Safety device for a watch lock

Abstract

To provide a security device for protecting a watch against theft, a security device (100) for a watch clasp (200) is proposed, comprising a security element (10) with a fastening section (11) for attachment to a rotation axis (R) of a locking bar (201) of the watch clasp (200) and comprising a retaining section (12), wherein the security element (10) can be brought into a blocking state in which the security element (10) in the area of ​​the retaining section (12) contacts the locking bar (201) in such a way that rotation of the locking bar (201) about the rotation axis (R) is blocked and which can be brought into a release state in which the locking bar (201) is rotatable about the rotation axis (R).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for a watch clasp, a watch clasp comprising such a locking device, and a watch comprising such a watch clasp.

[0002] Various types of closures for wristwatches are known in the prior art. In particular, folding clasps or toggle folding clasps are known, which have a folding section and a locking bar that secures or keeps the folding section closed.

[0003] Especially with high-priced watches, which are often equipped with such a folding clasp, theft of the watch is common, as thieves often succeed in quickly stealing the watch worn on the wrist by opening the safety catch.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for solutions that prevent the theft of watches while they are being worn.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a security device to protect a watch against theft.

[0006] This problem is solved by a locking device for a watch clasp, comprising a locking element with a fastening section for attachment to a rotation axis of a locking bar of the watch clasp and comprising a holding section, wherein the locking element can be brought into a blocking state in which the locking element contacts the locking bar in the area of ​​the holding section in such a way that a rotation of the locking bar about the rotation axis is blocked and which can be brought into a release state in which the locking bar can be rotated about the rotation axis.

[0007] The watch clasp is, in particular, a folding clasp with a folding section which, in the closed position, is secured by means of a locking bar. The locking bar rotates over the folding clasp and is fixed to the watch, for example, by means of a clamping mechanism. With watch clasps known from the prior art, this locking bar can be opened relatively easily by a thief. The safety device according to the invention advantageously prevents theft, since the safety element ensures the secure fixing of the locking bar when the retaining section is in the locked position, in which it blocks any rotation of the locking bar that could allow it to be opened.

[0008] The locking device advantageously allows the locking bar to be blocked from rotating during normal use of the watch clasp when the clasp is closed, since the locking bar must be rotated to open the clasp. The locking device is specifically designed so that it cannot be easily switched from the locked to the unlocked position, thus ensuring the watch is protected against theft. In the unlocked position, however, it is possible to rotate the locking bar to open the clasp.

[0009] Preferably, during the intended use of the locking device on the watch clasp, the locking element extends from the axis of rotation, where it is attached by means of the fastening section, through the locking bar or an open area of ​​the locking bar to an upper surface of the watch clasp or the locking bar facing away from the wearer's arm. The retaining section is dimensioned such that, in the release state, it can also extend or be guided through the locking bar or the open area when the locking bar is opened by rotation about its axis of rotation. The retaining section is guided through the locking bar, in particular, during the closing and opening movement of the locking bar.

[0010] The fastening section can preferably be movable relative to the axis of rotation or rotatably attached to it, or be rigidly attached to the axis of rotation.

[0011] In the locked position, the retaining section can no longer be passed through the safety bar or its open area, but instead rests against or on the safety bar, thus restricting or preventing its rotation. For this purpose, the retaining section can have at least one locking projection, described in detail below, which rests against the safety bar and prevents the retaining section from passing through it. In other words, the retaining section engages behind the safety bar on its upper surface, and the simultaneous attachment of the locking element to the axis of rotation restricts the movement of the safety bar, while the locking element extends through the safety bar or an opening in the safety bar.

[0012] In particular, during normal use of the locking device, the retaining section of the watch clasp, when locked, contacts an upper surface of the locking bar that faces away from the wearer of the watch. This upper surface is specifically oriented away from the underside, in the area of ​​which the axis of rotation is located. The upper surface also includes, in particular, the side and edge areas of the locking bar that face the watch strap.

[0013] The watch strap can be formed, in particular, from several interconnected chain links. The retaining section can, in particular, rest on the chain link and the safety catch in the area of ​​the chain link that is connected to the watch clasp.

