Assembly of the band into the small watch case

Abstract

It provides a reliable and robust device for fastening the band to a small watch casing. [Solution] The fastening device comprises two separate spindles, each spindle 2 located in its own spindle housing provided within a connecting element 1 or a miniature watch case, at least one of the two spindles 2 is movably mounted within its own spindle housing so that the connecting element 1 can be separated from the miniature watch case, the spindle housing includes a return element 3 that acts elastically on at least one spindle 2, the spindle housing is adapted to be attached to and removed from the spindle housing, and includes a stop element 4 located coaxially with at least one spindle 2 within the spindle housing, the stop element 4 including a central opening 4a within which at least one spindle 2 moves from a retracted position to its protruding position or vice versa, the fastening device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for fastening a band portion to a small watch case. The present invention also relates to a watch itself, particularly a wristwatch, comprising at least one such fastening device, wherein the fastening device is arranged between the band portion and the case of the watch.

Background Art

[0002] Various devices are used for detachably and articulately fastening a band portion to the case of a wristwatch. For example, in one common prior art solution, a small watch case has two pairs of lugs, each pair of lugs defining a housing that receives a link at an end portion of the band portion. A mandrel extending between the two lugs of the pair of lugs engages with the link of the band portion, holding the link in position between the two lugs, while pivoting about the mandrel allows relative articulation between the band portion and the small watch casing, respectively.

[0003] The fastening of the band portion to such a small watch casing, particularly to the case, should ideally achieve the following objectives. - more specifically, it must be reliable to prevent untimely separation of the band portion, - it must be robust, particularly to prevent wear that causes deterioration of functionality over time, - it must allow easy removal and fastening of the band portion, for example to enable simple and quick replacement, - it must have an attractive aesthetic appearance, which is compatible in particular with the aesthetic requirements of luxury watches.

[0004] Although existing solutions achieve at least some of the above objectives, there remains room for improvement. Therefore, the present invention intends to improve this situation.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention generally relates to an improved solution for fastening a band to a miniature watch case, or more generally, to a miniature watch casing.

[0006] More specifically, the first objective of the present invention is to propose a reliable and robust solution for fastening a band to a small watch casing.

[0007] A second objective of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use solution for fastening a band to a small watch casing.

[0008] Preferably, a third object of the present invention is to propose an aesthetic solution for fastening the band portion to a small watch casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to a device for fastening a band to a miniature watch case, comprising a connecting element intended to connect to the band and to the miniature watch case, wherein the fastening device comprises two separate spindles, each spindle being located within its respective spindle housing provided within the connecting element or the miniature watch case, and the end portion of each spindle being in a position to protrude from its own spindle housing, allowing it to enter into a hole in the case or a hole in the connecting device, in order to fasten the connecting element and the case using the two spindles, At least one of the two spindles is movably mounted within its own spindle housing so that it can also occupy a retracted position within its own spindle housing so that the connecting element can be separated from the miniature watch case. The spindle housing includes a return element that acts elastically on the at least one spindle and biases the at least one spindle to maintain its protruding position. The spindle housing includes a stopper element, which is adapted to be attached to and removed from the spindle housing and includes a stopper against which the shoulder of the at least one spindle abuts at its protruding position, and which is positioned coaxially with the at least one spindle within the spindle housing. The stopping element includes a central opening in which the at least one spindle moves when it switches from the retracted position to its protruding position or vice versa. Based on fastening devices.

[0010] The present invention is defined in more detail in the claims.

[0011] The object, features, and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of specific embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples with respect to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded and assembled perspective view of a device for fastening a band to a small watch case, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a disassembled and assembled cross-sectional view of a device for fastening a band to a small watch case, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective top view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the core is in a protruding position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the core rod is in a protruding position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the spindle is in a retracted position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bottom view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which two spindles are in a protruding position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, assembled on the watch case. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, disassembled from the watch case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Therefore, the present invention is based on a device for fastening the band portion to the miniature watch body 6, and more generally to the miniature watch casing.

[0014] Figures 1 to 6 show embodiments of a fastening device, which in principle includes a connecting element 1 and two spindles 2 associated with a return element 3 and a stop element 4, respectively, in which the two spindles are movable. In modified examples (not shown), a single spindle 2 may be movable, and the second spindle 2 permanently protrudes from the connecting element 1.

