Attachment member for connecting a wrist strap to a watch case

Abstract

The present invention relates to an attachment member (10) intended for being secured between a pair of horns (72) of a watch case (70), comprising two pairs of horns, for connecting the watch case (70) to an attachment end (52) of a wrist strap (50). The attachment member (10) comprises a coupling element (12) configured to engage with the attachment end (52) in order to couple the coupling element (12) and the attachment end (52) by interlocking in a direction perpendicular or oblique to a plane defined by the two pairs of horns (72) of the watch case. The attachment member (10) further comprises a latch (30) for locking and unlocking the coupling of the coupling member (12) to the attachment end (52). The present invention also relates to a wrist strap comprising an attachment end (52) configured to be connected, by interlocking, to the attachment member.

Description

Attachment device for connecting a strap strand to a watch case Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening member intended to be fixed between a pair of horns of a watch case for connecting a bracelet strand to the watch case. The invention also relates to a bracelet strand comprising a fastening termination configured to be connected to the fastening member as well as a wristwatch comprising two fastening members fixed to two pairs of horns, on either side of the watch case, and two strands of a bracelet connected to the fastening members. State of the art

[0002] Many mechanisms have already been proposed to simplify the assembly / disassembly of a strap from a watch case in order to avoid the use of a specific tool. This allows the wearer of the watch to be able, for example, to change the style or color of strap as desired, without complicated manipulations and without risking damaging or scratching the watch case by the clumsy use of a tool.

[0003] These mechanisms often have the disadvantage of requiring modifications to the watch case so that it is adapted to cooperate with the attachment end of each of the bracelet strands. Other mechanisms propose the integration of a pusher in the attachment end to allow the bracelet strand to be secured to the watch case, as well as its detachment. Replacement or AUDEMA-20-PCT adapting a strap to different watch cases in a collection necessarily generates significant costs.

[0004] For example, CH564922 discloses a mechanism comprising a female element connected to the lugs of the watch case and comprising a housing controlling a lock and comprising an open side for receiving a male element of a bracelet strand. The male element comprises two projections intended to fit into two circular holes provided on a wall of the case. The lock comprises guide means so that the projections are aligned with the circular holes when the male element is introduced into the housing.

[0005] This mechanism has several drawbacks. The circular holes are not directly visible to the user, which complicates the mechanism by integrating the aforementioned guide means. Furthermore, this mechanism does not allow the user to ensure that the fitting has been carried out correctly after having introduced the male element into the opening of the case of the female element. Finally, locking the male element to the female element requires a two-step manipulation since the user must first introduce the male element in a direction along the plane defined by the general plane of the watch case and then lower the male element in a direction perpendicular to the general plane of the watch case to carry out the fitting of the projections into the holes of the female element.

[0006] Other examples of such mechanisms are disclosed in particular in publications CH712656B1, EP2353428B1, EP3213654A1 and CH698584B1. AUDEMA-20-PCT

[0007] An aim of the present invention is to solve, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks. This aim is achieved in particular by proposing an interchangeable attachment member intended to be fixed to a watch case and allowing a removable connection of a bracelet to this attachment member. The interchangeable nature of the attachment member has the advantage of being able to be mounted on several watch cases without having to modify them. This allows in particular a modernization or renovation of already existing watches aimed at replacing old bracelets with new or more recent bracelets.

[0008] Another aim of the present invention is not to complicate the watch case in terms of the means it requires to carry out the assembly with a bracelet.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fastening member allowing easy handling for the connection of the strand to the fastening member.

[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a bracelet strand comprising a simplified attachment portion to enable the bracelet to be replaced at lower cost. Brief summary of the invention

[0011] These aims are achieved in particular by a fastening member intended to be fixed between a pair of horns of a watch case, comprising two pairs of horns, to connect the watch case to a fastening end of a bracelet strand. The fastening member comprises for this purpose a coupling element configured to cooperate with the fastening end in order to assemble the coupling element and the fastening end by interlocking in a direction perpendicular or oblique to a plane AUDEMA-20-PCT defined by the two pairs of horns of the watch case. The attachment member further comprises a lock mounted movably in a housing of the attachment member between a locking position and an unlocking position allowing the assembly of the coupling element of the attachment termination to be locked and unlocked. The coupling element is configured to be located on a visible face of the attachment member when the assembly of the coupling element and the attachment termination is not carried out and in that said assembly is carried out directly by fitting the coupling element with the attachment termination.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the visible face of the attachment member is visible on the bezel side of the watch case when the attachment member is fixed between the pair of horns thereof and the attachment termination is not connected thereto.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lock includes a hook or bolt configured to prevent separation between the attachment termination and the coupling member when the lock is in the locked position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the lock is limited in movement by a stop preventing the lock from exiting the housing.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking position of the lock is reached and maintained by the action of an elastic member on the lock.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the lock comprises a gripping portion allowing its movement in at least one direction between the locking and unlocking positions. AUDEMA-20-PCT

