[go: up one dir, main page]

EP3798742B1 - Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch - Google Patents

Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3798742B1
EP3798742B1 EP19199353.4A EP19199353A EP3798742B1 EP 3798742 B1 EP3798742 B1 EP 3798742B1 EP 19199353 A EP19199353 A EP 19199353A EP 3798742 B1 EP3798742 B1 EP 3798742B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
tongue
case middle
horn
connection device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19199353.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3798742A1 (en
Inventor
Dohan Schlichtig
Jérôme Grosjean
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to EP19199353.4A priority Critical patent/EP3798742B1/en
Priority to FIEP19199353.4T priority patent/FI3798742T3/en
Priority to US16/991,100 priority patent/US11517082B2/en
Priority to JP2020140594A priority patent/JP6980867B2/en
Priority to CN202011018185.0A priority patent/CN112631110B/en
Publication of EP3798742A1 publication Critical patent/EP3798742A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3798742B1 publication Critical patent/EP3798742B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/14—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
    • A44C5/147—Watchcase itself used as fastener
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for attaching a horn to a case middle of a watch, a case middle-horn connection device and a case middle-horn assembly.
  • the document CH 708815 relates to a covering element for a case middle of a wristwatch.
  • the covering element is in the form of a separate cover plate fixed to the case middle of the wristwatch and which at least partially covers a connection area between a strand of a bracelet and the case middle of the watch.
  • the document EP 0466655 relates to a watch case and device for attaching a bracelet to the watch case.
  • the case middle has one or two recesses arranged to receive the end of each bracelet strand.
  • the bracelet ends are held by attachment means, consisting of claws or hollows, corresponding to notches or protrusions arranged near the ends of the bracelet strands, and which are arranged on extensions of the case back or on intermediate parts secured to the case back or the case middle.
  • the document EP 0197416 relates to an assembly consisting of a watch case element and a bracelet comprising at least one strand.
  • the strand is made of a first thermoplastic plastic material.
  • the case element is made of a second thermoplastic plastic material having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the first plastic material.
  • the case element comprises a part surrounding at least one end of the strand and being integral with this end. Also known from the document GB 933969 , a reversible case-lug connection device for a watch.
  • a groove with an undercut part is meant a groove whose shape prevents direct demolding of solid material filling, even partially, the undercut part of it.
  • the case middle and the attachment are configured to be made integral
  • the attachment is configured to be irreversibly connected, by contact, to the case middle.
  • Irreversible connection is meant any connection that requires the destruction of the structure of the connectors to separate the case middle from the attachment.
  • such a device makes it easy to connect a case middle and a fastener comprising at least one horn of a watch. Indeed, it is sufficient to apply compression between the case middle and the fastener so that the undercut portion of the second connector is housed in the recess of the tab of the first connector. In this way, and thanks to the undercut portion, removal by a force opposite to the compression is impossible: the fastener and the case middle are integral.
  • the tongue is configured to elastically deform upon insertion into the groove, the tongue and the undercut portion being configured such that the tongue substantially returns to its rest position, preferably returns to its rest position, when the undercut portion is housed in the recess of the tongue.
  • the groove extends over a length L.
  • the length L may be in the range from 10% to 90%, preferably in the range from 40% to 80%, more preferably in the range from 50% to 70%, most preferably in the range from 60% to 70% of the length over which the tab is configured to elastically deform upon insertion into the groove 1. It will be appreciated that in this way, the two connectors are firmly connected. In addition, this configuration mitigates the risk of detachment and/or damage to the connectors when applying a moment of force to one and/or the other of the two connectors. 1 It may be necessary to modify depending on the applications.
  • the groove may include a relief portion over which the tongue is configured to elastically flex upon insertion of the tongue into the groove. In this way, elastic deformation (i.e., elastic flexing) of the tongue is forced and accompanied by the relief portion until the undercut portion of the second connector seats in the recess of the tongue of the first connector.
  • the recess is through.
  • the first connector comprises a tenon and the second connector comprises a mortise.
  • the mortise is configured to guide the tenon when the first connector of the horn is brought into contact with the second connector of the case.
  • the first connector comprises two tenons or plus and the second connector comprises two or more mortises.
  • the mortises are configured to guide the tenons when the first connector of the horn is brought into contact with the second connector of the caseband. It will be appreciated that the presence of one or more tenons and one or more mortises makes it possible to guide the insertion of the first connector into the second connector. The presence of several tenons and mortises makes it possible to mitigate the risk of incorrect insertion when, e.g., a force torque is applied to the first and/or second connectors.
  • the second connector preferably comprises one or more support portions for the tab of the first connector to limit elastic deformations of the tab when the undercut portion is seated in the recess of the tab.
  • the one or more support portions may, e.g., sterically (i.e., geometrically) limit elastic deformations of the tab.
  • the tongue is preferably made of steel.
  • the remainder of the fastener (other than the tab) is preferably made of a different material than the tab.
  • the remainder of the fastener is molded around the tab, with the tab projecting from the fastener.
  • the molding is preferably made from a plastic material. The edges of the tab may be trapped in the molding of the remainder of the fastener.
  • the second connector can be machined, preferably the case is machined.
  • the case is preferably made of steel.
  • a second aspect of the invention relates to a fastening method comprising a caseband-lug connection device according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the method comprises inserting the first connector of the fastener into the second connector of the caseband in such a way that the undercut portion is housed in the recess of the tab.
  • a third aspect of the invention relates to a case-horn assembly obtained by the fixing method according to the second aspect of the invention.
  • Caseband 2 is an element of a watch case (partially shown) serving to protect the watch movement e.g. from dust, humidity, shocks, etc. It is the middle part of the watch case which receives the watch movement.
  • caseband 2 is circular.
  • other shapes are suitable, such as e.g. a square shape, a rectangular shape, an ellipsoidal shape, etc.
  • Caseband 2 defines a main plane P located halfway up it.
  • the attachment to at least one horn 4 makes it possible to attach a bracelet to the middle 2.
  • the attachment 4 comprises four horns 4a each provided with holes 6 aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of a bracelet (not shown), the horns 4a being arranged to attach the bracelet using, for example, a bar passing through the holes 6. It is obvious that other means of fixing the bracelet to the attachment are suitable.
