Universal interconnection device for interconnecting a watch strap and a watch case

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interconnection device (1) for interconnecting a watch strap and a watch case, the device comprising a flexible leaf spring (15), extending in a planar manner, in a zigzag, and capable of translational movement within a cavity (14) provided in a base of the interconnection device (1), in which the flexible leaf spring (15) is housed. The device also comprises a groove and a retractable bolt, the flexible leaf spring (15) being prestressed in the cavity (14), so as to push the bolt into the locking position. The interconnection device (1) further comprises a push button (11) configured to press on the flexible leaf spring (15) so as to bring about its translational movement in the cavity (14).

Description

Universal interconnecting device between a bracelet and a watch case

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watches, more specifically to the field of interchangeable watch straps.

[0002] The invention aims at a watch strap interchangeability solution that is compatible with different types of straps, including integrated or not, and different strap materials (metal, leather, rubber, etc.). STATE OF THE ART

[0003] In the state of the art, different interconnection devices are used depending on the application. These include interconnection devices with retractable bars and rods, or with a locking mechanism that engages with the bar.

[0004] Each combination of a case type and a strap type corresponds to a specific type of interconnecting device. If the case shape or the strap type (particularly whether it's integrated or not) changes, then the interconnecting device also changes.

[0005] The invention aims to solve this drawback by proposing a universal interconnection device.

[0006] The interconnection device according to the invention is compatible with all types of case lugs and fits onto traditional watch case spring bars.

[0007] The interconnection device according to the invention is also compatible with integrated bracelets, without rotation, or with rotation. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] More specifically, the invention relates to an interconnection device between a bracelet and a watch case, comprising:

[0009] a flexible leaf spring, extending in a planar, zigzag fashion, in the sense that the flexible leaf spring has at least two branches inclined with respect to a median axis, similarly to a V, the flexible leaf spring being neither fixed nor anchored to a fixed element of the interconnecting device, and capable of translating within a cavity provided in a base of the interconnecting device, in which the flexible leaf spring is housed,

[0010] a groove, also formed in the base, intended to receive a locking bar for a watch case,

[0011] a retractable bolt, movable between an open position, leaving open the passage between the groove and the outside of the base, and a locked position, in which it obstructs the passage between the groove and the outside of the base,

[0012] the flexible leaf spring being pre-stressed in the cavity, so as to push the bolt into the locking position.

[0013] The interconnection device according to the invention further comprises a push button configured to press on the flexible leaf spring so as to translate it within the cavity, such that, when the engagement bar of a watch case presses against the bolt from the outside, the bolt retracts and moves into the open position under the force applied by the bar, inducing the translation of the flexible leaf spring within the cavity, leaving a passage for the engagement bar to come into contact with the bottom of the groove, the bolt, once the bar is engaged in the groove, returning to its locking position under the effect of the flexible leaf spring, the push button being configured so that, when pressed, it allows the release of the engagement bar, enabling it to be extracted from the groove, the push button having a portion exerting pressure against the flexible leaf spring to force its translation within the cavity.in order to retract the bolt and free up space for the engagement bar.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, a large number of bracelet types can be adapted to a large number of watch case types.

[0015] Advantageously, the flexible leaf spring has a general W shape, with a central portion configured to slide between two columns projecting from the bottom of the cavity, and the ends of the outer arms of the general W shape slightly curved outwards on either side to bear against the columns, and the push button being configured to press on the central portion of the flexible leaf spring.

[0016] The W-shape increases the spring's active length, making it very flexible. This flexibility is essential for the necessary movements and low forces required for ergonomic reasons. Within this limited space, the W-shaped geometry solves these problems. Furthermore, the spring ends sliding on the pins provide increased flexibility.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the bolt has an end portion forming a plane inclined towards the groove, to guide the engagement bar towards the bottom of the groove.

[0018] A portion of the bolt can be configured to cooperate with a portion of the push button support to allow the flexible leaf spring to translate when the push button is pressed.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the interconnection device includes a cavity closure plate, parallel to the bottom of the cavity and parallel to the mean plane of the flexible leaf spring, the closure plate being fixed to the base.

[0020] Advantageously, the flexible leaf spring has an axis of axial symmetry.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an interconnection assembly between a bracelet and a watch case, comprising an interconnection device as briefly described above, and further comprising an end piece and a hollow half-tube embedded in the end piece, the interconnection device forming an initial link of the bracelet, the end piece being configured to rest against the watch case, in particular to fill a gap between the lugs of the watch case, and the interconnection device being secured to the end piece.

