-fitted into the end body to reliably occupy the stop position, and removing it requires a predetermined removal force, thus preventing accidental disassembly.

[0025] Advantageously, the closing piece is a plate.

[0026] Advantageously, the locking piece is mounted on the end body via a sliding joint. In particular, a guillotine-type mounting can be considered, with the sliding joint of the locking piece perpendicular to a sliding joint of the bolt. In other words, the locking piece blocks or closes one end of the groove in which the bolt slides.

[0027] Advantageously, the projection is arranged on the lock to form a lip, and the lip at least partially covers the locking piece when the lock slides between the locked and unlocked positions. Such a lip (or return) neatly conceals or covers any gap between the locking piece and the lock, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing assembly.

[0028] Advantageously, the terminal body includes a T-slot, and the lock is mounted in the T-slot.

[0029] Advantageously, the closing piece is arranged to close the T-slot. Typically, the T-slot has a through opening at its end to allow the lock to be mounted, and the closing piece is typically mounted at the end of the slot to close the through opening.

[0030] According to the invention, the lock comprises a control button, which is one piece with the lock. In other words, the lock is formed as a single unit with the button and with the optional heel or return.

[0031] Advantageously, the fastening device includes at least one elastic return element, such as a spring, arranged for example between the lock and the closing piece, to automatically position the lock in the locked position.

[0032] Advantageously, the terminal body includes an opening, such as a groove, arranged to receive a portion of the watch case, such as a bar, and in which: In the locked position, the lock is arranged to close the opening, and in the unlocked position, the lock is arranged to leave the opening open.

[0033] Typically, the opening mentioned above is a U-shaped opening, formed by a lip of the terminal body, and the lock includes a beak that can prevent the portion of the watch case from coming out of the U, for example by covering the lip.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention relates to a watch strap comprising at least one fastening device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] A third aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch, comprising at least one attachment device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] there figure 1 represents a perspective view of an attachment device according to a first alternative of the present invention; the figure 2a represents an exploded perspective and top view of the attachment device according to the figure 1 ; there figure 2b represents an exploded perspective and bottom view of the attachment device according to the figure 1 ; THE figures 3a et 3b represent a cross-section of the attachment device of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 represents a perspective view of an attachment device according to a second alternative of the present invention; the figure 5 represents an exploded view of the attachment device of the figure 4 ; THE figures 6a et 6b represent in perspective a lock of the fastening device of the figure 4 ; THE figures 7a et 7b represent a cross-section of the attachment device of the figure 4 ; THE figures 8a, 8b, 8c et 8d each represent two views of the attachment device of the figure 4 currently being assembled; the figures 9a, 9b schematically summarize the operation of the attachment device of the figure 4 to attach / detach a watch case, and the figure 9c to assemble it; the figures 10a, 10b schematically summarize the operation of a first variant of the attachment device of the figure 4 to attach / detach a watch case, and the figure 10c to assemble it; the figures 11a, 11b schematically summarize the operation of a second variant of the attachment device of the figure 4 to attach / detach a watch case, and the figure 11c to assemble it; the figures 12a, 12b schematically summarize the operation of a third variant of the attachment device of the figure 4 to attach / detach a watch case, and the figure 12c to assemble it.

[0038] A device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case according to a first alternative of the present invention is shown in perspective figure 1 and in a fragmented way figures 2a And 2b In general, the attachment device is arranged to attach a terminal body 1 to a watch case 60 (see figures 3a et 3b ) for example. In the figures, the terminal body 1 forms either the last link of a link bracelet, that is to say a bracelet comprising a plurality of links articulated to each other ( figures 4 , 5 for example). Alternatively, the terminal body is arranged to form an insert to be integrated into the end of a flexible bracelet, made of leather or polymer for example ( figures 1, 2a , 2b For example).

[0039] As we can see, figures 1, 2a And 2b The fastening device includes, in particular: the terminal body 1 of the bracelet, a lock 2, mounted to slide in the terminal body 1, a spring 5, mounted between the lock 2 and the terminal body 1, a pin 4, arranged to be driven into a hole in the main body to prevent the lock 2 from being disassembled.

