Device for fixing a bracelet strand

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for attaching a bracelet strand (1) to a watch case, said attachment device comprising a base (2) intended to be integral with the bracelet strand (1), two pivots (10, 12) retractable in a channel provided in said base (2) between an extracted position allowing the attachment of the bracelet strand (1) to the watch case and a retracted position allowing the separation of the bracelet strand (1) from the watch case, said attachment device comprising a slider (16) movable between a rest position and an actuation position and control means arranged to cooperate with said slider (16) and at least mediately with at least one of said pivots (10, 12) to control a displacement of said at least one pivot (10, 12) from its extracted position to its retracted position when the slider is moved between its rest position and its actuation position.The slider (16) is movable in translation relative to the base (2) along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet strap (1) between its rest position and its actuated position. The invention also relates to a bracelet strap (1) comprising such a device for attaching it to a watch case.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for fixing a bracelet strap to a watch case, said device comprising a base intended to be integral with the bracelet strap, two retractable pivots in a channel provided in said base between an extracted position allowing the bracelet strap to be fixed to the watch case and a retracted position allowing the bracelet strap to be separated from the watch case, said fixing device comprising a slider movable between a rest position and an actuation position and control means arranged to cooperate with said slider and at least mediately with at least one of said pivots to control a displacement of said at least one pivot from its extracted position to its retracted position when the slider is moved between its rest position and its actuation position.

[0002] The invention also relates to a bracelet strand comprising such a device for attaching to a watch case. State of the art

[0003] Such a device for attaching a bracelet strap to a watch case is described, for example, in patent EP 3,213,654. In this document, the bracelet strap attachment device comprises two retractable pins and two independently movable levers. The movement of these levers displaces the pins into an extended position, securing the bracelet strap to the watch case, or into a retracted position, detaching the strap strap from the watch case. The movement of these levers is caused by the upward movement of a slider along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet strap. Each lever comprises a head connected to one of the pins and controlling the movement of said pin, and a foot actuated by the slider to control the movement of the lever.The device also includes a locking mechanism to hold the levers in a position corresponding to a retracted position of the pins.

[0004] The fastening device described in patent EP 3 213 654 is complex and bulky in design. Due to this complex construction and the numerous components involved, the movement of the slider can be quite rigid. Consequently, the fastening device described in patent EP 3 213 654 requires a relatively significant effort to actuate.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a device for attaching a bracelet strap to a watch case of simple construction, compact, which can be operated effortlessly by a user in order to allow simple and quick attachment of the bracelet strap and to be able to easily remove said strap strap for replacement, without requiring any tools. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device for fixing a strap strand to a watch case, said fixing device comprising a base intended to be integral with the strap strand, two retractable pivots in a channel provided in said base between an extracted position allowing the fixing of the strap strand to the watch case and a retracted position allowing the separation of the strap strand from the watch case, said fixing device comprising a slider movable between a rest position and an actuation position and control means arranged to cooperate with said slider and at least mediately with at least one of said pivots to control a displacement of said at least one pivot from its extracted position to its retracted position when the slider is moved between its rest position and its actuation position.

[0007] According to the invention, said slider is movable in translation relative to the base along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet strand between its rest position and its actuation position.

[0008] The use of such a sliding mechanism, movable along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the watch strap, allows for the design of a large sliding mechanism. This advantageously facilitates the transmission of forces and thus enables effortless operation of the fastening device according to the invention. Therefore, the device for fastening a watch strap to a watch case according to the invention allows for easy separation of the strap from the watch case without effort or the need for tools. Consequently, the strap can be easily changed by a user. Furthermore, the device for fastening a watch strap to a watch case according to the invention is of simple construction, requiring few components.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a bracelet strand comprising a device for attaching it to a watch case as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 is an isometric view of a bracelet strand comprising the device for attaching it to a watch case according to the invention; the figure 2 is an exploded view of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is an isometric view of a bracelet strand comprising the base of the fastening device of the invention; the figure 4 is an isometric view of the underside of the slider of the fastening device of the invention; and the figure 5is an isometric view of the base of the fastening device of the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a device for attaching a bracelet strap 1 to a watch case (not shown). In this description, the term "longitudinal axis" A of a bracelet strap refers to the axis taken along the length of the bracelet strap, i.e., the axis coaxial with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of a traditional watch dial when the bracelet strap is attached to the watch case containing said dial.