  • the shape, length and width and number of horns 4a may vary depending on the type of watch.
  • the Figs. 2-5 show the attachment 4 and the middle 2 when they are not secured, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the attachment 4 comprises a first connector 8 and the middle 2 comprises a second connector 10.
  • the first connector 8 is configured to cooperate with the second connector 10 to fix the attachment 4 on the middle 2.
  • the first connector 8 comprises a circular inner surface 12, perpendicular to the main plane P, configured to be in direct contact with the middle 2 when the middle 2 and the horn 4 are secured.
  • the first connector 8 comprises two tenons 14 and a tab 16, all projecting from the circular inner surface 10 inwards (i.e. towards the middle 2).
  • the length of an element is defined as the (Euclidean) distance between the two most distant points of the element in a plane collinear with the plane P.
  • the tongue 16 made of steel, comprises a through recess 18 over a length L' of the tongue 16.
  • the length L' is in the range from 70% to 95%, preferably from 70% to 90%, more preferably from 70% to 80% of the length of the tongue 16.
  • the remainder of the fastener 4 (i.e. other than the tab) is overmolded to the tab 16. In this way, the tab 16 is made integral with the remainder of the fastener 4.
  • the remainder of the fastener 4 is made of plastic.
  • the tab 16 comprises two curved edges meeting at their ends.
  • the overmolding is carried out in such a way that the radially outermost edge is trapped in the molding and the radially innermost edge is free and projects inwardly.
  • the space between the two edges remaining free after overmolding corresponds to the through recess 18. It will be appreciated that other techniques can be used to trap the tab 16 in the remainder of the fastener 4.
  • the radially innermost edge 38 of the fastener 4, projecting inwards, comprises a radially outer abutment planar surface 19.
  • the planar surface 19 is perpendicular to the plane P and extends over a length L" in the range from 20% to 80%, preferably 30% to 70%, more preferably 25% to 40% of the length of the tab 16.
  • the state (and position) of tab 16 shown in Figs. 2-5 is its state (and position) of rest.
  • the tenons 14 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the attachment 4 and have a cylindrical shape, the base of the cylinder being perpendicular to the main plane P. According to other embodiments, the tenons 14 may have other shapes, e.g. parallelepiped, conical, etc.
  • the middle part 2 comprises a second connector 10 configured to cooperate with the first connector 8 of the attachment 4 to fix the attachment 4 on the middle part 2.
  • the second connector comprises an oblong curved surface 20 radially set back relative to the radially outer surface of the middle part 2.
  • the oblong curved surface 20 is configured to be placed in direct contact with the circular inner surface 12 of the attachment 4.
  • the second connector 10 comprises a groove 22, two mortises 24 and two support parts 25 for the tongue, all forming a depression relative to the oblong curved surface 20.
  • the groove includes an undercut portion 26.
  • the undercut portion 26 extends over a length L.
  • the length L may be substantially equal to the length L" of the planar surface 19.
  • the ratio of the length L to the length L" is in a range from 0.7 to 1.3, preferably in a range from 0.8 to 1.2 and more preferably in a range from 0.95 to 1.15.
  • the undercut portion 26 comprises a radially inner planar abutment surface 28, substantially perpendicular to the plane P, preferably with a re-entrant angle of the order of 5°. Furthermore, the undercut portion 26 also comprises a recess 30 delimited by the radially inner planar abutment surface 28 and a radially outer planar abutment surface 32. The radially outer planar abutment surface 32 is perpendicular to the plane P. The ratio between the height H of the radially outer surface 32 and the height H' of the tongue is between 0.3 and 1.5, preferably between 0.35 and 0.5.
  • the groove comprises a relief portion 34 having a plane relief surface 36.
  • the plane relief surface makes an angle ⁇ relative to the plane P.
  • the angle ⁇ is within a range from 10° to 45°, preferably from 15° to 40°, more preferably from 20° to 35°.
  • the groove also comprises two support portions 25 for the tongue.
  • the two support portions 25 are arranged laterally, symmetrically, at the edges of the groove.
  • the ratio between the height H" of the support portions 25 and the height H' of the tongue is in the range from 0.8 to 1.5 and preferably from 1 to 1.15.
  • the length L (4) of each support portion 25 is in the range from 2.5% to 20%, preferably from 5% to 15%, more preferably from 7% to 13% of the length of the tongue.
  • the mortises 24 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the second connector 10 (laterally substantially at the edges of the second connector 10).
  • the mortises 26 have a cylindrical shape whose base of the cylinder is perpendicular to the main plane P. According to other embodiments, the mortises 26 may have other shapes, e.g. parallelepiped, conical, etc.
  • Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the insertion of the fastener 4 into the caseband 2 as they begin to engage.
  • the projecting edge 38 deforms elastically upon contact with the flat undercut surface 36. More particularly, the projecting edge 38 is flexed by the flat undercut surface 36. The remainder of the caseband and the ends of the edge 38 are held in place by the support portions 25 and the tenons 14 housed in the mortises 24 (not shown - see e.g. Figs. 1-5 ).
  • the tenons 14 and the tongue 16 (substantially) simultaneously contact the mortises 24 and the parts 25, 34, respectively. It follows that the mortises and the support parts guide the tenons and the ends of the projecting edge when the first connector of the horn is brought into contact with the second connector.
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing the insertion of the attachment 4 into the middle 2 when they are securely engaged.
  • the edge has returned to its rest position by insertion into the recess 30 of the undercut portion 26. This insertion has taken place when the edge has passed the undercut surface 36 (in particular when the radially outer flat stop surface 19 has passed the radially outer flat stop surface 32 of the undercut portion 26).
  • the edge may only substantially return to its rest position. This may, for example, be the case when the recess is not through and the undercut portion does not allow the edge to return to its rest position.
  • the radially outer surface 32 of the undercut portion 26 is in direct contact with the radially outer flat stop surface 19 of the projecting edge 38.
  • the middle 2 and the attachment 4 are thus made integral and form a middle-horn assembly. Indeed, the application of a force opposite to that applied for the insertion of the attachment 4 into the middle 2 does not allow the latter to be separated.
  • the circular inner surface 12 of the attachment and the oblong curved surface 20 of the middle 2 are in direct contact, where appropriate with a clearance of the order of 1/10 mm when the middle and the attachment are secured.
  • the possible elastic deformations of the projecting edge 38 are significantly reduced compared to the possible deformations when the projecting edge is not inserted into the connector 10 of the caseband 2.
  • the support parts 25 sterically limit the elastic deformation of the edge 38, in particular in the event of force applied to the attachment in a direction perpendicular to the dial. It is therefore much more difficult to separate the attachment from the caseband than to secure them.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Description