[0040] In detail, the terminal body 1 includes a female T-slot 1.1, with a recess 1.3 arranged at the bottom of the T-slot 1.1. A cylindrical hole 1.4 is provided in the terminal body 1, and opens in particular into the recess 1.3. The cylindrical hole 1.4 can be completely through the terminal body 1 and open on both sides of the recess 1.3, but it can simply be a blind hole, which nevertheless opens on both faces of the recess 1.3, but does not go completely through the terminal body 1. In this latter case, in other words, one side of the T-slot 1.1 is traversed by the hole 1.4; the other has a blind hole, opposite the through hole.

[0041] A rim 1.2 of the terminal body 1 forms a U-shaped opening or a fork with the rest of the terminal body 1. It can be noted that the T-shaped groove 1.1 opens just above the rim 1.2.

[0042] Lock 2, for its part, includes a notched knob 2.3 which allows a user to manipulate lock 2, and which is formed as a single piece with the rest of lock 2 (the part is monolithic). On the figure 2a , the lock 2 has a slope which starts from the notched button 2.3 to form a beak 2.2.

[0043] Clearly visible figure 2b The lock 2 also includes two lateral grooves 2.5 that form a male T-joint. On the lower apex face of the male T-joint, always visible figure 2b , a 2.4 tenon is formed in protuberance, and has a length much less than that of the summit face.

[0044] The notched button 2.3 is formed on a heel 2.1 which is cantilevered relative to the male T-shaped part of the lock 2.

[0045] A spring 5 is provided to fit between the terminal body 1 and the lock 2, each of these two components being able to include, as here, a blind hole to receive one end of the spring 5.

[0046] Finally, a pin 4 is provided to fit into the cylindrical hole 1.4 of the terminal body.

[0047] As shown by figure 3a et 3b of the assembled fastening device, the lock 2 is mounted in a sliding connection on the terminal body 1, the male T-shaped part of the lock 2 being received in the T-shaped groove 1.1.

[0048] There figure 3a shows the lock 2 in a locked position, in which the beak 2.2 of the lock 2 covers the U-shaped opening of the terminal body 1 formed by the rim 1.2. Thus, a bar of a watch case 60 is attached to the terminal body 1 by taking its place between the U-shaped opening and the beak 2.2.

[0049] There figure 3b shows the lock 2 in an unlocked position, in which the beak 2.2 of the lock 2 is retracted and exposes the U-shaped opening of the terminal body 1 formed by the rim 1.2. Thus, the watch case bar 60 can be released and detached from the terminal body 1.

[0050] Spring 5 acts to constantly push the latch 2 into the locked position to ensure locking.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the tenon 2.4 of the lock 2 is received in the recess 1.3 at the bottom of the T-slot 1.1, and the pin 4, driven into the cylindrical hole 1.4, provides a stop for the tenon 1.4 to define the locking position and prevent the lock 2 from coming out of the T-slot 1.1. It should also be noted that the heel 2.1 has a length (or an overhang relative to the male T-piece of the lock 2) sufficient to completely cover the upper sliding opening of the T-slot 1.1, even in the lock's shown locking position. figure 3a Thus, the user does not see the 1.1 T-slot, which provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, as shown in the figure 1 The male T-shaped part of the lock 2 (in the locked position) protrudes from the terminal body (or is completely outward-projecting), depending on the sliding direction. It can therefore be noted that, in this configuration, the cavity formed in the terminal body 1 by the T-groove 1.1 is completely concealed by the male T-shaped part, thus improving the aesthetics and eliminating any hollow areas where impurities or dirt could accumulate.

