Wristwatch fit-setting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a comfort device for a wristwatch, comprising a support (12), and a contact part (86) intended to come into contact with the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch. The contact part (86) is mounted adjustable relative to the support (12) by a control member (72) to vary the distance between the contact part (86) and the support (12) for adjusting the comfort when wearing the wristwatch. The invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising the comfort device integrated into the clasp of the bracelet, in particular of the folding clasp type.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking and more particularly to a comfort device for a wristwatch. The device can be integrated in particular into a clasp, in particular of the folding clasp type. The invention also relates to a folding clasp comprising the comfort device as well as a wristwatch comprising such a clasp. State of the art

[0002] Devices for adjusting the length of a bracelet to make the bracelet, particularly a watch bracelet, comfortable are well known in the state of the art. In general, these devices can be classified into two categories. There are devices that are integrated between two elements of the bracelet in order to vary the distance between these two elements as well as devices that are integrated into the bracelet clasp in order to modify the length of the clasp in the closed position.

[0003] These devices, whether integrated into the clasp or at the bracelet level, all aim to modify the useful length of the bracelet in order to make the bracelet comfortable depending on the size of the wearer's wrist.

[0004] The lengthwise adjustment of the clasp or bracelet often causes a gap or an offset that has a negative impact on the aesthetics of the bracelet. Some solutions attempt to mask this offset by integrating the end of a bracelet strand into a cover, which has the disadvantage of degrading the appearance of the bracelet. Other solutions offer a sliding link, which limits the size of the clasp in terms of thickness. This type of solution is however not compatible with ceramic bracelets due to the low thickness of the components that is necessary to house the adjustment system in a link. Brief summary of the invention

[0005] An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a comfort device for a wristwatch, which can be integrated in particular into a clasp and which aims to resolve at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0006] Another aim of the present invention is to propose a comfort device for a wristwatch according to an alternative solution to known comfort devices aimed at modifying the useful length of the bracelet.

[0007] These aims are achieved, at least in part, by a device for making a wristwatch comfortable, comprising a support and a contact piece intended to come into contact with the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch. The contact piece is mounted adjustable relative to the support by a control member to vary the distance between the contact piece and the support for adjusting the comfort of wearing the wristwatch.

[0008] In one embodiment, the contact part is connected to the control member via at least one kinematic connection.

[0009] In one embodiment, the control member is associated with the support.

[0010] In one embodiment, the contact part is in the form of a blade. The kinematic link is arranged to connect the control member to one end of the blade in order to move this end relative to the support when the control member is actuated.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a second kinematic link arranged to connect the control member to the other end of the blade in order to move this other end relative to the support when the control member is actuated.

[0012] In one embodiment, the link or each kinematic link comprises a transmission member movable in translation by the control member and connected to a connecting element mounted articulated between the respective end of the blade and the transmission member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the transmission member is arranged within the support.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control member is rotatable.

[0015] In one embodiment, the transmission member comprises a curvilinear groove non-concentric to an axis of rotation of the control member. The latter comprises a driving element configured to come into the groove in order to translate the transmission member when the control member is actuated in rotation.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control member is arranged within the support.

[0017] In one embodiment, the control member comprises an indexing mechanism providing it with a plurality of stable positions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control member is a thumbwheel having a central portion configured to house the indexing mechanism therein.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to a clasp comprising the comfort device according to one of the above embodiments.

[0020] In one embodiment, the clasp comprises a frame acting as a support for the comfort device and to the ends of which are connected two articulated arms. The latter are each connected to a connecting member intended to be attached to one end of a strand of the bracelet.

