EP3918946B1 - Device for attaching a strap to a watch case - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of horology, and in particular the present disclosure relates to a removable attachment device with respect to a watch case.

It is known in the prior art flexible bracelets in one piece to slide between the case of a watch and the bars held by the horns of the case, otherwise called "NATO" bracelets. This type of bracelet has a predetermined width (generally 20 mm) and it is impossible to attach it to a watch whose distance between the lugs is insufficient.

Furthermore, it is known to provide bracelet attachment devices that are removable relative to a watch case, such as that disclosed by the document CH704810A1 . On the other hand, this system notably has the drawback of having a large number of parts, some of which are complex in shape and/or require meticulous assembly operations.

The documents US 1,508,612A (which discloses the preamble of claim 1) and DE 508 420 C disclose attachment devices with movable latches for hooking onto a watch case. On the other hand, these systems also have the drawback of having a large number of parts, some of which are complex in shape, small in size and/or require meticulous assembly operations.

An object of the present invention is to respond to the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, to propose a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, which is simple to manufacture and to assemble, that is to say in particular without requiring meticulous assembly operations.

• un premier demi-maillon comprenant une première portion d'attache agencée pour s'attacher de manière amovible sur une portion d'accroche du boîtier de montre formée par exemple par une première barrette,
• une deuxième portion d'attache agencée pour attacher le bracelet,
• un deuxième demi-maillon monté en liaison glissière sur le premier demi-maillon, de sorte à former un organe de verrouillage mobile entre :
  • une position d'ouverture, dans laquelle le deuxième demi-maillon permet à la première portion d'attache d'être attachée ou détachée du boîtier de montre, et
  • une position de verrouillage, dans laquelle le deuxième demi-maillon coopère avec la première portion d'attache pour la verrouiller sur le boîtier de montre,
• des moyens de rappel élastique, agencés pour rappeler le deuxième demi-maillon en position de verrouillage.

For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a device for attaching a bracelet to a watch case, comprising:

• a first half-link comprising a first attachment portion arranged to be removably attached to an attachment portion of the watch case formed for example by a first bar,
• a second attachment portion arranged to attach the bracelet,
• a second half-link mounted in sliding connection on the first half-link, so as to form a movable locking member between:
  • an open position, in which the second half-link allows the first attachment portion to be attached or detached from the watch case, and
  • a locking position, in which the second half-link cooperates with the first attachment portion to lock it on the watch case,
• elastic return means, arranged to return the second half-link to the locking position.

The attachment device according to the implementation above comprises a first and a second half-link, which makes it possible to limit the number of components. As a result, manufacture and assembly are simplified.

In particular, the first half-link and the second half-link once coupled form a complete link.

In other words, the first half-link and the second half-link coupled together form the carcass of a complete link, that is to say the framework which makes it possible to attach the complete link to two components of the watch to be linked together (the rest of the bracelet, on the one hand, to be linked to the watch case, on the other hand). The first half-link (or the second half-link) cannot ensure this connection function alone, the two half-links must be coupled to each other to form a complete link capable of connecting the two components of the watch (the rest of the bracelet, to be connected to the watch case).

A complete link (formed by the first half-link and the second half-link) is typically a component of a chain or of a link, and which comprises a first end arranged to be articulated with a first adjacent member to be connected ( the watch case), and a second end arranged to be articulated with a second adjacent member to be connected (the bracelet, which may comprise other links or a flexible strand, a ribbon, or a strap).

In other words, the complete link formed by the first half-link and the second half-link, has two ends each intended to be articulated with an adjacent member to be connected.

Accordingly, the first end of the complete link is formed by the first attachment portion, and the second end of the complete link is formed by the second attachment portion.

