EP2540188B1 - Dispositif de fixation de bracelets - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for fastening a bracelet, in particular a watch strap, on a housing, in particular on a watch case, wherein the device comprises a link to which a band end of the bracelet is fastened and the housing-side end of a laterally on said Housing attached Armbandsteg is fastened, wherein a biased against said housing fuse element is disposed with a locking projection thereon on the link, that the securing element can take two positions, a first secure position in which the bracelet web lies in a recess of the link and the Locking element blocks the link or the bracelet by means of the interaction of said locking projection with the housing against release from the bracelet web respectively from the housing, and a second, open position in which the bracelet web au s said indent out or can be guided into this.

A fastening device of the type cited above has been disclosed by the Applicant in the patent application EP 2 229 836 described. As stated in this document, a simple attachment and detachment of bracelets to a housing, particularly in the context of watch straps, is desired or necessary in everyday life in a variety of situations. The solution presented there for a relatively simply designed and at the same time tool-free fastening device for a replaceable bracelet, especially for the watch area, has brought a significant improvement in the field of these devices. In the course of further adaptation and However, by extending the use of said system, the Applicant has encountered initially unrecognizable difficulties.

On the one hand, the use of the in the patent application EP 2 229 836 to replace a bracelet initially described two successive executed in different directions translation movements of the entire device relative to the housing to which it is to be attached, followed by a rotational movement of the device relative to the housing. This may be perceived by inexperienced users or infrequent operation as complicated or disturbing, so that a simplification of the movement and thus a change in the underlying structure of the device structure seems desirable.

On the other hand, in the case of the abovementioned device, for example when used in the watch area, a small flattening or indentation is required laterally on the watch case, as is schematically shown in the figures of the patent application EP 2 229 836 evident. This is particularly the case insofar as the axis of the securing element used in this device is mounted relatively close to the housing-side end of the fastening device. Due to the normally round case shape of watches, the axis would therefore be in the middle part of the device the watch case in the way, the watch case would not provided at this point with a known flattening or an incision. In order to eliminate this, albeit slight, design limitation on the housing, therefore, an improved fastening device in this respect is desirable.

In all of this, the improved tool-replaceable strap attachment device should continue to function as in the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 , the criteria regarding aesthetics, ergonomics, comfort, hygiene by simple cleaning of the system, as well as in particular robustness and security against unintentional release meet. Also, the device should continue to be usable with any type of interchangeable wristbands, not only in the context of watches, but generally any type of wristband mounted on a housing which is to be replaced from time to time.

The object of the present invention is the realization of such an exchangeable bracelet, in particular the realization of an improved fastening device with the advantages mentioned above. The present invention therefore has a bracelet attachment device as an article, which has the characteristics mentioned in claim 1, as well as a corresponding watch strap or a corresponding clock, which have such a device.

To achieve the above objects, the subject invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the device has a pivotally mounted on said fuse element blocking element, which blocks depending on the position of the securing element the bracelet web respectively releases.

In particular, the said recess on the underside of the link forms a suitable for receiving the Armbandstegs, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet oriented first groove, which defines a first direction in their longitudinal section significantly, while the blocking element suitable for receiving the Armbandstegs, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the Bracelet-oriented second groove, which in the first, secured position of the securing element in its longitudinal section significantly a second direction relative to said first direction defined, such that the bracelet web is wedged in this first, secured position between the first - and second groove so that the bracelet web is secured against loosening of the device. In addition, the blocking element is mounted by means of its own axis pivotally mounted on said securing element, that movement of the securing element in its first, secured position automatically causes engagement of the bracelet web in said second groove of the blocking element, while moving the securing element in its second, open position automatically causes a notching of the bracelet web from the said second groove.

The biased against said housing fuse element with the locking projection thereon possesses by this configuration, as in the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 , two positions, which correspond to a secured position of the bracelet and an open position for attaching or removing the bracelet, but the there knee-shaped indentation on the link by the interaction of two simple, two relatively movable parts, the blocking element and the Link, attached grooves was replaced. Due to this altered structure, the sequence of movements by means of which the user of the device can change the bracelet on the housing is simplified.

