Devices, wristbands, and watches

Abstract

To provide a device for fastening a watch strap to a watch case.SOLUTION: An end link includes locking means (8), the locking means (8) being arranged to cooperate with an end link (10) and a bar (9) to lock the bar to the end link (10) when the end link is attached to the watch case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a quick-release system for a watch strap of a watch case, more particularly for a metal watch strap or a strap made of, for example, leather or rubber.

Background Art

[0002] A device for fixing a watch strap to a watch case is known, for example, from Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a quick-release system that uses a spring bar in combination with a rotatable lever. Here, a connecting element is pushed into the spring bar from above. However, according to the use of the spring bar, the implementation of the locking system is significantly restricted. Quick-change systems according to Patent Documents 2 and 3 are also known. This is a device in which a milling process is performed on the lower side of the lug and a replaceable connecting piece is pushed therein. The locking mechanism is implemented by a pivotable lever in the first solution and by a pusher that moves the slide when pushed in the second variant. However, such devices have several drawbacks in terms of handling and functional safety.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a device that quickly and easily connects a strap to an end link and provides a high level of certainty.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a device for securing a watch strap to a watch case, the device comprising an end link of a wristband for a watch intended for securing a watch strap to a watch case, the watch case comprising at least one pin, the watch case comprising a longitudinal slot defined by two main support surfaces parallel to a main plane, the end link comprising at least one side, the end link comprising at least one guide groove arranged to cooperate complementaryly with the pin for the purpose of securing it to the case (1), the end link comprising at least one lock, the lock comprising a slide catch arranged to cooperate with the slot in a locked position, the slide catch being moved toward the locked position by an elastic return means belonging to the lock, the end link comprising an unlocking means arranged to be directly operated by a user to move the slide catch away from the slot in the case, the guide groove being a curved guide groove such that the slide catch remains firmly in contact with one of the two main surfaces of the longitudinal slot in a locked position. According to the present invention, the end link comprises a locking means. The locking mechanism works in cooperation with the end link and the bar to lock the bar to the end link when the end link is attached to the watch case.

[0006] According to other features of the present invention, The end link includes a through-bore through which the bar passes, and the locking mechanism is partially mounted in the through-bore. The locking mechanism includes locking pins arranged to cooperate with grooves formed in the bar. The end link includes a hole that leads into the through-bore, and the hole is arranged to receive a locking pin. The lock pin can move along its axis, and the movement of the lock pin is restricted by a step in the bore that works in cooperation with the shoulder of the lock pin, the shoulder forming the end stop of the lock pin. The end link includes a cover plate that is fixed to the end link to hold the lock pin, and the cover plate includes a first opening for the slide catch and a second opening for the lock pin. The locking mechanism includes an elastic return mechanism that seats on the locking pin, with one end of the elastic return mechanism resting on the second opening of the cover plate and the other end abutting against the shoulder of the locking pin. The hole has a first section having dimensions similar to those of the shoulder portion, and a second section having dimensions similar to those of the lock pin. The slide catch includes a head that cooperates with the slot, and the head includes a bevel arranged to cooperate with one of two main support surfaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given in non-limiting embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view from the top of a wristwatch equipped with the device according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] This is a perspective view from the bottom of a wristwatch equipped with the device according to the present invention. [Figure 2b] This is a cross-sectional view of the device according to the present invention. [Figure 2c] This is a cross-sectional view of the device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the locking pin of the device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the bar according to the present invention. [Figures 5a-5c] Figures 5a and 5c are a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a wristwatch equipped with the device according to the present invention in the locked position. [Figures 6a-6c] Figures 6a and 6c are a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a wristwatch equipped with the device according to the present invention in the unlocked position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention proposes to give users the ability to easily and reliably change the strap attached to their wristwatch without altering the end links or quick-release system between the wristwatch and the strap.

[0010] The wristband must be changeable without careful handling using a cylindrical tool such as a pin or pencil, while allowing for quick swapping between a leather wristband and a metal wristband with links, or allowing the wristband to be matched to the wearer's clothing and / or jewelry or skin tone depending on how the watch is used. This interchangeable wristband also allows for instant swapping of wristbands of different lengths, enabling retailers and distributors to quickly provide customers with the perfect watch.