According to one embodiment, the first attachment portion can be opened or closed by the second half-link. In other words, the first attachment portion is provided on the first half-link, and the second half-link is coupled to the first half-link to close and open the first attachment portion. The removability characteristic (removability without tools) is provided by the second half-link, and not by the attachment portion of the watch case (the first bar of the watch case, which can however also be anchored in a removable manner on watch case horns for example). The sliding connection of the second half-link on the first half-link provides improved maneuverability at the level of the attachment device itself, which is removable relative to the watch case independently of the attachment portion (the first bar) .
In particular, the reversible fastening or removability feature is provided by the fastening device itself, without tools or specific parts. In other words, the user can actuate the attachment device, and in particular the first attachment portion via the second half-link, without tools or specific parts for attaching/detaching the bracelet to the watch case. watch (typically on bars which can also be removable, but can be disassembled using a tool). Ergonomics are simplified, as no tools are required to attach/detach the strap attachment devices on the watch case.
In the present disclosure, a bar attached to the casing is considered to be part of the casing and not of the bracelet or the fastening devices.

• le premier demi-maillon forme une première moitié du dispositif d'attache dite inférieure ou agencée du côté du dispositif interne, et/ou du côté invisible, et/ou du côté de la peau de l'utilisateur, et
• le deuxième demi-maillon forme une deuxième moitié du dispositif d'attache dite supérieure ou agencée du côté du dispositif externe et/ou du côté visible, et/ou du côté opposé de la peau de l'utilisateur.

According to one embodiment:

• the first half-link forms a first half of the so-called lower attachment device or arranged on the side of the internal device, and/or on the invisible side, and/or on the side of the user's skin, and
• the second half-link forms a second half of the so-called upper fastening device or arranged on the side of the external device and/or on the visible side, and/or on the opposite side of the user's skin.

Advantageously, the first half-link comprises the second attachment portion.

Advantageously, the second fastening portion comprises a passage opening such as a slot formed by a second bar, arranged to form a loop for a flexible strand in one piece. The fastening device according to the implementation above comprises a passage opening or slot which forms a loop for a flexible strand. Thus, once the attachment device has been fixed to the watch case via the first attachment portion, it is possible to attach the flexible strand to the watch case via the second attachment portion, even if the case of a watch has for example a distance between the lugs that is too small or an incompatible attachment interface for passing a flexible strand in one piece, for example of the NATO type.

• une longueur de l'ouverture de passage est au moins supérieure à 18 mm, et de préférence au moins supérieure à 20 mm, et/ou
• une largeur de l'ouverture de passage est supérieure ou égale à 1.5 mm.

Advantageously:

• a length of the passage opening is at least greater than 18 mm, and preferably at least greater than 20 mm, and/or
• a width of the passage opening is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

Advantageously, the attachment device comprises a closure plate, removably mounted on the attachment device, and the elastic return means are arranged between the closure plate and the second half-link. It is for example possible to provide a guillotine-type closure plate to be housed in a slot, for quick and easy installation.

Advantageously, the closure plate comprises at least one indexing means such as a blind hole or a tenon (formed for example by a driven pin) arranged to receive one end of the elastic return means, the attachment device comprising a cavity arranged to house the elastic return means, arranged to be closed by the closure plate. Such a blind hole improves the total compactness of the system, and serves as pre-positioning for the elastic return means (a spring for example) before assembly.

Advantageously, the attachment device comprises means for blocking the closure plate once mounted on the attachment device. The closing plate is locked once mounted. Provision may be made for a tight fit (zero or slightly negative play), a force-fitted pin, gluing or any other suitable means.

Advantageously, the elastic return means comprise at least one spring

• le premier demi-maillon comprend au moins une première portée de glissière qui présente une première longueur de portée,
• le deuxième demi-maillon comprend au moins une deuxième portée de glissière qui présente une deuxième longueur de portée,

et la première longueur de portée est égale à la deuxième longueur de portée à ±10%, et de préférence la première longueur de portée est égale à la deuxième longueur de portée. Des portées de glissière de longueur égale procurent un dispositif d'attache compact.Advantageously:

• the first half-link comprises at least a first slide surface which has a first surface length,
• the second half-link comprises at least one second sliding surface which has a second surface length,

and the first span length is equal to the second span length within ±10%, and preferably the first span length is equal to the second span length. Equal length slide spans provide a compact attachment device.

