Device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case

Abstract

Attachment device for tool-free attachment of a strap strand (8) to a watch case (9), the attachment device comprising an adapter (1) for attachment to or forming part of the watch case (9) and an insert (5) for attachment to or forming part of the end of the strap strand (8), the adapter (1) and the insert (5) being configured to be attached to and detached from each other without tools, the adapter (1) comprising a base (2) for attachment to or forming part of the watch case (9), and a locking member (4) movably mounted on the base (2) between a rest position and an unlocked position, one of the adapter (1) or the insert comprising at least one pin (35) for insertion into at least one blind groove (53) of the other of the insert (5) or the adapter to couple the insert (5) to the adapter (1),the locking member (4) comprising a locking profile (40) configured to cooperate with a locking profile (50) of the insert (5) to lock the insert (5) onto the adapter (1) after the insert (5) has been coupled to the adapter (1) and then pivoted relative to the adapter (1) around at least one pin (35).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case. The present invention relates in particular to an attachment device for attaching and detaching a bracelet to a watch case, for example a standard watch case, without tools.

[0002] There are various solutions for attaching and detaching a strap to a watch case without tools, allowing a user to easily change the strap of their watch, for example to match their outfit or adapt it to a particular activity.

[0003] Some solutions use a mechanism integrated into the strap to allow it to detach from a standard case. The mechanism includes, for example, a button or slides to retract the pivots of the bar on each strap strand, or to activate a clip intended to be attached to a bar attached to the watch case. A disadvantage of such solutions is that each strand of each interchangeable strap must integrate the mechanism, which considerably increases the cost of the strap.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a mechanism that can, for example, be adapted to a standard watch case while minimizing the complexity and additional cost of interchangeable straps.

[0005] Document CH 714 821 B1 describes a solution in which an adapter comprising a ratchet is attached to the lug space of a watch case. A bracelet strand whose end conforms to the adapter can be slid onto the adapter until it engages with the protruding locking members of the ratchet. The bracelet strand is detached by pressing the ratchet, which retracts the locking members and releases the bracelet strand. A disadvantage of this solution is that the attachment system is configured so that the strand snaps onto the adapter by simply pushing towards the watch case, similar to an electrical plug in a wall socket, and is removed in the same way. The strand is only retained on the adapter by the retractable locking members. There is therefore a significant risk that the strand will detach itself if the ratchet is pressed unintentionally.Furthermore, the linear movement required by the fastening system to attach the strand to the case is disadvantageous in the case of flexible bracelets whose end is preferably adjusted, or even slightly compressed against the watch case for aesthetic reasons. It is then difficult to push the strand against the compressive force of its end until it properly clicks onto the adapter, implying the risk that it is not properly locked and may unintentionally detach later. Furthermore, since the pawl remains accessible from the top face of the watch, it can pose a challenge for its integration into the overall aesthetics of the watch.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for the removable attachment without tools of a bracelet strand to a watch case allowing a secure attachment of the bracelet strand to the watch case.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to propose a device for the removable attachment without tools of a strap strand to a watch case making it possible to simply and securely attach straps of different types and / or different materials to the same watch case.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, another aim of the present invention is to propose a device for the removable attachment without tools of a strap strand on a watch case making it possible to transform a classic watch into a watch with an interchangeable strap.

[0009] These aims and other advantages are achieved by an attachment device for tool-free attachment of a bracelet strand to a watch case, the attachment device comprising an adapter for attachment to or part of the watch case and an insert for attachment to or part of the end of the bracelet strand, the adapter and the insert being configured to be attached to and detached from each other without a tool, the adapter comprising a base for attachment to or part of the watch case, and a locking member movably mounted on the base between a rest position and an unlocked position, one of the adapter or the insert comprising at least one peg for insertion into at least one blind groove of the other of the insert or the adapter to couple the insert to the adapter,the locking member comprising a locking profile configured to cooperate with a locking profile of the insert to lock the insert to the adapter after the insert has been coupled to the adapter and then pivoted relative to the adapter about the at least one peg.,

[0010] The arrangement of the movable locking member on the base of the adapter allows for a simple construction insert, thus minimizing the additional cost and complexity of interchangeable bracelets using the device of the invention. The combination of the at least one peg inserted into the bottom of the at least one blind groove and the locking profiles of the adapter and the insert allows the insert to be locked onto the adapter in translation and rotation, thus effectively attaching the bracelet strand to the watch case.