In addition, the said securing element may be formed as a pivotable, spring-loaded against the housing lever, wherein the pivot axis of the securing element consists of two separate, respectively attached to the outer ends of the link or the fuse element parts, so that in the central region of the securing element a space arises, which can be filled by the housing. When used in the clock area therefore eliminated in comparison to the Device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 the side attached to the watch case, small flattening, which is now given in the improved device complete design freedom with respect to the housing. Alternatively, a securing element in the form of a correspondingly shaped pusher is possible.

The already in the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 Other advantages of the tool-free interchangeability of a bracelet, the usability with all commercially available, a wrist strap having watch cases, the security against unwanted loosening, as well as the robustness, ergonomics and wearing comfort are fully retained in the improved device.

Also, the bracelet attachment device according to the invention can be used in any bracelet that is to be attached to a housing, in particular watch straps, whatever material may be made of these. Accordingly, the system can be used with any watch, which has a watch case with two horns, to which a bracelet bar is attached fixed or in a removable manner. However, since the range of use is not limited to watches, but any kind and size of bracelet einstudes that on a housing, which in principle may have any shape and, for example, a gem, a portrait, or any other object to be attached , the system according to the invention is therefore highly flexible overall.

The attached figures illustrate by way of example two embodiments of a device for fastening a bracelet according to the present invention.

Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views of a first embodiment of a wristband attachment device according to the invention, in the assembled state with the housing and in the state in which the attachment device is detached from the housing only partially shown; Figures 1c and 1d are perspective views from above and from below, respectively, of the same embodiment, showing only the bracelet attachment device with a bracelet link attached thereto, and the link of the device for clarity of understanding, in particular with respect to the blocking element, in a transparent representation; the Figure 1e schematically represents, in a partial top view, the wristband attachment device in the state attached to the housing; FIGS. 1f and 1g show longitudinal sections through the device according to the invention along the lines AA and BB shown in FIGS. 1a and 1e.

Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d schematically illustrate the principle of movement during tool-free attachment of a wrist strap fastening device according to the invention to a housing, while Figures 2e, 2f, and 2g schematically illustrate the movement during disengagement of the device from the housing.

The Figure 3a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bracelet fastening device according to the invention, in the assembled state with the housing again, for better understanding, in particular with regard to the blocking element used here, the bracelet is shown only partially reproduced in a transparent representation; the Figure 3b FIG. 2 schematically and exemplary illustrates the second embodiment of the invention in a partial plan view Bracelet attachment device attached to the housing state, this also for better understanding also with the bracelet only partially shown and some underlying parts in transparent; FIGS. 3c and 3d are longitudinal sections, similar to FIGS. 1f and 1g, through the second embodiment of a device according to the invention along the path in FIG Figure 3b plotted lines CC and DD, respectively; Figures 3e, 3f, and 3g show Figure 3a analogous perspective views of the bracelet attachment device in not yet assembled with the housing state, in the assembled state, this each without a transparent representation, as well as in the assembled state with the entire device in a transparent representation.

In the following, the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the mentioned figures in two of their embodiments. The bracelet fastening device according to the invention is exemplified in particular in connection with a watch strap, which is to be attached to a watch case in a classic version with two horns on both sides, although, as mentioned, such a device can be easily mounted on any housing and the following description in connection with watch straps is therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The Figure 1a shows schematically and by way of example a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for attaching a bracelet to a housing 7, in particular a watch strap on a watch case, this in the assembled state with the housing. The Figure 1b is a perspective view in the state in which the fastening device is detached from the housing 7 only partially shown. The device comprises a link 1, to which a band end member 5 of the bracelet can be fastened and whose housing-side end is attached to a laterally attached to said housing 7 bracelet web 9. Furthermore, the fastening device, as in the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 , a hinged to the link 1 and biased against said housing 7 fuse element 2 and, as an innovation, a blocking element 3, wherein in the present first embodiment, the band end member 5 is indirectly attached by its attachment to the blocking element 3 on the link 1. To illustrate the structure and arrangement of the various parts of the fastening device according to the invention, Figures 1c and 1d show perspective views obliquely from above or obliquely from below to the same embodiment, showing only the bracelet fastening device with a bracelet member 5 attached thereto and the link 1 of the device for better understanding in transparent representation is reproduced. Furthermore, the shows Figure 1e in a partial plan view schematically and by way of example the Armbandbefestigungsvorrichtung in attached to the housing state, in which case the overhead parts are shown in a transparent view to allow a better understanding of the underlying parts.