[0015] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the connecting element 1 is intended to be fastened to the end of the band so that the band can be detachably fastened to the case of the watch. For this purpose, the connecting element 1 preferably includes connecting means 1b, which are designed to be coupled to the band. According to this embodiment, these connecting means are separated by an opening and have the shape of two protruding links so as to rotatably receive a spindle located at the end of the band. The connecting element, which may include the shape of links, may be considered an inseparable part of the band. The connecting element is visible when the miniature watch is worn and thus contributes to the aesthetics of the component.

[0016] In modified examples (not shown), the connecting element 1 may be mounted on the watch, particularly on the case, to detachably receive the band. In other words, the connection between the band and the case may be provided in two ways: by fastening devices intended to fasten to the end of the band within a connecting element fastened to the band for detachable mounting to the case; or, in modified examples (not shown), by fastening devices integrated within the case to receive detachable mounting of the band using the connecting element of the band.

[0017] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, each mandrel 2 is arranged within the mandrel housing 1a of the connecting element 1. Said mandrel housing 1a is in the form of a substantially cylindrical opening in a lateral side of the connecting element 1 and forms a through hole or a blind hole in the connecting element 1.

[0018] According to the present embodiment, each mandrel 2 extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises: - a first cylindrical portion extending from a first end of the mandrel 2, intended to occupy a protruding position relative to the respective mandrel housing 1a so as to be able to respectively enter a hole 6a of a body 6 for fastening the connecting element 1 and the body 6 using the two mandrels 2, said first cylindrical portion being referred to as the end portion 2a. - a second cylindrical portion, preferably extending from a second end of the mandrel 2, having a larger diameter than the end portion 2a, said diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the mandrel housing 1a to enable the mandrel 2 to move within the mandrel housing 1a with minimal clearance, as will be described in detail below, said second cylindrical portion being referred to as the inner portion 2b. - a shoulder 2c, formed on the contact surface between the two aforementioned cylindrical portions 2a, 2b by the annular side surface of the mandrel 2 due to the different diameters of the two portions, in the form of a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel 2, intended to cooperate with a stop element 4 in its protruding position. - a feature 2d, formed for example by an annular groove on the periphery of the mandrel 2, enabling a watchmaker to actuate the mandrel 2 using a tool to move the mandrel 2 from its protruding position to a retracted position against the force exerted by the return element 3; in the present embodiment, the feature 2d is arranged on the inner portion 2b.

[0019] The return element 3 is intended to act elastically on at least one spindle 2, biasing the spindle 2 to maintain its protruding position. The return element is advantageously positioned at the bottom of the housing 1a so as to act on the second end of the spindle 2 and push it outward from the housing 1a. In this embodiment, the return element 3 is a helical spring. The return element includes a first end that applies weight to the shoulder or bottom of the blind hole and a second end that applies weight to the spindle 2. For the second weighting, the second end of the spindle 2 may advantageously include a hollow cylindrical portion 2f in which the return element 3 is in place so as to exert the elastic return force on the spindle 2. Alternatively, any other shape is possible in which the spindle and spring are nested one inside the other. Generally, the spindle is preferably at least partially enclosed within the body of the spring, or vice versa.

[0020] The stop element 4 is also attached toward the open end of the spindle housing 1a and is removable. Note that removal is advantageous in that it allows for replacement or cleaning of the spindle during after-sales service. The stop element 4 includes a tubular part having threads 4g on its outer surface so that it can be fastened by screwing into the spindle housing 1a, and the spindle housing 1a includes a corresponding female thread 1g. The stop element 4 further includes an actuation means 4e that allows it to be screwed onto or unscrewed onto the connecting element 1. The actuation means 4e is a hollow relief, such as a groove or notch on its end surface, which allows it to be actuated by a tool such as a screwdriver. When the stop element is screwed into the spindle housing, the stop element 4 is positioned coaxially with the spindle 2 and located on the end portion 2a of the spindle 2.

[0021] The threaded tube forming the stop element 4 also has a through hole forming a longitudinal central opening 4a coaxial with the spindle 2. This central opening 4a allows the spindle 2 to pass through the stop element 4 until it reaches the protruding position. In other words, the stop element 4 includes a central opening 4a through which the spindle 2 moves when it moves from its retracted position to its protruding position, or vice versa. At the protruding position, the end portion 2a of the spindle 2 passes through the central opening 4a of the stop element 4, and the shoulder portion 2c of the spindle 2 abuts against the inner surface forming the stop portion 4c of the stop element 4. Thus, the stop element 4 satisfies the function of stopping the spindle 2 and limiting its displacement to the protruding position.

