Bracelet link

Abstract

The invention relates to a link connection system for forming a link bracelet. The system comprises a link and a bar housing an elastic element that exerts pressure on the bar in a direction that allows it to be pulled out of its housing, for example, to separate the two links, such as when adjusting the bracelet length. A locking device with an actuating member is arranged on the link.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates, more particularly, to a link of a link bracelet, a bar adapted to work with the link, a system comprising the link and the bar, as well as a bracelet comprising the link. State of the art and problems that led to the invention

[0002] The links of chain bracelets are most often assembled using crossbars or pins, which ensure the connection and relative movement of the links. To prevent the links from coming loose unexpectedly, various solutions have been proposed to secure the crossbars to at least one of the links with which they interact. These solutions also allow the crossbar to be removed for link disassembly, replacement, or length adjustment. Typically, the crossbar must be unscrewed or, ideally, removed, which requires appropriate tools and a certain amount of dexterity. Therefore, in general, a simple bracelet length adjustment should be done by a professional to avoid the risk of damaging the bracelet through improper handling.

[0003] Document EP1977658 discloses a bracelet link with a rotating locking element arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, i.e., in a vertical direction. A spring forces the locking element into the locked position. Using a screwdriver, the locking element can be released and the bar removed.

[0004] In the prior art, solutions also exist in which a spring is used to apply pressure to the bar, facilitating its removal. More specifically, one objective of the invention is to implement a system in which the bar or pin used to connect two adjacent links is subjected to an elastic element that acts on the bar to eject it, at least partially, from its housing when it is released for the purpose of separating the links, adjusting the bracelet length, etc. In these cases, the bar is generally locked inside its housing by means of a locking mechanism. For example, document JP-H0574309U discloses a pin, a cylindrical spring fitted onto the pin, and a locking member fitted onto one end of the pin. At the other end, the pin is fitted with a screw head.By turning the screw head with a screwdriver, it is possible to separate the locking mechanism from its housing. In this case, the spring forces the pin outwards from the housing formed by two adjacent links.

[0005] In document EP3609362B1, a spring is arranged between the bar and the body to exert on the bar a force tending to push it in translation from the assembly position (or the service position, in which two links are connected by the bar), to a free position.

[0006] Document JP2001269205A discloses a system in which a spring is housed inside a bar, similar to a spring bar used to connect a watch strap to a watch case. The tubular bar has a hole. A locking element is located inside the tube at the opening, protruding to lock the bar in its operating position. To remove the bar with the help of the spring, a tool is inserted through a vertical hole in the body of the link to push the locking element into the hollow space in the tube, thereby releasing the bar from its housing under the force of the spring. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a link, a bar, and a link system capable of composing a link bracelet.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a link comprising a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being arranged to be able to cooperate with the second connecting portion of a neighboring link of said bracelet, and / or vice versa, the link comprising at least a first housing arranged on the first connecting portion and a second housing arranged on the second connecting portion, the second housing comprising a first hole and a second hole.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a bar comprising a first pin and a second pin, the first pin comprising a first end of the bar and the second pin comprising a second end of the bar, said second pin being arranged movable relative to the first pin so as to be able to move in translation between a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position preferably defining a longer length and / or a maximum length of the bar, the bar also comprising a hollow internal housing containing an elastic element, said elastic element being arranged to act on said second pin so as to stress it towards its extended position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the bar includes at least one stop structure, preferably formed in or by a reduced diameter section and / or a notch.

[0011] In one aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising the link and the bar of the invention. This system is preferably an assembly comprising the link and the bar.