Such as from Figures 1f and 1g, which longitudinal sections along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet respectively the device according to the invention, ie along the lines AA and BB respectively drawn in FIGS. 1a and 1e, it can be seen in detail that the band end member 5 of the bracelet can, for example, be pivotally attached to the blocking element 3 of the device, as usual by means of a band member axis 8. The bracelet itself, not shown in the figures, in turn, for example, also by means of other band link axes 8, attached to the band end member 5 and may be made of metal, leather, rubber, or any other suitable material, such as synthetic material such as plastic or a other plastic. In this context, it should also be noted that the bracelet in the first embodiment of the device according to the invention preferably consists of a metal bracelet. For this reason is about, as in particular from Figure 1b can be seen, the band end member 5 made of one piece and can, as shown, are designed on the surface so that the visual impression arises, it would for example consist of five individual, juxtaposed parts, so that in conjunction with a metal bracelet creates a harmonious overall impression , The same is the case in the embodiment illustrated in the figures for the blocking element 3 and the link 1, which in this embodiment have also been given such a surface design for aesthetic reasons, but are one-piece. It is nonetheless possible, even in this embodiment, to use a bracelet made of a different material and with a different surface design of these parts and to be guided on the band end member 5. A preferred embodiment of the present invention for a leather, rubber, or synthetic material bracelet will be discussed in detail in the description of the second embodiment.

The housing 7 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b and usable in all the embodiments discussed, for example, consists of one ordinary watch case with two side-mounted horns 7.1, to which a bracelet web 9 fixed or removably attached, for example in the form of a known to those skilled spring bar. However, as already mentioned, the housing does not necessarily have to consist of a watch case but can serve any other purpose as far as it is equipped with a part corresponding to the bracelet web 9.

The essence of the present invention lies in the embodiment of the spring bar 9 of the housing 7 facing side of the device according to the invention for fastening a bracelet and will be explained in more detail below.

On the one hand, for this purpose, the link 1 of the device on its underside, that is, on its the spring bar 9 and the bottom of the housing 7 side facing, a recess 1.1, as in particular from the perspective views 1b, 1c, and 1d and in realized as a longitudinal section with partial side view Figure 1f is shown. The indentation 1.1 can here, such as out Figure 1b can be seen, form a suitable for receiving the bracelet web 9 first groove 1.1. This first groove 1.1 is, lying in a plane parallel to the plane of the bracelet, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet and defined in its longitudinal section significantly a first direction. The groove 1.1 corresponds in width significantly to the diameter of the spring bar 9, may preferably correspond in depth to about half to the entire diameter of the spring bar 9, and serves, as will become clear later, as a kind of support surface or retaining groove for the Spring bar 9.

As in particular from the Figure 1d can be seen, the link 1 of the device according to the invention in cross-section is preferably formed significantly U-shaped, the shape of the central part of the link 1 noticeably the shape of the housing 7 is adapted between the horns 7.1, while the lateral arms or jaws 1.3 of the link 1 cling to the inner side surfaces of the horns 7.1. These lateral arms 1.3 of the link 1 are formed on its underside and therefore facing the bracelet web 9 of the housing 7, so that said indentation 1.1 is formed with the transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet oriented groove 1.1 in these two arms 1.3. Furthermore, a cavity is formed between these two arms 1.3, which is ideally suited for receiving said securing element 2. With regard to the design of the link 1, it should also be mentioned, with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, that the link 1 according to the present invention respectively has a surface which is complementary in its shape to that of the housing 7, so that the link 1 and the housing 7 form a substantially uniform, continuous surface. This allows to make the bracelet fastening system according to the invention aesthetically and ergonomically extremely advantageous. In particular, in the case of a watch strap, despite the use of a bracelet web 9, the end face of the device can be selected to be completely complementary to that of the housing 7, without an open slot being visible in the case of round housing shapes.