[0012] With reference to figures 1 to 5The fastening device of the invention comprises a base 2 intended to be attached to the bracelet strand 1. For this purpose, the bracelet strand 1 comprises a housing 4 on one of its principal faces, preferably on the lower principal face 1a, that is to say, on the inner side of the bracelet strand 1 intended to be in contact with the user's skin. As shown more particularly in the figure 3 , the housing 4 opens at the level of the main lower face 1a of the bracelet strand 1 and includes a first upper opening 4a, rectangular in shape, the largest dimension of which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A. The housing 4 also includes lateral shoulders 4b defining a second opening 4c, lower than the first opening 4a, of smaller dimensions than those of the first opening 4a.

[0013] The base 2 of the fastening device is generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape, its largest dimension extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A. The base 2 includes a through channel 6 which extends along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and is positioned in the housing 4 so that said channel 6 is aligned with two lateral orifices 8 which present the end of the bracelet strand 1. The base 2 appears in the second opening 4c, as will be detailed below.

[0014] The fixing device also includes a first pivot 10 and a second pivot 12 retractable into the channel 6 of said base 2 as well as into the two lateral orifices 8 aligned with said channel 6 for the passage of said first and second pivots 10,12.

[0015] The first and second pivots 10, 12 are retractable in the channel 6 of the base 2 between an extended position allowing the bracelet strap 1 to be attached to the watch case and a retracted position allowing the bracelet strap 1 to be separated from the watch case. In their extended position, as shown in the figure 1 , the first and second pivots 10, 12 fit together, like a classic bar, into corresponding holes formed in the lugs of the watch case.

[0016] The fastening device also includes a return spring 14 for the first 10 and the second pivot 12, respectively, to return and hold said first 10 and second pivot 12 from their retracted position to their extended position. Advantageously, a single return spring 14 is used for both pivots 10 and 12, said return spring 14 being disposed in the channel 6 of the base 2 between the two pivots 10 and 12.

[0017] The fixing device also includes a slider 16 movable between a rest position and an actuation position and control means arranged to cooperate with said slider 16 and at least mediately with at least one of said first and second pivots 10, 12 to control a displacement of said at least one first and second pivot 10, 12 from its extracted position to its retracted position when the slider 16 is moved between its rest position and its actuation position.

[0018] According to the invention, the slider 16 is arranged to be able to move in translation relative to the base 2 along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bracelet strap 1 between its rest position and its actuation position. Thus, the slider 16 can be moved along this translational movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A when it is actuated by a user, here along arrow F, towards the left side of the bracelet strap 1 when viewed from the figure 1 .

[0019] With particular reference to the figure 4The slider 16 comprises a plate 16a arranged to be operated by a user and a conduit 16b integral with the plate 16a and extending under the plate 16a, towards the base 2. Said plate 16a is advantageously rectangular in shape, its longest dimension extending along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The conduit 16b comprises a channel through 18, said conduit 16b and its channel 18 also extending along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bracelet strand 1.

[0020] With particular reference to the figure 5 , base 2 includes a first housing 20 and a strip 22 (cf. figure 2) mounted by its ends in lateral orifices 23 provided in said first housing 20. The first housing 20 is advantageously rectangular in shape, its largest dimension, i.e. its length, extending along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The bar 22 extends in the first housing 20 also along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet strand 1. The conduit 16b of the slider 16 is mounted to slide freely on the bar 22 in said first housing 20, the bar 22 being inserted into the channel 18 of the conduit 16b before being mounted in the first housing 20.

[0021] The first housing 20 of the base 2 has sufficient length to allow the slider 16 to move between its two rest and actuation positions. Thus, the slider 16 can be moved, relative to the housing 4 of the bracelet strand 1, in translation along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, between its two rest and actuation positions.

[0022] Advantageously, the plate 16a is arranged to slide over a guide surface 2a of the base 2, into which the first recess 20 opens. The guide surface 2a of the base 2 fits into the second opening 4c of the recess 4 and is flush with said second opening 4c so as to be aligned with the lateral shoulders 4b of the recess 4, so that the plate 16a can also slide over said lateral shoulders 4b. Preferably, the dimensions of the slider 16 and the recess 4 are chosen so that the plate 16a of the slider 16 fits widthwise into the first opening 4a of the recess 4 and is flush with the lower face 1a of the bracelet strap 1.Furthermore, the plate 16a has a necessary and sufficient length relative to the first opening 4a of the housing 4 to allow its movement in said first opening 4a, above the guide surface 2a and the shoulders 4b, when the slider 16 is moved between its rest and actuation positions, while leaving a minimal play, as shown on the . figure 1 .