[0011] Preferably, one of the adapter or insert comprises two pegs each intended to be inserted into a blind groove of two blind grooves of the other of the insert or adapter to couple the insert to the adapter. Having two pegs inserting into two blind grooves allows for symmetrical coupling of the bracelet strand to the watch, thereby facilitating the insertion movement for a user.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the base is intended to be fixed between the lugs of a pair of lugs of the watch case. The use of an adapter comprising a base fixed between the lugs of a watch case makes it possible to adapt the device of the invention to any standard watch case without it having to have been designed from the outset to receive interchangeable straps.

[0013] The base then comprises, for example, two pivots each intended to be inserted into a hole in a lug for its attachment between the lugs of the pair of lugs of the watch case. The adapter can thus be attached to the watch case using the holes in the lugs of the watch case usually intended to receive the pivots of a standard spring bar. Preferably, the adapter, in particular the base, is locked in rotation on the watch case by its profile cooperating with the profile of the lug space, or optionally by additional studs extending perpendicular to the pivots in the direction of the watch case.

[0014] The two pivots are for example each formed by the end of a screw screwed into the base, the head of each screw forming a dowel of the at least one dowel.

[0015] Preferably, the locking member is mounted to be rotatably mounted on the base. The locking member is then pivotable on the base between the rest position and the unlocked position.

[0016] Preferably, the attachment device comprises return means for maintaining the locking member in the rest position, the movement of the locking member from the rest position to the unlocked position being against the elastic return force of the return means. The return means partially allow the attachment device to be kept locked when the insert is attached to the adapter.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the locking profile of the insert includes an entry slope configured to press a slope of the locking profile of the locking member during insertion of the at least one peg into the at least one blind groove and push the locking member out of the rest position toward the unlocked position. This allows the user to attach the bracelet strand to the watch case without having to actuate the locking member to bring it into the unlocked position. The locking member is brought into the unlocked position by the pressure exerted by the user to insert the insert onto the adapter.

[0018] Preferably, the locking member is configured to return by itself to the rest position to lock the insert on the adapter after the insert has been coupled to the adapter and then pivoted relative to the adapter around the at least one pin. The return by itself, in the manner of a ratchet, of the locking member to its rest position upon completion of the attachment of the bracelet strand to the watch case allows the automatic locking of the attachment device and allows the user to easily verify that the bracelet strand is correctly attached to the watch case.

[0019] The locking profile of the insert is preferably configured to cooperate with the locking profile of the locking member to prevent pivoting of the insert relative to the locking member about the at least one peg when the insert is locked onto the adapter.

[0020] Preferably, the insert comprises a guide profile configured to cooperate with a profile of the adapter, preferably with a profile of the base, to allow insertion of the at least one dowel into the at least one blind groove only when the insert and the adapter form a predetermined insertion angle. This thus prevents the insert from easily detaching if the locking member is inadvertently brought into the unlocked position.

[0021] Preferably, the insertion angle is more acute than the angle formed by the insert and the adapter when the insert is locked onto the adapter. The chances of inadvertent detachment are thus virtually zero when the watch is worn.

[0022] The locking member preferably includes a button for unlocking the attachment device when the insert is attached and locked to the adapter by pushing the locking member out of the rest position into the unlocked position and allowing pivoting of the insert relative to the locking member about the at least one peg.

[0023] The insert is preferably a rigid, single-piece element. This minimizes the complexity and cost of the insert.

[0024] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description illustrated by the figures, where: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a watch case with an adapter of a fastening device according to the invention; the figure 2 is an exploded view of the adapter of the figure 1 with the watch case and one end of a suitable strap strand; the figure 3is a vertical section of the adapter and the box of the figure 1 at the level of the holes of the horns of the box; the figure 4 is a horizontal section of the adapter and the box of the figure 1 at the level of the holes of the horns of the box; the Figure 5 is a perspective view of one end of a bracelet strand with an insert of a fastening device according to the invention; figure 6 is an exploded view of the bracelet strand end of the Figure 5 ; there figure 7 is a perspective view from below of a watch with a strap attached using a fastening device according to the invention; figure 8 is a partial side view of a watch comprising an attachment device of the invention with a partially attached bracelet strand; figures 9 to 12 are vertical sections of the watch of the figure 8 ; there figure 13 is a side view of the watch of the figure 8with the bracelet strand completely attached; the figures 14 to 17 are vertical sections of the watch of the figure 13 .

