Watch component with cap

Abstract

To provide a timepiece component with a cap that is robust, reliable, and easy to implement and that can be esthetically appealing.SOLUTION: A timepiece component has: a first part 13 that comprises at least one first latching member 50 and a movable lock 9; and a removable cap 13c that comprises at least one first assembly member 40 designed to cooperate with the first latching member 50 of the first part 13, and a second assembly member 41 designed to cooperate with the movable lock 9. The timepiece component can assume a fastening configuration and a free configuration. In the fastening configuration, the first latching member 50 of the first part 13 and the first assembly member 40 of the cap 13c are in engagement. The movable lock 9 is in engagement with the second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c. The cap 13c is fastened in a locked manner to the first part 13. In the free configuration, the movable lock 9 occupies an open position in which it releases the second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c and allows the cap 13c to be separated from the first part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece component with at least one cap. The invention also relates to a timepiece including such a timepiece component. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a timepiece component. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to improve the scratch resistance and / or modify the appearance of a watch component, in particular an external watch component such as a bracelet clasp, bracelet links or case, it is known to fasten caps to vulnerable and / or externally visible parts of said watch component. An ideal cap of this kind should fulfil the following requirements: - the cap should be able to be assembled onto the watch component easily and without any risk of damage; - The cap should be sturdy to withstand external loads such as impacts and scratches; - The cap should be fastened in a secure manner to avoid unintentional disassembly; - The cap should be aesthetically appealing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Depending on the nature of the cap and of the component, in particular the material, existing solutions such as brazing are unable to satisfactorily meet all of these requirements.The present invention therefore has the object of providing a new solution for timepiece components with caps, which improves on existing solutions by fully meeting each of the above requirements.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention has the object of providing a solution for capped timepiece components that is robust, reliable, easily implementable and aesthetically appealing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to a timepiece component having a first part and a removable cap, which can assume a fastening configuration in which the removable cap is fastened to the first part, and a free configuration in which the cap is separated from the first part, the first part comprising at least a first latch member (or hook member) and a movable lock, and the cap comprising at least a first assembly member intended to cooperate with the first latch member of the first part and a second assembly member intended to cooperate with the movable lock of the first part, wherein in the fastening configuration of the timepiece component the first latch member of the first part and the first assembly member of the cap are engaged and the movable lock occupies a closed position in which it engages with the second assembly member of the cap, whereby the cap is fastened in a locked state to the first part, and in the free configuration the movable lock occupies an open position which releases the second assembly member of the cap, whereby the second assembly member of the cap is released and the cap can be separated from the first part.

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims that follow.

[0007] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are disclosed in the following non-limiting detailed description of specific embodiments which proceed with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clasp in an open position, including a cover with a cap, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a cover for a clasp including a cap of a fastening arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a fastening arrangement for a cover of a clasp including a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an exploded partial perspective view of a cover for a clasp including a cap according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view along a vertical longitudinal median plane of a clasp cover including a cap in an assembled stage according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5, of a cover of a clasp including a cap in an intermediate state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 of a cover for a clasp including a cap in a fastening configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of a clasp in a closed configuration, including a cap in a fastening configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detail view of FIG. 8 showing the bars of the clasp in a fastening configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a detail view of FIG. 8 showing the bars of the clasp in the free configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For the sake of clarity in describing the present invention, in accordance with conventional usage, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction along the length of the clasp or chain of the bracelet, and "lateral" refers to the direction perpendicular to the length of the clasp or chain of the bracelet, in the plane of the clasp (more specifically, in the plane of the clasp blade or cover), especially when considering the closed configuration of the clasp. The vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the two first directions and is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the clasp (more specifically, the clasp blade or cover). The adjectives "above" and "below" are used in relation to this vertical direction. In a broader sense, these directions and definitions also apply to the clasp covers, taking into account their position within the clasp.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a bracelet clasp according to one embodiment of the present invention. The clasp includes two blades 1 and 2 articulated around an axis at one of their ends. The free end of blade 1 is integral with a first articulation pin, which serves to articulate with a complementary cover 7 and a second articulation pin, which serves to articulate with one end of a bracelet chain. The free end of blade 2 is integral with a movable structure 3, which is articulated for rotational movement. Thus, the clasp can assume a partially unfolded open position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position, in which the second blade 2 and structure 3 are folded together and locked against the first blade 1. The end of the first bracelet chain is fastened to the second end of first blade 1, and the end of the second bracelet chain is fastened to the free end of movable structure 3.