[0012] In one aspect, the invention relates to a bracelet comprising a plurality of links and / or systems of the invention, for example a bracelet composed at least partially of systems and / or links of the invention.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first hole and the second hole of the second housing are separated by a notch and / or by a space forming a female part.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the bar is intended to and / or arranged to connect two adjacent links according to the invention.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the bar is intended to and / or arranged to be housed in said first housing and in a second housing of said neighboring link, so as to be able to connect the link to said neighboring link.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the spring bar does not have, and is thus free of, any protrusion, lug, and / or actuating member on its outer surface. Such protrusions, lugs, and / or actuating members are typically arranged on spring bars intended to connect a bracelet strand or link to a wristwatch case.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device includes an actuating member arranged to be activated by a user to disengage the locking member from the stop structure and / or from at least one reduced-diameter section and / or notch, so as to allow the bar to move preferably in the transverse direction. Preferably, when unlocked, the locking device does not impede the movement of the bar in either direction in the transverse direction.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating member is a slide, preferably arranged to move in the longitudinal or transverse direction when activated by the user, said locking device preferably comprising an elastic element arranged to stress said locking member into a locked position.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device is arranged on the first portion of the connection comprising and / or forming a male part, a forebody and / or a projection.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the locking member is arranged to cooperate with the bar, with the stop structure, and / or with at least one reduced-diameter section and / or notch, when the bar is placed at least in the first housing, and preferably also in the second housing, of an adjacent link. Preferably, the bar is locked and / or stabilized in a particular position in the transverse direction only when it is in a predetermined position, corresponding to the position of use and / or connection when two adjacent links are joined.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element of the bar is arranged between said first and second pins so as to strain the bar towards a free position in which the bar is at least partially disengaged from said first and / or said second housing.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first hole of said second housing is a terminal hole having a base. Preferably, said second end of said bar is arranged in this base so as to bear against said base when the bar is in a position of use and / or service.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, said second hole is a through hole or bore in a transverse direction.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the second hole is sized to allow the complete extraction of said bar from said link. For example, such extraction is possible when said bar is in its free position, upon separation of said link from the adjacent link and / or upon activation of the actuation member.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the second connecting portion comprises two external extensions: a first external extension including the first hole and a second external extension including the second hole. These external extensions are first and second external and / or lateral extensions that form part of the link.

[0026] Preferably, a connecting space and / or a slot is defined between the first and second outer extensions. In one embodiment, this connecting space and / or the slot is arranged to accommodate the first connecting portion of a neighboring link.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, said at least one reduced diameter section and / or notch (arranged to cooperate with said locking member), is arranged centrally and / or near the middle of the longitudinal extent of said bar.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the bar includes a second section with a reduced diameter and / or a notch, arranged towards and / or near the first end. The second section with a reduced diameter and / or a notch preferably allows a user to insert a fingernail into said second section with a reduced diameter and / or notch and / or to apply force to said bar in order to remove it from said first and / or second housing.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the first connecting portion forms a male part and / or a forebody adapted to insert into the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion preferably forms a female part and / or includes a slot. The slot is preferably arranged and / or formed in space and / or arranged between said external extensions.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first connecting portion is arranged centrally with respect to the transverse direction. Preferably, the second connecting portion is arranged laterally and / or defines the lateral external shapes and / or dimensions of the link. Preferably, the second connecting portion defines the maximum extension of the link in the transverse direction.

[0031] In one embodiment, the locking member comprises first and second surfaces, preferably separate and / or distinct surfaces, the first surface being arranged to block said movement of the bar in one direction of movement of the bar in the transverse direction, and the second surface being arranged to allow translational movement in the other direction in the transverse direction, preferably even when the locking member is in a locking position and / or in locking cooperation of said bar.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first surface is flat extending, for example, in a longitudinal-radial plane, and the second surface is rounded and / or inclined, preferably inclined with respect to a longitudinal-radial plane, the inclined surface preferably extending in a radial plane.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the second connecting portion is formed by at least two parts, preferably separate. Preferably, the two parts form the outer and / or lateral extensions of the second connecting portion.

[0034] In one embodiment, the two parts are each rigidly attached, respectively, on either side of one of the two outer lateral faces of said first connecting portion. In another embodiment, the two parts are each rigidly attached, respectively, on either side of one of the two outer lateral faces of a central block of the link comprising and / or forming said first connecting portion.