[0021] In one embodiment, the two articulated arms are configured to be able to be locked against the frame by means of a closing mechanism partly integrated in a central part of the control member.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising the clasp according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Examples of implementation of the invention are described in the description with reference to the appended figures in which: there Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a clasp for a wristwatch, incorporating a device for making the bracelet comfortable, in a closed configuration, according to a preferred form of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view from below of the clasp of the Figure 1 ; there Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the clasp of the Figure 1in a deployed configuration; the Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the clasp locking / unlocking mechanism; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of one of the locking elements of the mechanism of the Figure 4 ; there Figure 6a illustrates a side view of the clasp locking / unlocking mechanism in a locked configuration; Figure 6b illustrates a side view of the clasp locking / unlocking mechanism in an unlocked configuration; Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the bracelet comfort device arranged on a lower side of the clasp frame; Figure 8a illustrates a perspective view of the indexing member of the bracelet comfort device of the Figure 7 ; there Figure 8b illustrates a top view of the indexing organ of the Figure 8a ; there figure 9 illustrates a top view of the control member of the wristband comfort device of the Figure 7 ; there Figure 10a illustrates a side view of the clasp in a closed configuration with the bracelet comfort device in a first indexed position; Figure 10b illustrates a sectional view of the clasp of the Figure 10a according to AA; the Figure 11a illustrates a view similar to the Figure 10a with the device for placing the bracelet at ease in a second indexed position; the Figure 11b illustrates a sectional view of the clasp of the Figure 11a according to BB; the Figure 12a illustrates a view similar to the Figure 11a with the bracelet comfort device in a third indexed position; the Figure 12b illustrates a sectional view of the clasp of the Figure 12a according to BB; The Figures 13a and 13b illustrate two schematic views of a wristwatch incorporating the device for making the bracelet comfortable in the clasp, according to another embodiment, respectively in a first and a second comfortable state, and The Figures 14a and 14billustrate two schematic views of a wristwatch integrating the device for making the bracelet comfortable in the clasp, according to another embodiment, respectively in a first and a second comfortable state. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0024] The clasp 10 illustrated without limitation by the Figures 1 to 12b integrates the comfort device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. More particularly, the clasp 10 is of the folding clasp type for closing a bracelet of a timepiece comprising two free ends.

[0025] Generally, the clasp 10 comprises a frame 12, first and second arms 23, 24 articulated respectively to a first and a second end of the frame 12 as well as a first and a second connecting member 34, 36 connected to one end respectively of the first and second arms 23, 24 and arranged to cooperate with the first and second free ends of the bracelet. The clasp 10 further comprises a closing mechanism 40 configured to lock the first and second arms 23, 24 against a first side of the frame 12 according to the description which will be given later.

[0026] The clasp 10 further comprises the comfort device 70, illustrated in particular by the Figure 7, comprising for this purpose a contact piece 86, for example in the form of a pad or a blade 86 mounted on a second side of the frame 12 opposite the first side and intended to come into contact with the wrist of the wearer of the bracelet. The device 70 further comprises a control member 72 operable in rotation and two kinematic links 88 arranged on either side of the control member 72 and connecting the latter to two opposite ends of the blade 86 so as to vary the distance between the blade 86 and the frame 12, by raising or lowering the frame 12 relative to the blade depending on whether the control member 72 is actuated in rotation in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0027] As this emerges more precisely in particular from the figures 1 to 4, the general shape of the frame 12 is advantageously curved in order to fit a part of the circumference of the wearer's wrist. The first and second arms 23, 24 are articulated at the two ends of the frame 12 by a mounting rod 32a. Each arm 23, 24 comprises two lateral branches 26, one of the ends of which is connected together by a fastening element 28, which is connected by a mounting rod 32b to one of the connecting members 34, 36 arranged to cooperate with a free end of the bracelet.

[0028] The first side of the frame 12 comprises two receiving parts 18, 19 arranged on either side of a central part 14 of the frame 12. These two receiving parts 18, 19 each comprise an imprint 20 for receiving the two lateral branches 26 and the attachment element 28 of the two arms 23, 24.

[0029] With particular reference to the Figures 4, 5, 6a and 6b, the closing mechanism 40 comprises a pusher 42, a return member 54 acting on the pusher, and two locking elements 56a, 56b arranged to move in a direction orthogonal to the movement of the pusher 42. The latter preferably has a substantially square perimeter while each connecting member 34, 36 comprises a “U”-shaped part intended to fit half of the perimeter of the pusher 42 as illustrated in particular in FIG. Figure 1 when the clasp 10 is in a closed configuration. Thus, the pusher 42 and the connecting members 34, 36 preferably have complementary shapes.

[0030] In view of the Figure 5, each locking element 56a, 56b comprises, on the one hand, a bolt 58 arranged to cooperate with a tooth 30 located on the attachment element 28 respectively of the first and second arms 23, 24 and, on the other hand, a stud 60 provided with an elongated opening 62. The elongated opening of the two studs are juxtaposed and inclined along an axis of symmetry. The angle of inclination of each elongated opening 62 relative to the general plane of the central part 14 of the frame is preferably equal to 45°.