[0022] Finally, the fastening device includes a connecting element 1, which for this purpose includes two spindle housings 1a, two spindles 2, at least one return element 3, and at least one stop element 4. At least one of the two spindle housings 1a includes a concentric assembly of the return element 3, the spindle 2, and the stop element 4.

[0023] In addition, the connecting element 1 includes a passage 1d, preferably positioned from its lower surface, which has the shape of an opening oriented substantially perpendicular to the spindle housing 1a, as can be seen particularly in Figure 6. The passage 1d is positioned at the height of the feature portion 2d of the spindle 2 when it is positioned within the spindle housing 1a in a protruding or retracted position.

[0024] The operation of the fastening device is described below.

[0025] Figure 7 shows the result obtained when the connecting element 1 is fastened to the body 6, and more specifically, between the two projections of the body 6. For improved visibility, the band portion is not shown, but it is intended to be fastened to the connecting element 1 using fastening means 1b. Thus, the connecting element 1 represents the main element of the fastening device between the body and the band portion. In this fastening configuration, each spindle 2 has a position that protrudes from the spindle housing 1a such that at least a portion of its end portion 2a is accommodated within the opening 6a of the projection 6b of the body. In other words, the spindle 2 protrudes toward the lateral end of the connecting element 1, i.e., the spindle 2 includes a portion that is located outside the connecting element 1 and beyond that lateral end.

[0026] As shown in Figure 7, in this fastening configuration, the connecting element 1 is positioned between the two projections 6b of the body 6, i.e., within the projection width. The arrangement of the fastening device described in detail has the advantage of a compact configuration, which makes it possible to provide connecting elements of the smallest size and in a variety of shapes. The present invention therefore provides a greater degree of freedom in defining the shape and thickness of the connecting element, which is advantageous as it is possible to conform to the shape 6h of the bottom of the projection width, in particular to the curvature of the casing within the projection width as defined by the casing radius, and thus enables a number of aesthetic shapes. For example, the connecting element 1 has a body having a curved surface 1h that is adapted to match the shape 6h of the body 6 to which it is fastened. For example, it is possible to obtain a small connecting element 1 defined by the residual wall thickness around the spindle housing 1a, on the order of 0.35 mm. In addition, if the band portion is composed of several assembled links, the connecting element 1 may have or include a shape similar to one or more links of the band portion in order to form an assembly that appears continuous. In modified embodiments, the band portion may be made of a flexible material, such as leather or elastomer. In this case, the connecting element may be incorporated into the end of the flexible band, preferably in a completely or partially concealed manner. As a variation, the connecting element may be an end made of metal or other rigid material, positioned at the end of the flexible band.

[0027] In order to separate the band from the body 6 and to reach the configuration shown in Figure 8, at least one spindle 2 of the fastening device must be moved from its protruding position to its retracted position. Therefore, to act on the spindle 2 against the force exerted by the return element 3 and move it from its protruding position to its retracted position, it is possible to manually act on the feature portion 2d of the spindle 2 through the passage 1d of the connecting element, preferably using a tool. For this purpose, the passage 1d is large enough to achieve this displacement of the spindle 2. When the spindle is in the retracted position, the connecting element 1 may be separated from the projection 6b of the body 6, thereby allowing the connecting element 1 to be completely separated from the body 6, as shown in Figure 8, and enabling the separation of the band from the body 6. Once the spindle 2 is released, it returns to its protruding position under the effect of the return element 3.

[0028] Therefore, it should be noted that the spindle 2 is movable between two positions within the housing 1a: a protruding position in which it is in contact and held under the effect of the return element 3, and a retracted position in which it is fully or nearly fully positioned within the spindle housing 1a. The mobility of the spindle 2 is advantageously translational along its own longitudinal axis, which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the spindle housing 1a.

[0029] Advantageously, the end of the spindle 2, which is intended to enter the opening 6a of the projection 6b of the body, has a frustoconical shape that reduces gaps and wear when the connecting element is articulated to the body 6 using the spindle 2.

[0030] On the other hand, in order to minimize the dimensional and aesthetic gap between the body 6 and the connecting element 2, while best conforming to the shape of the projection width, the two spindles of the fastening device are advantageously not aligned. This allows, for example, the two spindles 2 to be oriented in a direction corresponding to the shape 6h of the bottom of the projection width. As a result, the geometric axes (A1;A2) of the spindles 2 intersect and are not coaxial. In a modified example, the geometric axes of the two spindles 2 may be aligned.

