Member for attaching a strap to a watch case

Abstract

The present invention relates to an attachment member (10) for a strap segment designed to be detachably connected to a watch case. The attachment member (10) comprises: a cavity (14) wherein first and second blocks (30a, 30b) are maintained, which blocks are arranged so as to be able to slide in a direction transverse to the length of the segment and to engage, respectively, with first and second pivots (72a, 72b) which are rigidly attached to horns (70) of the watch case; an elastic member (40) arranged to move the first and second blocks (30a, 30b) away from one another; and a lock (60) arranged, on the one hand, to lock the attachment member when the lock (60) is in a locking position and, on the other hand, to allow the attachment member (10) to be detached from the watch case when the lock (60) is actuated so as to be brought into an unlocking position and a force for separating the attachment member (10) from the watch case is applied counter to the elastic member (40). According to the invention, the lock (60) and the first and second blocks (30a, 30b) are configured such that the step of actuating the lock (60) from the locking position to the unlocking position does not transmit any movement to the first and second blocks (30a, 30b).

Description

Attachment mechanism for a watch bracelet to a watch case technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment element for a strap strand to a watch case. More particularly, the attachment element comprises an insert or frame arranged to be inserted and removably connected between the lugs of the watch case. State of the art

[0002] Numerous solutions have already been proposed in the prior art to simplify the removal or attachment of watch straps to watch cases, eliminating the need for specialized tools. This allows the watch wearer to, for example, change the style or color of the strap as desired, without complicated procedures and without risking damage or scratches to the watch through the clumsy use of a tool.

[0003] As an example, CH707056 discloses an interchangeable wristwatch strap, comprising an attachment element at one end of each strap for removable connection to a watch case. The attachment element has a cylindrical housing designed to cooperate with a retaining bar to secure the strap to the case. This housing has an opening along its longitudinal axis, forming a passage to allow insertion of the retaining bar. The attachment element also includes a movably mounted latch between a first position in which the passage is free and a second position in which the latch obstructs the passage to lock the strap to the watch case.

[0004] Other examples can be found, notably in publications CH712656B1, EP2353428B1, EP3213654A1 and CH698584B1, of an attachment device designed to simplify the disassembly / assembly of bracelet strands on a watch case.

[0005] These attachment devices have the disadvantage of requiring modifications to the watch case so that it is adapted to cooperate with the attachment device, in particular for the integration of a pusher to unlock the attachment device from the watch case.

[0006] One aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an attachment element allowing a strap strand to be connected to a watch case in a removable manner without having to modify the watch case for this purpose.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a compact attachment element that does not require the use of a bar to create the link between a strand of the bracelet and the lugs of the watch case. Brief summary of the invention

[0008] These goals are achieved in particular by a bracelet attachment element, adapted for removable connection to a watch case. The attachment element comprises: a housing in which are retained a first and a second pin arranged to slide in a transverse direction along the length of the bracelet and to cooperate respectively with a first and a second pivot fixed to the lugs of the watch case; an elastic element arranged to separate the The first and second studs; and a lock arranged to, on the one hand, lock the attachment member when the lock is in a locked position and, on the other hand, allow the attachment member to be detached from the watch case when the lock is actuated to move it to an unlocked position and a force sufficient to separate the attachment member from the watch case is applied against the elastic element. According to the invention, the lock and the first and second studs are configured such that actuating the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position does not transmit any movement to the first and second studs.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the lock comprises a body including a first portion accessible by the user and a second portion to block the movement of the first and second studs when the lock is in the locked position.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the lock is arranged to be returned to the locked position by an elastic element.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the lock includes a recess, preferably cylindrical, inside which is arranged the elastic element, preferably a compression spring, in order to constrain the lock in the locking position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the attachment member further comprises a cover mounted on the housing. One end of the elastic member bears against the cover.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the body includes a stop which prevents the studs from coming together when the lock is in the locked position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second portion includes a notch extending in a plane that intercepts the direction of movement of the lock. A portion of each stud is configured to slide in the notch when the lock is in the unlocked position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the attachment member comprises two lateral sides and a receiving portion arranged on each lateral side to accommodate the first and second pivots. The receiving portions are shaped to limit disengagement to a relative movement exerted in a predefined direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each reception area is arranged to introduce one of the first and second pivots from an entrance to an exit leading into the accommodation.

[0017] In one embodiment, each stud has a first lateral side arranged opposite a corresponding lateral edge of the housing. This first lateral side includes a hole arranged to receive one end of the corresponding pivot when the attachment member is connected to the watch case.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first lateral side of each block further comprises a guide surface leading to the hole. The guide surface is profiled to induce a transverse displacement of each block when the end of the corresponding pivot moves along the guide surface.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch strap strand comprising the attachment element.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising at least one strap strand including the attachment element.