[0011] The present invention hereby precisely describes a preferred case of end links for a watch band. These end links can be mass-produced at a reasonable cost and simply joined to the wristband body; however, a one-piece wristband configuration without separate end pieces is also available. This configuration includes interchangeability and locking functions, but is naturally more expensive. Those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the following arrangement of end links to the entire wristband, at least without problems.

[0012] In other words, the present invention preferably relates to a watch band end link 10 for a wristband 200.

[0013] To receive such a link 10, this case 1 includes two pins 3 or studs or the like belonging to case 1, and these two pins 3 are inserted into the corresponding bores by either adhesion, crimping or soldering. These bores are drilled perpendicularly to the 6H - 12H axis of the case from the inner surface of the horn 11. These pins 3 are arranged to cooperate complementarily with the curved guide grooves 40 machined on the side surface 56 of the end link 10.

[0014] Each pin 3 is preferably supported by a reinforcing zone of the case 1, specifically the horn. The connection between each pin 3 and each horn needs to have dimensions wide enough to absorb the stress that the list band and the case 1 receive, specifically tension, torsion and acceleration. By simply inserting the end link 10 into these pins 3 which are preferably symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane, the interchangeability of the list band 9 with respect to the case 1 is guaranteed. Similarly, it must be designed so that removal is also unobstructed.

[0015] To ensure the safety function when the pin 3 is in the abutting position in the guide groove 40 and the insertion of the locking mechanism of the end link 10, the mechanism includes a system for locking and unlocking.

[0016] For this purpose, the end link 10 has a specific machined structure as can be seen from the specific non - limiting deformation example shown in the figure.

[0017] This specific machined structure preferably includes at least a longitudinal slot 2. This slot 2 is defined by two main support surfaces 21, 22 parallel to the main plane PP, and these two main support surfaces 21, 22 include an upper support surface 21 and a lower support surface 22, and the upper support surface 21 is longer than the lower support surface 22. Of course, the surfaces 21 and 22 may have the same length without preventing the slot 2 from maintaining a slide catch.

[0018] Such a slot 2 having two parallel surfaces can be very easily made by turning or milling. Preferably, it is positioned between the two horns 11 of the case 1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Advantageously, the vertical surfaces between the lugs are angled so that the connecting piece 10 conforms to the natural shape of the wrist. Slot 2 is milled parallel to the PP surface to facilitate manufacturing as much as possible.

[0020] To ensure the locking function, link 10 includes at least one lock 50. This lock 50 includes a slide catch 51. The slide catch 51 is arranged to cooperate with the slot 2 in a complementary manner with minimal play in the locked position, and the slide catch 51 is moved toward the locked position by an elastic restoring means 62 belonging to the end link 10. Furthermore, the end link 10 includes an unlocking means. The unlocking means is arranged to be directly operated by the user's finger to move the slide catch 51 away from the slot 2 of the case 1. Therefore, no tools are required for unlocking or locking, or for inserting or removing link 10 from case 1.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the guide groove is curved, so that the slide catch 51 abuts against one of the two main surfaces 21, 22 of the longitudinal slot 2 in the locked position and is held securely. The curved or inclined shape of the guide groove ensures that the end link is always in contact with the watch case, thus avoiding any gaps between the parts.

[0022] As shown in the figure, the slide catch 51 includes a head 54 that cooperates with the slot 2. The head 54 includes a bevel arranged to contact and cooperate with one of the main support surfaces 21, 22 of the slot 2 of the case 1. Here, the head 54 moves preferably with minimal play.

[0023] The end link 10 includes a guide chamber 6 for receiving the slide catch 51 and for receiving the elastic return means 62 (not visible in the figure).

[0024] In the drawing, the slide catch 51 is guided by two grooves 60 belonging to the end link. These two grooves 60 cooperate with two guide surfaces 52 of the slide catch 51. The slide catch 51 is installed by being pushed into the front guide chamber 6 from the side facing the case.