Advantageously, in the locked position, the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are completely nested one inside the other.

Advantageously, the first attachment portion is arranged to be attached to a first strip of the watch case having a free length of less than 12 mm.

Advantageously, the second half-link is free of a control button. In particular, the second half-link can be one-piece and in one piece.

• le premier demi-maillon présente une première largeur,
• le deuxième demi-maillon présente une deuxième largeur,

et dans lequel la deuxième largeur est au moins égale à 80% de la première largeur. Le premier demi-maillon et le deuxième demi-maillon présentent tous deux des dimensions semblables, qui ne requièrent pas de technologies spécifiques à la micromécanique par exemple.Advantageously:

• the first half-link has a first width,
• the second half-link has a second width,

and wherein the second width is at least 80% of the first width. The first half-link and the second half-link both have similar dimensions, which do not require technologies specific to micromechanics for example.

• un boîtier de montre,
• un bracelet,
• au moins un dispositif d'attache selon le premier aspect de l'invention.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch, comprising:

• a watch case,
• a bracelet,
• at least one attachment device according to the first aspect of the invention.

• la figure 1 représente une vue partielle d'un bracelet comprenant un brin souple et un dispositif d'attache, en perspective ;
• la figure 2 représente en perspective une vue éclatée de dessus du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente en perspective une vue éclatée de dessous du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 représente une coupe transversale du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1, avec un organe de verrouillage dans une position de verrouillage ;
• la figure 5 représente la coupe transversale du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1, avec l'organe de verrouillage dans une position d'ouverture ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue de dessus du dispositif d'attache de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 7 représente une coupe de la vue de dessus de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 représente une coupe transversale d'un bracelet comprenant un brin souple et deux dispositifs d'attache chacun attachés sur un boîtier de montre.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• there figure 1 shows a partial view of a bracelet comprising a flexible strand and a fastening device, in perspective;
• there figure 2 shows in perspective an exploded view from above of the attachment device of the figure 1 ;
• there picture 3 shows in perspective an exploded bottom view of the attachment device of the figure 1 ;
• there figure 4 shows a cross section of the attachment device of the figure 1 , with a locking member in a locking position;
• there figure 5 represents the cross section of the attachment device of the figure 1 , with the locking member in an open position;
• there figure 6 shows a top view of the attachment device of the figure 1 ;
• there figure 7 represents a section of the top view of the figure 6 ;
• there figure 8 shows a cross section of a bracelet comprising a flexible strand and two attachment devices each attached to a watch case.

There figure 1 shows in perspective a flexible strand 200 equipped with a removable attachment device consisting of a first half-link 10 and a second half-link 20. According to the particular example described here, the flexible strand 200 is typically a bracelet in monofilament fabric, in one piece, and of sufficient length to attach a watch to the wrist of a user.

Such a flexible strand can be called a NATO strap or a G10 strap and generally has a width of 20 mm, and a length of at least 250 mm, for example 280 mm. Such a flexible strand 200 therefore requires that the watch case has a distance between lugs compatible with the above dimensions, in particular because of the width of the flexible strand 200. As will be explained below, the attachment device allows the flexible strand 200 to be removably attached to a watch that is not initially not intended for this function, with for example a distance between the lugs of less than 20 mm, or an insufficient width of the slot between the first bars of the watch and the case. However, it is possible to envisage implementing the invention for other types of bracelets, such as two-strand bracelets.

There figure 2 shows in perspective an exploded view from above of the attachment device of the figure 1 , which comprises the first half-link 10, the second half-link 20, a second bar 30, a closure plate 40, and two springs 50.

The first half-link 10 supports the second bar 30 via horns 14 and comprises a beak 11 opposite the second bar 30, as well as two first lateral slide surfaces 13. Beak 11 forms a groove, visible in a side view, arranged to receive a first bar 101 of a watch case 100 as will be shown in figure 8 .