[0014] The locking device preferably comprises a locking element that secures the retaining section in the locked position by resting the locking element against the top of the watch clasp. The locking element is preferably designed separately from the retaining section and can be engaged with it to bring the retaining section into the locked position. Preferably, exactly one locking element is provided, or several, for example two, locking elements can be provided that can be engaged with the retaining section. The arrangement of the at least one locking element preferably blocks the passage of the retaining section through the locking bar or the opening of the locking bar. In other words, the locking element rests against or on the locking bar in the area of ​​the retaining section, so that the locking bar is prevented from being held in place by the retaining section from below.is held in the closed position and rotation of the locking lever is not possible in this locked state.

[0015] Preferably, the locking element is a pin or bolt which, in the locked position, is arranged in a receptacle, in particular an opening, in the retaining section. By arranging the pin in the receptacle of the retaining section, the pin engages with the retaining section in such a way that the retaining section rests against or on the locking bar, thus blocking the rotation of the locking bar. For this purpose, the pin extends, in particular, out of the receptacle, so that at least one locking projection is formed by at least one end region of the pin, which prevents the retaining section from moving through the locking bar and thus blocks the rotation of the locking bar. The locking projection rests against the locking bar.

[0016] Preferably, the pin has a length between 20 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 17 mm and 19 mm, and most preferably between 17.5 mm and 18.5 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the pin has a thickness or diameter between 1 mm and 2 mm, particularly preferably between 1.3 and 1.7 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the retaining section comprises a cylindrical sleeve through which the receptacle, in particular the opening, extends. The sleeve is preferably designed to be complementary to the shape of the pin in order to receive it section by section in a form-fitting manner. The pin can be held in the sleeve by clamping or by a releasable frictional connection to prevent it from being lost. Preferably, an inner wall of the sleeve and / or the pin can have a friction-enhancing coating, for example made of rubber, and / or a friction-enhancing surface structure so that the pin is securely held in the sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, the sleeve has an inner diameter between approximately 1 mm and 2 mm, particularly preferably between 1.3 and 1.7 mm. Thus, the inner diameter of the sleeve preferably corresponds, with only a slight deviation, to the thickness or diameter of the pin, so that the pin can be held securely in the sleeve.

[0020] Preferably, the outer diameter of the sleeve is between 1.8 mm and 2.7 mm, particularly preferably between 2 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0021] To engage the locking section, the pin is inserted into the sleeve while the safety catch is closed and the locking section is positioned against or on the safety catch. The inserted pin extends from one or both sides of the sleeve and rests against the safety catch to hold it in position. Removing the pin is not easily possible, thus securing the safety catch in its position against theft. To release the locking section, the pin is pushed back out of the sleeve, allowing the locking section to move freely through the safety catch and the safety catch to rotate and be opened.

[0022] Preferably, the length of the sleeve is shorter than the length of the pin.

[0023] Preferably, the opening is a through-hole, wherein the pin extends out of the through-hole on both sides and rests against or on the locking bracket with locking projections (16) formed by its two end sections. This preferably creates two locking projections which fix the retaining section to or on the locking bracket.

[0024] Preferably, the holding section is formed essentially exclusively by the sleeve.

[0025] The holding section can be connected to the fastening section via a connecting bridge.

[0026] The retaining section is rigidly connected to the fastening section. In particular, the retaining section and the fastening section are formed in one piece, especially together with the connecting web.

[0027] Preferably, the length of the pin corresponds to between 78% and 92%, more preferably between 82% and 90%, and most preferably between 84% and 88%, of the length of the retaining section. Due to these length ratios, the section(s) extending from the opening of the retaining section are long enough to provide sufficient blocking effect.

[0028] Preferably the length of the holding section is between 10 mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 12 mm and 18 mm, and particularly preferably between 15 mm and 16 mm.

[0029] The length of the holding section and the fastening section refer in particular to their extension parallel to the axis of rotation in the state arranged in the watch clasp.

[0030] Preferably, the length of the fastening section is between 6 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 8 mm and 9.5 mm, and most preferably between 8.5 mm and 9 mm. Due to these dimensions, the locking element is suitable for many common, especially high-quality, watch models.