[0025] The end link 10 also has a back guide chamber that ensures the reception of an elastic return means, not limited to those shown, by a helical spring.

[0026] For this operation, the lock 50 preferably includes a push button 53. The push button 53 is arranged to be operated by the user's finger to control the unlocking of the locking mechanism by which the slide catch 51 retracts when pressure is applied to the push button 53.

[0027] In an advantageous configuration, the guide chamber 6 includes an opening 61 arranged to receive a push button 53. The push button slides through the opening 61.

[0028] According to the present invention, the end link includes a locking mechanism 8. The locking mechanism 8 works in cooperation with the end link 10 and the bar 9 to lock the bar to the end link 10 when the end link is attached to the watch case 1.

[0029] The end link 10 includes a through-bore 42 arranged to receive a strap bar 9. The through-bore 42 extends along axis X so as to span the width of the end link 10. Furthermore, the end link 10 includes a hole 100 perpendicular to the bore 42. The hole 100 connects into the through-bore 42 and extends along axis Y. The hole 100 is arranged to receive a locking pin 8 to lock the strap bar 9 to the connecting piece 10 when the connecting piece 10 is mounted on the watch case 1.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5b and 5c, the locking mechanism 8 is partially located in the through-bore 42 and includes a locking pin 8 arranged in cooperation with a groove 90 formed in the bar 9 so that the bar is locked into the end link 10.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2c, the end link 10 includes a cover plate 7 having a through bore 2a for a locking pin 8. The cover plate 7 is fixed to the end link 10. The cover plate 7 may be fixed in a conventional manner, for example, by the use of screws 71. Depending on the design, other modifications are also possible, such as a sleeve fixed into the bore 100. The cover plate 7 also includes a first opening 70 for a slide catch 51 and a second opening 72 for a locking pin 3.

[0032] The lock pin 8 can move along its own axis in the direction of the Y axis. The movement of the lock pin 8 is restricted in the Y direction by the stepped portion 102 of the bore 100 which cooperates with the shoulder portion 82 of the lock pin 8. The shoulder portion 82 forms the end stop of the lock pin 8.

[0033] The hole 100 has a first section 101 having dimensions similar to the shoulder portion 82 of the lock pin 8, and a second section 103 having dimensions similar to the lock pin 8, with the stepped portion 102 forming the separation between the first section 101 and the second section 103.

[0034] According to the present invention, the lock pin 8 includes an elastic return means 83 that holds the lock pin in its resting position. The elastic return means includes a coil spring 83 that seats on the lock pin 8. One end of the coil spring 83 rests on the second opening of the cover plate 7, and the other end abuts against the shoulder portion 82 of the lock pin 3. As a result, the lock pin 8 protrudes slightly from the plate 7 when the end link 10 is not mounted on the watch case and when the strap bar 9 slides out of the through-hole 42. That is, the strap 200 can only be removed when the end link is not mounted on the watch case.

[0035] Advantageously, the locking pin 8 has one end containing a first hemisphere 80 and the other end containing a second hemisphere 81. That is, when assembled, the second hemispherical end 81 readily engages with the groove 90 of the strap bar 9, preventing the strap bar 9 from moving along the through-hole 42. The first hemispherical end 80 is positioned to abut against the watch case 1 when the end link 10 is mounted to the watch case 1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5a to 5c, when the end link 10 is attached to the case 1, the first hemispherical end 80 of the lock pin 8 contacts the surface of the case 1. This prevents the lock pin 8 from moving in the Y direction, 2nd It is ensured that the hemispherical end 81 always engages securely with the groove 90 of the strap bar 9. As a result, the strap bar 9 cannot move in its axial direction, even when a large force is applied. This ensures a secure connection between the end link 1 and the strap 200.

[0037] If the wearer wishes to change the strap 200, they must first unlock the end link 10 from the watch case 1 using the slide catch 51. That is, once the end link 10 is removed from the watch case, the first end 80 of the locking pin 8 is no longer blocked from the case, as shown in Figures 6b and 6c.