[0011] The present invention relates more particularly to a clasp cover, which is primarily integrated into the clasp structure 3. The cover comprises a first part 13 with an inverted U-shaped vertical cross section, having a top surface visible to the user and two side walls, substantially perpendicular to the top surface, intended to laterally cover the clasp and the entire structure, concealing it in the closed position and ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the solution. The cover further comprises a removable cap 13c (or covering). The cap can therefore be in a fastened configuration, in which the removable cap 13c is fastened to the first part 13, and in a free configuration, in which the cap 13c is detached from the first part 13.

[0012] In addition, the clasp includes a complementary cover 7, 7c, which is arranged on the first blade 1 and which, when folded in the position for closing the cover, is intended to be placed in succession with the cover arranged on the movable structure 3 and also to cover the locking lever 12, thus forming a single cover of the clasp including the safety element. This complementary cover part has a structure similar to that described above, namely the first part 7 cooperating with the removable cap 7c. It may or may not be assembled according to the same concept as the present invention, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0013] The top surface of the first part 13 of the cover has planar, orthogonal projections that are essentially rectangular. The cap 13c is in the form of a substantially planar element that extends over the entire length of the top surface of the cover and a portion of the width of the top surface of the cover, for example, between 20% and 100%, or between 30% and 90%, or between 45% and 55% of the width of the top surface of the cover. The cap 13c may or may not be located at the center of the cover. Preferably, in the fastening configuration, the cap 13c is disposed in a portion of the top surface thickness of the first part of the cover that is recessed from the first part 13, thereby covering this second recessed portion and occupying the volume opened by this recessed portion. For example, the top surface of the cap is thus continuous with the top surface of the first part, forming a generally continuous top surface of the cover. Alternatively, the top surface of the cap may be recessed or protrude from the top surface of the first part.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover according to this embodiment taken along a vertical longitudinal median plane. FIG. 3 is an exploded view excluding the locking lever 12. These figures make it possible to illustrate the device for fastening the cap 13c to the first part of the cover. The cap 13c includes at least a first assembly member 40 and a second assembly member 41, each located at two opposite ends on the face of the cap 13c intended to be positioned toward the first part of the cover 13, i.e., on the underside of the cap in a selected configuration. Additionally, the first part of the cover 13 includes at least a first latch member 50 and a movable lock 9. In the fastening configuration shown in FIG. 2, the first assembly member 40 of the cap 13c cooperates with the first latch member 50 of the first part 13, and the second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c cooperates with the movable lock 9 of the first part 13, in particular with the second latch member 51 (second hook member) integral with the lock 9. Thus, in the cover fastening configuration, the first latch member 50 of the first part 13 and the first assembly member 40 of the cap 13c engage. Similarly, in the cover fastening configuration, the second latch member 51 of the first part 13 and the second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c engage.

[0015] Advantageously, the cap 13c is in the form of a one-piece element. The cap 13c is additionally advantageously made of a material different from that of the first part 13, a material that has particularly shock- and scratch-resistant mechanical properties and / or is aesthetically very attractive, such as ceramic, cermet, glass, sapphire, mother-of-pearl, amber or natural or reconstructed stone. Alternatively, the cap 13c is made of metal and / or the same material as the first part 13.

[0016] Preferably, the first part 13 of the cover is made of a metal alloy, such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, bronze or titanium.