[0031] According to the Figure 4 , the closing mechanism 40 further comprises a support 46 comprising a plate 48 provided with at least one opening, preferably two openings 50, for example oblong in shape, and fixing lugs 52 for fixing the support 46 at the central part 14 of the frame 12.

[0032] The pusher 42 comprises at least one fastening element, preferably two fastening elements 44 located on the lower face of the pusher 42 and close to two opposite edges thereof. These two fastening elements 44 pass through the two openings 50 of the plate 48 and are connected to the studs 60 of the locking elements 56a, 56b by a connecting rod 64 passing through the elongated opening 62 of each stud. The two studs 60 are arranged in an opening 16 passing right through the central part 14 of the frame 12.

[0033] The return member 54 of the pusher 42 may for example be in the form of a flexible blade, in particular in the shape of a “V”. The flexible blade is in this example arranged between the pusher 42 and the plate 48 in order to bear on the latter to return the pusher 42 to a rest position.

[0034] According to the Figure 6a, the bolts 58 of the two locking elements are arranged against a tooth 30 of the attachment element 28 respectively of the first and second arms 23, 24 in order to lock the latter against the first side of the frame 12. When pressure is exerted on the pusher 42, the action of the connecting rod 64 on the two studs 60 allows them to be moved in a direction orthogonal to the movement of the pusher 42 and in two opposite directions in order to disengage the bolts 58 from the teeth 30 as illustrated by the Figure 6b The two arms 23, 24 can thus be deployed to open the clasp.

[0035] In reference to the figures 7 And 9, the control member is preferably in the form of a wheel 72 mounted between the second side of the frame 12 and the blade 86. The latter preferably comprises a flat central portion 86a intended to rest on an upper part of the wearer's wrist and two curved portions 86b located on either side of the central portion. The wheel 72 comprises an annular part 73 delimiting a central opening 76 inside which is mounted an indexing mechanism which will be described later. The external contour of the wheel 72 is preferably notched in order to improve its maneuverability. Furthermore, the size of the wheel 72 has been determined so that two diametrically opposed portions extend beyond the width of the frame 12 on each side of the central part as illustrated by the Figure 2 .

[0036] In the example shown in the Figure 7, each kinematic connection 88 is arranged in a housing 21 of the frame and comprises a transmission member 89 and a connection element 92 connected to the transmission member 89 on the one hand, and to one of the ends of the blade 86 on the other hand. To this end, each end of the curved portions 86b of the blade 86 comprises an attachment element 87 connected to the connection element 92 of the corresponding kinematic connection by an assembly rod 94a.

[0037] The transmission member 89 and the connecting element 92 of each kinematic connection 88 are connected together by an assembly rod 94b whose ends are arranged in two longitudinal openings 21a located at two lateral edges of the housing 21 of the frame. The length of these longitudinal openings is determined as a function of the maximum amplitude desired for the comfort of the bracelet.

[0038] The transmission member 89 is configured to move under the action of one of two driving elements 74a, 74b secured to the wheel 72 and arranged diametrically opposite. This makes it possible to move, by means of the connecting element 92, the respective end of the blade 86 relative to the frame 12 when the wheel 72 is maneuvered in rotation in order to raise or lower the frame relative to the blade.

[0039] More specifically, each transmission member 89 comprises a curvilinear groove 90 inside which is arranged one of the two driving elements 74a, 74b which may for example be in the form of pins fixed on a face of the wheel 72, for example by driving. The curvilinear groove of each transmission member 89 is non-concentric to an axis of rotation of the control member 72 in order to induce a translational movement of each transmission member 89 when the control member is maneuvered in rotation. The curvilinear grooves 90 also have a central symmetry relative to the center of rotation of the control member 72.

[0040] In reference to the Figures 8a, 8b and 9, the comfort device 70 of the bracelet further comprises an indexing mechanism. This comprises an indexing member 80 arranged inside the central opening 76 of the wheel 72 and indexing means 78a, 78b secured to the wheel 72 and configured to cooperate with the indexing member 80 in order to index the wheel 72 in different angular positions corresponding to different degrees of comfort.