[0025] According to the invention, the attachment device comprises an adapter intended to be attached to or form part of a watch case and an insert intended to be attached to or form part of the end of a bracelet strand. The adapter is for example intended to be attached between the lugs of a watch case.

[0026] In reference to the figures 1 to 4illustrating by way of example an embodiment of an adapter 1 according to the invention, the adapter 1 preferably comprises a base 2 intended to be fixed between the horns 90 of a pair of horns of the watch case 9. The base 2 is for example fixed to the horns 90 of the pair of horns using pivots 30 intended to be introduced into the holes 91 of the horns 90 generally provided to receive the pivots of a standard bar. The profile of the base 2 is preferably configured to cooperate with the profile of the inter-horn of the watch case 9 in order to keep the base 2 stationary relative to the watch case 9 when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9.The profile of the base 2 is for example at least partially complementary to the profile of the inter-lug so that, when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9, the support of the profile of the base 2 against the profile of the inter-lug prevents the base 2 from pivoting on the watch case 9 around the pivots 30, that is to say around an axis of rotation coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the pivots 30.

[0027] According to the invention, the base 2 comprises at least one peg 35 intended to be inserted into a corresponding groove of a bracelet strand 8 intended to be attached to the watch case 9, in particular into a groove of an insert fixed or integrated into the bracelet strand 8, to couple the bracelet strand 8 to the watch case 9, as explained in more detail below. The peg 35 is preferably arranged so that when the base 2 is fixed to the horns 90 of the watch case 9, it extends towards the center of the inter-horn space in a direction parallel to a virtual axis connecting together the holes 91 of the horns 90 to which the base 2 is fixed. Preferably, the base 2 comprises two pegs 35 arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the base 2 which is preferably coincident with a median plane of the inter-horn space when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9.Thus, when the base 2 is fixed to the watch case 9, the pins 35 preferably extend opposite each other, each from an opposite side of the lug space.

[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment, the two pivots 30 and the two dowels 35 are formed using two screws 3 each screwed on one side of the base 2 into a tapped hole 23 provided for this purpose. The tapped holes 23 are through holes and the screws 3 are screwed into the tapped holes 23, preferably after the base 2 has been placed between the horns 90, until their tip forming the pivot 30 emerges from the other side of the corresponding tapped hole 23 and is introduced into the hole 91 of the corresponding horn 90. The head of each screw 3 is preferably configured and dimensioned to remain protruding from the corresponding tapped hole 23 when the screw 3 is fully screwed in and thus forms the corresponding dowel 35. Other embodiments are however possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, the pivots may be separate parts from the ankle(s).The pivots may, for example, be retractable pivots fixed on either side of the base and the dowels may, for example, be pins inserted into the base or made of the same material as the latter. The dowel(s) may not be coaxial with the pivots.

[0029] Optionally, the base 2 further comprises guide studs 20 preferably oriented perpendicularly to the pivots 30 in the direction of the watch case 9 to be inserted into complementary holes formed in the inter-lug space, in the wall of the watch case 9. The guide studs 20 make it possible to guide the positioning of the base 2 during its mounting on the watch case 9, contribute to maintaining the base 2 in position during its fixing, for example during the screwing of the screws 3, and also prevent the base 2 from pivoting relative to the watch case 9 around the pivots 30 after its fixing to the watch case 9. The guide studs 20 are for example inserted and held by friction in corresponding bores of the base 2. Advantageously, they can thus be removed or omitted if the watch case does not have holes suitable for receiving them. However, other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention.The guide pins are, for example, screwed onto the base in threaded holes provided for this purpose, or made integral with the base.

[0030] According to the invention, the adapter 1 comprises a locking member 4 movably mounted on the base 2. The locking member 4 comprises a locking profile 40 intended to cooperate with a corresponding locking profile of a bracelet strand 8 intended to be attached to the watch case 9, in particular with a locking profile of an insert fixed or integrated to the bracelet strand 8, to lock the bracelet strand 8 on the watch case 9, as explained in more detail below. The locking member 4 preferably comprises a button 41 configured to allow a user to actuate the locking member 4 when the bracelet strand 8 is attached to the watch case 9, in order to detach the bracelet strand 8 from the watch case 9. The button 41 is preferably fixed relative to the rest of the locking member 4. The locking member 4 is preferably a rigid one-piece element comprising the locking profile 40 and the button 41.