[0023] Advantageously, the control means cooperating with the slider 16 and at least one of the first and second pivots 10, 12 are direct and comprise a control finger 24 integral with the slider plate 16a, provided beneath said plate 16a in the direction of the base 2 next to the conduit 16b. The control finger 24 projects from the plate 16a in the direction of the first pivot 10, defined herein as the pivot that retracts into the channel 6 in the same direction as the movement of the slider 16 from its rest position to its actuated position. Said control finger 24 is arranged to cooperate directly with said first pivot 10 to move it from its extended position to its retracted position.

[0024] For this purpose, the base 2 is arranged to put the control finger 24 in communication with the first pivot 10. More particularly, the base 2 includes a second housing 26 in which said control finger 24 can move along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bracelet strand 1 when the slider 16 is moved between its rest and actuation positions, while passing through said second housing 26 and exiting into the channel 6 of the base 2 in order to cooperate directly with said first pivot 10.

[0025] In an advantageous manner, and with reference to the figure 2The first pivot 10 includes a groove 28 providing a bearing surface 30, perpendicular to the axis of the first pivot 10. The control finger 24 has the necessary height to be able to position itself in the groove 28 and to press on the bearing surface 30 of the groove 28 to drive the first pivot 10 from its extended position to its retracted position, by compressing the spring 14, when the slider 16 is moved from its rest position to its actuation position.

[0026] Advantageously, the control means cooperating with the slider 16 and at least one of the first and second pivots 10, 12 are indirect and include a double-fin control 32 (cf. figure 2) pivotally mounted on the base 2 along an axis perpendicular to the plate 16a of the slider 16. For this purpose, the base 2 includes a third housing 34 arranged to connect the double-fin control with the second pivot 12, defined here as the pivot which retracts into the channel 6 in the opposite direction to that of the movement of the slider 16 from its rest position to its actuation position. The shaft of the double-fin control 32 is rotatably mounted, by its end 38a, in an orifice 36 provided in said third housing 34. On the other side, the plate 16a includes a recess forming a guide surface 40 (cf. figure 4 ) in which the end 38b of the axis of the double-fin control 32 can circulate when the slider 16 is moved between its rest and actuation positions.

[0027] The double-fin control 32 includes an input fin 32a directed towards the housing 20 of the base 2 and an output fin 32b directed towards the channel 6 of the base 2, preferably forming an angle of 180° with the input fin 32a with respect to the axis of the double-fin control 32.

[0028] The slider 16 also includes an actuation element 42 (cf. figure 4 The inlet fin 32a is arranged to rotate the double-fin control 32 around its axis when the slider 16 is moved from its rest position to its actuation position. The outlet fin 32b is arranged to open into the channel 6 of the base 2 so that it can cooperate with the second pivot 12 to move it, when the double-fin control 32 pivots, from its extended position to its retracted position in the channel 6 in the opposite direction to the movement of the slider 16 from its rest position to its actuation position.

[0029] The actuation element 42 can be an actuation finger integral with the plate 16a of the slider 16, provided under said plate 16a in the direction of the input fin 32a of the double-fin control 32. Advantageously, the actuation element 42 is formed by a cutout in the conduit 16b of the slider 16 forming a bearing surface on the input fin 32a.

[0030] In an advantageous manner, and with reference to the figure 2, the second pivot 12 includes a groove 44 providing a bearing surface 46, perpendicular to the axis of the second pivot 12. The output fin 32b of the double-fin control 32 has the necessary height to be able to position itself in said groove 44 and to press on the bearing surface 46 of said groove 44 to drive the second pivot 12 from its extended position to its retracted position, by compressing the spring 14, when the double-fin control 32 pivots around its axis when the slider 16 is moved from its rest position to its actuation position.

[0031] According to embodiments, the fastening device according to the invention may include, as control means cooperating with the slider 16, the control finger 24 for controlling the pivot 10, which retracts into the channel 6 in the same direction as the movement of the slider 16 from its rest position to its actuated position, and / or the actuating element 42 associated with the double-fin control 32 for controlling the pivot 12, which retracts into the channel 6 in the opposite direction to the movement of the slider 16 from its rest position to its actuated position. If only one of these control means is provided to control the movement of one of the pivots, the other, uncontrolled pivot remains mobile since it rests on the spring 14. The strap strand 1 can then be mounted at an angle on the watch case so as to bring the uncontrolled pivot against the lug of the watch case to retract said uncontrolled pivot into the channel 6.Then the bracelet strand 1 is pivoted to allow insertion of the controlled pivot.