[0022] Advantageously, such an assembly features an anti-pivot stop to prevent the interconnecting device from pivoting around a longitudinal axis of the watch strap.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the assembly includes the engagement bar intended to be attached to the watch case, the engagement bar having a double section, with a central section having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the extreme sections on either side.

[0024] It should be noted that the target forces on the push button are between 5 N and 10 N. The slope between the plane of the button's contact area and the plane of the flexible leaf spring is within a standard range of 30° to 45°. The travel of the W-spring and the bolt is approximately 1 mm. The thickness of the flexible leaf spring is typically 0.2 mm but could be increased to 0.3 mm, particularly if more force is required to retract the bolt.

[0025] The interconnection device according to the invention is, for example, made of stainless steel, as is the leaf spring. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0027] Laest is a schematic representation, top view, of the interconnection device according to the invention, revealing the cavity and the leaf spring;

[0028] This is a schematic representation of an example of the implementation of the leaf spring;

[0029] This is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the interconnection device according to the invention;

[0030] This is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the interconnection device according to the invention;

[0031] This is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the interconnection device according to the invention;

[0032] This is a schematic representation of a double-section bar that can be implemented in the device according to the invention.

[0033] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] With reference to figures 1 to 5, the invention relates to an interconnection device 1 between a bracelet and a watch case.

[0035] The interconnection device

[0036] Lamontre provides a diagram representing the interconnection device according to one embodiment of the invention. This system is visible in 3D on the figure. The interconnection device 1 comprises a base in which an opening is formed on the underside, leading into a groove 13, in particular having an oblong profile. The opening is adapted to allow the passage of a watch case engagement bar, and the groove 13 is configured to house the engagement bar. The term "engagement bar" refers here and throughout this description to an elongated element such as a conventional bar, a spring bar, or a fixed rod, with its axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bracelet, and which may or may not be integrated into the case middle, between the lugs.

[0037] The interconnecting device 1 includes a locking means, in particular in the form of at least one bolt 100. The bolt 100 is movable between a locked position and a retracted position. The bolt 100 is thus retractable and retracts when the interconnecting device 1 comes into contact with the engagement bar, the engagement bar exerting pressure on the bolt 100, retracting it, and guiding it towards the bottom of the groove 13 along an inclined plane forming the end of the retracted bolt 100, leaving a suitable passage for the engagement bar to engage in the groove 13, the engagement bar being guided by the shape of the groove 13, to the bottom thereof.

[0038] When the engagement bar is fully inserted into the groove 13, the bolt 100 returns to its locking position, preventing passage through the opening in the opposite direction, i.e. preventing the engagement bar from coming out of the groove 13.

[0039] The interconnecting device 1 includes a cavity 14 receiving a spring, in particular a flexible leaf spring 15. The flexible leaf spring 15 extends planarly, in a zigzag pattern. In other words, the flexible leaf spring 15 has at least two arms inclined with respect to a median axis, substantially like a V. According to a preferred embodiment, which serves as the basis for the remainder of the detailed description, with reference to the figures, the flexible leaf spring 15 has a general shape resembling a W. Therefore, the flexible leaf spring 15 is designated a "W-shaped spring." Such a W-shaped spring is shown in particular. The flexible leaf spring 15 may, in particular, be made of metal.

[0040] The W 15 spring is pre-stressed to push the 100 bolt into the locking position.

[0041] The W-shaped spring 15 is coupled to a push button 11. When the push button 11 is pressed, a portion of the push button 11 comes into contact with a portion of the W-shaped spring 15, in particular a central portion of the W-shaped spring 15, so as to push it, causing it to translate into the cavity 14. The W-shaped spring 15 is free in the cavity 14, being neither fixed nor attached to any fixed element of the interconnection device 1. The W-shaped spring 15, under the effect of the force applied to it by the push button 11 when the latter is pressed, thus translates freely in the cavity 14, allowing the retraction of the bolt 100, thereby allowing the extension of an engagement bar that would be housed in the groove 13.

[0042] The engagement bar keeps the interconnection device 1 under tension against the watch case.

[0043] A closing plate is provided to close cavity 14. The closing plate can be fixed, in particular screwed, to the base of the interconnection device 1.