[0017] The movable lock 9 can occupy a closed position and an open position, according to the operation described below. The movable lock 9 has a latch member 51 designed to cooperate with the second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c. The first part 13 preferably includes in each side wall a first opening 16 in the form of a notch on the inner surface of the side wall, and the movable lock 9 includes a lock opening 6, which first opening 16 and lock opening 6 are arranged opposite each other when the lock 9 is in the closed position. Thus, as shown in Figure 9, when the movable lock 9 is in the closed position, the retractable bar 11 can cooperate with the first opening 16 and the lock opening 6 to lock the movable lock 9 in the closed position and thus lock the cover in the fastening configuration.

[0018] The cover further comprises a play compensation element 22 sandwiched between the lock 9 and the cap 13c, made of a flexible and / or deformable material, designed to be compressed between the cap 13c and the lock 9 when the lock 9 is in the first closed position and / or against which the movable lock 9 abuts in the closed position. This play compensation element makes it possible to reduce the freedom of movement caused by manufacturing tolerances.

[0019] In this embodiment, the two mounting members 40, 41 of the cap have a hook-shaped cross-sectional shape that extends across the entire width of the cover and forms notches that are complementary in shape to and cooperate with at least one latch member 50 of the first part 13 and at least one latch member 51 of the lock 9.

[0020] 4 shows an exploded view of one variant of an embodiment. The shape of the second latch member 51, intended to cooperate with the second assembly member 41, is itself limited to a portion of the width of the cap 13c and has the form of a notch formed in the lock 9.

[0021] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the variants of the described examples and embodiments. In particular, the number of latching elements (hook elements) on the first part and the number of attachment elements on the cap may be any number. These elements may furthermore have different shapes and be located in different positions. For example, these elements may take the form of hooks and / or notches and / or grooves and / or protrusions and / or beams. Similarly, the cap may have any other shape and may be located at any other position, not necessarily in the center of the first part. The cap may also have any other shape.

[0022] In the following, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, the assembly of the clasp according to the invention will be explained in the context of the movement of the cap 13c from the free configuration to the fastening configuration of the first part 13 of the cover.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the first stage of assembly, in which the first assembly member 40 of the cap 13c is connected to the latch member 50 of the first part 13. The cap 13c is then folded onto the first part 13 by pivoting about the axis formed by the connection between the members 40, 50 until it reaches the intermediate state shown in FIG. 6. The movable lock 9 is in the open position, made possible by a clearance notch provided in the cover. In FIG. 5, the bar 11, which allows locking the lock 9 in the fastened position, is not shown in order to show the offset between the first opening 16 and the lock opening 6 in the open position. In the open position, the rotation axis 11a of the bar 11 is retracted, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0024] In the intermediate state, the cap is in its final position but is not locked, and therefore can be removed. In fact, the movable lock 9 is in the open position, in which it is not engaged with the second assembly part 41 of the cap 13c. The bar 11 inserted in the lock opening 6 is not positioned facing the first opening 16. The rotation axis 11a of the bar 11 is retracted, as shown in Figure 10.

[0025] The lock 9 is then moved to the closed position, in which the latch member 51 of the lock 9 engages with the second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the cover reaches a fastened configuration in which the cap 13c cannot be removed. As previously mentioned, in this closed position of the lock 9, the lock openings 6 of the lock 9 are substantially aligned with the two corresponding first openings 16 of the first part 13. The pivot 11a of the bar 11 is therefore inserted into these two first openings 16 and can maintain the locked position, as shown in Figure 9. The cap 13c is therefore fixed to the first part of the cover 13.

[0026] Thus, for example, the lock 9 is arranged to be translationally movable within the cover. To this end, the lock may be attached to slides arranged on the side walls of the first part 13 of the cover and which guide the movement of the lock. The translational movement is guided by these slides and may be substantially longitudinal or slightly curved along the curved surface of the cover. The aforementioned translation is therefore not limited to linear translation. The translational movement may also be curved or even circular. Alternatively, the lock 9 may have a different arrangement and may be moved in a different way, for example in a rotational movement. The lock 9 is attached to the first part.