[0031] The locking member 4 is preferably mounted so as to be able to rotate on the base 2. The locking member 4 is for example mounted so as to be able to rotate around a rod 21 mounted on a suitable support 29 of the base 2 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one pin 35. When the adapter 1 is fixed to the watch case 9, the locking member 4 thus pivots around an axis of rotation embodied by the rod 21 and preferably parallel to the virtual axis connecting the holes 90 of the horns 9 to which the adapter 1 is fixed. The locking member 4 is preferably mounted so as to be able to rotate at its end opposite the button 41. The locking member 4 is preferably mounted on the base 2 so that the locking profile 40 is arranged between the horns 90, substantially at an equal distance from each horn 90, when the adapter 1 is fixed to the watch case 9.The locking member 4 is preferably mounted on the base 2 so that, when the adapter 1 is fixed to the watch case 9 and a bracelet strand 8 is attached to the adapter 1, the button 41 is accessible to a user, preferably from below the watch case 9. The locking member 4 preferably pivots between two positions: a rest position corresponding to the locked position of the attachment device of the invention and an unlocking position, corresponding to the unlocked position of the attachment device.

[0032] The adapter 1 preferably comprises return means, for example a double torsion spring 22 mounted around the rod 21, acting on the locking member 4 to maintain it in its rest position relative to the base 2. Thus, the return means, for example the double torsion spring 22, participate in maintaining the attachment device of the invention in the locked position when the bracelet strand 8 is attached to the watch case 9. The locking member 4 is pivoted against the elastic return force of the return means, for example the torsion spring 22, to unlock the attachment device and detach the bracelet strand 8 from the watch case 9.

[0033] In reference to the Figures 5 and 6illustrating by way of example a preferred embodiment of an insert according to the invention seen from below, the insert 5 is for example intended to be integrated into one end of a bracelet strand 8. The insert 5 is preferably a rigid single-piece part, made of metal or any other suitable material, integrated into a housing 80 formed at the end of the bracelet strand 8. The bracelet strand 8 is for example made of polymer and the insert 5 is integrated into the bracelet strand 8 by overmolding the bracelet strand 8 onto the insert 5. According to other embodiments, the bracelet strand is for example made of leather and the insert is fixed in or at the end of the bracelet strand by gluing, or by any other appropriate means adapted to the materials used for the bracelet strand and the insert.According to other embodiments, the insert is formed directly on the end of the bracelet strand, for example by machining or molding a first link of a bracelet strand, for example metallic or ceramic. The insert 5 is configured to cooperate with the adapter of the attachment device of the invention in order to attach and detach without tools the bracelet strand 8 to the watch case to which the adapter is fixed.

[0034] According to the invention, the insert 5 comprises at least one blind groove 53 intended to receive the at least one pin of the adapter for coupling the bracelet strand 8 to the watch case carrying the adapter. Preferably, the insert 5 comprises two blind grooves 53 each intended to receive a pin of the adapter of the attachment device of the invention. According to the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the adapter comprises at least one pin, preferably two pins, and the insert comprises at least one blind groove intended to receive the at least one pin of the adapter, preferably two blind grooves each intended to receive one of the two pins of the adapter. However, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention to provide the pin(s) on the insert and the corresponding blind groove(s) on the adapter, or to provide a pin and a groove on each of the two parts of the attachment device of the invention.

[0035] According to the invention, the insert 5 comprises a locking profile 50 intended to cooperate with the locking profile of the locking member of the adapter to lock the attachment device of the invention and thus ensure that the bracelet strand 8 is held on the watch case. The locking profile 50 of the insert 5 is preferably of a shape complementary to the locking profile of the locking member. The locking profile 50 of the insert 5 comprises, for example, two inclined faces 51, 52 forming an edge extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet strand 8 when the insert 5 is fixed to the bracelet strand 8. A first inclined face is, for example, an entry slope 51 intended to first come into contact with the locking profile of the locking member when the bracelet strand 8 is coupled to the watch case in order to push the locking member into its unlocked position.A second inclined face is for example a locking slope 52 intended to cooperate with the locking profile of the locking member to prevent rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter when the attachment device of the invention is locked and the bracelet strand 8 is attached to the watch case.