[0032] Advantageously, the control means include the control finger 24 attached to the plate 16a of the slider 16 and the actuating element 42 associated with the double-fin control 32 pivotally mounted on the base 2. Thus, the two pivots 10, 12 are retracted into the channel 6 of the base 2 simultaneously via the actuation of the slider 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bracelet strand 1. No tools are required to remove the bracelet strand 2 from the watch case.

[0033] Preferably, the slider 16 and the base 2 are made of suitable polymers, chosen in particular to ensure very good mechanical strength and dimensional stability throughout the lifespan of these components (resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and chemicals). These polymers may be, for example, thermoplastic polymers, such as polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), and preferably polyphthalamide (PPA) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). These polymers may advantageously be reinforced with fibers, such as carbon fibers or, preferably, glass fibers. The first and second pivots 10, 12 may be made of steel.

[0034] The base 2 can be made integral with the bracelet strand 1 by any suitable means. In a preferred embodiment, the bracelet strand 1 is made of elastomer, such as rubber, and is overmolded around the base 2.

[0035] For this purpose, the base 2 includes, around the guide surface 2a, lateral legs 48 (cf. figure 5 ) of lesser thickness onto which the bracelet strand 1 is overmolded. Thus, the shoulders 4b are formed above the lateral tabs 48 and the guiding surface 2a appears in the second opening 4c.

[0036] The operation of the fastening device according to the invention is very simple. When the user wishes to separate the bracelet strap 1 from the watch case, they move the slider 16 in translation along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bracelet strap 1, here in the direction indicated by the arrow F of the figure 1During this translational movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, the conduit 16b of the slider 16 moves in the housing 4 of the base 2 and the plate 16a moves above the guide surface 2a of the base 2 and the shoulders 4b of the housing 4. The control finger 24, integral with the plate 16a, while positioned in the groove 28 of the first pivot 10, moves in the first housing 26 in translation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and presses on the bearing surface 30 of the first pivot 10 so that said first pivot 10 is driven into the channel 6 in the retracted position. In parallel, the actuation element 42 of the conduit 16b is moved with the plate 16a of the slider 16 in translation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A according to the arrow F, the end 38b of the axis of the double-fin control 32 being guided by the guide surface 40 of the plate 16a.When the actuation element 42 presses on the input fin 32a of the double-fin control 32, the latter pivots on its axis, here clockwise, so that its output fin 32b positioned in the groove 44 of the second pivot 12 presses on the bearing surface 46 of the second pivot 12 so that said second pivot 12 is driven into the channel 6 in the retracted position.

[0037] The two pivots 10, 12 are then retracted into the channel 6 so that the bracelet strand 1 can be easily separated from the watch case.

[0038] Then the user releases the slider 16, which returns to its rest position, brought back by the pivots 10, 12 which act respectively on the control finger 24 and the double fin control 32, in an inverse movement, when they resume their extracted position under the action of their return spring 14.

[0039] The operation is similar if only the control finger 24 or the actuating element 42 associated with the double-finned control 32 is intended to move one of the pivots. In this case, the other pivot is not controlled but remains free since it rests on the spring 14. The bracelet strap 1 must then be assembled onto the watch case at an angle, starting from the uncontrolled side as described above. The bracelet strap can also be disassembled from the watch case at an angle, starting from the controlled side.

[0040] The use of a sliding slider along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet strap according to the invention advantageously allows for the design of a large slider, thus facilitating the transmission of forces. Consequently, the fastening device according to the invention can be operated effortlessly by a user. The fastening device according to the invention advantageously allows a user to attach the bracelet strap 1 to a watch case quickly and easily, using a mechanism that is simple to design and easy to implement. By simply moving the slider 16 in translation along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bracelet strap 1, said bracelet strap 1 can be easily separated from the watch case, effortlessly and without tools, so that it can be quickly and easily replaced by another bracelet strap equipped with the same fastening device.Furthermore, the fastening device according to the invention is of simple construction, requiring few components. In particular, and advantageously, the design of the fastening device according to the invention allows the overmolding of the elastomer bracelet strand 1, for example rubber, around the base 2. Moreover, the slider 16 advantageously performs two functions, namely actuation of the mechanism itself and acting as a cover to conceal said mechanism, which advantageously reduces the number of parts.