[0052] Regarding the assembly of the attachment device figures 1, 2a And 2b It can be noted that the tenon 2.4 is shorter than the width of the U-shaped opening formed by the rim 1.2, and that the recess 1.3 opens precisely into this U-shaped opening. Consequently, the bolt 2 can initially be positioned relative to the terminal body 1 with the tenon 2.4 aligned with the U-shaped opening and the recess 1.3 along the z-direction of the figure 2a Next, the latch 2 can be lowered in the z direction until the tenon 2.4 engages in the recess 1.3. At this point, the latch 2 can be pushed in the y direction to engage in the T-slot 1.1, the spring 5 having been previously mounted between the latch 2 and the end body 1. The latch 2 can be pushed to the bottom of the T-slot 1.1 in the y direction, so that the tenon 2.4 disengages the cylindrical hole 1.4 (as on the figure 3b for example). At this stage, the pin 4 can be driven into the cylindrical hole 1.4 and along the x direction of the figure 2a . Thus, the lock 2 is free to slide between the locking and unlocking position, but can no longer come out of the T-groove 1.1, because of the pin 4 which forms a stop against the tenon 2.4.

[0053] This fastening device remains simple to manufacture, and allows the use of a single-piece lock, which can be mounted according to the y direction of the figure 2a while completely concealing the upper sliding opening of the T-slot 1.1 formed in the end body. The installation of pin 4 allows for easy completion of the assembly.

[0054] It should be noted that pin 4 is removable in this implementation, as the cylindrical hole 1.4 is through, but a blind hole could be used, or even the cylindrical hole 1.4 could be overmolded or plugged after assembly, making pin 4 non-removable. A pin could also be assembled to the end body in a removable manner, for example by screwing.

[0055] An attachment device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a bracelet end body 10 is shown figure 4 (assembled view) and figure 5 (exploded view).

[0056] The attachment device of the figures 4 And 5includes in particular a lock 20, a closing piece 30, an elastic return element 50 and a retractable stop 40, all assembled on the terminal body 10.

[0057] As shown by figure 5 , terminal body 10 comprises: a T-groove 11 in which the lock 20 can be mounted to slide relative to the terminal body 10 (according to a sliding connection); a simple groove 13, substantially perpendicular to the T-groove 11, in which the closing piece 30 can be mounted; a rim 12 forming a U-shaped opening or a fork with the rest of the terminal body 10, to accommodate a portion of a watch case, such as a bar for example.

[0058] Not visible on the figures 4 And 5 , but as shown on the figures 8a-8d , the terminal body 10 also includes a bore 14, under the rim 12, to accommodate the retractable stop 40, as will be explained below.

[0059] As shown by figure 6a et 6b The lock 20 comprises two lateral grooves 25 and a central tenon 24, which are a counter-form of the T-slot 11 of the terminal body 10, so as to allow it to slide correctly within the terminal body 10. The lock 20 also includes a heel 21 that forms a return, as well as a beak 22, arranged on either side of a notched knob 23 that allows a user to manipulate the lock, as will be explained below. It should be noted that the lock 20 is advantageously made in one piece. However, it is possible to make the lock 20 in several parts.

[0060] Once the fastening device is fully mounted in the terminal body 10, the lock 20 can slide in the T-groove 11 as shown in the figures 7a et 7b Indeed, the figure 7a represents a cross-section in which the locking mechanism 20 of the fastening device is in a locked position in which the terminal body 10 is attached to a watch case 60, and the figure 7b represents a section in which the locking device 20 occupies an unlocked position in which the terminal body 10 can be detached from the watch case 60.

[0061] In detail, the lock 20 is mounted in the T-slot 11 of the terminal body 10. The locking piece 30 is housed in the simple groove 13 so as to occupy a locking position and to close the opening of the T-slot 11 through which the lock was mounted, so that the lock 20 can no longer come out of the terminal body 10. The return element 50 (a spring) is mounted between the locking piece 30 and the lock 20, to push the latter back into the locked position. figure 7a .

[0062] On this figure 7a It can be observed that the retractable stop 40 is housed in the bore 14 of the terminal body 10 and comes into contact with the lock 20 (via the central tenon 24) to define the locking position. Thus, the beak 22 of the lock 20 covers the rim 12, so that the watch case bar 60, shown in dashed lines, is locked into the terminal body 10.

[0063] On the figure 7b The lock 20 is shown in an unlocked position, after sliding to the left of the figure, imposed by a user acting on the button 23. Thus, the beak 22 exposes the rim 12 and the bar of the watch case 60, which can therefore be detached from the terminal body 10. It is understood that the return element 50 is compressed and will push the lock 20 back into the locked position. figure 7a as soon as the user releases lock 20.