[0036] Preferably, the insert 5 further comprises a guide profile 56 intended to cooperate with a corresponding profile of the adapter, in particular of the base, to allow the coupling of the insert 5 to the adapter only when the insert 5 forms a predetermined insertion angle with the adapter, consequently when the bracelet strand 8 is inclined by a predetermined insertion angle relative to the watch case. Preferably, the insertion angle is more acute than the angle formed by the bracelet strand and the watch case when the watch is worn on the wrist, to prevent the bracelet strand from unintentionally detaching from the watch case if the attachment device is accidentally unlocked, in particular while the watch is being worn.

[0037] The attachment device of the invention comprising the adapter and the insert makes it possible to attach and detach the bracelet strand 8 to the watch case 9 without tools. In particular, the bracelet strand 8 can be detached from the watch case 9 by actuating the button 41 to pivot the locking member around its axis from its rest position to its unlocking position, and thus decouple the locking profile of the locking member from the locking profile of the insert. figure 7partially illustrates a watch seen from below, one strand of bracelet 8 of which is attached to the lugs 90 of a pair of lugs of the watch case 9 by means of an attachment device according to the invention. Preferably, the button 41 is accessible from below the watch and extends from one lug 90 to the other, thus offering an advantageous aesthetic appearance, although hidden when the watch is worn on the wrist, and a sufficient surface area to allow its easy actuation by a user. According to certain embodiments, the actuation surface of the button 41 is structured, for example ribbed, in order to allow a better grip for the user and prevent his finger from slipping when actuation of the button 41.

[0038] THE figures 8 to 17 illustrate in more detail certain aspects of the attachment device of the invention and its operation.

[0039] There figure 8is a side view of a bracelet strand 8 equipped with an insert of the attachment device of the invention, which is coupled but not yet locked to a watch case 9 to which an adapter of the attachment device is fixed, of which only the button 41 is visible. The bracelet strand 8 is for example in the process of being attached to the watch case 9 or in the process of being detached from the latter.

[0040] Preferably, the bracelet strand 8 is coupled to the watch case 9 by bringing the insert 5 closer to the adapter 1 so as to insert the peg(s) 35 of the adapter 1 or the insert into the corresponding groove(s) 53 of the other of the insert 5 or the adapter, as illustrated by way of example in figure 9 which is a vertical section of the watch of the figure 8at the level of a groove 53 of the fastening device. As illustrated in this figure, the peg(s) 35 are slid to the bottom of the corresponding blind groove 53 in a direction determined by the preferably rectilinear shape of the groove(s) 53.

[0041] In reference to the figure 10 which is a vertical section of the watch of the figure 8at one end of the insert 5, the inclination of the insert 5 relative to the adapter, and consequently the inclination of the bracelet strand 8 relative to the watch case 9, during the insertion of the peg(s) into the corresponding groove(s) is preferably determined by the guide profile 56 of the insert 5 cooperating with a corresponding profile of the adapter 1, preferably a corresponding profile of the base 2. Thus, the insertion of the peg(s) into the groove(s) is possible only when the inclination of the bracelet strand 8 relative to the watch case 9 corresponds to the determined insertion angle which allows the guide profile 56 to slide along the corresponding profile of the adapter during insertion.Preferably, the guide profile 56 of the insert 5 and the corresponding profile of the adapter are configured so that the bracelet strand 8 cannot be pivoted relative to the watch case 9 during the sliding of the pin(s) in the corresponding groove(s), before the pin(s) have reached the bottom of the corresponding groove(s).

[0042] There figure 11 is a vertical section of the watch of the figure 8at the level of the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4, for example at the center of the inter-horn space of the watch case 9, that is to say at an equal distance from each horn of the pair of horns to which the adapter of the invention is fixed. Preferably, when the pin(s) have reached the bottom of the corresponding groove(s), the locking profile 50 of the insert 5 bears against the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4 and pushes the locking member 4 into the unlocked position against the elastic return force of the return means, for example the torsion spring 22. Preferably, the entry slope 51 of the locking profile 50 of the insert 5 bears against a slope 45 of the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4.

[0043] There figure 12 , which is a vertical section of the watch of the figure 8at a side wall of the locking profile 40 of the locking member 4, shows the compression of the return means, for example of the torsion spring 22 which is compressed between the base 2 and the locking member 4 on which it is held in a suitable guide groove.