[0035] Other aspects of the invention and preferred embodiments are defined in the claims and in the description below. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading a description of a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the schematic figures in which: There figure 1 is a perspective view from below of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. figure 2 is an exploded view of the system of the figure 1 . There figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system's bar figure 1 . There figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along a transverse-longitudinal plane of the system of the figure 1 . There Figures 5 is a front perspective view of a part containing the locking mechanism of the system of the figure 1 . There figure 6is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system of the invention in the operating position (left) and in the locking device activation position. figure 7 is a transparent view from below of a link in the system of the invention, connected to a neighboring link. Description of the implementation methods

[0037] The present invention relates to a link connection system 1. The system comprises at least one link 10 and a bar 30. At a first end in the longitudinal direction, the link comprises a first connecting portion 11 and at the other or second end, the link comprises a second connecting portion 12.

[0038] The "longitudinal direction" (L) is defined by the longitudinal extension of the bracelet and generally refers to an axis that is the same as the two ends of the bracelet, assuming the bracelet is laid flat and detached from a watch. When the bracelet is closed, the "longitudinal direction" refers to the line that follows the circumference of the bracelet.

[0039] The "transverse direction" (T) refers to an axis that is perpendicular to the "direction of the bracelet length" and extends, for example, in a plane parallel to the general plane of the bracelet laid flat as mentioned above.

[0040] The "radial direction" (R) is an axis that is radial to the axis of the wrist or forearm of a wristwatch wearer.

[0041] The aforementioned directions L, T, R are indicated using the coordinate system added to the figure 1 .

[0042] THE figures 1 and 2show the link connection system, comprising a link 10 in itself and a connecting pin or bar 30. The connection between two links is an articulation and / or pivoting connection between two links, which allows the whole bracelet to have a certain flexibility and deformability, and in particular the characteristic of being able to adapt to the shape of the wrist of a wristwatch wearer.

[0043] Apart from the end links, which may have special features for connecting the link bracelet to the case of a wristwatch or to a watch clasp, a link generally comprises two connecting portions 11, 12, which could be called the first and second connecting portions, or the front connecting portion 11 and the rear connecting portion 12. In this way, a link 10 is generally adapted to be connected to two adjacent links. To connect two links, a bar and / or a pin is preferably used, which is why the system of the invention comprises at least one link 10 and a bar 30. The bar 30 is specifically adapted to work with the link of the invention, but other bars could also be used.

[0044] Each link 10 thus has at least two housings (or partial housings) to accommodate, together with the additional housings of neighboring links, two bars. A first housing 21, generally tubular in shape, is arranged on the first connecting portion 11. The second housing 22, 23 is arranged on the second connecting portion 12. At the figure 7 Link 10 is connected to a neighboring link 10' by means of the bar 30, the latter being housed in the first position of link 10 and the second position 22', 23' of the neighboring link. Positions 21 and 22', 23' could then be considered as partial positions, the partial positions of two connected links forming the complete position of the bar 30.

[0045] As is known to those skilled in the art, the first and second connecting portions 11, 12 have complementary shapes and / or dimensions to allow for interlocking, interlocking, and / or assembly that creates a homogeneous and ideally continuous external appearance between two adjacent links. Typically, a first connecting portion can function as a male portion and the second connecting portion as a female portion, but different and / or more complex connecting portions also exist and can be made based on the principle of the present invention.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, as in several other examples shown in the prior art, the link is formed by a central block 10.1, larger in particular in the transverse extension, and two lateral pieces 10.2, thinner in the transverse direction. These lateral pieces form the outer extensions of the second connecting portion.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the central block is further formed by three pieces, as can be more clearly seen in the figure 4 In the embodiment shown, all these parts are rigidly connected, for example driven in by means of pins or tenons 51 and 53, with sufficient force to form a rigid link, but block 10.1 and parts 10.2 could, in principle, also be pivotally connected by means of a pin. The invention also envisages a central block in one piece instead of three, for example.