[0041] In the example described above, the fastening device and the housing 4 are located on the underside of the bracelet strap. It is clear that the fastening device and the housing 4 could be located on the upper side of the bracelet strap, the side visible when worn, with the slider 16 serving as a decorative element. Similarly, the example described above concerns a slider that moves from its rest position to its actuated position according to the arrow F of the figure 1 It is quite clear that the cursor could be arranged to move from its rest position to its actuation position in the opposite direction. In this case, the positions of the control finger 24, the actuation element 42, the double-fin control 32, the second and third housings 26, 34 and the pivots 10, 12 will be reversed.

Claims

1. A device for attaching a bracelet strap (1) to a watch case, said attachment device comprising a base (2) intended to be integral with the bracelet strap (1), two pivots (10, 12) retractable in a channel (6) provided in said base (2) between an extended position allowing the bracelet strap (1) to be attached to the watch case and a retracted position allowing the bracelet strap (1) to be separated from the watch case, said attachment device comprising a slider (16) movable between a rest position and an actuating position and control means arranged to cooperate with said slider (16) and at least indirectly with at least one of said pivots (10, 12) to control a displacement of said at least one pivot (10, 12) from its extended position to its retracted position when the slider is moved between its rest position and its actuating position, characterized in thatsaid slider (16) is movable in translation relative to the base (2) along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the bracelet strand (1) between its rest position and its actuation position.

2. Fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the slider (16) comprises a plate (16a) arranged to be actuated by a user and a conduit (16b) integral with the plate (16a), and in that the base (2) includes a first housing (20) and a bar (22) mounted in said first housing (20), the conduit (16b) being mounted to slide freely on the bar (22) in said first housing (20), the plate (16a), the conduit (16b), the first housing (20) and the bar (22) extending along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the bracelet strand (1).

3. Fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe plate (16a) is arranged to slide over a guide surface (2a) of the base (20) on which the first housing (20) opens.

4. A fastening device according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the first housing (20) has sufficient length to allow movement of the cursor (16) between its two rest and actuation positions.

5. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control means are direct and include a control finger (24) integral with the plate (16a) of the slider (16), projecting towards the first pivot (10) which retracts into the channel (6) in the same direction as the movement of the slider (16) from its rest position to its actuation position, and in that said control finger (24) is arranged to cooperate directly with said first pivot (10) to move it from its extended position to its retracted position.

6. Fixing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the base (2) includes a second housing (26) in which said control finger (24) can move along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the bracelet strand (1) and which it passes through to cooperate directly with said first pivot (10).

7. A fastening device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the first pivot (10) includes a groove (28) providing a bearing surface (30) on which the control finger (24) can press to drive the first pivot (10) from its extended position to its retracted position when the slider (16) is moved from its rest position to its actuation position.

8. A fastening device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that It includes a return spring (14) for the first pivot (10) to bring back and hold said first pivot (10) from its retracted position to its extracted position.

9. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control means are indirect and include a double-fin control (32) pivotally mounted on the base (2) about an axis perpendicular to the plate (16a) of the slider (16), said plate (16a) comprising a guide surface (40) in which the axis of the double-fin control (32) can circulate when the slider (16) is moved and in that the slider (16) includes an actuation element (42) arranged to rotate the double-fin control (32) when the slider (16) is moved from its rest position to its actuation position, said double-fin control (32) being arranged to cooperate with the second pivot (12) to move it from its extracted position to its retracted position in the channel (6) in the opposite direction to that of the movement of the slider (6) from its rest position to its actuation position.

10. Fixing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the base (2) includes a third housing (34) arranged to connect the double-fin control (32) with the second pivot (12).

11. A fastening device according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the second pivot (12) includes a groove (44) providing a bearing surface (16) on which the double-fin control (32) can press to drive the second pivot (12) from its extended position to its retracted position when the slider (16) is moved from its rest position to its actuation position.

12. A fastening device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that It includes a return spring (14) for the second pivot (12) to bring back and hold said second pivot (12) from its retracted position to its extracted position.

13. A fastening device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 and according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The control means include the control finger (24) and the actuation element (42) associated with the double-fin control (32).

14. Bracelet strand (1) comprising a device for attaching to a watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Bracelet strand (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that it includes a dwelling (4) on one of its main faces and in that the base (2) of the fastening device is positioned in said housing (4), said strap strand (1) comprising two lateral orifices (8) aligned with the channel (6) of the base (2) for the passage of the pivots (10, 12).

16. Bracelet strand (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the housing (4) is provided on the lower main face (1a) of the bracelet strand (1).

17. Bracelet strand (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the bracelet strand (1) is overmolded around the base (2).

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