There picture 3 which represents in perspective an exploded view from below of the attachment device of the figure 1 , shows that the first half-link 10 also includes a slot 12 which can receive the closure plate 40 visible on the figures 2 and 3 .

The second half-link 20 also visible figures 2 and 3 comprises a clasp portion 21, an indentation 24 opposite the clasp portion 21, a support wall 22 and two second slide portions 23 on the sides. The second slide portions 23 are arranged to cooperate with the first slide portions 13, so that the second half-link 20 is arranged to be mounted on the first half-link 10 according to a slide connection in order to form a locking member . The term sliding connection should be understood in the broad sense, and other means of cooperation in translation of the two half-links are possible.

The closure plate 40 is a wall to be housed in the slot 12 of the first half-link 10, so as to trap the springs 50 between the closure plate 40 and the bearing wall 22 of the second half-link 20 as shown there figure 4 . It is possible to provide that the closure plate 40, once mounted in the slot 12, remains in position due to a tight assembly provided, or thanks to an elastic locking element (clipping), or a blocking by a pin or a screw, or a dot of glue, or even a weld.

• une première portion d'attache A prévue pour s'attacher de manière amovible sur une des premières barrettes 101 du boîtier de montre 100,
• et une deuxième portion d'attache B comprenant une ouverture de passage, ici une fente 60 formée par la deuxième barrette 30, agencée pour attacher le brin souple 200 selon l'exemple particulier décrit.

The attachment device of the figure 1 makes it possible to attach the flexible strand 200 in a removable manner to a watch case 100 comprising two first attachment interfaces such as two first strips 101 (visible figure 8 uniquely). To this end, as shown by the figures 4 and 5 , the attachment device comprises:

• a first attachment portion A designed to be removably attached to one of the first strips 101 of the watch case 100,
• and a second attachment portion B comprising a passage opening, here a slot 60 formed by the second strip 30, arranged to attach the flexible strand 200 according to the specific example described.

As seen above, the second half-link 20 is movable in translation relative to the first half-link 10 and can occupy a locking position ( figure 4 ) or an open position ( figure 5 ).

As shown in figure 4 which is a cross section of the attachment device of the figure 1 , the second half-link 20 forming a locking member is pushed back by the springs 50 into a locking position. In this locking position, the clasp portion 21 of the second half-link 20 is opposite and above the beak 11 of the first half-link 10, so that the groove formed by the beak 11 is closed and the device for clip is locked on the watch case if a first bar 101 of the watch case is engaged in the groove formed by the spout 11.

There figure 5 represents the cross section of the attachment device of the figure 1 , with the second half-link 20 forming the locking member in an open position. Indeed, under the action of a user, the second half-link 20 has been pushed to the left, compressing the springs 50, which allows the clasp portion 21 to clear the groove formed by the spout 11. Accordingly, the user can attach or detach the attachment device from the watch case.

The second half-link 20 is in one piece and/or in one piece, and can be controlled directly by the user. There is no need to provide an added control button, which provides a fastening device with few components, and few assembly operations. In other words, the second half-link 20 is to be actuated directly by the user, without intermediate parts, to unlock the attachment device.

There figure 6 shows a top view of the attachment device, where it is seen that the second attachment portion B comprises the slot 60 formed by the second bar 30 and the rest of the attachment device (in particular the horns 14 of the first half- link 10 and the notch 24 of the second half-link 20). The slot 60 (hatched to be clearly visible) forms a loop and its dimensions are designed to easily accommodate the flexible strand 200. The width of the slot 60 is typically greater than or equal to 20 mm, and its width is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

In this top view, it is noted that the width of the first attachment portion A is significantly less than the width of the slot 60, so that the attachment device represented makes it possible to attach a flexible strand 200 of the NATO type for example on a watch case which cannot itself form a loop for such a type of flexible strand.

There figure 7 represents a section of the top view of the figure 6 , where we see the springs 50 mounted between the closure plate 40 and the support wall 22. It is noted that the closure plate 40 and the support wall 22 both include blind holes 41 and 220 respectively, so that the overall size is reduced and assembly facilitated because the blind holes pre-position the springs 50.