[0048] Block 10.1 and parts 10.2 generally have approximately the same thickness and length in the longitudinal direction. The two lateral parts are arranged on the lateral faces of the central block, offset longitudinally, so that the lateral parts 10.2 extend beyond the central block at one of the two ends in the longitudinal direction of the link (on the left in the figures 1 and 2 , coinciding with the reference numbers 12), while at the other end (on the right in the figures 1 and 2 (Coincidentally corresponding to reference number 11), the central block extends beyond the lateral pieces in the longitudinal direction. This offset arrangement creates complementary shapes, for example, a male part 11 and a female part 12, at the ends in the longitudinal direction of the link. In the embodiment shown, the first connecting portion 11 forms a structure that could also be called a forebody or a projection 11.

[0049] It is known to produce the link differently, for example with side pieces and a central block having approximately the same transverse extent (the same width). It is also possible to have the side pieces larger than the central block, and / or to use more than two side pieces and one central block, for example four, five, six, or even more pieces, for example of equal width, to form a link. It would also be possible to create the link as a single continuous piece that receives its shape, for example, by machining or molding, instead of connecting several pieces rigidly or pivotally to form the link. The invention is not limited to the number of pieces used to form the link, nor to the shape or construction of the connecting portions 11, 12.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the first housing 21 is a hollow cylinder arranged transversely on the first connecting portion 11. This hollow allows the bar 30 to be housed transversely as shown in the figure 1 .

[0051] Also on the first portion of the link 11, there is a locking device 40, which includes an actuating member 41, a locking member 45, a housing 46 and an elastic element 42. It is a peculiarity, but not a necessity, of the invention to have the locking device arranged on the male part.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the actuating member 41 and the locking member 45 are formed in a single piece 48, which is shown in more detail in the figure 5 . Part 48 has a transverse hole 47 which serves for the assembly and guidance of part 48 in the link, preferably in the first portion of the connection.

[0053] The actuation member 41 preferably comprises a slide, arranged to be able to perform a linear translational movement, preferably in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the actuating member 41, and more particularly the entire part 48, is arranged to move in a longitudinal direction. Movement in a transverse direction would be another variant covered by the invention. The actuating member 41 can also be in the form of a pusher, for example arranged to move in a radial direction, or in the form of a pivoting lever. According to the invention, a slider is preferred because it is simpler for a user to activate without tools, simply with a finger. To facilitate activation, the contact surface of the actuating member is provided with a plurality of grooves, for example parallel to each other as seen in the figures 1 and 2, these grooves serve to increase the grip and / or friction between the user's finger and the contact surface of the actuation element.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, a fixing pin 44, used to retain the part 48 in its housing 46, is also part of the locking device, but the invention also envisages other means of fixing and / or assembling the locking device.

[0056] The first housing 21 is interrupted, along its transverse direction in the connecting portion 11, by the housing 46 of the locking device, in order to allow cooperation between the locking member 45 and the bar 30 as described below.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the second connecting portion 12 comprises two external extensions, formed by the two lateral pieces 10.2 offset from the central portion 10.1, as described above. The terms "external" and "lateral" generally refer to the lateral sides of the link relative to the longitudinal direction. figure 7 , the external lateral elements are the elements located to the left and right, respectively, of the link, as is the case for the two external extensions which together with the space 17 arranged between the two extensions form the second portion of connection 12.

[0058] The second housing has two holes 22, 23, arranged in the second connecting portion 12. In particular, a first hole 22 is arranged in the first external extension and a second hole 23 is arranged in the second external extension.

[0059] The two holes 22, 23 are preferably coaxial and arranged to face each other.

[0060] A space or slot 17 is formed between the two holes and / or between the two outer extensions, this space being able to serve as the female part of the second connecting portion 12. As visible in the figure 4 The first hole 22 is a blind hole, while the second hole 23 passes through the entire outer extension and is a through hole. In one embodiment, instead of a blind hole 23, the invention also works with a through hole, one opening of which has been subsequently plugged, generally the outer opening. For example, a through hole can be permanently plugged to achieve the functionality of a blind hole.