On the other hand, the device, such as from the Figure 1c, 1d, or 1f can be seen, the said, hinged to the link 1 and biased against the housing 7 fuse element 2, the latter being mounted, for example, by means of a parallel to the aforementioned groove 1.1 attached axis 2.2 pivotally mounted on the link 1.

In the illustrated in the figures, preferred embodiments, the fuse element 2 is designed as a pivotable, spring-loaded against the housing 7 lever. In particular, the pivot axis exists 2.2 of the fuse element 2, in contrast to the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 , here from two separate, in each case at the outer ends of the link 1 and the securing element 2 attached parts, as can be seen from the perspective views 1c and 1d. The two separate axle parts 2.2 can be anchored in the two above-mentioned, lateral arms 1.3 of the link 1 or freely rotatably mounted, such as in Figure 1c indicated schematically. This structure creates a free space in the centrally located area of the securing element 2, which space can be filled by the housing 7. Therefore, as in the Figure 1b shown, the creative freedom in the choice of the housing 7 even larger, especially in round housing shapes, so that in particular no flattening laterally on the housing 7 is more necessary.

Furthermore, the fuse element 2, as already in the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 , a locking projection 2.1, which is oriented in the direction of the housing 7. The securing element 2 is arranged on the link 1 such that it can assume two positions. These two positions correspond to a first, secured position in which the bracelet web 9 is in the groove 1.1 of the link 1 and the fuse element 2, the link 1 and the bracelet by means of the interaction of said locking projection 2.1 with the housing 7 against release from Bracelet web 9 respectively blocked by the housing 7, see Figure 1f , and a second, open position in which the bracelet web 9 out of said groove 1.1 or can be guided into this.

With the aid of FIGS. 1f and 1g, it can be further specified that said locking projection 2.1 of the securing element 2 of a device according to the invention is arranged in the direction of and at the level of the lower housing edge 7.2 of the housing 7. This attacks the Locking projection 2.1 in the first, secured position of the securing element 2 under the housing edge 7.2 of the housing 7 and thus blocks the link 1 against any directed to the housing top movement, which could lead to loosening of the link 1 from the bracelet web 9. In the second, open position of the securing element 2, the locking projection 2.1 releases the lower housing edge 7.2 and thereby enables a movement to be described in more detail later for releasing the link 1 from the bracelet web 9 respectively for attaching the link to this web. As a result of this embodiment of the securing element 2 or the locking projection 2.1 located thereon, the force Fs exerted on the housing 7 by the securing element 2 is noticeably perpendicular to the plane of the housing 7 for securing or locking the link 1 on the bracelet web 9 respectively of the bracelet on the housing 7 whereas the tensile and torsional forces Fz applied to the wristband during wear by the wristband are roughly aligned in the longitudinal direction of the wristband, depending on the respective wrist size of the wearer of the watch. These forces are directed against different housing parts, namely on the one hand against the lower housing edge 7.2 and on the other hand against the bracelet web 9. Furthermore, the force F _B for actuating the safety lever, which allows loosening of the link 1 from the bracelet web 9 respectively of the bracelet from the housing 7, im Substantially perpendicular to the direction of the aforementioned locking force F _S , if not also the tensile forces Fz. The orientation of the forces occurring by means of arrows in the Figure 1f symbolically indicated. This has the advantage that the safety lever 2 normally can not be opened unintentionally. In addition, the noticeably larger tensile forces during wear of the bracelet are taken up as usual by the bracelet web 9 and not transferred to the securing element 2, which itself only absorbs the much smaller locking force Fs.

In the above-mentioned cavity between the two lateral arms 1.3 of the link 1 is also, at least partially and as out Figure 1g can be seen, the already mentioned blocking lever 3 is arranged, which constitutes an essential feature of the present invention. The blocking lever 3 is in this case mounted by means of a parallel to the axis 2.2 mounted axis 4 pivotally mounted on the fuse element 2 and blocks depending on the position of the fuse element 2 the bracelet web 9 respectively respectively releases it.