Domaine TechniqueTechnical Field

De manière générale, l'invention concerne procédé de fixation d'une corne sur une carrure d'une montre, un dispositif de connexion carrure-corne et un ensemble carrure-corne. In general, the invention relates to a method for attaching a horn to a case middle of a watch, a case middle-horn connection device and a case middle-horn assembly.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnological background

Le document CH 708815 concerne un élément d'habillage pour une carrure d'une montre-bracelet. L'élément d'habillage se présente sous la forme d'une plaque de recouvrement séparée fixée sur la carrure de la montre-bracelet et qui recouvre au moins partiellement une zone de raccordement entre un brin d'un bracelet et la carrure de la montre. The document CH 708815 relates to a covering element for a case middle of a wristwatch. The covering element is in the form of a separate cover plate fixed to the case middle of the wristwatch and which at least partially covers a connection area between a strand of a bracelet and the case middle of the watch.

Le document EP 0466655 concerne une boite de montre et dispositif de fixation d'un bracelet à la boite de montre. La carrure de la boite comporte un ou deux évidements disposés pour recevoir l'extrémité de chaque brin de bracelet. Les extrémités de bracelet sont maintenues par des moyens d'attache, constitués de griffes ou de creusures, correspondant à des encoches ou des excroissances aménagées à proximité des extrémités des brins de bracelet, et qui sont disposées sur des prolongements du fond de la boite ou sur des pièces intermédiaires solidaires du fond de la boite ou de la carrure. The document EP 0466655 relates to a watch case and device for attaching a bracelet to the watch case. The case middle has one or two recesses arranged to receive the end of each bracelet strand. The bracelet ends are held by attachment means, consisting of claws or hollows, corresponding to notches or protrusions arranged near the ends of the bracelet strands, and which are arranged on extensions of the case back or on intermediate parts secured to the case back or the case middle.

Le document EP 0197416 concerne un ensemble constitué d'un élément de boite de montre et d'un bracelet comportant au moins un brin. Le brin est réalisé en une première matière plastique thermoplastique. L'élément de boite est réalisé en une deuxième matière plastique thermoplastique ayant une température de fusion supérieure à la température de fusion de la première matière plastique. L'élément de boite comporte une partie entourant au moins une extrémité du brin et étant solidaire de cette extrémité. On connait également du document GB 933969 , un dispositif de connexion réversible carrure-corne pour une montre. The document EP 0197416 relates to an assembly consisting of a watch case element and a bracelet comprising at least one strand. The strand is made of a first thermoplastic plastic material. The case element is made of a second thermoplastic plastic material having a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the first plastic material. The case element comprises a part surrounding at least one end of the strand and being integral with this end. Also known from the document GB 933969 , a reversible case-lug connection device for a watch.

Description générale de l'inventionGeneral description of the invention

Un premier aspect de l'invention concerne un dispositif de connexion carrure-attache (ci-après carrure-corne) pour une montre, comprenant une attache à au moins une corne ayant un premier connecteur et une carrure ayant un second connecteur, le premier connecteur étant configuré pour coopérer avec le second connecteur pour fixer la corne sur la carrure, dans lequel :

  • ∘ le premier connecteur comprend une languette avec un évidement ;
  • ∘ le second connecteur comprend une rainure avec une partie en contre-dépouille, la partie en contre-dépouille étant configurée pour se loger dans l'évidement de la languette ; et
  • ∘ la carrure et la corne sont configurées pour être rendues solidaires lorsque la partie en contre-dépouille du second connecteur est logée dans l'évidement de la languette du premier connecteur.
A first aspect of the invention relates to a caseband-attachment (hereinafter caseband-lug) connection device for a watch, comprising an attachment to at least one lug having a first connector and a caseband having a second connector, the first connector being configured to cooperate with the second connector to fix the lug to the caseband, in which:
  • ∘ the first connector comprises a tab with a recess;
  • ∘ the second connector includes a groove with an undercut portion, the undercut portion being configured to fit into the recess of the tab; and
  • ∘ the case and the horn are configured to be made integral when the undercut portion of the second connector is housed in the recess of the tab of the first connector.

Par « une rainure avec une partie en contre-dépouille », on entend une rainure dont la forme interdit un démoulage direct de matière solide comblant, même partiellement, la partie en contre-dépouille de celle-ci.By "a groove with an undercut part" is meant a groove whose shape prevents direct demolding of solid material filling, even partially, the undercut part of it.

Par « la carrure et l'attache sont configurées pour être rendues solidaires », on entend que l'attache est configurée pour être liée de façon irréversible, par contact, à la carrure. On entend par « liaison irréversible », tout liaison qui nécessite la destruction de la structure des connecteurs pour séparer la carrure de l'attache. By "the case middle and the attachment are configured to be made integral" is meant that the attachment is configured to be irreversibly connected, by contact, to the case middle. "Irreversible connection" is meant any connection that requires the destruction of the structure of the connectors to separate the case middle from the attachment.

Il sera apprécié qu'un tel dispositif rend aisée la connexion entre une carrure et une attache comprenant au moins une corne d'une montre. En effet, il suffit d'appliquer une compression entre la carrure et l'attache pour que la partie en contre-dépouille du second connecteur se loge dans l'évidement de la languette du premier connecteur. De cette façon, et grâce à la partie en la contre-dépouille, le retrait par une force inverse à la compression est impossible : l'attache et la carrure sont solidaires.It will be appreciated that such a device makes it easy to connect a case middle and a fastener comprising at least one horn of a watch. Indeed, it is sufficient to apply compression between the case middle and the fastener so that the undercut portion of the second connector is housed in the recess of the tab of the first connector. In this way, and thanks to the undercut portion, removal by a force opposite to the compression is impossible: the fastener and the case middle are integral.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la languette est configurée pour se déformer élastiquement lors de l'insertion dans la rainure, la languette et la partie en contre-dépouille étant configurées telle façon à ce que la languette retrouve substantiellement sa position de repos, préférablement retrouve sa position de repos, lorsque la partie en contre-dépouille se loge dans l'évidement de la languette.According to a preferred embodiment, the tongue is configured to elastically deform upon insertion into the groove, the tongue and the undercut portion being configured such that the tongue substantially returns to its rest position, preferably returns to its rest position, when the undercut portion is housed in the recess of the tongue.

Préférablement, la rainure s'étend sur une longueur L. La longueur L peut être comprise dans l'intervalle allant de 10% à 90%, préférablement dans l'intervalle allant de 40% à 80%, plus préférablement dans l'intervalle allant de 50% à 70%, le plus préférablement dans l'intervalle allant de 60% à 70% de la longueur sur laquelle la languette est configurée pour se déformer élastiquement lors de l'insertion dans la rainure1. Il sera apprécié que de cette façon, les deux connecteurs sont fermement liés. De plus, cette configuration mitige le risque de détachement et/ou d'endommagement des connecteurs lors de l'application d'un moment de force sur l'un et/ou l'autre des deux connecteurs.
1 Il est peut-être nécessaire de modifier selon les applications.Preferably, the groove extends over a length L. The length L may be in the range from 10% to 90%, preferably in the range from 40% to 80%, more preferably in the range from 50% to 70%, most preferably in the range from 60% to 70% of the length over which the tab is configured to elastically deform upon insertion into the groove 1. It will be appreciated that in this way, the two connectors are firmly connected. In addition, this configuration mitigates the risk of detachment and/or damage to the connectors when applying a moment of force to one and/or the other of the two connectors.
1 It may be necessary to modify depending on the applications.