[0064] It is important to note that on the figures 7a et 7b The protrusion 21 of the lock 20 at least partially covers the locking piece 30. Consequently, this protrusion (the protrusion 21) locks the locking piece 30 in the locking position shown. figures 7a et 7b when the lock 20 is in the locked position, or in the unlocked position, or between the two. Thus, once the fastening device is fully mounted, the lock 20 can slide from the locked position to the unlocked position, without any risk of disassembly, since the locking piece 30 is held in the locked position by the heel 21.

[0065] THE figures 8a, 8b, 8c, et 8d Each represents a phase of assembly of the fastening device. Each time, two views are shown (a side view at the top and a perspective view at the bottom).

[0066] There figure 8a represents the components before assembly, each free and opposite a portion of the terminal body 10 where it will be mounted. Thus, the lock 20 is aligned with the T-slot 11, the closing piece 30 is opposite the simple groove 13, the retractable stop 40 is opposite the bore 14 and the return element 50 is opposite the lock 20.

[0067] There figure 8b This represents the first assembly step, concerning the lock 20: the latter has been inserted into the T-slot 11 and pushed against the rim 12 of the end body. It can be seen in the side view that the lock protrudes or encroaches upon the bore 14, so that the simple groove 13 is completely unobstructed (visible in the perspective view). The return element 50 is partially housed within the lock 20 and is no longer visible here.

[0068] There figure 8c This represents a second assembly step, concerning the locking piece 30. Since the latch 20 is fully pushed against the rim 12, the simple groove 13 is completely free, and the locking piece 30 (here in the form of a plate or a guillotine) can be inserted into it so that it occupies the locking position: the latch 20 can no longer protrude from the end body 10. It should be noted that the latch 20 still encroaches on the bore 14 (and that the beak 22 extends beyond the rim 12). In particular, the retractable stop 40 is always aligned with the bore 14.

[0069] There figure 8d represents a fourth assembly step, concerning the retractable stop 40. In order to be able to fully house the retractable stop 40 in the bore 14, the lock 20 has been pushed back a little towards the closing piece 30 (the beak 22 is now aligned with the rim 12), so that the lock 20 no longer encroaches on the envelope of the bore 14. The retractable stop 40 is therefore driven into the terminal body 10, that is to say, mounted tightly and forms a stop with the lock 20, pushed back by the return element 50.

[0070] It is important to note on the perspective view of the figure 8d that the heel 21 partially covers the simple groove 13 and engages the closing piece 30 to lock it in the occupied position. Thus, with the retractable stop 40 in the stop position, it is impossible to disassemble the attachment device from the end body 10. To achieve this, the retractable stop 40 must be withdrawn from the bore 14 (to allow the retractable stop 40 to occupy a retracted or disengaged position), so as to allow the lock 20 to protrude beyond the locking position, to return to the configuration of the figure 8c .

[0071] THE figures 9a et 9b summarize the operation of the fastening device described above. For clarity, the lock 20 has been intentionally left unhatched. The lock 20 is therefore mounted via a sliding connection in the terminal body 10, and it is inserted into it from the left of the figure 9a In the locked position ( figure 9a ), the lock 20 is against the retractable stop 40, and locks the terminal body 10 onto the watch case 60. The closing piece 30 cannot be removed, as it is engaged by the projection formed on the lock 20.

[0072] In unlocked position ( figure 9b ), the lock 20 releases the watch case 60. The closing piece 30 still cannot be removed, as it is still engaged by the protrusion formed on the lock 20.

[0073] There figure 9c shows the fastening device (in assembly phase, or in disassembly phase) which is missing the retractable stop 40, so that the lock 20 can exceed the locking position and the closing piece 30 is no longer engaged by the projection of the lock 20 and can be mounted or removed.