[0031] The fastening device described above is advantageously suited to all types of band sections and / or small watch casings. The band section may be made of leather, elastomer, or metal. The connecting element is preferably made of metal, especially precious metals such as gold or platinum, or steel. Alternatively, the connecting element 1 may be made of industrial ceramic. The same applies to the spindle 2.

[0032] Advantageously, the stop element 4 is positioned so that it is hidden by the projection 6b of the body 6 when the fastening device is assembled to the body 6. In this fastening configuration, the stop element 4 can be held in place by the side of the projection 6b, which prevents the stop element 4 from coming loose at any time. Furthermore, advantageously, the stop element 4 is not coplanar with the surface of the connecting element 1 and is slightly recessed into the spindle housing 1a to prevent contact with the side of the projection 6b. This prevents any deterioration of the stop element 4, such as that caused by contact or friction with the projection 6b.

[0033] Preferably, the components of the fastening element, housed within the connecting element, are advantageously concealed once the band is assembled. Only the characteristic portion 2d of the spindle 2 is visible through the passage 1d. To reduce the impact of this visibility, particularly its aesthetic impact, while preventing the risk of untimely operation, the passage 1d is advantageously positioned on the underside of the connecting element, i.e., the surface intended to face the wearer's wrist.

[0034] As an alternative to the embodiment described, the connecting device 1 may include, in particular, a single movable spindle 2 that is movable in translation as described above, and another non-movable spindle 2. In the modified example, the two spindles 2 have the same mobility whether they are arranged in the same manner and aligned or not.

[0035] In addition, each spindle 2 may rotate around its own vertical axis, or its rotation may be fixed. The connecting element 1 and / or body 6 are advantageously rotatable around the spindle 2 in the fastening configuration.

[0036] As described above, the connection between the fastening element and the body may be reversed. In this alternative embodiment, the fastening element of the fastening device is located on the body 6, for example, on a projection 6b of the body 6. In other words, the spindle housing 6a of the projection 6b may receive the return element 3, the spindle 2, and the stop device 4 in substantially the same arrangement as described with respect to the spindle housing 1a of the connecting element 1. In this case, the connecting element 1 includes a hole 1a intended to receive the spindle 2 when the spindle 2 is positioned to protrude from the projection 6b. The projection includes a passage for accessing the feature portion 2d of the screw 2.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a watch, particularly a wristwatch, which includes the above-described at least one fastening device for detachably fastening at least one end of a band portion to the case 6 of a watch using a connecting element 1. The fastening device is advantageously positioned on both sides of the case, particularly the body, of a small watch casing, for detachably fastening each band portion.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a device for fastening a band to a small watch case. - Insert the return element 3 into the bottom of the spindle housing 1a of the connecting element 1. - Insert the spindle 2 into the spindle housing 1a, ensuring that the end portion 2a is positioned outside the spindle housing 1a. - The stopping element 4 is positioned on the open end of the spindle housing 1a to ensure that the spindle 2 passes correctly through the central opening 4a of the stopping element 4. - The stop element 4 is screwed in using a tool that acts on the actuation means 4e of the stop element 4. Includes steps.

[0039] To carry out this final step, it is noted that it is advantageous for the spindle 2 to include a specific shape 2e, such as a groove or notch, that complements the shape of the actuation means 4e of the actuation element 4, so that at least one spindle 2 and the stop element 4 can be actuated simultaneously using the same tool, and the tool first cooperates with the specific shape 2e of the spindle 2 and then simultaneously with the actuation means 4e of the stop element 4. This makes it possible to prevent the watchmaker's tool, which first applies weight to the spindle 2 when screwing in or unscrewing the stop element 4, from slipping.

[0040] In this method, the elements are preferably inserted into the spindle housing 1a, which is preferably a blind hole, from the same open end. More specifically, the return element 3, the spindle 2, and the stop element 4 are preferably assembled coaxially and continuously from the same open end of the spindle housing 1a.