La rainure peut comprendre une partie en dépouille sur laquelle la languette est configurée pour se fléchir élastiquement lors de l'insertion de la languette dans la rainure. De cette façon la déformation élastique (c.-à-d. la flexion élastique) de la languette est forcée et accompagnée par la partie en dépouille jusqu'au moment où la partie en contre-dépouille du second connecteur se loge dans l'évidement de la languette du premier connecteur. The groove may include a relief portion over which the tongue is configured to elastically flex upon insertion of the tongue into the groove. In this way, elastic deformation (i.e., elastic flexing) of the tongue is forced and accompanied by the relief portion until the undercut portion of the second connector seats in the recess of the tongue of the first connector.

Préférablement, l'évidement est traversant.Preferably, the recess is through.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le premier connecteur comprend un tenon et le second connecteur comprend une mortaise. La mortaise est configurée pour guider le tenon lors de la mise en contact du premier connecteur de la corne avec le second connecteur de la carrure. Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le premier connecteur comprend deux tenons ou plus et le second connecteur comprend deux mortaises ou plus. Les mortaises sont configurées pour guider les tenons lors de la mise en contact du premier connecteur de la corne avec le second connecteur de la carrure. Il sera apprécié que la présence d'un ou plusieurs tenons et une ou plusieurs mortaises permet de guider l'insertion du premier connecteur dans le second connecteur. La présence de plusieurs tenons et mortaises permet de mitiger le risque de mauvaise insertion lorsque, p. ex. un couple de force est appliqué aux premiers et/ou second connecteurs.According to one embodiment, the first connector comprises a tenon and the second connector comprises a mortise. The mortise is configured to guide the tenon when the first connector of the horn is brought into contact with the second connector of the case. According to a preferred embodiment, the first connector comprises two tenons or plus and the second connector comprises two or more mortises. The mortises are configured to guide the tenons when the first connector of the horn is brought into contact with the second connector of the caseband. It will be appreciated that the presence of one or more tenons and one or more mortises makes it possible to guide the insertion of the first connector into the second connector. The presence of several tenons and mortises makes it possible to mitigate the risk of incorrect insertion when, e.g., a force torque is applied to the first and/or second connectors.

Le second connecteur comprend préférablement une ou plusieurs parties de support pour la languette du premier connecteur afin de limiter les déformations élastiques de la languette lorsque la partie en contre-dépouille est logée dans l'évidement de la languette. Les une ou plusieurs parties de support peuvent, p. ex. limiter stériquement (c.-à-d. géométriquement) les déformations élastiques de la languette. The second connector preferably comprises one or more support portions for the tab of the first connector to limit elastic deformations of the tab when the undercut portion is seated in the recess of the tab. The one or more support portions may, e.g., sterically (i.e., geometrically) limit elastic deformations of the tab.

La languette est préférablement en acier.The tongue is preferably made of steel.

Le reste de l'attache (autre que la languette) est préférablement dans un matériau différent de la languette. Selon un mode de réalisation, le reste de l'attache est moulée autour de la languette, la languette faisant saillie de l'attache. Le moulage est préférablement réalisé à partir d'une matière plastique. Les bords de la languette peuvent être emprisonnés dans le moulage du reste de l'attache.The remainder of the fastener (other than the tab) is preferably made of a different material than the tab. In one embodiment, the remainder of the fastener is molded around the tab, with the tab projecting from the fastener. The molding is preferably made from a plastic material. The edges of the tab may be trapped in the molding of the remainder of the fastener.

Le second connecteur peut être usiné, préférablement la carrure est usinée. La carrure est préférablement en acier.The second connector can be machined, preferably the case is machined. The case is preferably made of steel.

Un second aspect de l'invention concerne un procédé de fixation comprenant un dispositif de connexion carrure-corne selon le premier aspect de l'invention. Le procédé comprend l'insertion du premier connecteur de l'attache dans le second connecteur de la carrure de telle façon à ce que la partie en contre-dépouille se loge dans l'évidement de la languette.A second aspect of the invention relates to a fastening method comprising a caseband-lug connection device according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises inserting the first connector of the fastener into the second connector of the caseband in such a way that the undercut portion is housed in the recess of the tab.

Un troisième aspect de l'invention concerne un ensemble carrure-corne obtenu par le procédé de fixation selon le second aspect de l'invention.A third aspect of the invention relates to a case-horn assembly obtained by the fixing method according to the second aspect of the invention.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres particularités et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée de certains modes de réalisation avantageux présentés ci-dessous, à titre d'illustration, avec référence aux dessins annexés qui montrent :

  • Fig. 1 : une vue en perspective d'un ensemble carrure-corne selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • Fig. 2 : une vue en perspective d'une carrure et d'une attache selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • Fig. 3 : une vue en perspective d'une carrure et d'une attache selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • Fig. 4 : une vue en perspective d'une carrure et d'une attache selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • Fig. 5 : une coupe transversale d'une carrure et d'une attache selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • Fig. 6 : une coupe transversale d'une carrure et d'une attache lors de l'insertion de la corne dans la carrure selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
  • Fig. 7 : une coupe transversale d'un ensemble carrure-corne selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other features and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of certain advantageous embodiments presented below, by way of illustration, with reference to the appended drawings which show:
  • Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a case-horn assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 2 : a perspective view of a case and a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 3 : a perspective view of a case and a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 4 : a perspective view of a case and a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 5 : a cross-section of a case and a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 6 : a cross-section of a case middle and an attachment during insertion of the horn into the case middle according to an embodiment of the invention; and
  • Fig. 7 : a cross-section of a case-horn assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

L'attention du lecteur est attirée sur le fait que les dessins ne sont pas à l'échelle. En outre, pour des raisons de clarté, les proportions entre hauteur, longueur et/ou largeur peuvent ne pas être correctement représentées. Enfin et surtout, les espaces, évidements, entre les connecteurs mis en contact peuvent être plus grands ou plus petits que dans une implémentation réelle de l'invention.The reader's attention is drawn to the fact that the drawings are not to scale. Furthermore, for reasons of clarity, the proportions between height, length and/or width may not be correctly represented. Last but not least, the spaces, recesses, between the connectors brought into contact may be larger or smaller than in an actual implementation of the invention.

Description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation de l'inventionDetailed description of an embodiment of the invention

Avec référence à la Fig. 1, un ensemble carrure 2 - attache à au moins une corne 4 (ci-après ensemble carrure-corne) selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention est décrit. La carrure 2 est un élément d'une boite d'une montre (représentée partiellement) servant à protéger le mouvement de la montre p.ex. de la poussière, l'humidité, des chocs, etc..... Il s'agit de la partie médiane de la boîte de montre qui reçoit le mouvement de la montre. Selon le mode de réalisation décrit, la carrure 2 est circulaire. Cependant, d'autres formes conviennent, telles que p. ex. une forme carrée, une forme rectangulaire, une forme ellipsoïdale, etc... La carrure 2 définit un plan principal P situé à mi-hauteur de celle-ci.With reference to the Fig. 1 , a caseband 2 - attachment to at least one horn 4 (hereinafter caseband-horn assembly) according to an embodiment of the invention is described. Caseband 2 is an element of a watch case (partially shown) serving to protect the watch movement e.g. from dust, humidity, shocks, etc. It is the middle part of the watch case which receives the watch movement. According to the embodiment described, caseband 2 is circular. However, other shapes are suitable, such as e.g. a square shape, a rectangular shape, an ellipsoidal shape, etc. Caseband 2 defines a main plane P located halfway up it.