[0074] THE figures 10a et 10b summarize the operation of a first variant of the attachment device of the figure 4 described above. For clarity, the lock 120 has been intentionally left unhatched. According to this variant, the lock 120 no longer has a projection towards the locking piece 130. Now, it is the locking piece 130 that includes a projection (a cylindrical tenon, for example), engaged in a bore of the lock 120. In the locked position ( figure 10a ), the lock 120 is against the retractable stop 140, and locks the terminal body 110 onto the watch case 60. The closing piece 130 cannot be removed, because the projection is engaged with the lock 120, itself in horizontal sliding connection with the terminal body 110.

[0075] In unlocked position ( figure 10b ), the lock 120 releases the watch case 60. The closing piece 130 still cannot be removed, because the protrusion formed on the closing piece 130 is still engaged with the lock 120.

[0076] There figure 10c shows the fastening device (in assembly phase, or in disassembly phase) which is missing the retractable stop 140, so that the lock 120 can exceed the locking position and the projection of the closing piece 130 is no longer engaged with the lock 20 and the closing piece 130 can be removed.

[0077] THE figures 11a et 11b summarize the operation of a second variant of the attachment device of the figure 4 described above. For clarity, the lock 220 has been intentionally left unhatched. According to this variant, the lock 220 is mounted via a sliding connection in the terminal body 210, and it is inserted into it from the right of the figure 11a . Now, the locking piece 230 is mounted on the right side of the lock 220, to prevent it from coming out of the terminal body 210. In the locked position ( figure 11a ), the lock 220 is against the closing piece 230, and locks the terminal body 210 onto the watch case 60. The closing piece 230 cannot be removed, because the projection of the lock 220 covers it, the lock 220 itself being in horizontal sliding connection with the terminal body 210.

[0078] In unlocked position ( figure 11b ), the lock 220 is against the retractable stop 240 and releases the watch case 60. The closing piece 230 still cannot be removed, because the protrusion formed on the lock 220 still covers it.

[0079] There figure 11c shows the fastening device (in assembly phase, or in disassembly phase) which is missing the retractable stop 240, so that the lock 220 can exceed the unlocking position and the projection of the lock 220 is no longer engaged with the closing piece 130 which can be removed.

[0080] THE figures 12a et 12b summarize the operation of a third variant of the attachment device of the figure 4 described above. For clarity, the lock 320 has been intentionally left unhatched. According to this variant, the lock 320 is mounted via a sliding connection in the terminal body 310, and it is inserted into it from the right of the figure 12a According to this variant, the locking piece 330 includes a projection (a cylindrical tenon, for example) engaged in a bore of the bolt 320. Furthermore, the locking piece 330 is mounted on the right side of the bolt 320 to prevent it from protruding from the terminal body 310. It is important to note that the projection of the locking piece 330 may not be in the same plane as the bolt's beak 320; the latter may even include two lateral beaks, for example.

[0081] In locked position ( figure 12a ), the lock 320 is against the closing piece 330, and locks the terminal body 310 onto the watch case 60. The closing piece 330 cannot be removed, because the projection of the closing piece 330 is engaged with the lock 320, the lock 320 itself being in horizontal sliding connection with the terminal body 310.

[0082] In unlocked position ( figure 12b ), the lock 320 is against the retractable stop 340 and releases the watch case 60. The closing piece 330 still cannot be removed, the projection of the closing piece 330 still being engaged with the lock 320, the lock 320 itself being in horizontal sliding connection with the terminal body 310.

[0083] There figure 12cshows the fastening device (in assembly phase, or in disassembly phase) which is missing the retractable stop 340, so that the lock 320 can go beyond the unlocking position and the projection of the closing piece 330 is no longer engaged with the lock 320, the closing piece 330 can then be removed.

[0084] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0085] In the embodiments shown, the closing piece 30 is a plate to provide a simple component to manufacture and assemble, but other designs are possible (a bar, a pin, a key, etc.). Furthermore, the retractable stop is here a small, economical cylindrical pin, but other forms of embodiment are also possible (a plate, a key, etc.).