[0044] Once the dowel(s) 35 have been inserted in a preferably linear movement into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53, resulting in the coupling position illustrated as an example in the figures 8 to 12 , the bracelet strand 8 is pivoted relative to the watch case 9 around the pin(s) 35, that is to say around an axis of rotation coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the pin(s) 35m until reaching the locking position illustrated by way of example by the figures 13 to 17. During rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter 1, the entry slope 51 of the locking profile of the insert 5 slides against the slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4 and thus maintains the latter in the unlocked position, until the top of the entry slope 51 of the locking profile of the insert 5 passes over the top of the slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4 and the locking member 4 then returns to the rest position under the elastic return force of the return means, for example the torsion spring 22, in the manner of a ratchet. The locking profile of the insert 5 being preferably complementary to the locking profile of the locking member 4, the two locking profiles are preferably pressed against each other when the attachment device is locked.

[0045] The attachment device of the invention is thus self-locking at the end of the insertion movement, preferably linear, for coupling the insert 5 to the adapter 1, then locking by rotation of the insert 5 on the adapter 1 for their locking together.

[0046] The slopes of the locking profiles are preferably oriented so that their contact, when the fastening device is locked, prevents relative rotation of the insert and the adapter around the dowels and prevents involuntary rotation of the locking member on its axis.

[0047] When the material of the insert 5 and / or the bracelet strand 8 is elastic, it is preferably slightly compressed when the attachment device is locked, thus contributing to the firm holding of the bracelet strand 8 on the watch case 9. The compressed flexible material of the insert 5 and / or the bracelet strand 8 also contributes to initiating the reverse rotation of the bracelet strand 8 relative to the watch case 9 when the attachment device is unlocked to detach the bracelet strand 8.

[0048] When the materials of the insert 5 and the bracelet strand 8 are rigid, for example metallic, a seal made of elastic material not shown in the figures may be provided for example at the end of the bracelet strand 8 in contact with the watch case 9 when the attachment device is locked in order to compensate for any possible play between these elements.

[0049] THE figures 14 to 16illustrate the device of the invention in the locked position according to vertical sections corresponding to those of the figures 9 to 12 .

[0050] In reference to the figure 14 , in the locked position the pin(s) 35 are inserted at the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53 and the insert 5 is preferably pressed against the base 2.

[0051] As illustrated in the figure 15, the angle between the insert 5 and the adapter being different from the insertion angle, preferably greater than the latter, the guide profile 56 of the insert 5 is no longer aligned with the corresponding profile of the adapter, for example of the base 2. In this angular position, the insert 5 cannot be removed from the adapter, even if the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position. Indeed, in this angular position, the profile of the insert cooperates with the profile of the base 2 to prevent the relative movement of the insert 5 and the adapter in the direction of the blind groove(s) 53. The pin(s) 35 cannot thus be slid out of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53 to decouple the insert 5 from the adapter.

[0052] There figure 16shows that in the locked position, the locking profile of the locking member 4 is preferably pressed against the locking profile of the insert 5. According to the illustrated embodiment, the counter-slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4 is pressed against the locking slope 52 of the locking profile of the insert 5. The slope 45 of the locking profile of the locking member 4 and its counter-slope form an edge which is inserted into a groove with a profile complementary to that of the edge, formed by the locking slope 52 of the locking profile of the insert 5 and its counter-slope, thus preventing any rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter around the pins 35. The attachment device of the invention is locked.

[0053] There figure 17shows that in this locked position, the elastic return means of the adapter, for example the torsion spring 22, is less compressed than in the unlocked position of the attachment device illustrated for example in figure 12 .

[0054] Other configurations of the locking profiles of the insert and of the locking member are conceivable within the scope of the invention, for example profiles comprising a greater number of edges and / or profiles comprising one or more grooves and / or protuberances with rounded or polygonal, convex or concave profiles and complementary two by two.According to the invention, the locking profiles of the locking member and the insert are configured to allow rotation of the insert 5 relative to the adapter 1 when the peg(s) 35 are inserted into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53 and the locking member is in the unlocked position, and to prevent such rotation when the peg(s) 35 are inserted into the bottom of the corresponding blind groove(s) 53, the locking member is in the rest position and the locking profiles are then engaged with each other, preferably pressed against each other.Preferably, the locking profiles of the locking member and the insert are configured to allow rotation of the insert relative to the adapter during locking without the user having to actuate the button, the pressing of the insert against the locking member during rotation keeping the locking member away from its rest position. More preferably, at the end of the rotation the locking member returns to its rest position under the action of the return force of the elastic return means in the manner of a ratchet and thus automatically locks the attachment device of the invention.