It may also be noted that the first slide portions 13 are completely nested with the second slide portions 23 when the second half-link 20 is in the locking position.

Finally, the first half-link 10 has a first width L10 and the second half-link 20 has a similar second width L20, with for example: $$0.8\times \mathrm{I}10<\mathrm{I}20<1.2\times \mathrm{I}10$$

There figure 8 represents a watch case 100 comprising two first bars 101, with a fastening device coupled to each of them via the first fastening portion A, and a single-strand flexible strand 200 is attached to the two fastening devices via their second attachment portion B. The second half-link 20 of each attachment device forms a locking member that is easy for the user to actuate, since it is accessible directly from above.

Moreover, as seen above, even if the watch case 100 has first bars and/or a distance between lugs incompatible with a flexible strand of standardized width, the two attachment devices provide the possibility of attaching this type of bracelet to the watch case.

However, it should be noted that it is just as possible to attach another type of bracelet to the second bars 30, such as for example a bracelet in two strands whose ends to be attached to the case 100 would not be compatible with the first bars 101.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

In particular, reference is made to the first strips 101 of the watchcase 100, but it is possible to envisage designing the first attachment portion A to be compatible with any other attachment interface of the watchcase 100: a tenon, or a comb for example.

Furthermore, reference is made to two springs 50, but other elastic return members can be envisaged, such as leaf springs, blocks of deformable and elastic material.

Claims (14)

1. A device for fastening a bracelet to a watch case (100), comprising:

   - a first half-link (10) comprising a first fastening portion (A) arranged to be removably fastened to an attachment portion of the watch case (100) formed for example by a first bar (101),

   - a second fastening portion (B) arranged to fasten the bracelet, the device being characterized by,

   - a second half-link (20) mounted in sliding connection on the first half-link (10), so as to form a movable locking member between:

   - an open position in which the second half-link (20) allows the first fastening portion (A) to be fastened to or unfastened from the watch case (100), and

   - a locked position in which the second half-link (20) cooperates with the first fastening portion (A) to lock it on the watch case (100),
   and by

   - elastic return means arranged to return the second half-link (20) to the locked position.
2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the first half-link (10) comprises the second fastening portion (B).
3. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second fastening portion (B) comprises a passage opening such as a slot (60) formed by a second bar (30), arranged to form a loop for a flexible strand (200) in one piece.
4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein:

   - a length of the passage opening is at least greater than 18 mm, and preferably at least greater than 20 mm, and/or

   - a width of the passage opening is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.
5. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a closure plate (40) removably mounted on the fastening device, and wherein the elastic return means are arranged between the closure plate (40) and the second half-link (20).
6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the closure plate (40) comprises at least one indexing means such as a blind hole (41) or a tenon arranged to receive one end of the elastic return means, the fastening device comprising a cavity arranged to house the elastic return means, arranged to be closed by the closure plate (40).
7. The fastening device according to any of claims 5 or 6, comprising means for blocking the closure plate (40) once mounted on the fastening device.
8. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic return means comprise at least one spring member.
9. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein:

   - the first half-link (10) comprises at least a first slide span (13) which has a first span length,

   - the second half-link (20) comprises at least a second slide span (23) which has a second span length,

   and wherein the first span length is equal to the second span length within ±10%, and preferably the first span length is equal to the second span length.
10. The fastening device according to claim 9, wherein, in the locked position, the first slide span (13) and the second slide span (23) are completely nested together.
11. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first fastening portion (A) is arranged to be fastened to a first bar (101) of the watch case (100) having a free length less than 12 mm.
12. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second half-link (20) is devoid of control button.
13. The fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein:

    - the first half-link (10) has a first width (L10),

    - the second half-link (20) has a second width (L20),

    and wherein the second width is at least equal to 80% of the first width.
14. A wristwatch, comprising:

    - a watch case (100),

    - a bracelet,

    - at least one fastening device according to any of the preceding claims.

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