[0031] Preferably, the fastening section includes a hook for gripping the axis of rotation. The fastening section, or hook, is engaged on the axis of rotation for attachment to the watch clasp, with the hook partially enclosing the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the hook can substantially enclose the entire axis of rotation, in which case the locking element is permanently attached to the watch clasp or the axis of rotation. The hook can preferably enclose the axis of rotation in such a way that the locking element is rotatable around the axis of rotation, or the hook encloses the axis of rotation in such a way that the locking element is rigidly fixed to the axis of rotation and cannot rotate relative to it, for example, by forming a clamping hook.

[0032] Preferably, exactly one hook can be provided. This hook preferably has a width that preferably corresponds to a maximum or exactly one length of the retaining section, such that the hook can be guided through the locking bracket or an opening in the locking bracket to secure the locking element in the watch clasp. For example, the hook can be a curved flat material. In particular, the connecting web between the retaining section and the fastening section can also be made of a flat material. In particular, the fastening section can be a curved end section of the connecting section.

[0033] Preferably, alternatively, several hooks, for example two or three, can be provided which enclose the axis of rotation.

[0034] Furthermore, the fastening section can also have other fastening mechanisms. For example, the fastening section can also have two complementary gripping sections that encompass the axis of rotation in order to fasten the locking element to the axis of rotation.

[0035] Preferably, the locking element is made of metal or a metal alloy, in particular brass, or preferably comprises metal or a metal alloy, in particular brass. Furthermore, the blocking element can also be made of metal or a metal alloy, in particular brass, or comprise metal or a metal alloy, in particular brass.

[0036] Preferably, the safety device is designed to be separate from or detachable from the watch clasp. This makes it advantageously possible to use the safety device with a large number of different watches and watch models.

[0037] The problem according to the invention is further solved by a watch clasp having a safety device according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0038] Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a watch having the watch clasp described above.

[0039] The embodiments and advantages described above are also applicable to the watch clasp or the watch itself, each of which has the aforementioned safety device.

[0040] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. These show in Fig. 1 a perspective view of a watch clasp, Fig. 2 different views of the components of a locking device, Fig. 3 the process of inserting a locking element into a holding section of a locking element of the locking device, Fig. 4 a side view of a locking device in the watch clasp in the locked state, Fig. 5 a top view of the watch clasp with the locking device in the locked state, and Fig. 6 another top view of the watch clasp with the locking device in the locked state. Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a watch clasp 200 of a watch 300 (not shown in detail) in an open position. The watch clasp 200 is a folding clasp with a folding section 202 and a safety catch 201. To close the Upon opening the watch clasp 200, the folding section 202 is folded into a flat position on the watch strap 203, and the locking bar 204 is rotated into a closed position towards the watch strap 203 around the axis of rotation R and fixed there by means of a locking mechanism. The axis of rotation R is located in a watch strap element 204, which is connected to the watch clasp 200 or forms part of the watch clasp 200. Furthermore, the locking bar 201 has an opening 18.

[0041] Figure 2 shows the components of a safety device 100, which is intended for use in a watch clasp 200 according to Figure 1 is trained. Figures 2a), 2b) and 2dFigures 1 and 2 show different views of a locking element 10 of the locking device 100. The locking element 10 comprises a fastening section 11, which is designed for fastening or engaging with the axis of rotation R of the watch clasp 200. For this purpose, the fastening section 11 is designed in the form of a hook.

[0042] The fastening section 11 is connected to a retaining section 11 of the locking element 10 via a connecting bridge 14. The retaining section 12 is designed as a sleeve which, when inserted into the watch clasp 200, extends parallel to the axis of rotation R. The sleeve has an inner diameter ID, which can be, for example, 1.5 mm, and an outer diameter AD, which can be, for example, 2.3 mm. The sleeve has a receptacle 15 with an opening at each end into which the Figure 2c ) blocking element 13 shown can be used.

[0043] Furthermore, the retaining section 12 has a length LH, which can be, for example, 15.5 mm. The length L BES of the fastening section 11 can be, for example, 8.7 mm.

[0044] Figure 2c Figure 1 shows the locking element 13 for use in the sleeve of the retaining section 12. The locking element 13 has the shape of a pin with a length LB, which can be, for example, 18 mm, and a thickness D, which can be, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0045] In Figures 3a) to 3cFigure 1 illustrates the process of inserting the locking element 13 into the retaining section 12. The locking element 13, in the form of a pin, is inserted into the retaining section 12, in the form of a sleeve, through one of two openings in the receptacle 15 until the pin, with its end sections forming locking projections 16, extends from each of the openings in the receptacle 15. The pin is held securely in the sleeve and can be manually removed or released.