[0017] According to one embodiment, the gripping part is arranged to be accessible from an invisible face of the attachment member when the latter is fixed between the pair of horns and the watch case is seen from the bezel side.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the coupling element is formed of at least one female element configured to receive at least one male element complementary to the attachment termination.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the coupling element is formed of at least two elements, among female and / or male elements, arranged on either side of the lock housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the attachment member further comprises a bearing surface intended to come into contact with the watch case. The bearing surface is configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the attachment member when it is fixed between the lugs of the watch case.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the support surface of the attachment member is of a shape complementary to a portion of the watch case.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a bracelet strand comprising a fastening termination configured to be connected, by interlocking, to the fastening member according to any of its embodiments.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the attachment termination comprises at least one male element configured to fit into the coupling element of the attachment member. AUDEMA-20-PCT

[0024] According to one embodiment, the attachment termination includes a fastening rim or window configured to cooperate with the latch of the attachment member to lock the assembly of the attachment termination and the coupling element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the fixing rim or window is located between at least two elements complementary to the male and / or female elements which form the coupling element of the attachment member.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the attachment termination is concealed under a portion of the strand covering the attachment member when the attachment termination is assembled to the attachment member.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a watch case having two pairs of horns, a fastening member, according to any one of its embodiments, mounted between the horns of each pair of horns, and a bracelet comprising a strand, according to any one of its embodiments, fixed to each fastening member. Brief description of the figures

[0028] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: - figure 1 illustrates a perspective view from above of a part of the watch case comprising the attachment member and an attachment termination of a bracelet strand, before connection of the attachment termination, according to one embodiment, AUDEMA-20-PCT - Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the attachment termination of a bracelet strand adapted to make a removable connection with the attachment member, - Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the attachment termination of Figure 2, - Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the attachment member according to one embodiment; - Figure 5 illustrates a view similar to Figure 4, when the lock is operatively mounted on the attachment member;- Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view from below of the attachment member of Figure 4, - Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view from the back of a portion of the watch case when the latter is connected to the attachment end of a bracelet strand via the attachment member, - Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the attachment end of a bracelet strand, the attachment member and a portion of the watch case when the attachment end of the strand is locked to the attachment member, and - Figure 9 illustrates a view similar to Figure 8, when the bolt of the lock is released from the window for fixing the attachment end of the strand in order to allow the strand to be detached from the watch case.; AUDEMA-20-PCT Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0029] According to a preferred form and with particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, the wristwatch comprises a watch case 70 typically comprising two pairs of horns 72 and a fastening member 10 intended to be mounted between the horns 72 of each pair, in particular fixed to them by means of screws 74 for example. The wristwatch further comprises a bracelet of which at least one strand 50 comprises a fastening end 52 intended to be locked to the fastening member 10 in order to secure the strand 50 to the watch case. The fastening member therefore constitutes an interchangeable intermediate member, thus acting as an interface between the watch case and the fastening end 52 of the strand.

[0030] The attachment member 10 comprises for this purpose a coupling element 12 located on a visible face of the attachment member when the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the attachment termination 52 is not carried out. The coupling element 12 is configured to cooperate with the attachment termination 52 so as to be able to assemble them by interlocking in a single particular direction unlike the aforementioned prior art which requires manipulating the attachment termination by two successive movements in two directions perpendicular to each other. This particular direction is perpendicular or oblique to a plane defined by the two pairs of horns 72, for example a plane passing through the same parts of the horns, such as their ends. Such a plane corresponds to the general plane of the watch case.The attachment member 10 further comprises a lock 30 making it possible to lock and unlock the assembly of the coupling element 12 to the attachment termination 52.

[0031] Thanks to this assembly which is obtained by fitting in a direction located outside the extension of the strand of the bracelet, in particular when the latter is essentially parallel to the general plane defined by AUDEMA-20-PCT the watch case, the locking mechanism is advantageously relieved when tensile forces are exerted on the strap strand. Consequently, the size of the lock or locking mechanism can advantageously be reduced because it is no longer required to take up tensile forces.