[0044] Case of an integrated bracelet: the end piece and the "initial link"

[0045] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, when the interconnecting device 1 according to the invention is used with an integrated bracelet, particularly one made of metal, the interconnecting device 1 is coupled to an end piece 12 to form an interconnecting assembly. The interconnecting device 1 then forms an initial link 16 of the integrated bracelet.

[0046] It should be noted here that by "integrated bracelet," we mean a bracelet whose "initial link" 16, on the case side, fills the space between the lugs, thus completing the case and achieving a continuous shape. Such an integrated bracelet generally lacks the ability to rotate at the lugs around a longitudinal axis of the bracelet. These integrated bracelets are usually made of metal.

[0047] The 12mm end piece fills the space between the lugs of the watch case, to complete the case's shape.

[0048] An anti-pivot heel 121 is provided on the end piece 12, to prevent rotation around a longitudinal axis of the initial link 16 of the bracelet.

[0049] The interconnecting device 1 – the initial link 16 of the bracelet – is engaged on the engagement bar of the watch case.

[0050] The initial link 16 is mobile in rotation, following a pivot along a transverse axis of the bracelet.

[0051] The initial link 16 is secured to the end piece 12. For this purpose, in particular, a hollow half-tube 17 cooperating with a pin is set into the end piece 12, to secure the end piece 12 and the initial link 16, while still allowing the initial link 16 to pivot relative to the watch case, along a transverse axis of the bracelet.

[0052] Implementation of the interconnection system 1

[0053] The device is brought from the top, vertically downwards and then, after making contact with the engagement bar of the case, diagonally downwards and towards the case of the watch, until the engagement bar, after retracting the bolt 100 of the interconnection device 1, is engaged at the bottom of the groove 13, the bolt 100 resuming its locking position.

[0054] Inclined planes guide the strip so that it follows the particular shape of the cavity 14 made in the base of the interconnection device 1, until it comes to a stop at the bottom of the groove 13.

[0055] The engagement bar presses against the bolt(s) 100, opens the passage, is guided by the inclined plane(s) of the bolt(s) 100 and comes to rest at the bottom of the groove 13.

[0056] When the interconnecting device 1 is at rest, the bolts 100 are put under tension by means of the spring blade in W 15.

[0057] The push button 11, when pressed, has a portion which presses on a central portion of the W spring. The W spring is free, not fixed or attached to any fixed element of the interconnection device 1. The W spring 15 slides in translation, set in motion by the push button 11, being guided by the shape of the cavity 14 in which it is located, in particular by columns 18 which protrude from the bottom of the cavity 14, over which the ends of the outer branches of the W shape of the W spring 15, slightly curved, form prominences.

[0058] The fact that the W 15 spring blade is free and not fixed allows for increased adjustment possibilities.

[0059] The W-shape increases the working length of the spring blade. This highly flexible spring blade reduces, in particular by half, the stresses applied to it during operation compared to a spring fixed at at least one end and / or with a V or beam shape, especially considering its comparatively significant travel within cavity 14. Otherwise, there would be a risk of spring breakage.

[0060] The engagement bar

[0061] In one embodiment, the engagement strip belongs to the interconnection assembly. As shown in the figure, the engagement strip 19 then includes, in particular, a double section. This notably improves the compactness of the interconnection assembly.

[0062] Thus, the engagement bar 19 has a small diameter on a central section 191. This is the working section, that is to say the section of the engagement bar 19 which interacts with the bolt 100.

[0063] This central section 191 of the engagement bar can have the smallest possible diameter.

[0064] The outermost sections 192 of the engagement bar 19 have a larger diameter because they can accommodate pins and springs enabling the engagement of the interconnection assembly between the lugs of the watch case, so as to secure the engagement bar 19 with the watch case.

[0065] The larger diameters used on the outermost sections 192 of the engagement bar 19 could prove problematic if applied to the central section, as they would be too bulky.

[0066] In the case of an integrated bracelet, the end sections 192 of the engagement bar 19 are fitted into a hollow half-tube 17 embedded in the end cap 12 of the interconnection assembly. Preferably, there is, as far as possible, no functional play between the end sections 192 of the engagement bar 19 and the hollow half-tube 17. On the other hand, there is not necessarily, and preferably there is none, a means of locking these end sections 192 of the engagement bar 19 into the hollow half-tube 17 embedded in the end cap 12 of the interconnection assembly.