[0041] More specifically, the indexing means may for example be in the form of two flexible blades 78a, 78b diametrically opposed and integral with the wheel 72. These flexible blades may for example extend along a circular portion of an internal edge of the wheel. The indexing member 80 comprises a base 81 as well as a wall 82 perpendicular to the base and at least partially circular. This wall 82 comprises several recesses 83a, 83b, 83c intended to cooperate with a free end 79 of each flexible blade 78a, 78b of the wheel 72, this end having a shape complementary to the profile of the recesses. The indexing member 80 is fixed on the second side of the frame 12 at its central part 12. The face of the indexing member 80 mounted against the frame 12 comprises a housing 84 in order to partially receive the two studs 60 of the closure mechanism 40 of the bracelet.

[0042] THE Figures 10a and 10billustrate the clasp in a closed configuration and in a first state of comfort of the device, corresponding more particularly to a first extreme state of adjustment of the comfort. According to this state, each pin 74a, 74b is located inside each groove 90 close to one end thereof. The free end 79 of the two flexible blades of the wheel are held against two recesses 83a of the indexing member 80 which are diametrically opposed in order to maintain the comfort device in this state. The ends of the assembly rods 94a passing through the transmission members 89 and the connecting elements 92 are located against an edge of the longitudinal openings located at two lateral edges of the housing. According to this configuration, the blade 86 is pressed against the second side of the frame as illustrated by the Figure 10a .

[0043] THE Figures 11a and 11billustrate the clasp in a closed configuration and in a second state of comfort of the device, corresponding more particularly to an intermediate adjustment state located between two extreme states of comfort adjustment. According to this second state, each pin 74a, 74b has moved along their respective groove 90 to find themselves halfway in the groove. This movement has caused a translational movement of each transmission member 89 and each connecting member 92 so as to raise the frame 12 relative to the blade 86, or to lower the blade 86 relative to the frame 12, as illustrated by the Figure 11athus creating a gap between the blade and the frame. The free end 79 of the two flexible blades of the wheel are held against two other recesses 83b of the indexing member 80 in order to maintain the device for making the bracelet comfortable in this second state. At this moment, the ends of the assembly rods 94b passing through the transmission members 89 and the connecting elements 92 are located halfway between the two lateral edges of the longitudinal openings 21a.

[0044] THE Figures 12a and 12billustrate the clasp in a closed configuration and in a third state of comfort of the device, corresponding more particularly to the second extreme state of adjustment of the comfort. According to this third state, each pin 74a, 74b has moved along their respective groove 90 to find themselves close to the other end of the groove. This additional movement has caused an additional translational movement of each transmission member 89 and of each connecting member 92 so as to further raise the frame 12 relative to the blade 86, or to further lower the blade 86 relative to the frame 12, as illustrated by the Figure 12athus increasing the gap between the blade and the support. The free end 79 of the two flexible blades of the wheel are held against two other recesses 83c of the indexing member 80 in order to maintain the device for making the bracelet comfortable in this third state. At this moment, the ends of the assembly rods 94b passing through the transmission members 89 and the connecting elements 92 are against the other edge of the longitudinal openings 21a.

[0045] The transition of the comfort device from the first to the second or third state by rotating the wheel 72 clockwise, according to a top view of the clasp as illustrated by the sections of the Figures 10b , 11b and 12b, allows the strap to be tightened around the wrist of the watch wearer. Conversely, the watch wearer can loosen the strap around his wrist by operating the wheel counterclockwise so that the comfort device returns to the first or second state.

[0046] Other embodiments of the comfort device may be envisaged to vary the distance between the contact part intended to come into contact with the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch and a support comprising the control member. Figures 13a and 13bschematically illustrate an example of a wristwatch comprising a clasp 10 incorporating a comfort device where the control member 72 is mounted on a support 12 so as to act directly on the contact part 86. The control member may for example comprise a threaded portion 72a engaged with a tapping made in the support 12 and the end of which acts directly on the contact part 86. The ends of the contact part 86 may be articulated by means of two slides arranged to move in translation in two housings 95 made in the support and acting as slides.