L'attache à au moins une corne 4 permet de fixer un bracelet à la carrure 2. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré à la Fig. 1, l'attache 4 comprend quatre cornes 4a pourvues chacune de trous 6 alignés transversalement à la direction longitudinale d'un bracelet (non représenté), les cornes 4a étant agencées afin d'attacher le bracelet grâce à p. ex. une barrette traversant les trous 6. Il est évident que d'autres moyens de fixation du bracelet sur l'attache conviennent. D'autre part, la forme, la longueur et la largeur et le nombre de cornes 4a peut varier selon le type de montre.The attachment to at least one horn 4 makes it possible to attach a bracelet to the middle 2. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 , the attachment 4 comprises four horns 4a each provided with holes 6 aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of a bracelet (not shown), the horns 4a being arranged to attach the bracelet using, for example, a bar passing through the holes 6. It is obvious that other means of fixing the bracelet to the attachment are suitable. Furthermore, the shape, length and width and number of horns 4a may vary depending on the type of watch.

Les Figs. 2-5 montrent l'attache 4 et la carrure 2 lorsqu'elles ne sont pas solidaires, selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention. L'attache 4 comprend un premier connecteur 8 et la carrure 2 comprend un second connecteur 10. Le premier connecteur 8 est configuré pour coopérer avec le second connecteur 10 pour fixer l'attache 4 sur la carrure 2.THE Figs. 2-5 show the attachment 4 and the middle 2 when they are not secured, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The attachment 4 comprises a first connector 8 and the middle 2 comprises a second connector 10. The first connector 8 is configured to cooperate with the second connector 10 to fix the attachment 4 on the middle 2.

Le premier connecteur 8 comprend une surface intérieure circulaire 12, perpendiculaire au plan principal P, configurée pour être en contact direct avec la carrure 2 lorsque la carrure 2 et la corne 4 sont solidaires. Le premier connecteur 8 comprend deux tenons 14 et une languette 16, tous faisant saillie de la surface intérieure circulaire 10 vers l'intérieur (c.-à-d. vers la carrure 2).The first connector 8 comprises a circular inner surface 12, perpendicular to the main plane P, configured to be in direct contact with the middle 2 when the middle 2 and the horn 4 are secured. The first connector 8 comprises two tenons 14 and a tab 16, all projecting from the circular inner surface 10 inwards (i.e. towards the middle 2).

De manière générale, on définit la longueur d'un élément (p.ex. de la languette, de l'évidement traversant) comme étant la distance (euclidienne) entre les deux points les plus éloignés de l'élément dans un plan colinéaire au plan P.Generally, the length of an element (e.g. of the tongue, of the through recess) is defined as the (Euclidean) distance between the two most distant points of the element in a plane collinear with the plane P.

La languette 16, en acier, comprend un évidement traversant 18 sur une longueur L' de la languette 16. La longueur L' est comprise dans l'intervalle allant de 70% à 95%, préférablement de 70% à 90%, plus préférablement de 70% à 80% de la longueur de languette 16.The tongue 16, made of steel, comprises a through recess 18 over a length L' of the tongue 16. The length L' is in the range from 70% to 95%, preferably from 70% to 90%, more preferably from 70% to 80% of the length of the tongue 16.

Les reste de l'attache 4 (c.-à-d. autre que la languette) est surmoulée à la languette 16. De cette façon, la languette 16 est rendue solidaire au le reste de la l'attache 4. Le reste de l'attache 4 est en matière plastique.The remainder of the fastener 4 (i.e. other than the tab) is overmolded to the tab 16. In this way, the tab 16 is made integral with the remainder of the fastener 4. The remainder of the fastener 4 is made of plastic.

Plus particulièrement, la languette 16 comprend deux arêtes courbes se rejoignant à leurs extrémités. Le surmoulage est réalisé de telle façon à ce que l'arête radialement la plus à l'extérieure soit emprisonnée dans le moulage et que l'arête radialement la plus à l'intérieur soit libre et fasse saillie vers l'intérieur. L'espace entre les deux arêtes restant libre après surmoulage correspond à l'évidement traversant 18. Il sera apprécié que d'autres techniques peuvent être utilisées pour emprisonner la languette 16 dans le reste de l'attache 4.More particularly, the tab 16 comprises two curved edges meeting at their ends. The overmolding is carried out in such a way that the radially outermost edge is trapped in the molding and the radially innermost edge is free and projects inwardly. The space between the two edges remaining free after overmolding corresponds to the through recess 18. It will be appreciated that other techniques can be used to trap the tab 16 in the remainder of the fastener 4.

L'arête 38 radialement la plus à l'intérieur de l'attache 4, faisant saillie vers l'intérieur, comprend un surface plane de butée radialement extérieure 19. La surface plane 19 est perpendiculaire au plan P et s'étend sur une longueur L" comprise dans l'intervalle allant de 20% à 80%, préférablement 30% à 70%, plus préférablement 25% à 40% de la longueur de la languette 16.The radially innermost edge 38 of the fastener 4, projecting inwards, comprises a radially outer abutment planar surface 19. The planar surface 19 is perpendicular to the plane P and extends over a length L" in the range from 20% to 80%, preferably 30% to 70%, more preferably 25% to 40% of the length of the tab 16.

L'état (et position) de la languette 16 représenté aux Figs. 2-5 est l'état (et position) de repos de celle-ci.The state (and position) of tab 16 shown in Figs. 2-5 is its state (and position) of rest.

Les tenons 14 sont arrangés symétriquement de part et d'autre de l'attache 4 et ont une forme cylindrique, la base du cylindre étant perpendiculaire au plan principal P. Selon d'autres modes de réalisation, les tenons 14 peuvent avoir d'autres formes, p. ex. parallélépipédique, conique, etc...The tenons 14 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the attachment 4 and have a cylindrical shape, the base of the cylinder being perpendicular to the main plane P. According to other embodiments, the tenons 14 may have other shapes, e.g. parallelepiped, conical, etc.

La carrure 2 comprend un second connecteur 10 configuré pour coopérer avec le premier connecteur 8 de l'attache 4 pour fixer l'attache 4 sur la carrure 2. En particulier, le second connecteur comprend une surface courbe oblongue 20 radialement en retrait par rapport à la surface radialement extérieure de la carrure 2. La surface courbe oblongue 20 est configurée pour être mise en contact direct avec la surface intérieure circulaire 12 de l'attache 4. Le second connecteur 10 comprend une rainure 22, deux mortaises 24 et deux parties de support 25 pour la languette, toutes faisant dépression par rapport à la surface courbe oblongue 20.The middle part 2 comprises a second connector 10 configured to cooperate with the first connector 8 of the attachment 4 to fix the attachment 4 on the middle part 2. In particular, the second connector comprises an oblong curved surface 20 radially set back relative to the radially outer surface of the middle part 2. The oblong curved surface 20 is configured to be placed in direct contact with the circular inner surface 12 of the attachment 4. The second connector 10 comprises a groove 22, two mortises 24 and two support parts 25 for the tongue, all forming a depression relative to the oblong curved surface 20.