For this purpose, the blocking element 3 has a suitable for receiving the bracelet web 9, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bracelet second groove 3.1, which in the first secure position of the securing element 2 in its longitudinal section significantly a second direction relative to the said, of the first groove 1.1 defined in the link 1 first direction, such that the bracelet web 9 is wedged in this first, secured position between the first - 1.1 and second groove 3.1 so that the bracelet web 9 respectively the bracelet against loosening of the device respectively from the housing 7 is secured. In other words, by this structure, the knee-shaped indentation on the link of the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 by the interaction of two simpler-shaped grooves, which are located on two relatively movable parts, namely the blocking element and the link, replaced. As will be explained in more detail later, due to this changed structure, the flow of movement, by means of which the user of the device can change the bracelet on the housing, is simplified and thereby leads to an improvement of the system.

In order to enable this movement, the blocking element 3, see again, for example Figure 1g , By means of a mounted parallel to the axis 2.2, separate axis 4 so pivotally on said Secured element 2 mounted such that a movement of the securing element 2 in its first, secured position engages a locking of said second groove 3.1 of the blocking element 3 in the bracelet web 9. On the other hand, a movement of the securing element 2 in its second, open position causes a disengagement of the bracelet web 9 from the said second groove 3.1. For this purpose, the angle α between the said first and second directions defined by the first 1.1 and second grooves 3.1, viewed in the first, secured position of the securing element 2, is selected to be approximately between 0 ° and 60 °, preferably as an acute angle less than 30 °, more preferably an angle between 10 ° and 25 °, in order to achieve a kind of wedging, which makes unintentional release of the bracelet web 9 from the device impossible.

Should it therefore occur in exceptional situations that the safety lever 2 is accidentally touched, the link 1 usually does not detach from the bracelet web 9, insofar as the latter due to the interaction of the first groove 1.1 on the link 1 and the second groove 3.1 on the blocking lever 3 and because of their specific design and spatial arrangement between these two grooves 1.1, 3.1 is wedged. This was also tested in particular by laboratory and wearing tests of a watch equipped with a bracelet according to the invention.

Furthermore, it is off Figure 1g the specific shape of the blocking element 3 can be seen, which allows the element 3 has at least one extending into the cavity below the link extension, which cooperates with the axis 4 on the fuse element 2. From Figures 1c and 1f is also apparent that between the blocking element 3 and the securing element 2 is a spring applied in the form of at least one arranged between these elements 2, 3 elastic member 6, in particular in the form of at least one the axis 4 provided coil spring. On the one hand, this serves to define a preferred relative position between the elements 2, 3, on the other hand, the spring loading of the securing element 2 in the direction of the housing 7 can be realized at the same time.

Finally, the blocking element 3 and the link 1 each have, at their end facing the other part, a specifically selected limiting surface 3.2, 1.2, which is approximately in the Figure 1g are visible. By their interaction, the rotation of these two parts can be limited relative to each other in the direction of opening of the bracelet, which is inter alia important to ensure the above-mentioned spring action of the securing element 2 in the direction of the housing 7 and the relative position between the elements 2, 3.

By means of the figures 2a to 2g, which longitudinal sections of the device in different positions and along the line AA analogous to that of Figure 1f show, the operation of the tool-free removal and attaching a device equipped with the device according to the invention bracelet will now be explained to a housing. As in Figure 2a schematically and exemplified, for attaching the device according to the invention to a housing 7, the link 1 is first brought from above by means of a translational movement in the direction of the bracelet web 9 to the housing 7. At the end of this translational movement of the spring bar 9 of the housing 7 comes to lie in the recess 1.1 of the link 1, see Figure 2b , In this case, the securing element 2 is deflected by stop of the locking projection 2.1 on the side wall of the housing 7 from its rest position and against its spring action. A subsequent rotation of the link 1 or the attached bracelet, as indicated by arrows in the Figure 2c symbolically indicated causes on the one hand that the upper side of the link 1 approaches the upper edge of the side wall of the housing 7 until both are flush, and on the other hand, that the securing element 2 automatically assumes its secure rest position, insofar as at this moment the locking projection 2.1 under the lower housing edge 7.2 of the housing 7 can grip. In this in Figure 2d illustrated position of the fuse element 2, the link 1 and the attached to him bracelet against a decrease, ie in particular against unintentional release of the bracelet from the housing 7, secured because the fuse element 2 by means of the locking projection 2.1 for a release of the link 1 from Armband web 9 required movement of the link 1 in a vertical upward direction or a corresponding rotation. In addition, the movement of the securing element 2 under the lower housing edge 7.2, as explained above, the hinged on the fuse element 2 blocking element 3 moves in the direction of the bracelet web 9, whereby the second groove 3.1 on the blocking element 3 engages in the bracelet web 9 and this against unintentional release additionally secures.