[0061] There figure 3The diagram shows in more detail the construction of the bar 30, which has first and second ends 31 and 32. The bar has a first pin 36 that forms the first end 31 and a second pin 37 that forms the second end 32 of the bar. The first pin could also be called a "tube" because of its tubular shape. For simplicity, the first pin is simply called a "pin" and the second pin 37 is called a "tenon" 37, this tenon being shorter than the pin. The pin 36 has a hollow / tubular portion 33, in which the tenon 37 is preferably housed in a telescopic manner. The tenon 37 is arranged to be able to make a movement, relative to the pin, which is a linear translational movement along the general longitudinal axis of the bar 30 (this longitudinal axis being arranged transversely when the bar is in its housing in the link).Preferably, the first and second pins are coaxial.

[0062] In one embodiment, an elastic element 34, preferably a spring, is housed inside the bar 30. In another embodiment, the spring is not housed inside the bar, but outside the bar, for example in the hole 22 or fitted onto the bar.

[0063] A spring 34 is housed in the hollow portion 33 so as to exert force on the tenon 37 towards the second end 32, or in a direction along the maximum extension of the bar. The pin 36, in particular the hollow portion 33, has an opening 39.2 at its end 31.1, which is the end of the pin opposite the first end 31, and the tenon extends beyond this opening to form the second end 32 of the bar. The tenon 37 is prevented from fully exiting the housing 33 by a lip 39.1 at the end 31.1. The tenon 37 actually comprises two parts, preferably cylindrical, 37.1 and 37.2 with slightly different diameters and / or dimensions, and the cylindrical part 37.2 having the smaller diameter (the outer part of the tenon) can pass through the opening at the end 31.1, while the part 37.1 with the larger diameter (the inner part of the tenon) is held by the rim 39.1, so that the entire tenon 37 cannot be separated from the pin 36 through the opening 39.2. It is clear that the tenon 37, and in particular the outer part 37.2, can be forced, by compression of the spring 34, into the hollow housing 33 of the pin, which has the effect of shortening the length of the bar as defined by the distance between the ends 31 and 32. When the spring 34 is thus compressed, it exerts a greater force in the direction along the axis of the bar, this force pushing the tenon 37 outwards, towards the position of the maximum length of the bar, as shown in the figure. figure 3 .

[0064] To assemble the bar, the pin 36 can be machined to give it its geometric shape, comprising the hollow part 33 and at least one notch 35, then the spring and the tenon are inserted through the opening 39.2, and the size of the opening is reduced by crimping, so as to lock the part 37.1 of the tenon 37 inside the hollow part.

[0065] The bar 30 further includes a notch and / or a reduced-diameter area 35, arranged in the pin 36. This area preferably forms a lip 35.1 or some other retaining structure, adapted to cooperate with the locking member 45 of the locking device as described below. This cooperation essentially constitutes or forms a blockage or lock, preventing the bar from moving transversely in its housing, at least in the exit direction, i.e., through the through hole 23.

[0066] Thus, the functioning of the system of the invention can be understood, in particular thanks to the figures 4 , 6 And 7 . To the figure 7 A link 10 of system 1 of the invention is connected to a neighboring link 10' of a neighboring system 1' by means of the bar 30. In this configuration, the first connecting portion 11 of the link 10 is placed in the slot formed by the second connecting portion 12' of the neighboring link. The bar 30 is locked in its housing formed by the first housing 21 of the link 10 and the second housing of the neighboring link by the locking member 45, which is abutted against the edge 35.1 of the bar 30.

[0067] This configuration, also visible on the left of the figure 6This represents the position in use. It can also be called the locking, assembly, service, or linking position, because the two links 10 and 10' are connected. In a bracelet with a series of assembled links, the system is in this position.

[0068] In this position, the spring 34 of the bar is compressed and the outer part 37.2 of the tenon 37 is partially inserted into the housing 33. The end 32 of the bar 30 is in contact with the bottom of the blind hole 22' of the second housing of the neighboring link.