La rainure comprend une partie en contre-dépouille 26. La partie en contre-dépouille 26 s'étend sur une longueur L. La longueur L peut être substantiellement égale à la longueur L" de la surface plane 19. Le rapport entre la longueur L et la longueur L" est compris dans un intervalle allant de 0.7 à 1.3, préférablement dans un intervalle allant de 0.8 à 1.2 et plus préférablement dans un intervalle allant de 0.95 à 1.15.The groove includes an undercut portion 26. The undercut portion 26 extends over a length L. The length L may be substantially equal to the length L" of the planar surface 19. The ratio of the length L to the length L" is in a range from 0.7 to 1.3, preferably in a range from 0.8 to 1.2 and more preferably in a range from 0.95 to 1.15.

La partie en contre-dépouille 26 comprend une surface de butée plane radialement intérieure 28, sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan P, de préférence avec un angle rentrant de l'ordre de 5°. D'autre part, la partie en contre-dépouille 26 comprend aussi un évidement 30 délimité par la surface de butée plane radialement intérieure 28 et une surface de butée plane radialement extérieure 32. La surface de butée plane radialement extérieure 32 est perpendiculaire au plan P. Le rapport entre hauteur H de la surface radialement extérieure 32 et la hauteur H' de la languette est compris entre 0.3 et 1.5, préférablement entre 0.35 et 0.5.The undercut portion 26 comprises a radially inner planar abutment surface 28, substantially perpendicular to the plane P, preferably with a re-entrant angle of the order of 5°. Furthermore, the undercut portion 26 also comprises a recess 30 delimited by the radially inner planar abutment surface 28 and a radially outer planar abutment surface 32. The radially outer planar abutment surface 32 is perpendicular to the plane P. The ratio between the height H of the radially outer surface 32 and the height H' of the tongue is between 0.3 and 1.5, preferably between 0.35 and 0.5.

D'autre part, la rainure comprend une partie en dépouille 34 ayant une surface plane en dépouille 36. La surface plane en dépouille fait un angle α par rapport à la plan P. L'angle α est compris dans un intervalle allant de 10° à 45°, préférablement de 15° à 40°, plus préférablement de 20° à 35°.On the other hand, the groove comprises a relief portion 34 having a plane relief surface 36. The plane relief surface makes an angle α relative to the plane P. The angle α is within a range from 10° to 45°, preferably from 15° to 40°, more preferably from 20° to 35°.

La rainure comprend aussi deux parties de support 25 pour la languette. Les deux parties de support 25 sont arrangées latéralement, symétriquement, aux bords de la rainure. Le rapport entre la hauteur H" des parties de support 25 et la hauteur H' de la languette est compris dans un intervalle allant de 0.8 à 1.5 et préférablement de 1 à 1.15. De plus, la longueur L(4) de chaque partie de support 25 est comprise dans l'intervalle allant de 2,5% à 20%, préférablement de 5% à 15%, plus préférablement de 7% à 13% de la longueur de la languette.The groove also comprises two support portions 25 for the tongue. The two support portions 25 are arranged laterally, symmetrically, at the edges of the groove. The ratio between the height H" of the support portions 25 and the height H' of the tongue is in the range from 0.8 to 1.5 and preferably from 1 to 1.15. In addition, the length L (4) of each support portion 25 is in the range from 2.5% to 20%, preferably from 5% to 15%, more preferably from 7% to 13% of the length of the tongue.

Les mortaises 24 sont arrangées symétriquement de part et d'autre du second connecteur 10 (latéralement substantiellement aux bords du second connecteur 10). Les mortaises 26 ont une forme cylindrique dont la base du cylindre est perpendiculaire au plan principal P. Selon d'autres modes de réalisation, les mortaises 26 peuvent avoir une d'autres formes, p. ex. parallélépipédique, conique, etc...The mortises 24 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the second connector 10 (laterally substantially at the edges of the second connector 10). The mortises 26 have a cylindrical shape whose base of the cylinder is perpendicular to the main plane P. According to other embodiments, the mortises 26 may have other shapes, e.g. parallelepiped, conical, etc.

La Fig. 6 est une vue en coupe montrant l'insertion de l'attache 4 dans la carrure 2 lorsque ceux-ci commencent à s'engager. L'arête faisant saillie 38 se déforme élastiquement au contact de la surface plane en dépouille 36. Plus particulièrement, l'arête faisant saillie 38 est fléchie par la surface plane en dépouille 36. Le reste de la carrure et les extrémités de l'arête 38 sont maintenus en place par les parties de support 25 et les tenons 14 logés dans les mortaises 24 (non représenté - voir p.ex. Figs. 1-5). Dans ce contexte, il est à noter que les tenons 14 et la languette 16 entrent (substantiellement) en même temps en contact avec les mortaises 24 et les parties 25, 34, respectivement. Il s'ensuit que les mortaises et les parties de support guident les tenons et les extrémités de l'arête faisant saille lors de la mise en contact du premier connecteur de la corne avec le second connecteur.There Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the insertion of the fastener 4 into the caseband 2 as they begin to engage. The projecting edge 38 deforms elastically upon contact with the flat undercut surface 36. More particularly, the projecting edge 38 is flexed by the flat undercut surface 36. The remainder of the caseband and the ends of the edge 38 are held in place by the support portions 25 and the tenons 14 housed in the mortises 24 (not shown - see e.g. Figs. 1-5 ). In this context, it is noted that the tenons 14 and the tongue 16 (substantially) simultaneously contact the mortises 24 and the parts 25, 34, respectively. It follows that the mortises and the support parts guide the tenons and the ends of the projecting edge when the first connector of the horn is brought into contact with the second connector.

La Fig. 7 est une vue en coupe montrant l'insertion de l'attache 4 dans la carrure 2 lorsque ceux-ci sont engagés solidairement. L'arête a retrouvé sa position de repos par insertion dans l'évidement 30 de la partie en contre-dépouille 26. Cette insertion a eu lieu lorsque l'arête a dépassé la surface en dépouille 36 (en particulier lorsque la surface plane de butée radialement extérieure 19 a dépassé surface de butée plane radialement extérieure 32 de la partie en contre-dépouille 26). Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'arête peut ne retrouve que substantiellement sa position de repos. Cela peut p. ex. être le cas lorsque l'évidement n'est pas traversant et que la partie en contre-dépouille ne permet pas à l'arête de retrouver sa position de repos.There Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing the insertion of the attachment 4 into the middle 2 when they are securely engaged. The edge has returned to its rest position by insertion into the recess 30 of the undercut portion 26. This insertion has taken place when the edge has passed the undercut surface 36 (in particular when the radially outer flat stop surface 19 has passed the radially outer flat stop surface 32 of the undercut portion 26). According to another embodiment, the edge may only substantially return to its rest position. This may, for example, be the case when the recess is not through and the undercut portion does not allow the edge to return to its rest position.