[0067] The initial link 16 can pivot in the hollow half-tube 17, relative to the end piece 12.

[0068] The fitting 12, with the hollow half-tube 17, is only particularly useful in the case of an integrated bracelet. The interconnecting device 1 remains the same for all types of bracelets.

[0069] In particular, the hollow half-tube 17 allows, in the case of a metal bracelet, for it to remain in one piece, even when open. The user thus only has one part to handle on the bracelet side. The half-tube allows the link to be coupled to the end piece 12 in a non-removable manner.

[0070] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Indeed, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the information just provided.

[0071] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted to include all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

[0072] Reference signs:

[0073] interconnection device: 1

[0074] push button: 11

[0075] throat: 13

[0076] cavity: 14

[0077] flexible leaf spring: 15

[0078] small columns: 18

[0079] nozzle: 12

[0080] initial link: 16

[0081] hollow half-tube: 17

[0082] engagement bar: 19

[0083] central section (of the engagement bar = : 191

[0084] extreme sections (of the engagement bar = : 192

[0085] bolt: 100

[0086] anti-pivot heel: 121

Claims

An interconnecting device (1) between a watch strap and a watch case, comprising: a flexible leaf spring, extending planarly in a zigzag pattern, in the sense that the flexible leaf spring (15) has at least two arms inclined with respect to a median axis, similarly to a V, the flexible leaf spring (15) not being fixed or attached to a fixed element of the interconnecting device (1), and capable of translating within a cavity (14) formed in a base of the interconnecting device (1), in which the flexible leaf spring (15) is housed; a groove (13), also formed in the base, intended to receive a watch case engagement bar; a retractable bolt (100), movable between an open position, leaving open the passage between the groove (13) and the outside of the base, and a locked position, in which it obstructs the passage between the groove (13) and the outside of the base, the flexible leaf spring (15) being pre-stressed in the cavity (14),so as to push the bolt (100) into the locking position, the interconnection device (1) further comprising a push button (11) configured to press on the flexible leaf spring (15) so as to move it within the cavity (14), such that, when the engagement bar of a watch case presses against the bolt (100) from the outside, the bolt (100) retracts and moves into the open position under the force applied by the bar, inducing the translation of the flexible leaf spring (15) within the cavity (14), leaving a passage for the engagement bar to engage at the bottom of the groove (13), the bolt (100), once the bar is engaged in the groove (13), returning to its locking position under the action of the flexible leaf spring (15), the push button (11) being configured so that, when pressed, it allows the release of the engagement bar, allowing it to be extracted from the groove (13),the push button (11) having a portion exerting pressure against the flexible leaf spring (15) to force its translation into the cavity (14), so as to retract the bolt (100) and free the passage for the engagement bar. Interconnection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible leaf spring (15) has a general W shape, with a central portion configured to slide between two columns (18) projecting from the bottom of the cavity (14), and the ends of the outer arms of the general W shape slightly curved outwards on either side to bear against the columns (18), and the push button (11) being configured to press on the central portion of the flexible leaf spring (15). Interconnection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bolt (100) has an end portion forming a plane inclined towards the groove (13), to guide the engagement bar towards the bottom of the groove (13). Interconnection device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which a portion of the bolt (100) is configured to cooperate with a support portion of the push button (11) to enable the flexible leaf spring (15) to be translated when the push button (11) is pressed. Interconnection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cavity closure plate (14), coming parallel to the bottom of the cavity (14) and parallel to the mean plane of the flexible leaf spring (15), the closure plate being fixed to the base. Interconnection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible leaf spring (15) has an axis of axial symmetry. An interconnection assembly between a bracelet and a watch case, comprising an interconnection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and further comprising an end piece (12) and a hollow half-tube (17) embedded in the end piece (12), the interconnection device (1) forming an initial link (16) of the bracelet, the end piece (12) being configured to bear against the watch case, in particular to fill a lug gap in the watch case, and the interconnection device (1) being secured to the end piece (12). Interconnection assembly according to the preceding claim, having an anti-pivot stop (121) to prevent the pivoting of the interconnection device (1) around a longitudinal axis of the watch strap. Interconnection assembly according to claim 7 or 8, comprising the engagement bar (19) intended to be secured to the watch case, the engagement bar (19) having a double section, with a central section (191) having a diameter less than the diameter of the extreme sections (192) on either side.

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