[0032] According to the preferred embodiment, the coupling element of the attachment member is formed of at least one female element 12 configured to receive at least one male element 56 which is of complementary shape to the female element and which is part of the attachment termination 52. Preferably, the coupling element 12 is formed of at least two elements arranged on either side of the lock 30. These elements are chosen from female 12 and / or male 56 elements. According to the preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises two female elements 12 in the form of two holes, for example of oblong shape, passing right through the attachment member 10. These two holes 12 could just as well be two blind holes according to an alternative embodiment.

[0033] According to Figure 2, the attachment end 52 of the strand 50 is concealed under a portion 58 of the strand at one of its ends intended to cover the attachment member 10 to make it invisible when the wristwatch is worn. The end of this portion 58 is in contact with the watch case 70 or close to it when the strand 50 of the bracelet is locked to the watch case 70, as illustrated in Figure 8.

[0034] According to the preferred embodiment, the attachment termination 52 further comprises at least one male element, preferably two male elements 56, for example of oblong shape, arranged to be introduced into the two holes 12 of the attachment member. As already mentioned, the male 56 and female 12 elements are intended to be able to couple and, to do this, are preferably of complementary shapes. Furthermore, the AUDEMA-20-PCT male elements 56 are arranged on a first bearing surface 60 intended to come into contact with an upper surface 26 of the attachment member 10 (figure 6) when the attachment termination 52 is locked to the attachment member 10.

[0035] The attachment termination 52 further comprises a second bearing surface 53 which is preferably adjacent to the first bearing surface 60 and substantially perpendicular thereto. The second bearing surface 53 is intended to bear against a third bearing surface 19 located on a first longitudinal side 16a of the attachment member 10 illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5. In order to lock the assembly of the coupling element 12 and the attachment termination 52, the latter comprises a rim, a fixing cavity or a window 54 intended to cooperate with the lock 30 integrated into the attachment member 10. The window 54 is typically arranged on this second bearing surface 53. According to the preferred embodiment, the fixing window 54 is set back from the two male elements 56 and is preferably centered between them.More generally, it will be mentioned that the rim or the fixing window 54 is located between at least two elements complementary to the male elements 56 and / or female elements 12 forming the coupling element.

[0036] The first and second bearing surfaces of the attachment termination 52 advantageously make it possible to obtain better support and / or rigidity of the assembly formed by the bracelet strand and the attachment member.

[0037] With reference to figures 4 to 5, the attachment member 10 comprises a housing 14 located on a lower surface 24 opposite the upper surface 26. The housing 14 is preferably centered between the two holes 12 and is configured to receive the lock 30 there. This lock comprises a lock body 32 mounted movably, in particular sliding, in the housing 14 and AUDEMA-20-PCT a bolt 34 arranged to be positioned in the fixing window 54 of the attachment end 52 of the strand when the lock 30 is in a locking configuration. In place of the bolt 34, a hook could also be used to prevent any separation between the attachment end 52 and the coupling element 12 when the lock is in the locking position. In this case, the fixing ledge or window could be configured to allow the hook to grip therein.

[0038] The lock 30 further comprises an elastic member 36 intended to force the lock into its locking position. This elastic return member is preferably in the form of two compression springs 36. One end of each spring 36 bears against one side 15 of the housing 14 while the other end of each spring bears against the lock body 32 in order to force the bolt 34 to be housed in the fixing window 54. A single spring of larger dimension can be used according to an alternative embodiment.

[0039] According to non-illustrated variants, the lock is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the lower 24 and upper 26 surfaces of the attachment member 10, or even about an axis perpendicular to these surfaces. In these two cases, the bolt or hook is arranged on the lock body in order to engage the window or the fixing edge, by tilting or rotating the lock.

[0040] According to another embodiment not illustrated, the attachment part 12 comprises only a single male element. The window or the attachment rim is located on this male element opposite the bolt or the hook of the lock for locking the attachment end 52 of the bracelet strand to the attachment member. AUDEMA-20-PCT

[0041] With reference to Figures 5 and 8, the lock 30 further comprises a trigger or gripping portion 38 allowing the movement of the lock 30 in at least one direction between the locking and unlocking positions. Although the elastic member 36 allows the lock to be automatically returned from its unlocked position to its locked position, a configuration could be provided in which the lock could be blocked in at least one of these positions. Thus, to be able to move from one position to the other, the user would then first have to unlock the lock, by starting a movement applied to its gripping portion 38. In the case where it would be necessary to move from the unlocked position to the locked position, the elastic member 36 would be responsible for automatically completing the movement of the lock.In the case of a reverse movement, it is the user himself who would complete the movement of the lock against the restoring force exerted by the elastic member 36.