La surface radialement extérieure 32 de la partie en contre-dépouille 26 est en contact direct avec la surface plane de butée radialement extérieure 19 de l'arête faisant saillie 38. La carrure 2 et l'attache 4 sont ainsi rendue solidaires et forment un ensemble carrure-corne. En effet, l'application d'une force inverse de celle appliquée pour l'insertion de l'attache 4 dans la carrure 2 ne permet pas de séparer ces dernières.The radially outer surface 32 of the undercut portion 26 is in direct contact with the radially outer flat stop surface 19 of the projecting edge 38. The middle 2 and the attachment 4 are thus made integral and form a middle-horn assembly. Indeed, the application of a force opposite to that applied for the insertion of the attachment 4 into the middle 2 does not allow the latter to be separated.

De plus, la surface intérieure circulaire 12 de l'attache et la surface courbe oblongue 20 de la carrure 2 sont en contact direct, le cas échéant avec un jeu de l'ordre du 1/10 mm lorsque la carrure et l'attache sont solidaires.In addition, the circular inner surface 12 of the attachment and the oblong curved surface 20 of the middle 2 are in direct contact, where appropriate with a clearance of the order of 1/10 mm when the middle and the attachment are secured.

Le rapport entre la hauteur H" des parties de support 25 et la hauteur H' de la languette étant substantiellement les mêmes, les déformations élastiques éventuelles de l'arête 38 faisant saillie sont significativement réduites par rapport aux déformations possibles lorsque l'arête faisant saillie n'est pas insérée dans le connecteur 10 de la carrure 2. En effet, les parties de support 25 limitent stériquement la déformation élastique de l'arête 38, notamment en cas de force appliquée sur l'attache selon une direction perpendiculaire au cadran. Il est dès lors beaucoup plus difficile de désolidariser l'attache de la carrure que de les solidariser.The ratio between the height H" of the support parts 25 and the height H' of the tongue being substantially the same, the possible elastic deformations of the projecting edge 38 are significantly reduced compared to the possible deformations when the projecting edge is not inserted into the connector 10 of the caseband 2. Indeed, the support parts 25 sterically limit the elastic deformation of the edge 38, in particular in the event of force applied to the attachment in a direction perpendicular to the dial. It is therefore much more difficult to separate the attachment from the caseband than to secure them.

Alors que des modes de réalisation particuliers viennent d'être décrits en détail, l'homme du métier appréciera que diverses modifications et alternatives à ceux-là puissent être développées à la lumière de l'enseignement global apporté par la présente divulgation de l'invention. Par conséquent, les agencements et/ou procédés spécifiques décrits ci-dedans sont censés être donnés uniquement à titre d'illustration, sans intention de limiter la portée de l'invention telle que définie par les revendications annexées.While particular embodiments have just been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives thereto may be developed in light of the overall teaching provided by the present disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, the specific arrangements and/or methods described herein are intended to be given solely by way of illustration, without the intention of limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

  1. A case middle/attachment piece (hereinafter 'case middle/horn') connection device for a watch, comprising an attachment piece (4) including at least one horn and having a first connector (8), and a case middle (2) having a second connector (10), the first connector being configured to cooperate with the second connector to attach the attachment piece to the case middle (2), wherein:
    the first connector (8) comprises a tongue (16) with a recess (18);
    the second connector (10) comprises a groove (22) with an undercut portion (26), the undercut portion being configured to lodge inside the recess (18) of the tongue (16); and
    the case middle (2) and the attachment piece (4) are configured to be made integral when the undercut portion (26) of the second connector (10) is lodged inside the recess (18) of the tongue of the first connector,
    and wherein the case middle (2) and the attachment piece (4) are made inseparably integral with one another by a bond that requires the connectors (8, 10) to be destroyed in order to allow separation of the case middle from the attachment piece.
  2. The case middle/horn connection device claimed in claim 1, wherein the tongue (16) has a rest position, and wherein the tongue (16) is configured to deform elastically when inserted into the groove (22), the tongue (16) and the undercut portion (26) being configured such that the tongue (16) returns substantially to its rest position when the undercut portion (26) lodges in the recess (18) of the tongue.
  3. The case middle/horn connection device claimed in claim 2, wherein the groove (22) also comprises an undercut portion on which the tongue (16) is configured to bend elastically when the tongue is inserted into the groove (22).
  4. The case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess (18) is a through recess.
  5. The case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connector (8) comprises a tenon (14) and the second connector (10) comprises a mortise (24), the mortise being configured to guide the tenon when the first connector of the attachment piece is placed in contact with the second connector of the case middle.
  6. The case middle/horn connection device according to claim 5, wherein the first connector (8) comprises two or more tenons (14) and the second connector (10) comprises two or more mortises, the mortises being configured to guide the tenons when the first connector of the attachment piece is placed in contact with the second connector of the case middle.
  7. The case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second connector comprises one or more support parts (25) for the tongue of the first connector in order to limit the elastic deformations of the tongue when the undercut portion (26) is lodged in the recess (18) of the tongue (16).
  8. The case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tongue (16) is made of steel.
  9. The case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the attachment piece is moulded around the tongue, the moulding preferably being made from a plastic material.
  10. The case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the case middle (2) is machined, preferably the second connector (10) is machined.
  11. A method of attachment comprising a case middle/horn connection device according to any of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the insertion of the first connector (8) of the attachment piece into the second connector (10) of the case middle such that the undercut portion (26) lodges inside the recess (18) of the tongue (16).
  12. Case middle/horn assembly obtained by the attachment method according to claim 11.
EP19199353.4A 2019-09-24 2019-09-24 Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch Active EP3798742B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19199353.4A EP3798742B1 (en) 2019-09-24 2019-09-24 Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch
FIEP19199353.4T FI3798742T3 (en) 2019-09-24 2019-09-24 CLOCK CASE CENTER AND MOUNT CONNECTOR
US16/991,100 US11517082B2 (en) 2019-09-24 2020-08-12 Case middle/horn connection device for a watch
JP2020140594A JP6980867B2 (en) 2019-09-24 2020-08-24 Case middle / horn connection device for portable watches
CN202011018185.0A CN112631110B (en) 2019-09-24 2020-09-24 Middle part and ear connecting device for watch case

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19199353.4A EP3798742B1 (en) 2019-09-24 2019-09-24 Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3798742A1 EP3798742A1 (en) 2021-03-31
EP3798742B1 true EP3798742B1 (en) 2025-05-28