From what has been said above, it is clear that the removal of the link 1 from the bracelet web 9 or a bracelet fastened to the link 1 takes place from the housing 7 by manual pressing on the securing element 2, as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 2e, 2f and 2g. As a result, initially the locking projection 2.1, the lower housing edge 7.2 and at the same time the second groove 3.1 on the blocking element 3, the bracelet web 9 free, see Figure 2e , Thus, the adjoining, in Figure 2f symbolically indicated by an arrow, slight rotation of the link 1 and the attached thereto bracelet allows, which leads away the top of the link 1 again from the upper edge of the side wall of the housing 7. Thereafter, the link 1 or the attached thereto bracelet finally by one of the first translational movement opposite Translation again be removed from the bracelet web 9 respectively from the housing 7, as in Figure 2g symbolically indicated by an arrow.

In comparison to the device according to the patent application EP 2 229 836 , which initially requires two approximately perpendicular to each other oriented translation movements and then rotation of the device for attaching the bracelet, the device of the invention due to their modified structure allows a simplified movement, by means of which the user of the device can change the bracelet on the housing, namely only a translation followed by a rotation of the device. The system is therefore more intuitive for inexperienced users to use.

With the aid of FIGS. 3 a to 3 d, a second embodiment of a wristband fastening device according to the invention will now be explained in more detail, which may be used preferably, but not exclusively, for a leather, rubber, or synthetic material bracelet. The main difference between the second embodiment shown in these figures and the first embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1g is that the band end member or bracelet 5 is directly attached to the link 1 in the second embodiment while the band end member 5 in the first Embodiment by its attachment to the blocking element 3 is indirectly mounted on the link 1.

Such as a perspective view of the second embodiment of a bracelet fastening device according to the invention, in the assembled state with the housing Figure 3a can be seen, in this second embodiment, the band end member or the bracelet 5, for example, at the top of the link. 1 be attached. This can be done, for example, by clamping, gluing, riveting, screwing, casting or other techniques known in the art and will not be further explained here. In any case, in this embodiment, it is preferably the surface of the bracelet itself, rather than, preferably, in the first embodiment, the surface of the link 1 which is flush with the top edge of the housing 7 and forms with it a continuous, aesthetically uniform appearing surface Another important advantage of the device according to the invention represents respectively an interesting option for the design of bracelets opened.

From the Figure 3a as well as out Figure 3b which shows schematically and by way of example a partial plan view of the second embodiment of the bracelet fastening device attached to the housing with only partially Pictured bracelet for better understanding bracelet and some underlying parts in transparent, can also be seen that in this embodiment, the blocking element 3 easier, that is especially in its longitudinal section provided with a more homogeneous shape, can be designed. This is easily understood, insofar as the blocking element 3 is not used here as a connecting link between the link 1 and the band end member 5, but only the function of additional blocking and securing the bracelet web 9. This is also evident from FIGS. 3c and 3d, which are longitudinal sections, similar to FIGS. 1f and 1g, through the second embodiment of a device according to the invention along the path in FIG Figure 3b marked lines CC and DD, clearly visible. In these figures, inter alia, the each attached to the other part end facing boundary surfaces 3.2, 1.2 on the blocking element 3 and on the link 1 and the grooves 1.1, 3.1 visible. In the transparency of the Figure 3b are also the axes 2.2 of the fuse element 2 and 4 of the Blocking element 3 and the bracelet web 9 recognizable, the arrangement of all these features can be done as in the first embodiment. Even otherwise, this second embodiment is constructed analogously to the first embodiment of the device according to the invention and its operation is completely analogous to the above, both therefore need not be further explained.