[0038] Subsequently, when a sufficient force is applied to the strap bar in its axial direction to exceed the biasing force of the coil spring 83, the second end 81 of the lock pin 8 slides out of the groove 90 of the strap bar 9, thereby releasing the strap bar 9. At this point, the strap bar 9 can be removed from the end link 10, and the strap 200 can be replaced with another strap.

[0039] To remount the strap 200 to the end link 10, the end link 10 is positioned in the recess of the strap so that the axis of the hole in the strap 200 aligns with the axis of the through-hole 42 in the end link 10. The strap pin 9 is then inserted through the hole in the strap into the through-hole 42 in the end link. The strap bar 9 can then be inserted until the second end 81 of the locking pin 8 engages with the groove 90 in the strap bar 9. Once the end link 10 is reattached to the case and locked, a secure connection is achieved as the strap bar 9 is fixed to resist axial movement as described above.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a wristwatch 1000 comprising a wristwatch case 1 configured to receive at least one of the end links 10. More specifically, the wristwatch 1000 comprises at least one detachable strap 200, the strap having one end having such a detachable end link 10 equipped with a locking mechanism to provide a secure connection of the strap to the end link 10.

Claims

1. A device attached to a watch case (1) for securing a wristband (200) for a watch to the watch case (1), The device includes an end link (10) intended for securing the wristband (200) to the watch case (1), the watch case (1) includes at least a pair of pins (3), the watch case (1) includes a slot (2) defined by two parallel main support surfaces (21, 22), the end link (10) includes at least a pair of sides (56), the end link (10) includes at least a pair of guide grooves (4) arranged to cooperate complementaryly with the pins (3) for the purpose of securing itself to the watch case (1), the end link (10) includes at least one lock (5), the lock (5) is a slide arranged to cooperate with the slot (2) in the locked position The slide catch (51) is moved toward the locked position by an elastic return means (62) belonging to the lock (5), and the end link (10) includes an unlocking means arranged to be directly operated by the user to move the slide catch (51) away from the slot (2) of the watch case (1), and the guide groove (4) has a curved or inclined shape such that, when the end link (10) is attached to the watch case (1), the cooperation of the guide groove (4) and the pin (3) firmly holds the slide catch (51) so as to abut against one of the two main support surfaces (21, 22) of the slot (2) in the locked position. The device is characterized in that the end link (10) includes a locking means (8), the locking means (8) cooperates with a bar (9) that penetrates the end link (10) laterally and connects the wristband (200) to the end link (10), and when the end link (10) is attached to the watch case (1), one end of the locking means (8) abuts against the watch case (1) and the other end of the locking means (8) locks the lateral movement of the bar (9).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end link (10) includes a through-bore (42) through which the bar (9) passes, and the locking means (8) is partially placed on the through-bore (42).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking means (8) includes a locking pin (8) arranged to cooperate with a groove (90) formed in the bar (9).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the end link (10) includes a hole (100) connected to a through bore (42), and the hole (100) is arranged to receive the lock pin (8).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking pin (8) is able to move along its axis, the movement of the locking pin (8) is restricted by a stepped portion (102) of the hole (100) that cooperates with the shoulder portion (82) of the locking pin (8), and the shoulder portion (82) forms an end stop for the locking pin (8).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the end link (10) includes a cover plate (7) fixed to the end link (10) to hold the lock pin (8), and the cover plate (7) includes a first opening (70) for the slide catch (51) and a second opening (72) for the lock pin (8).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the locking means (8) includes an elastic return means (83) that sits on the locking pin (8), and one end of the elastic return means (83) is placed on the second opening (72) of the cover plate (7), and the other end abuts against the shoulder portion (82) of the locking pin (8).

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the hole (100) has a first section (101) having dimensions similar to those of the shoulder portion (82) and a second section (102) having dimensions similar to those of the lock pin (8).

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the slide catch (51) includes a head that cooperates with the slot (2), and the head includes an inclined surface (54) arranged to cooperate with one of the two main support surfaces (21, 22).

10. A wristband (200) comprising at least one end link (10) of the device according to claim 1.

11. A wristwatch (1000) comprising a wristwatch case (1) to which at least one of the devices described in claim 1 is attached.

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