[0027] According to one variant, the axis of the lock opening 6 of the lock 9 and the axis of the opening 16 of the first part 13 are slightly offset in the closed position of the lock, so that the cooperation between the removable bar 11 and the two openings in the closed position of the movable lock 9 allows the lock 9 to exert a force against the first part 13 of the cover and / or against the second mounting element 41 of the cap 13c. The bar 11 thus fixes the mounting element 51 of the lock 9 relative to the cover 13, and a slight bending of the bar 11 applies tension to the cap 13c, thereby ensuring that the cap 13c remains in position relative to the first part 13 of the cover exactly and without play.

[0028] Figure 8 is a plan view of a closed clasp in a fastening configuration, viewed from the side opposite the cap (bottom surface), according to an embodiment of the invention. Figures 9 and 10 are enlarged views of area z in Figure 8.

[0029] It is noted that, as shown in Figure 10, the bar 11 advantageously comprises a bar pivot 11a which is retracted when the lock 9 is in the open position, and when the lock 9 is moved so that the bar pivot 11a is open as shown in Figure 9, it is inserted into a first opening 16 in the first part 13 of the cover in the closed position of the cover. The invention is therefore applicable to any embodiment in which the first part 13 comprises at least one first opening 16.

[0030] The transition from the fastened configuration of Figure 7 to the free configuration in which the cap 13c can be removed from the cover is effected by reversing the steps described above: by using a tool to retract the pivot 11a of the bar 11, the lock moves from the closed position to the open position, which then allows the cap 13c to be removed.

[0031] The present invention has been described in the context of a clasp cover, however, as noted above, the same concepts may be implemented for any timepiece component.

[0032] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, including at least one timepiece component as described above.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a bracelet including the above-mentioned clasp. The present invention also relates to a watch including such a bracelet.

[0034] Finally, the present invention achieves the desired objectives and has the following advantages: - allows easy and risk-free assembly of the cap on the watch components; - Supports the use of robust caps that are resistant to external loads such as impacts and scratches; - Allows the cap to be fastened securely, avoiding unintentional disassembly; - The cap is easily removable without risk of damaging any watch components, meaning that it can be replaced if necessary; The solution accommodates the use of a large number of materials, including those commonly used to achieve an attractive appearance.

[0035] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a watch component, said method comprising the steps of fastening a cap 13c to a first part 13 of the watch component, assembling a first assembly member 40 of the cap 13c to a first latch member 50 of the first part 13, then placing the cap 13c in a final position provided in the fastening arrangement of the watch component, and then activating a movable lock 9 of the first part 13, thereby placing it in a closed position cooperating with a second assembly member 41 of the cap 13c. The method comprises an additional step consisting of locking the closed position of the movable lock 9 relative to the first part 13 using a bar 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 6 Lock Opening 9 Movable lock 11 Retractable Bar 13 First Part 13c cap 16 First opening 22 Play compensation element 40 First assembly member 41 Second assembly member 50 First latch member