[0042] Preferably, the gripping portion 38 is arranged to be accessible from an invisible face of the attachment member 10 when the latter is fixed between the pair of horns 72 and the wristwatch is worn, or is seen from the dial side.

[0043] Preferably, the lock 30 is limited in movement by a stop 40 preventing the lock from exiting its housing 14. To do this, the lock body 32 may comprise, at its base, a blind groove 33 with an axis coincident with the axis of movement of the lock. This groove 33 is intended to receive a pin 40 housed through a hole 14a (figure 6) formed at the base of the housing 14. When the lock moves under the action of the elastic member 36, this pin makes it possible to limit its movement by abutting against the blind end of the groove 33. AUDEMA-20-PCT

[0044] In order to be able to fix the attachment member 10 between the horns 72 of one of the pairs of the watch case, this attachment member typically comprises two holes 22 located on its two lateral sides 20. The screws 74 are screwed into the horns 72 through threads. The holes 22 receive the ends of the screws in order to fix the attachment member to the horns 72 of the watch case 70. According to a variant, each horn only comprises one non-threaded through hole while the two holes 22 of the attachment member 10 are tapped to screw the screws 74 into them. These therefore constitute points for fixing the attachment member 10 to the horns 72 of the watch case.

[0045] Advantageously and as clearly illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the attachment member 10 also comprises on a second longitudinal side 16b, opposite the first longitudinal side 16a, a bearing surface 18 intended to come into contact with the watch case. Apart from its aesthetic function, this bearing surface is configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the attachment member when it is fixed between the horns 72. For this purpose, the bearing surface 18 preferably has a shape complementary to a portion of the watch case with which it can be in contact. In the aforementioned figures, this shape is curved in order to fit a complementary curved portion of the watch case. It will be noted that the combination of this bearing surface 18 and the assembly by interlocking of the coupling element 12 with the attachment termination 52 advantageously makes it possible to fully prevent the rotation of the bracelet around the horns.It follows that the lateral sides of the attachment termination 52 thus always match the profile of the horns of the watch case, thus guaranteeing a remarkable aesthetic.

[0046] According to Figures 8 and 9, the bolt 34 is arranged above a lower edge 55 of the securing window 54 when the latch 30 is in the locked configuration in order to prevent or limit movement AUDEMA-20-PCT relative between the attachment end 52 of a bracelet strand 50 and the attachment member 10 in a direction preferably substantially orthogonal to the plane of the watch case. It will be noted that in this position, the pin 40 is in abutment against an edge of the groove 33 of the lock body 30.

[0047] When a force is exerted on the gripping portion 38 of the lock, in the direction of the watch case, the lock body 32 is brought against the side 15 of the housing. This movement makes it possible to release the bolt 34 from the lower edge 55 of the fixing window 54 and to allow a relative movement between the attachment termination 52 and the attachment member 10. Operating in the present case in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the watch case, this relative movement makes it possible to separate the bracelet strand from the attachment member.

[0048] Through figures 8 and 9, it is better understood that the fixing window 54 could be replaced by a simple rim in order to prevent relative movement between the attachment termination and the attachment member when the bolt 34 of the lock is engaged at the height of this rim.

[0049] The attachment member that has just been described makes it possible to avoid complicating either the case or the bracelet. Indeed, the most complex elements are advantageously made up of and contained in the attachment member 10. In the event of breakage or defect, only this attachment member could be replaced without having to replace the watch case, for example. Also, since the complexity of the attachment is not found on the bracelet either, in particular at the level of the attachment end of each strand, the latter can be replaced at a lower cost and more frequently, in particular when it is a leather bracelet strand, for example. By benefiting from a more economical bracelet, it also becomes easier to offer a collection of easily AUDEMA-20-PCT bracelets interchangeable and whose colors could adapt, for example, to the wearer's clothing.