[0069] To separate the two links 11, 11', the user must activate the actuating member 41. This can be done by placing the tip of their finger on the textured surface of this member and pulling longitudinally in the direction of release, this direction being indicated by arrow A in the drawing on the left. figure 6 As seen at the figure 6, the housing 47 of the pin 44 is extended in the longitudinal direction, allowing the slide 41 to slide in the longitudinal direction towards the unlocking position.

[0070] The unlocking position is shown in the drawing to the right of the figure 6 and in link 11' at the figure 7 This position can also be called "the free position", because in this case the bar is free to move in and out of its housing 21, 22', 23', and the neighboring links can thus be separated.

[0071] Due to the compressed spring 34 and the end 32 of the bar bearing in the terminal hole 22', the unlocking results in at least partial ejection of the bar 30 from its housing, as illustrated by the bar 30' in the figure 7In fact, in the operating position, the spring of the bar 30 forces the bar towards the outer opening of the hole 23 of the second connecting portion 12. As mentioned, the hole 23 is a through hole, allowing the connecting bar 30 to be completely extracted.

[0072] It should be noted that the bar has, near its first end 31, a second notch and / or reduced-diameter area 38, which also forms ridges in the bar. It is possible that, after the locking device 40 is released, the bar 30 may only protrude slightly from its housing. For example, only a few millimeters of the bar, near the first end 31, may protrude from the second hole 23, perhaps due to friction between the bar and its housing. In this case, the notch 38 will also be extended. A user can then insert their fingernail into this notch and easily pull the bar 30 completely out of its housing by pulling it transversely.

[0073] A person skilled in the art will note that, towards its end 31.1 (opposite to the first end 31 of the bar), the pin 36 protrudes beyond the first housing 21, as can be seen in the figure 4As can also be seen at the figure 7 , the pin 36, over a short distance, is preferably also placed in the blind hole 22 (22' to the Fig. 7 ). This distance can be from 0.5 to 3mm, for example 0.75 to 2mm. The diameter of the pin 36 being greater than that of the outer part 37.2 of the tenon 37, the fact that a (even short) part of the pin 36 is placed in the blind hole 22 of the second housing, has the advantage of minimizing the play created between the bar towards its second end and 32 and the hole 22 of the second housing of the neighboring link.

[0074] We will also note, for example, in figures 2 And 4, that the central block 10.1 of the link 10 is formed of three parts: a central part, comprising the housing 46 for the locking device 40, and two lateral parts functioning as covers. During the assembly of the link, the locking device part 48 is arranged in the housing in the central part and the retaining and / or guide pin 44 is inserted through its housing (a hole) in the central part. Then, the lateral covers are rigidly fixed to the central part at the same time as the two lateral parts 10.2 by means of tenons 51 and 52 ( Fig. 4). In this way, the lateral openings of the pin housing 44 are covered and closed by the lateral covers (as well as by the lateral pieces 10.2). The housing 21 is arranged transversely in both the central piece and the lateral covers of the block 10.1, such as a complete bore, to form a transverse housing with two openings on either side of the central block, and thus to allow the two ends 31, 32 of the bar to emerge from the two openings of the housing 21 and protrude on both sides from the central block as shown in the figure 4 , in order to fit into the two holes 22, 23 of the second housing of another link.

[0075] The locking member 45, in cross-section-longitudinal as shown in the figure 4The bar has a specific geometry, featuring a flat face designed to cooperate with the locking structure 35.1, also a flat surface, to completely lock the bar 30 in its housing in the operating position. However, another face of this element is rounded or curved, but could also be inclined. This configuration allows the bar to be inserted into its housing 21 (and 22, 23 when another link is present) without needing to activate the locking device's actuating element. When the bar is inserted, it exerts a force on the curved surface to push the locking element towards a position corresponding to the unlocking position, and when the notch 35 is in the same transverse position as the locking element, the latter engages to lock the bar in its position by means of a clip or snap.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the locking device is adapted to block the movement of the bar, in the transverse direction, only in one direction.