[0055] The attachment device of the invention and its operation are described above for a bracelet strand intended to be attached to a pair of lugs of a watch case. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device of the invention and its operation apply in the same way to the second bracelet strand forming the bracelet of the watch and intended to be attached to the other pair of lugs of the watch case, each pair of lugs of the watch case comprising an adapter and each strand of the bracelet comprising an insert of an attachment device according to the invention.

[0056] According to the embodiments described above, the attachment device of the invention comprises an adapter intended to be fixed between the lugs of a pair of lugs of a watch case. Those skilled in the art will understand that other attachment means are conceivable within the scope of the invention for attaching the adapter to the watch case, for example directly screwed or clipped onto a side of the watch case, in particular in the case where the watch case does not include lugs. Alternatively, the adapter, in particular the base of the adapter, is directly formed on the watch case during the manufacture of the latter. The base is for example made in one piece with the watch case.

Claims

1. Attachment device for tool-free attachment of a bracelet strand (8) to a watch case (9), the attachment device comprising an adapter (1) intended to be attached to or form part of the watch case (9) and an insert (5) intended to be attached to or form part of the end of the bracelet strand (8), the adapter (1) and the insert (5) being configured to be attached to and detached from each other without tools, the adapter (1) comprising: - a base (2) intended to be attached to or form part of the watch case (9), and - a locking member (4) mounted movably on the base (2) between a rest position and an unlocking position;one of the adapter (1) or the insert comprising at least one peg (35) intended to be inserted into at least one blind groove (53) of the other of the insert (5) or the adapter to couple the insert (5) to the adapter (1), the locking member (4) comprising a locking profile (40) configured to cooperate with a locking profile (50) of the insert (5) to lock the insert (5) on the adapter (1) after the insert (5) has been coupled to the adapter (1) and then pivoted relative to the adapter (1) around the at least one peg (35).; 2. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, one of the adapter (1) or the insert comprising two pins (35) intended to be each introduced into a blind groove (53) of two blind grooves (53) of the other of the insert (5) or the adapter to couple the insert (5) to the adapter (1).

3. Attachment device according to one of the preceding claims, the base (2) being intended to be fixed between the horns (90) of a pair of horns of the watch case (9).

4. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, the base (2) comprising two pivots (30) each intended to be introduced into a hole (91) of a horn (90) for its attachment between the horns (90) of the pair of horns of the watch case (9).

5. Attachment device according to the preceding claim, the two pivots (30) each being formed by the end of a screw (3) screwed onto the base (2), the head of each screw (3) forming a pin (35) of the at least one pin (35).

6. Attachment device according to one of the preceding claims, the locking member (4) being mounted to move in rotation on the base (2).

7. Fastening device according to the preceding claim, the locking member (4) being pivotable on the base (2) between the rest position and the unlocking position.

8. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising return means (22) for holding the locking member (4) in the rest position, the movement of the locking member (4) from the rest position to the unlocking position being carried out against the elastic return force of the return means (22).

9. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, the locking profile (50) of the insert (5) comprising an entry slope (51) configured to press on a slope (45) of the locking profile (40) of the locking member (4) and push the locking member (4) out of the rest position towards the unlocking position during the insertion of the at least one dowel (35) into the at least one blind groove (53).

10. Attachment device according to one of the preceding claims, the locking member (4) being configured to return by itself to the rest position to lock the insert (5) on the adapter (1) after the insert (5) has been coupled to the adapter (1) and then pivoted relative to the adapter (1) around the at least one peg (35).

11. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, the locking profile (50) of the insert (5) being configured to cooperate with the locking profile (40) of the locking member (4) to prevent the pivoting of the insert (5) relative to the locking member (4) around the at least one peg (35) when the insert (5) is locked on the adapter (1).

12. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, the insert (5) comprising a guide profile (26) configured to cooperate with a profile of the adapter (1), preferably with a profile of the base (2), to allow the insertion of the at least one dowel (35) into the at least one blind groove (53) only when the insert (5) and the adapter (1) form a predetermined insertion angle.

13. Fastening device according to the preceding claim, the insertion angle being more acute than the angle formed by the insert (5) and the adapter (1) when the insert (5) is locked onto the adapter (1).

14. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, the locking member (4) comprising a button (41) for unlocking the fastening device when the insert (5) is locked on the adapter (1) by pushing the locking member (4) out of the rest position into the unlocking position and allowing the pivoting of the insert (5) relative to the locking member (4) around the at least one peg (35).

15. Attachment device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the insert is a rigid single-piece element.

Images