[0046] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a side view of the locking device 100 in the watch clasp 200 in the locked position. The figure shows that the retaining section 12 of the locking element 10 rests on the watch strap element 204, to which the axis of rotation R is also attached, and that the pin or its locking projections 16 contact the locking bar laterally or at its end. The retaining section 12 is held in position by the locking element 13, which extends through the retaining section 12, in such a position that the retaining section 12 blocks rotation of the locking bar 201. The locking element 10 is also attached to the axis of rotation R to achieve the locking effect. The locking element 10 extends from a top surface 17 through the locking bar 201 or through an opening 18 in the locking bar 201.

[0047] Figures 5 and 6The figures show top views of the locking device 100 in the locked state. In particular, it can be seen how the locking element 10 extends through an opening or recess in the locking bracket 201 from a top side of the watch clasp 200 or the locking bracket 201 to a bottom side of the watch clasp 200 or the locking bracket 201, where the axis of rotation R is located. It is particularly shown that the pin rests laterally against a top side of the locking bracket 201. Figure 6 It is also evident that the locking projections 16 of the pin lie laterally against the locking bar 201. Reference symbol list

[0048] 100 Safety device 200 Watch clasp 201 Safety bar 202 Folding section 203 Watch strap 204 Watch strap element 300 Watch 10 Locking element 11 Fastening section 12 Holding section 13 Blocking element 14 Connecting web 15 Receptacle 16 Locking projections 17 Top 18 Opening R Rotation axis LB Length of the locking element LH Length of the holding section L BES Length of the fastening section AD Outer diameter of the holding section ID Inner diameter of the holding section D Thickness of the locking element

Claims

1. A locking device (100) for a watch clasp (200), comprising a locking element (10) with a fastening section (11) for attachment to a rotation axis (R) of a locking bar (201) of the watch clasp (200) and comprising a retaining section (12), wherein the locking element (10) can be brought into a blocking state in which the locking element (10) contacts the locking bar (201) in the area of ​​the retaining section (12) in such a way that rotation of the locking bar (201) about the rotation axis (R) is blocked and which can be brought into a release state in which the locking bar (201) can be rotated about the rotation axis (R).

2. Locking device (100) according to claim 1, comprising a locking element (13) which fixes the retaining section (12) in the locked state by contacting or bearing the locking element (13) against the locking bracket (201).

3. Locking device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the locking element (13) is a pin or a bolt which, in the locked state, is arranged in a receptacle (15), in particular an opening, in the holding section (13).

4. Locking device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the pin has a length (L B ) between 20 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 17 mm and 19 mm, particularly preferably between 17.5 mm and 18.5 mm.

5. Securing device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the retaining section (13) comprises a cylindrical sleeve through which the receptacle (15), in particular the opening, extends.

6. Safety device (100) according to claim 4, wherein a length (L H ) the sleeve is smaller than a length (L B ) of the pen.

7. Locking device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the receptacle is a through-opening, wherein the pin extends out of the through-opening on both sides in the blocking state and rests on or against the locking bracket (201) with locking projections (16) formed by its two end sections.

8. Safety device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein a length (L B ) of the pin between 78% and 92%, preferably between 82% and 90%, particularly preferably between 84% and 88%, of a length (L H ) of the retaining section (12), in particular the sleeve.

9. Safety device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a length (L H ) of the holding section (12) is between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 18 mm, particularly preferably between 15 mm and 16 mm.

10. Safety device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a length (L BES ) of the fastening section (11) is between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 9.5 mm, particularly preferably between 8.5 mm and 9 mm.

11. Securing device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening section (11) comprises a hook for gripping the axis of rotation (R).

12. Locking device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (10) consists of metal or a metal alloy, in particular brass, or comprises metal or a metal alloy, in particular brass.

13. Watch clasp (200) comprising a locking device (100) according to one of the aforementioned claims.

14. Clock (300), comprising a clock clasp (200) according to claim 13.

Images