[0077] This is achieved, in the embodiment shown, by means of the flat blocking surfaces and rounded insertion surfaces of the locking member as detailed above. Thus, in the direction of insertion through the through hole 23, or directly into the housing 21, (from bottom to top to the figure 4 ), the locking device does not block the bar, but in the opposite direction, the cooperation between the locking member prevents the bar from coming out of its housing.

[0078] In one embodiment, the locking member 45 comprises a flat surface and a rounded surface ( Fig. 5 ). For example, if these surfaces are viewed in cross-section, for example transverse-longitudinal ( Fig. 4The flat surface forms a straight line, and the rounded surface forms a curved line. The flat surface preferably extends in a longitudinal-radial plane. The flat surface preferably provides complete locking through its interaction with the bar's retaining structure. The rounded surface preferably allows the bar to move within its housing in a given direction along the transverse axis, while the flat surface preferably prevents this movement in the opposite direction in the aforementioned interaction. The flat and rounded surfaces are preferably located on opposite lateral faces of the locking member, and these surfaces are preferably connected by a flat surface extending in a transverse-radial plane.

[0079] In one embodiment, and as already indicated above, the locking device 40, including its housing, can be arranged on one of the two lateral outer extensions or horns 10.2, instead of being arranged on the central block 10.1. In such a configuration, it is preferred that the locking device be arranged on the outer extension that has the through hole 23. With reference to the figure 3 , it would be possible, for example, to have only one notch and / or reduced diameter area, preferably arranged near the first end 31 of the bar, for example at the notch 38 at the figure 3. This notch could then be a little longer along the axis of the bar, for example the same dimension as notch 35. The bar could thus have only one notch and / or area with reduced diameter, which mainly fulfills the function of providing a structure or locking surface 35.1, but which can also be used by the user to move the bar with their fingernail.

[0080] Regarding materials, it should be noted that the link and / or the bar can be made of metal, for example steel, platinum, gold, silver, copper, or titanium, but the link can also be made from plastics, preferably sufficiently hard ones, from composites, and / or carbon fiber. In one embodiment, at least the body of the link (here formed by the central block 10.1 and the side pieces 10.2) can be made of a composite material containing carbon fiber.

[0081] The system of the invention offers several advantages over the prior art. For example, thanks to the spring 34 integrated into a hollow part of the bar, it cannot be lost, as it is not a separate component. Indeed, the system of the invention can be formed from two separable elements or parts: the link and the bar. All other parts of the system are not arranged to be separated by a user wishing to remove or add a link to a bracelet.

[0082] It should be noted that separating two adjacent links by removing the bar, as well as connecting two links by inserting the bar into its slot, can be done manually, preferably using a finger and / or fingernail, possibly while holding the bracelet and / or links in the other hand. Ideally, these operations can be performed without a dedicated or general-purpose tool, for example, without a screwdriver.

[0083] Furthermore, the slider 41 is easier for a user to activate than a slim push button. Typically, with push buttons, the tip of a pen is used to depress them because they are relatively small. In contrast, as described above, the slider 41 of the locking device 40 can be made relatively wide, allowing it to be activated with the tip of a finger, thus without any tools.

Claims

1. Link connection system (1) capable of forming a link bracelet whose principal direction defines a longitudinal axis, said system comprising: - a link (10) having a first connecting portion (11) and a second connecting portion (12), the second connecting portion being arranged to be able to cooperate with the first connecting portion of a neighboring link of said bracelet, the link having at least a first housing (21) arranged on the first connecting portion and a second housing (22, 23) arranged on the second connecting portion, the second housing having a first hole (22) and a second hole (23); and, - a bar (30) intended to be housed in said first housing (21) and in a second housing of said neighboring link, so as to be able to connect the link to said neighboring link, the bar having: - first and second pins (36, 37),the first pin having a first free end (31) and the second pin having a second free end (32) of the bar, said second pin (37) being arranged movable relative to the first pin so as to be able to move in translation between a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position preferably defining a longer and / or maximum length of the bar, - a hollow internal housing (33) housing an elastic element (34), said elastic element being arranged between said first and second pins to stress them towards the extended position, and, - at least one stop structure (35.1), preferably formed by a reduced diameter section and / or a notch (35); , characterized in thatthe link (1) further includes a locking device (40) comprising a locking member (45) arranged to cooperate with said stop structure (35.1), in order to prevent the bar from making a translational movement in at least one direction in the transverse direction when it is placed in said first housing and / or in said second housing.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said locking device (40) comprises an actuating member (41) arranged to be activated by a user to disengage said locking member (45) from said stop structure (35.1), in order to allow the bar to move preferably in a transverse direction.