[0021] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a method for detaching the attachment member, comprising: - actuating the lock to bring it into the unlocked position, and - the application of a force enabling the attachment element to be separated from the watch case, while maintaining the lock in the unlocked position. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Examples of implementation of the invention are given in the description illustrated by the accompanying figures, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the attachment element according to a preferred embodiment; - Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the frame of the attachment element; - Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view from below of the frame of the attachment element; - Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pin of the locking / unlocking mechanism; - Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the plot in Figure 4 from a different orientation; - Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the lock body of the locking / unlocking mechanism; - Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the lock body of Figure 7 from a different orientation; - Figure 8 illustrates an elevation view of the lock body; - Figure 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the cover of the attachment element; - Figure 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cover of Figure 9; - Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the attachment member connected to a watch case, of which only the lugs are shown, when the lock is in the locked position; - Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 11 along AA; - Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 12 along BB; - Figure 14 illustrates a view similar to Figure 11 when the lock is in the unlocked position; - Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 14 along CC, - Figure 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Figure 15 along DD, - Figure 17 illustrates a schematic view of the lock and the lugs of the fastening member according to one embodiment, when the lock is in a locked position, and - Figure 18 illustrates a view similar to Figure 17 when the locking mechanism of the attachment is in an unlocked position. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0023] According to a preferred design and with reference in particular to Figures 1 to 3, the attachment member 10 for a watch strap to a watch case comprises a frame 12 including a substantially rectangular housing 14 for accommodating elements of a locking / unlocking mechanism. This mechanism is designed to secure and unsecure the frame 12 to two pivots 72a, 72b, for example two screws, mounted on the lugs 70 of the watch case (only the lugs are shown). The attachment member 10 also includes a cover 50 mounted on the frame 12 so as to cover the housing 14 containing elements of the locking / unlocking mechanism. A lower portion of the cover 50 can, for example, be pushed, clipped, or screwed into the housing 14.

[0024] The housing 14 of the frame 12 has two opposing lateral edges 16, each with an opening 18. These openings lead to, respectively, a first and a second receiving portion 24 arranged on the lateral sides 22 of the frame 12 to accommodate the two pivots 77a, 77b. The first and second receiving portions may, for example, be in the form of rails. These rails 24 are preferably shaped so that a portion of the two pivots 72a, 72b can be inserted into the rails by positioning The attachment member 10 is positioned above the lugs 70 of the watch case, and then lowered relative to the lugs until the bottom of the rails rests on the pivots. The attachment member 10 can thus pivot freely around a pivot axis that is coaxial with the axis of the pivots when this attachment member 10 is locked to the watch case.

[0025] According to Figures 2 and 3, the base 20 of the housing 14 has a hole 21 passing completely through the frame 12 of the attachment member. The locking / unlocking mechanism of the attachment member to the watch case includes a latch 60 which is mounted in the through hole 21 so as to be actuated in an oblique direction, preferably substantially orthogonal, to the pivot axis of the attachment member 10, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The attachment member 10 has an attachment portion 26 provided with a transverse slot 28 for receiving one end of a strap strand.

[0026] With reference in particular to figures 1 to 5, the locking / unlocking mechanism further comprises a first and second pin 30a, 30b arranged in the housing 14 so as to be able to slide in a transverse direction along the length of the strap strand and to cooperate with respectively the first and second pivot 72a, 72b through the openings 18 located on the two lateral edges 16 of the housing 14.

[0027] Each pad 30a, 30b has a first lateral side 32a arranged opposite the corresponding lateral edge 16 of the housing 14. The first lateral side 32a of each pad includes a hole 38 arranged to receive one end of the corresponding pivot 72a, 72b when the attachment member 10 is connected to the watch case. The first lateral side 32a of each pad further includes a guide surface 39 leading to the hole 38. The profile of the guide surface 39 allows for initiating and imparting a displacement transverse to the respective plot when the end of the corresponding pivot moves along this surface.

[0028] Each pad 30a, 30b has a second lateral side 32b. The second lateral sides of the pads are arranged opposite each other and each has a blind hole 34. Each blind hole 34 receives a portion of an elastic element, preferably a compression spring 30, arranged between the two pads.

[0029] The lock 60 is arranged to, on the one hand, lock the attachment member 10 when the lock 60 is in a locked position and, on the other hand, allow the attachment member 10 to be detached from the watch case when the lock 60 is actuated to move it to an unlocked position. The unique feature of the locking / unlocking mechanism lies partly in the fact that the lock 60 and the first and second pins 30a, 30b are configured so that actuating the lock 60 to move it to the unlocked position does not transmit any movement to the first and second pins 30a, 30b. In other words, the lock 60 allows the transverse movements of the first and second retractable pins to be locked and unlocked without affecting the pins themselves.