[0041] According to a modified embodiment (not shown), the two spindles 2 may be in the shape of a single, continuous part, physically long enough so that their two ends protrude from the connecting element 1 in the fastening configuration. The spindle is actuated by a tool against a return element to retract one of its two ends, as described above. In this case, the second end is inserted more deeply into the corresponding opening 6a, which may be deeper and even open. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 connection element 1a Core housing 1b Connection means 1d Passageway 1g female thread 2 Mandrel 2a End part 2b Internal part 2c Shoulder 2D Feature Section 2e Specific shape 2f Hollow cylindrical section 3. Return elements 4. Stopping elements 4a center opening 4c Stop part 4e Actuation means 4g screw thread 6 Torso 6a Core housing 6b protrusion

Claims

1. A device for fastening a band to a miniature watch case, comprising a connecting element (1) intended to be connected to the band (10) and to the miniature watch case (6), wherein the fastening device comprises two separate spindles (2), each spindle (2) being positioned within its respective spindle housing (1a; 6a) located within the connecting element (1) or the miniature watch case (6), and the end portion (2a) of each spindle (2) being positioned to protrude from its own spindle housing (1a; 6a) in order to fasten the connecting element (1) and the case (6) using the two spindles (2), and each spindle (2) being able to occupy a protruding position that allows it to enter into the hole (6a) of the case (6) or the hole (1a) of the connecting device (1), At least one of the two spindles (2) is movably mounted within its own spindle housing (1a; 6a) such that it can also occupy a retracted position within its own spindle housing (1a; 6a) so that the connecting element (1) can be separated from the miniature watch case (6). The spindle housing (1a; 6a) includes a return element (3) that acts elastically on the at least one spindle (2) and biases the at least one spindle (2) to maintain its protruding position. The spindle housing (1a; 6a) includes a stop element (4) which is adapted to be attached to and removed from the spindle housing (1a; 6a) and includes a stop portion (4c) into which the shoulder portion (2c) of the at least one spindle (2) abuts at its protruding position, and which is coaxially positioned with the at least one spindle (2) within the spindle housing (1a; 6a), The stopping element (4) includes a central opening (4a) within which the at least one spindle (2) moves when it is switching from the retracted position to its protruding position or vice versa. The stop element (4), which is mounted coaxially with the at least one spindle (2) within the spindle housing (1a; 6a), includes an actuation means (4e) at its outward-facing end of the spindle housing (1a; 6a) for mounting and detaching itself using a tool, The at least one spindle (2) includes a specific shape (2e) that complements the shape of the actuation means (4e) of the stop element (4) in order to enable the at least one spindle (2) and the stop element (4) to be actuated simultaneously using the same tool. Fastening device.

2. The two spindles (2) are movable within their respective spindle housings (1a; 6a) so that they can both occupy either a protruding or retracted position. The fastening device according to claim 1.

3. The two central rods (2) are either coaxial and aligned, or non-coaxial and misaligned. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The two central rods (2) are non-coaxial and non-aligned, and / or the connecting element (1) has a body configured to extend between two projections (6b) of the body (6), the body having a curved surface adapted to match the shape of the body (6) to which the connecting element (1) is fastened in an angularly movable manner. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The end portion (2a) of each core (2) has a conical or frustoconical shape. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The spindle housing (1a; 6a) is a blind hole that coaxially encloses at its bottom a return element (3) which is a helical spring, at least one spindle (2) which exerts force on its internal portion (2b), and a stop element (4) which the at least one spindle (2) abuts against at its protruding position. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The at least one spindle (2) has a cavity (2f) in its internal portion (2b) in which at least a part of the return element (3) is placed. A fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The spindle housing (1a; 6a) includes a passage (1d) that allows the use of a tool to act on a feature portion (2d) of the at least one spindle (2) in order to move the at least one spindle (2) from its protruding position to its retracted position against the force exerted by the return element (3), wherein the feature portion (2d) of the at least one spindle (2) is a groove, and the passage (1d) is an opening perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle housing (1a; 6a). The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The stopping element (4) is retracted into the spindle housing (1a; 6a) to prevent contact between the side surface of the projection (6b) of the body or the connecting element (1). A fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The connecting element (1) includes at least one connecting means (1b) for fastening the band portion (10), A fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The at least one spindle (2) is movable in translation within the spindle housing (1a; 6a) and is movable or not movable in rotation about its own axis. The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The connecting element (1) and / or the core (2) are made of metal, a metal alloy, or industrial ceramic. A fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A watch, particularly a wristwatch, comprising at least one fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one end of a band portion (10) is detachably fastened to the case portion (6) of the watch using the connecting element (1).

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