[0047] Another exemplary embodiment is illustrated by the schematic figures 14a and 14b representing a wristwatch comprising a clasp 10 integrating a comfort device where the control member 72 is not actuated in rotation but in translation, typically by means of inclined planes. The control member may for example be in the form of a push-push type pusher 72 acting on two transmission members 96 connected, for example each by means of an articulation, to one end of the contact piece 86 and arranged in the support 12 to move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the pusher 72.

[0048] Generally speaking and in particular regardless of the embodiments described, it will be noted that the support 12 can be integrated or attached to the clasp, the bracelet, or even to a watch case, in particular to the back side of the case. Also, the control member 72 could be attached against one of the surfaces of the frame or integrated at least in part in the latter.

[0049] Other modifications may be made to the comfort device, according to the various embodiments which have just been described, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, this comfort device could be adapted to be associated not with a clasp but with a link of the bracelet in order to create a gap between the contact part and a lower face of the link. Reference list

[0050] Extendable clasp 10 Frame 12 Central part 14 Opening 16 Receiving parts 18, 19 Footprint 20 Housings 21 Longitudinal openings 21a Arrangement 22 First and second arms 23, 24 Lateral branches 26 Attachment element 28 Tooth 30 Mounting rods 32a, 32b Connecting member 34, 36 Closing mechanism 40 Push button 42 Fastening element 44 Support 46 Plate 48 Openings 50 (e.g. oblong) Fixing lugs 52 Return member 54 Locking elements 56a, 56b Bolts 58 Studs 60 Elongated opening 62 Connecting rod 64 Adjustment device70 Control member 72 Annular part 73 Driving element 74a, 74b (e.g. pin) Central opening 76 Flexible blades 78a, 78b Free end 79 Indexing member 80 Base 81 Circular wall 82 Indexing elements 83a, 83b, 83c (e.g. recesses) Housing 84 Contact part 86 (e.g. blade) Flat central portion 86a Curved portions 86b Attachment element 87 Kinematic connection 88 Transmission member 89 Curved grooves 90 Connecting elements 92 Assembly rods 94a, 94b

Claims

1. Comfort device (70) for a wristwatch, comprising a support (12), and a contact piece (86) intended to come into contact with the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch, the contact piece (86) being mounted adjustable relative to the support (12) by a control member (72) to vary the distance between the contact piece (86) and the support (12) for adjusting the comfort when wearing the wristwatch.

2. Device (70) according to claim 1, in which the contact part (86) is connected to the control member (72) via at least one kinematic connection (88).

3. Device (70) according to the preceding claim, in which the control member (72) is associated with the support (12).

4. Device (70) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the contact part is in the form of a blade (86), the kinematic link (88) connecting the control member (72) to one end of the blade (86) in order to move this end relative to the support (12) when the control member (72) is actuated.

5. Device (70) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a second kinematic link (88) connecting the control member (72) to the other end of the blade (86) in order to move this other end relative to the support (12) when the control member (72) is actuated.

6. Device (70) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the connection or each kinematic connection comprises a transmission member (89) movable in translation by the control member (72) and connected to a connection element (90) mounted articulated between the respective end of the blade and the transmission member (89).

7. Device (70) according to claim 6, in which the transmission member (89) is arranged within the support (12).

8. Device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control member (72) is rotatable.

9. Device (70) according to the preceding claim and one of claims 6 or 7, in which the transmission member (89) comprises a curvilinear groove not concentric with an axis of rotation of the control member, the control member (72) comprising a driving element (74a, 74b) configured to come into the groove in order to translate the transmission member (89) when the control member (72) is actuated in rotation.

10. Device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control member (72) is arranged within the support (12).

11. Device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control member (72) comprises an indexing mechanism giving it a plurality of stable positions.

12. Device (70) according to the preceding claim and one of claims 8 or 9, in which the control member (72) is a wheel provided with a central part configured to house the indexing mechanism therein.

13. Clasp (10) comprising the device (70) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Clasp (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a frame (12) acting as a support for the comfort device (70) and to the ends of which are connected two articulated arms (23, 24) each connected to a connecting member (34, 36) intended to be attached to one end of a strand of the bracelet.

15. Clasp (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the two articulated arms (23, 24) are configured to be able to be locked against the frame (12) by means of a closing mechanism (40) partly integrated in a central part of the control member (72).

16. Wristwatch comprising the clasp (10) according to one of claims 13 to 15.

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