Claims

1. A device for fastening a strap to a watch case (60), comprising: - a terminal body (1; 10; 110; 210; 310) of the strap, - a lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) mounted in slide connection on the terminal body (1; 10; 110; 210; 310), arranged to slide between: • a locking position in which the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) is arranged to fasten the terminal body (1; 10; 110; 210; 310) to the watch case (60), and • an unlocking position in which the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) is arranged to allow release of the terminal body (1; 10; 110; 210; 310) relative to the watch case (60), characterized: - in that the fastening device comprises a retractable stop (4; 40; 140; 240; 340) arranged to be able to reversibly move: • from a mounted position which is an abutment position, in which the stop is fixed on the terminal body, and in which the stop (4; 40; 140; 240; 340) is arranged to come into abutment with the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) to define one of the locking position or of the unlocking position, • to a disengaged position in which the stop is at least partially dismounted from the terminal body, so that the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) can be mounted on the terminal body and can go beyond said one of the locking position or of the unlocking position, wherein the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) comprises a stud (2.4; 24) arranged to come into abutment with the retractable stop (4; 40; 140; 240; 340) in the abutment position, and wherein the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) comprises a control button formed integrally with the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320).

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the slide connection is formed by a T-shaped groove (1.1) in the terminal body (1) and by a T-shaped male part in the lock (2).

3. The fastening device according to claim 2, wherein the T-shaped groove (1.1) has a sliding aperture, formed in a plane comprising at least one straight line parallel to a sliding direction of the lock (2) in the terminal body (1), and the lock (2) comprises a control portion that covers the sliding aperture, at least when the lock (2) is in the locking position, and preferably when the lock (2) is in the unlocking position.

4. The fastening device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the T-shaped groove (1.1) has a mounting aperture for the lock (2) in the terminal body (1), normal to the sliding direction of the lock (2) in the terminal body (1), and a portion of the T-shaped male part is arranged in protrusion from the T-shaped groove (1.1) through the mounting aperture, at least when the lock (2) is in the locking position.

5. The fastening device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the T-shaped male part has a distal face at the top of the T-shape, wherein the terminal body (1) comprises an engagement aperture, such as a groove arranged to receive a portion of the watch case (60), such as a barret, wherein: • in the locking position, a face of a spout (2.2) of the lock (2), comprised in a plane of the distal face of the T-shape of the male part, is arranged to close the engagement aperture, and • in the unlocking position, the lock (2; 20; 120; 220; 320) is arranged to open the engagement aperture.

6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the stud (2.4) is arranged in protrusion on the distal face of the T-shape of the male part, wherein the T-shaped groove (1.1) comprises a recess (1.3) for receiving the stud (2.4) and extending out of the T-shaped groove (1.1) over a free length defined between a first end face of the T-shaped groove (1.1) and a second terminal face of the recess (1.3), and wherein the stud (2.4) has, in the sliding direction, a length smaller than the free length of the recess (1.3).

7. The fastening device according to claim 1, comprising a closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330), mounted in a blocking position on the terminal body (10; 110; 210; 310) to block a mounting passage through which the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) can be mounted in the terminal body (10; 110; 210; 310), characterized: - in that one of the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) / closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) assembly comprises a projection arranged to cooperate with the other of the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) / closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) assembly when the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) slides between the locking position and the unlocking position to block the closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) in the blocking position, - and in that, when the stop is in the disengaged position, the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) can go beyond said one of the locking position or of the unlocking position, so that the projection can release the closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330).

8. The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein the closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) is a plate.

9. The fastening device according to any of claims 7 to 8, wherein the closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) is mounted on the terminal body (10; 110; 210; 310) in a slide connection.

10. The fastening device according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the projection is arranged on the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) so as to form a heel (21), and wherein the heel (21) at least partially covers the closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) when the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) slides between the locking position and the unlocking position.

11. The fastening device according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the terminal body (10; 110; 210; 310) comprises a T-shaped groove (11), and wherein the lock (20; 120; 220; 320) is mounted in the T-shaped groove.

12. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein the closing piece (30; 130; 230; 330) is arranged to close the T-shaped groove (11).

13. A watch strap comprising at least one fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 12.

14. A wristwatch comprising at least one strap according to claim 13.

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