In the two embodiments of a wrist strap fastening device according to the invention detailed above, the securing element 2 is designed as a pivotable lever spring-loaded against the housing 7. By manually pressing on the slightly protruding from the bottom of the link 1 or in the assembled state from the bottom of the bottom 10 of the housing 7 locking projection 2.1, this fuse element 2 from its first, secure rest position against the force of spring loading by rotation in its second , Open position can be brought, which allows attachment or detachment of the link 1 and the bracelet from the bracelet web 9 respectively from the housing 7. However, the above-described function of the securing element 2 of the opening and locking can be realized mechanically in other ways, in particular in the form of a pusher, ie by means of a translation instead of a rotation.

In the following, such alternative solutions are only briefly explained, without these being explicitly shown in the figures. In this alternative solution, the said securing element 2 may be formed approximately as a displaceable, spring-loaded against the housing 7 pusher, while the other parts are arranged as described above. Such a pusher is preferably formed on the housing side so that in the central region of the securing element 2 also a free space is formed, which from the housing. 7 can be filled to ensure the design freedom in terms of the housing shape in this embodiment. In this case, in the cavity of the link 1 slidably mounted pusher instead of a pivoting movement would be guided by means of corresponding guide grooves in the lateral arms 1.3 of the link 1 displacement movement in the direction of the housing and away from it, with a corresponding compression spring the pusher in the direction of Housing 7 vorbeaufschlagen and a secured position would be providable about by special shaping of the guide grooves. Also, as in the case of the aforementioned pivotable lever, the securing element 2 consisting of the displaceable pusher and the associated compression spring could be replaced by a corresponding one-piece elastic element.

The device according to the invention therefore allows an extremely simple handling and realized in an elegant way, a system for tool-free removal and attaching a bracelet to a housing, in particular a watch strap on a watch case.

From the foregoing it is also clear that the present invention is also directed in particular to a watch band having a device according to the invention for attaching a bracelet and to a watch with a corresponding bracelet.

In addition, the above detailed description of the wrist strap attachment device of the present invention demonstrates that the present invention optimally allows the tool-less interchangeability of a wristband to be achieved by means of only strap-side, conceptually simple design features, without the need for housing-side modifications. Therefore, the system according to the invention has the particular advantage of being able to be used with all standard housings, especially watch cases, which have a bracelet web. Due to the comparatively simple design, which is based on a specifically shaped recess in combination with a corresponding securing element and a blocking element, the device or a corresponding bracelet is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. By virtue of the fact that the tensile and locking forces which occur are oriented toward different housing parts and substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force for actuating the safety lever, the device according to the invention further exemplarily fulfills the criteria of safety and robustness for such a system. Insofar as the shape and the texture of the particular surface of the link or the bracelet of the device according to the invention are subject to a great freedom of design, the aesthetics, ergonomics, and comfort of a bracelet equipped with a fastening device according to the invention are to be mentioned as further advantages of the present invention. Finally, the handling of a device according to the invention when changing a bracelet for the user is simple and intuitive.

Claims (16)