Family

ID=68066692

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19199353.4A Active EP3798742B1 (en) 2019-09-24 2019-09-24 Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US11517082B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3798742B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6980867B2 (en)
CN (1) CN112631110B (en)
FI (1) FI3798742T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3958069B1 (en) * 2020-08-18 2024-06-12 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Watch case provided with a trim component
KR20220126080A (en) * 2021-03-08 2022-09-15 삼성전자주식회사 Strap structure connected to housing and wearable electronic device including the same
US11974640B2 (en) * 2021-07-06 2024-05-07 Goertek Inc. Wristband and wrist wearable device
US12171312B2 (en) * 2021-10-20 2024-12-24 Google Llc Quick release band/lug mechanism for smartwatch
EP4202571A1 (en) * 2021-12-23 2023-06-28 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Portable object comprising a middle without attachment lugs and a removable strap
EP4493019A1 (en) * 2022-03-18 2025-01-22 Steel American Luxury LLC Cuff for watch
US12407980B2 (en) 2023-03-01 2025-09-02 Qsc, Llc Customizable waveguides and associated systems and methods
USD1039421S1 (en) * 2024-04-02 2024-08-20 Zhimin Chen Watch strap connector
USD1040011S1 (en) * 2024-04-02 2024-08-27 Zhimin Chen Watch strap connector
USD1038820S1 (en) * 2024-04-02 2024-08-13 Zhimin Chen Watch strap connector

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB933969A (en) * 1960-10-28 1963-08-14 Theodor Engelhard Improvements in or relating to strap attachments for wristwatches
US3165884A (en) 1962-11-14 1965-01-19 Bulova Watch Co Inc Watch band connector
US4414719A (en) 1982-03-22 1983-11-15 Timex Corporation Wristwatch attachment with interchangeable end pieces
FR2579780B1 (en) 1985-04-02 1987-06-12 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag ASSEMBLY CONSISTING OF A WATCHBOX ELEMENT AND A BRACELET
JPS6363406A (en) 1986-09-04 1988-03-19 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Band engaging structure of wristwatch
EP0466655A1 (en) 1990-07-13 1992-01-15 Isafrance Watch case and device for fastening a bracelet
FR2749411B1 (en) 1996-06-04 1998-09-04 Grados Christian ATTACHING AN ACCESSORY FOR A WRISTBAND ASSEMBLY AND WRIST CASE
EP1800559B1 (en) 2005-12-23 2008-10-08 The Swatch Group Management Services AG Link comprising a casing with a lower plate and upper plate
EP2188676B1 (en) 2007-09-04 2013-11-06 Dominique Loiseau Wrist watch including a reversibility device
EP2309349B1 (en) 2009-10-12 2013-07-24 Bovet Fleurier SA Case for a timepiece with multiple configurations
CH706443A1 (en) * 2012-04-27 2013-10-31 Piguet & Co Horlogerie A fastening device with an interchangeable bracelet timepiece.
CH708815B1 (en) 2013-11-06 2017-12-29 The Swatch Group Man Services Ag Cladding element for a middle part of a wristwatch.
FR3021128B1 (en) * 2014-05-14 2017-10-20 Kevin Oualli BRACELET WATCH WITH CORNES AND BRACELET EXCHANGEABLE
EP2985661A1 (en) * 2014-08-12 2016-02-17 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Covering element for a wristwatch
CH712446A1 (en) 2016-05-10 2017-11-15 Lvmh Swiss Mft Sa Watch case with removable horns and method of assembling a bracelet on such a watch case.
EP3266333B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2019-05-22 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Watch and piece of jewellery with interchangeable band
CN205958940U (en) 2016-08-01 2017-02-15 安徽华米智能科技有限公司 Table ear structure
EP3333643B1 (en) 2016-12-06 2020-02-05 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Attachment device
EP3473126B1 (en) 2017-10-19 2020-07-01 Montres Breguet S.A. Fixing device for a bracelet
EP3473127B1 (en) * 2017-10-20 2021-10-06 Montres Breguet S.A. Fixing device for a bracelet
CN209103107U (en) 2018-12-24 2019-07-12 陈劲松 A kind of novel mechanical wrist-watch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN112631110A (en) 2021-04-09
JP6980867B2 (en) 2021-12-15
US11517082B2 (en) 2022-12-06
US20210085041A1 (en) 2021-03-25
JP2021051067A (en) 2021-04-01
EP3798742A1 (en) 2021-03-31
FI3798742T3 (en) 2025-08-26
CN112631110B (en) 2022-07-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3798742B1 (en) Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch
EP0435712B1 (en) System for the coaxial assembly of two revolution pieces
FR2626660A1 (en) ASSEMBLY DEVICE FOR HEAT EXCHANGER ASSEMBLY / TUBULAR CONNECTION
EP1603466A1 (en) Instrument for fixing the position of a cutting plane
EP3560371B1 (en) Device for securing a strap to a watch case
EP0128813A1 (en) Device for detecting the presence of a shaft in a coupling member, such as a cardan joint hub
EP4034946B1 (en) Device for connecting case body and lugs for a watch
BE897583A (en) WIPER BLADE ELEMENTS
EP0780268B1 (en) Fixing system for a car liner
FR3074547A1 (en) FASTENING CLAMP ON A SHEET EDGE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
FR3133423A1 (en) Tube clamp and clamping system for connecting tubes, comprising a clamp
FR3095682A1 (en) Clamping device comprising a collar and a seal
EP4189254A1 (en) Attachment system for attaching two parts to one another by reversible snap-fitting
FR2653604A1 (en) DEVICE FOR CONNECTING LINES.
EP3059811B1 (en) Modular system
EP2812214A1 (en) Fixing element for securing a functional component of a motor vehicle
FR2503804A1 (en) PLASTIC FIXING ELEMENT, PARTICULARLY FOR REMOVABLE FIXING OF FLAT PARTS
EP3009311B1 (en) Securing device between a wiper blade and a support constituting a windscreen wiper
EP4416397B1 (en) Fastening device
EP0252443B1 (en) Device to be fixed onto an extruded holder
FR2793644A1 (en) SET OF PLATES ASSEMBLABLE SUPPORTS
FR3106169A1 (en) Clip for attaching a first component to a second component
FR2694350A1 (en) Fixing system for assembly in fixed position of two components - used in installation of covers for heating or air conditioning units in motor vehicles
EP0685655A1 (en) Resilient fastening clip
HK40049410A (en) Case middle and horn connection device for a watch

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210930

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20230620

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230701

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20250213

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: GROSJEAN, JEROME

Inventor name: SCHLICHTIG, DOHAN

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602019070491

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FI

Ref legal event code: FGE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20250528

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: U11

Free format text: ST27 STATUS EVENT CODE: U-0-0-U10-U11 (AS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE)

Effective date: 20251001

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250528

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20250820

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20250820

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250829

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250528

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250528

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250528

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20250827

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250528

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20250821

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250928

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20250528

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1798946

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20250528