3. System according to claim 2, wherein said actuating member is a slide, arranged to move in a longitudinal or transverse direction when activated by the user, said locking device (40) preferably comprising an elastic element arranged to stress said locking member into a locked position.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said locking device (40) is arranged on the first connecting portion (11) comprising and / or forming a male part, a forebody and / or a projection.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said locking member (45) is arranged to cooperate with the bar (30) and / or with said stop structure (35.1) when the bar is placed in said first housing.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (34) of the bar is arranged between said first and second pins (36, 37) so as to strain the bar towards a free position in which the bar is at least partially disengaged from said first and / or said second housing.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hole (22) of said second housing is a terminal hole having a bottom, and wherein said second end (32) of said bar is arranged to rest against said bottom when the bar is in an assembly position.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second hole (23) of the second housing is a through hole and / or through hole in transverse direction.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second hole (23) is dimensioned to permit the complete extraction of said bar (30) from said link, for example when said bar is in its free position, upon separation of said link from the neighboring link and / or upon activation of the actuating member.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second connecting portion (12) comprises two external extensions, a first external extension comprising said first hole (22) and the second external extension comprising said second hole (23), a connecting space and / or a slot (17) being defined between said first and second external extensions, said connecting space and / or said slot being arranged to be able to receive the first connecting portion (11') of a neighboring link.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one stop structure (35.1) is arranged centrally and / or near the middle (or mid-distance) of the longitudinal extent of said bar.

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bar comprises a second section with reduced diameter and / or a notch (38), arranged towards and / or near the first end (31) enabling preferably a user to use a fingernail to exert force on said bar in order to extract it from said first and / or said second housing.

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first connecting portion (11) forms a male part, and / or a forebody, adapted to fit into the second connecting portion (12), the latter forming a female part and / or comprising a slot, in particular in the space and / or slot arranged between said external extensions.

14. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, with respect to the transverse direction, said first connecting portion (11) is arranged centrally, and said first connecting portion (12) is arranged laterally and / or defines lateral external shapes and / or dimensions of said link.

15. A link (10) comprising a first connecting portion (11) and a second connecting portion (12), the second connecting portion being arranged to be able to cooperate with the first connecting portion of a neighboring link of said bracelet, the link comprising at least a first housing (21) arranged on the first connecting portion and a second housing (22, 23) arranged on the second connecting portion, the second connecting portion comprising a first hole (22) and a second hole (23), the link further comprising a locking device (40) comprising a locking member (45) arranged to be able to cooperate with a bar in the first and / or second housing, in order to prevent the bar from making a translational displacement in at least one direction in the transverse direction when it is placed in said first housing and / or in said second housing.

16. The link according to claim 15, wherein said first hole (22) is a blind hole and said second hole (23) is a through hole, the latter preferably allowing the complete extraction of a connecting bar and / or pin (3) from said first and / or second housings.

17. The link according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein the first connecting portion (11) comprises a male part, and wherein the locking device is arranged on said first connecting portion.

18. The link according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein said locking member (45) comprises first and second cooperation surfaces (45.1, 45.2), a first flat surface and a second surface which may be rounded or inclined, the first surface being arranged to block said movement of the bar, and the second surface being arranged to allow translational movement in the other direction in the transverse direction, preferably even when the locking member is in a locking position and / or in locking cooperation of said bar.

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