[0030] For this purpose, according to figures 6-8, the lock comprises a body 62 including a first portion 62a accessible by a user and a second portion 62b arranged inside the housing 14 in order to block the movement of the first and second studs 30a, 30b when the lock 60 is in the locked position as illustrated in figure 13.

[0031] In one embodiment, the second portion 62a of the body of the lock 60 has a notch 64 extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lock 60. Each stud 30a, 30b has a wedge 36 arranged to abut against, respectively, a first and a second shoulder 66 of the body 62 when the lock 60 is in the locked position. The two shoulders 66 are arranged on either side of the notch 64 above it. The wedge 36 of each stud is aligned with the notch 64 when the lock 60 is in the unlocked position. The thickness e of the wedge 36 of each stud 30a, 30b is less than the height h of the notch 64 of the lock body so that the wedges can slide inside the notch.

[0032] The body 62 of the lock 60 also includes a housing 68, which in this example is cylindrical, inside which is partially disposed an elastic element which is preferably in the form of a compression spring 69. One end of the spring 69 rests against the bottom of the housing 68 while a portion of the spring is housed in a cutout 56 made on a longitudinal edge 54 of the cover 50 as illustrated by figures 9 and 10. This cutout has a cylindrical cavity 58 arranged to receive the other end of the spring 69.

[0033] This spring allows the lock 60 to be forced into the locking position in which the attachment member 10 is secured to the watch case.

[0034] When the lock 60 is in the locked position as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the corners of each stud 30a, 30b are abutted against the two shoulders 66 of the lock body 62 to prevent lateral movement of the studs. In this position, the end of each pivot 72a, 72b is arranged inside the hole 38 on the first lateral side 32a of each stud. Since the lateral movement of the studs 30a, 30b is prevented by the lock 60, the attachment member 10 is, in this configuration, fixed to the lugs 70 of the watch case.

[0035] When pressure is applied to an actuation surface 63 of the lock 60, the lock moves in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pivots to be brought into the unlocked position as shown in Figures 14 to 16. Actuation of the lock 60 does not transmit any movement to the two pads 30a, 30b when it is brought into the unlocked position. However, the notch 64 in the body 62 of the lock is aligned with the corners of each pad.

[0036] This alignment allows the two lugs 30a, 30b to slide inside the notch 64 under the force exerted by the ends of the pivots 72a, 72b on the lugs when relative movement is imparted between the attachment member and the watch case. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member 10 must be moved above the watch case in a direction dictated by the inclination of the rails 24 in order to detach the attachment member from the watch case.

[0037] The movement of the attachment member 10 relative to the watch case dislodges the ends of the pivots 72a, 72b from their respective holes 38 under the stress exerted by these pivots on their respective pads 30a, 30b. This causes the wedge 36 of each pad 30a, 30b to move into the notch 64 (Figure 16). The transverse movement of the two pads in opposite directions compresses the compression spring 40, as illustrated in Figure 15. According to this figure, the pivots 72a, 72b are aligned with the rails, which allows the attachment member to be detached.

[0038] Once the attachment member is detached from the watch case, the two studs 30a, 30b are released from the notch 64 of the lock body under the action of the compression spring 40. The lock 60 returns to the locking position under the action of the compression spring 69 as soon as the lock is released.

[0039] To secure the attachment member to the watch case, the two pivots 72a, 72b attached to the lugs 70 of the watch case are placed in the rails 24 of the attachment member, then pressure is exerted on the actuating surface 63 of the lock 60 while moving the attachment member relative to the watch case in order to move the pivots 72a, 72b in the respective rails until the ends of the pivots exert a stress on the guide surfaces 39 in order to induce a transverse displacement of the two studs 30a, 30b in an opposite direction thus compressing the compression spring 40.

[0040] When the ends of the pivots 72a, 72b are aligned with the respective holes 38 of the two posts 30a, 30b, the latter return to their initial position under the action of the compression spring 40. The lock 60 can at this moment be released so that it returns to the locking position under the action of the compression spring 69 of the lock in order to lock the attachment member to the watch case.

[0041] According to another embodiment, illustrated by Figures 17 and 18, instead of being actuated in translation, the lock is adapted to be actuated in rotation between two angular positions corresponding respectively to a locking position and an unlocking position. To this end, the lock comprises an eccentric lock body 162 having a first width, along a first direction, which is greater than a second width along a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0042] According to Figure 17, the angular position of the lock 162 corresponds to the locking position. The lock body 162 is oriented so that the first width of the lock body 162 is aligned in the direction of movement of the first and second pads 130a, 130b so that the latter are abutted against the lock body 162.