1. A device for fastening a wrist strap, in particular a watch strap, to a case (7), in particular to a watch case, the device having a linking member (1), to which a strap end member (5) of the wrist strap can be fastened and the case-side end of which can be fastened to a wrist strap pin (9) attached laterally to said case (7), a securing element (2), which is biased against said case (7) and has an interlocking projection (2.1) located thereon, being arranged on the linking member (1) in such a way that the securing element (2) can assume two positions, a first, secured position, in which the wrist strap pin (9) is positioned in an indentation (1.1) in the linking member (1) and the securing element (2) prevents the linking member (1) and the wrist strap from becoming detached from the wrist strap pin (9) and from the case (7) respectively by means of the cooperation of said interlocking projection (2.1) with the case (7), and a second, opened position in which the wrist strap pin (9) can be guided out of or into said indentation (1.1), characterized in that the device has a blocking element (3) which is attached pivotably to said securing element (2) and which blocks or releases the wrist strap pin (9) depending on the position of the securing element (2).
2. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said indentation (1.1) on the underside of the linking member (1) forms a first groove (1.1) which is suitable for receiving the wrist strap pin (9), is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the wrist strap, and appreciably defines in longitudinal section a first direction, whilst the blocking element (3) comprises a second groove (3.1) which is suitable for receiving the wrist strap pin (9), is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the wrist strap and, in the first, secured position of the securing element (2), appreciably defines in longitudinal section a second direction relative to said first direction, in such a way that the wrist strap pin (9), in this first, secured position is wedged between the first (1.1) and second groove (3.1) in such a way that the wrist strap pin (9) is secured against detachment from the device.
3. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle (α) between said first and said direction is between 0° and 60°, preferably between 1° and 30°, more preferably between 10° and 25°, in the first, secured position of the securing element (2).
4. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (3) is attached pivotably to said securing element (2) by means of a separate shaft (4) in such a way that movement of the securing element (2) into its first, secured position causes the wrist strap pin (9) to latch into said second groove (3.1) in the blocking element (3), whilst movement of the securing element (2) into its second, opened position causes the wrist strap pin (9) to unlatch from said second groove (3.1).
5. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that spring loading in the form of at least one resilient element (6), in particular in the form of at least one spiral spring, arranged between the blocking element (3) and the securing element (2) is provided between said elements (2, 3) to define a preferred relative position, whereby the securing element (2) is also spring-loaded in the direction of the case (7).
6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (3) and the linking member (1) have a limiting surface (3.2, 1.2) at their respective end facing the other part, the cooperation of said limiting surfaces restricting the rotation of these two parts relative to one another in the direction of an opening in the wrist strap.
7. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strap end member (5) is attached indirectly to the linking member (1) by being fastened to the blocking element (3).
8. The device according to one of preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the strap end member (5) is attached directly to the linking member (1).
9. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said securing element (2) is embodied as a pivotable lever which is spring-loaded against the case (7), the pivot shaft (2.2) of the securing element (2) consisting of two parts each attached to the outer ends of the linking member (1) and securing element (2) respectively in such a way that a free space is created in the central region of the securing element (2) which can be occupied by the case (7).
10. The device according to one of preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said securing element (2) is formed as a displaceable pusher which is spring-loaded against the case (7), the pusher being formed on the case side in such a way that a free space is created in the central region of the securing element (2) which can be occupied by the case (7).
11. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said interlocking projection (2.1) of the securing element (2) is embodied as a projection arranged in the direction and at the level of the lower edge (7.2) of the case in such a way that, in the first, secured position of the securing element (2), the projection (2.1) reaches below the lower edge (7.2) of the case and prevents the linking member (1) from moving, in a manner directed toward the upper side of the case, for detaching the linking member (1) from the wrist strap pin (9) and that, in the second, opened position of the securing element (2), the projection (2.1) releases the lower edge (7.2) of the case and said movement for detaching the linking member (1) is possible.
12. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force (F_S), exerted by the interlocking projection (2.1) of the securing element (2) on the case (7), for interlocking the linking member (1) on the wrist strap pin (9) and the wrist strap on the case (7) and also the tensile and torsional forces (F_Z) exerted on the wrist strap pin (9) when the wrist strap is worn are directed appreciably at a right angle to the force (F_B) necessary for actuating the securing lever.
13. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said linking member (1) is appreciably U-shaped in cross-section, said indentation (1.1), which forms the groove (1.1) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the wrist strap, is formed at least in the two arms (1.3) formed on the underside of the linking member and said securing element (2) is arranged in the hollow space disposed between these arms (1.3).
14. A watch strap characterized in that it comprises a device according to one of the preceding claims.
15. The watch strap according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wrist strap fastened to the device is made of metal, of leather, of rubber or of synthetic material, for example of plastic.
16. A watch having a watch case (7), characterized in that the watch has a watch strap according to one of the preceding claims 14 or 15.

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