[0050] Various modifications may be made to the wristwatch just described without departing from the invention as defined by the claims. For example, the attachment member may comprise, instead of holes, one or more male elements while the attachment termination may comprise one or more female elements of complementary shape. AUDEMA-20-PCT Reference list Connection member 10 Coupling element 12 Housing 14 Hole 14a Side 15 First longitudinal side 16a Bearing surface 19 Second longitudinal side 16b Coupling part 18 (e.g. curved portion) Lateral sides 20 Hole 22 Lower surface 24 Upper surface 26 Lock 30 Body 32 Groove 33 Bolt 34 Elastic member 36 (e.g. compression springs) Actuable part 38 Stop 40 Bracelet strand 50 Attachment termination 52 Bearing surface 53 Fixing window 54 Lower edge 55 Male elements 56 Portion 58 Bearing surface 60 Watch case 70 Lugs 72 Screw 74 AUDEMA-20-PCT

Claims

Claims 1. Attachment member (10) intended to be fixed between a pair of horns (72) of a watch case (70), comprising two pairs of horns, to connect the watch case (70) to an attachment end (52) of a bracelet strand (50), the attachment member (10) comprising a coupling element (12) configured to cooperate with the attachment end (52) in order to assemble the coupling element (12) and the attachment end (52) by fitting in a direction perpendicular or oblique to a plane defined by the two pairs of horns (72) of the watch case, the attachment member (10) further comprising a lock (30) mounted movably in a housing (14) of the attachment member (10) between a locking position and an unlocking position making it possible to lock and unlock the assembly of the coupling element (12) to the attachment end (52),characterized in that the coupling element (12) is configured to be located on a visible face of the attachment member when the assembly of the coupling element (12) and the attachment termination (52) is not carried out and in that said assembly is carried out directly in a single movement by interlocking the coupling element (12) with the attachment termination (52).

2. Attachment member (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said visible face is visible on the bezel side of the watch case (70) when the attachment member (10) is fixed between the pair of horns (72) thereof and the attachment termination (52) is not connected thereto.

3. Fastening member (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock (30) comprises a hook or bolt (34) configured to prevent any separation between the fastening end (52) and the coupling element (12) when the lock is in the locking position. AUDEMA-20-PCT, 4. Fastening member (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock (30) is limited in movement by a stop (40) preventing the lock (30) from exiting the housing (14).

5. Fastening member (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking position of the lock (30) is reached and maintained by the action of an elastic member (36) on the lock (30).

6. Fastening member (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock (30) comprises a gripping part (38) allowing its movement in at least one direction between the locking and unlocking positions.

7. Attachment member (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the gripping part (38) is arranged to be accessible from an invisible face of the attachment member (10) when the latter is fixed between the pair of horns (72) and the watch case (70) is seen from the bezel side. 8.Fastening member (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (12) is formed of at least one female element (12) configured to receive at least one male element (56) complementary to the fastening end (52).

9. Fastening member (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling element (12) is formed of at least two elements, among female elements (12) and / or male elements (56), arranged on either side of the housing (14) of the lock (30).

10. Fastening member (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bearing surface (18) intended to come into contact AUDEMA-20-PCT. with the watch case (30), the bearing surface (18) being configured to substantially prevent any rotation of the attachment member (10) when it is fixed between the horns of the watch case (70), said bearing surface (18) preferably being of a shape complementary to a portion of the watch case (70).

11. Bracelet strand (50) comprising an attachment termination (52) configured to be connected, by interlocking, to the attachment member (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Bracelet strand (50) according to claim 11, in which the attachment termination (52) comprises at least one male element (56) configured to interlock in the coupling element (12) of the attachment member (10). 13.Bracelet strand (50) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the attachment termination (52) comprises a fixing rim or window (54) configured to cooperate with the lock (30) of the attachment member (10) in order to lock the assembly of the attachment termination (52) and the coupling element (12).

14. Bracelet strand (50) according to claim 13, wherein the fixing rim or window (54) is located between at least two elements complementary to the male (56) and / or female (12) elements which form the coupling element of the attachment member (10).

15. Bracelet strand (50) according to one of claims 11 to 14, in which the attachment termination (52) is concealed under a portion (58) of the strand covering the attachment member (10) when the attachment termination (52) is assembled to the attachment member (10). AUDEMA-20-PCT.

16. Wristwatch comprising a watch case (70) comprising two pairs of horns (72), a fastening member (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 mounted between the horns (72) of each pair of horns and a bracelet comprising a strand (50) according to one of claims 11 to 15 fixed to each fastening member (10). AUDEMA-20-PCT

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