Claims

1. A timepiece component having a first part (13) and a removable cap (13c), the timepiece component is capable of assuming a fastened configuration in which the removable cap (13c) is fastened to the first part (13) and a free configuration in which the cap (13c) is separated from the first part (13), The first part (13) includes a first latch member (50) and a movable lock (9); said cap (13c) comprises at least a first assembly member (40) intended to cooperate with said first latch member (50) of said first part (13) and a second assembly member (41) intended to cooperate with said movable lock (9) of said first part (13); the movable lock (9) is mounted on the first part (13) so as to be translatable in the longitudinal direction of the timepiece component, In the fastening configuration of the timepiece component, with the first latch member (50) of the first part (13) and the first assembly member (40) of the cap (13c) engaged, the movable lock (9) is translated in one longitudinal direction of the timepiece component to occupy a closed position in which the movable lock (9) engages with the second assembly member (41) of the cap (13c), thereby locking the cap (13c) to the first part (13); In the free configuration of the timepiece component, the movable lock (9) is translated in the other longitudinal direction of the timepiece component so that the movable lock (9) occupies an open position in which the cap (13c) is released from engagement with the second assembly part (41), thereby allowing the cap (13c) to be separated from the first part (13); the first part (13) comprises at least one first opening (16), the movable lock (9) comprises a lock opening (6), the at least one first opening (16) and the lock opening (6) are arranged to substantially face each other when the movable lock (9) is in the closed position, and the timepiece component comprises a retractable bar (11) capable of cooperating with the at least one first opening (16) and the lock opening (6) when the movable lock (9) is in the closed position, thereby locking the movable lock (9) in the closed position and locking the timepiece component in a fastening configuration; Clock component.

2. The retractable bar can be retracted to open the at least one first opening (16) and the lock opening (6), so that the movable lock (9) can move and transition from the fastening configuration of the watch component to the free configuration.

2. The clock component of claim 1.

3. The at least one first opening (16) and the lock opening (6) are circular, and the axis of the at least one first opening (16) and the axis of the lock opening (6) are offset in the closed position of the movable lock (9), so that in the closed position of the movable lock (9), cooperation between the retractable bar (11) and the at least one first opening (16) and the lock opening (6) enables the movable lock (9) to apply a force against the first part (13) of the component and / or against the second assembly member (41) of the cap (13c); 3. A clock component according to claim 2.

4. The device further comprises a play compensation element (22) sandwiched between the movable lock (9) and the cap (13c), the play compensation element being made of a flexible and / or deformable material and designed to be compressed between the cap (13c) and the movable lock (9) when the movable lock (9) is in its first closed position and / or to be abutted when the movable lock (9) is in its first closed position. A clock component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cap (13c) is in the form of a substantially planar elongated element, at least one first assembly member (40) and a second assembly member (41) of which are arranged at two opposite ends of the cap (13c), the assembly members being arranged on a surface side of the cap (13c) intended to be placed towards the first part (13) of the timepiece component. A clock component according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first latch member (50) of the first part (13), the movable lock (9) of the first part (13), the at least one first assembly member (40) of the cap (13c), and / or the second assembly member (41) of the cap (13c) are in the form of a hook and / or a notch. A clock component according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The timepiece component is a bracelet clasp cover; - said cap (13c) is a substantially planar element capable of extending over all or part of the upper surface of said bracelet clasp cover in said fastening configuration of said watch component, or - the first part (13) of the bracelet clasp cover comprises a U-shaped cross section consisting of a top surface and two opposing substantially parallel side surfaces extending therefrom and perpendicular to the top surface of the first part, the top surface of the first part having planar orthogonal projections with a substantially rectangular shape, the cap (13c) is designed to extend over the entire length of the top surface of the bracelet clasp cover and over all or part of the width of the top surface of the bracelet clasp cover, and / or the first part (13) comprises a top surface comprising a recessed portion, the cap (13c) being capable of covering the recessed portion of the top surface of the timepiece component in the fastening configuration; A clock component according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The cap (13c) is a single piece. A clock component according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cap (13c) is made of ceramic, cermet, glass, sapphire, mother of pearl, amber or natural or regenerated stone. A clock component according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A watch, in particular a miniature watch, comprising a watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for manufacturing a watch component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: the step of fastening a cap (13c) to a first part (13) of the timepiece component, assembling the first assembly member (40) of the cap (13c) to the first latch member (50) of the first part (13), then positioning the cap (13c) in its final position provided in the fastening arrangement of the timepiece component, and then actuating the movable lock (9) of the first part (13) to move it to its closed position in cooperation with the second assembly member (41) of the cap (13c), and further comprising the additional step of locking the movable lock (9) in the closed position relative to the first part (13) using a bar (11). A method for manufacturing a watch component.

Images