[0043] To move the lock from the locked to the unlocked position, the lock is rotated 90° so that the second width of the lock body 162 is aligned with the direction of movement of the first and second pins 130a, 130b, as illustrated in Figure 18. In the unlocked position, there is therefore a clearance J between the lock body 162 and the respective pins 130a, 130b, which allows the two pins 30a, 30b to slide under the force exerted by the pivot ends on the pins when relative movement is imparted between the attachment member and the watch case. The attachment member may also include a torsion spring (not shown) to constrain the lock in the locked position. The lock body 162 can obviously take different forms in order to lock and unlock the sliding of the two studs 130a, 130b depending on the angular position of the body.

[0044] It is understood that various modifications can be made to the attachment member without departing from the invention as defined in the attached claims. In particular, the shape of the studs and the locking body can vary insofar as actuation of the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position does not transmit any movement to the locking mechanism, and in particular no movement to the first and second studs. Reference list Attachment organ 10 Building 12 Apartment 14 Side edges 16 Opening 18 Background 20 Through hole 21 Side panels 22 Reception area 24 Attachment part 26 Transverse slot 28 First and second cones 30a, 30b, 130a, 130b First lateral side 32a Hole 38 Guiding surface 39 Second lateral side 32b Blind hole 34 Corner 36 Thickness e Elastic organ 40 Hood 50 longitudinal edge 54 Cut 56 Cylindrical 58 Lock 60 Body 62, 162 First portion 62a Actuation surface 63 Second portion 62b Notch 64 Height h Shoulders 66 Obviously 68 Elastic organ 69 Horns 70 Pivot 72a, 72b

Claims

Demands 1. Attachment member (10) for a bracelet strap, adapted to be removably connected to a watch case, the attachment member (10) comprising: a housing (14) in which are retained a first and a second pin (30a, 30b) arranged to slide in a direction transverse to the length of the strap and to cooperate respectively with a first and a second pivot (72a, 72b) fixed to the lugs (70) of the watch case, an elastic member (40) arranged to separate the first and second pins (30a, 30b) from each other, and a latch (60) arranged to, on the one hand, lock the attachment member when the latch (60) is in a locked position and, on the other hand,to allow the detachment of the attachment member (10) from the watch case when the lock (60) is actuated to be brought into an unlocked position and a force allowing the attachment member (10) to separate from the watch case is applied against the elastic member (40), characterized in that the lock (60) and the first and second studs (30a, 30b) are configured so that the actuating of the lock (60) from the locked position to the unlocked position does not transmit any movement to said first and second studs (30a, 30b), 2. Attachment member (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock (60) comprises a body (62) including a first portion (62a) accessible by the user and a second portion (62b) in order to block the movement of the first and second studs (30a, 30b) when the lock (60) is in the locked position.

3. Attachment member (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lock (60) is arranged to be returned to the locking position by an elastic member (69).

4. Attachment member (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lock (60) has a recess (68), preferably cylindrical, inside which is arranged the elastic member (69), preferably a compression spring, in order to constrain the lock (60) in the locking position.

5. Attachment member (10) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a cover (50) mounted on the housing (14), one end of the elastic member (69) being in contact with the cover (50).

6. Attachment member (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the second portion (62b) of the body comprises a stop (66) which prevents any approach of the studs (30a, 30b) towards each other when the lock (60) is in the locking position.

7. Attachment member (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the second portion (62b) has a notch (64) which extends in a plane intercepting the direction of movement of the lock (60), a part (36) of each stud being configured to slide in the notch (64) when the lock (60) is in the unlocked position.

8. Attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two lateral flanks (22) and a receiving portion (24) arranged on each lateral flank (22) to receive the first and second pivots (72a, 72b), the receiving portions (24) being shaped to limit said decoupling from a relative movement exerted in a predefined direction.

9. Attachment member according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each receiving part (24) is arranged to introduce one of the first and second pivots (72a, 72b) from an inlet to an outlet opening into the housing (14).

10. Attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each stud (30a, 30b) has a first lateral side (32a) arranged opposite a corresponding lateral edge (16) of the housing (14), and comprising a hole (38) arranged to receive an end of the corresponding pivot (72a, 72b) when the attachment member (10) is connected to the watch case.

11. Attachment member (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first lateral side (32a) further comprises a guide surface (39) leading to the hole (38), the guide surface being profiled to induce a transverse displacement of each stud (30a, 30b) when the end of the corresponding pivot (72a, 72b) moves along said guide surface (39).

12. Watch bracelet strand comprising the attachment member according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Wristwatch comprising at least one strap strand according to claim 12.

14. Method for detaching the attachment member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - actuating the lock (60) to bring it into the unlocked position, and - the application of a force enabling the attachment member (10) to be separated from the watch case, while maintaining the lock (60) in the unlocked position.

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