CH714497A2 - Clasp for bracelet. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clasp (1) comprising: a base element (3) provided with at least one spar (4a, 4b), at least one pivoting element (5a, 5b) mounted to rotate on the spindle base member (3), and a locking / unlocking mechanism for locking / unlocking the at least one pivoting member (5a, 5b) on the base member (3) in a closed configuration of the unfolding clasp. The at least one spar (4a, 4b) comprises at least one deformable portion (6) elastically to allow the length of said spar to be changed under the effect of a force and its elastic participation in the locking / unlocking mechanism of the at least one pivoting element (5a, 5b).

Description

Description: [0001] The present invention relates to a clasp of the clasp type for a bracelet. The invention also relates to a bracelet and a timepiece provided with such a bracelet.

In watchmaking we often distinguish so-called "open" bracelets, that is to say whose two strands can be dissociated from each other, so-called "closed" bracelets, that is to say say whose two strands are secured to a folding clasp that allows to put the bracelet in the deployed position and then sufficiently tighten the wrist in the closed position.

In the state of the art, there are many clasps of the folding clasp type generally comprising a base member provided with two longitudinal members and two pivoting elements and a locking / unlocking mechanism. These two pivoting elements are provided to be folded over the base member being mounted hinged each at the ends of these longitudinal members. The locking / unlocking mechanism conventionally comprises an elastic device comprising push buttons coupled to helical springs which control the hooking and unhooking of the two pivoting elements on the base member during opening / closing movements of the clasp. .

However, one of the disadvantages of such clasps is related to the obvious complexity involved in their manufacture, their large number of components, and their lack of robustness because they often show signs of wear after a relatively few low opening and closing movements, which no longer allow them to achieve an optimal and secure hooking / unhooking of the two pivoting elements on the base element.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages of solutions of the state of the art.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a clasp deploying clasp comprising: - a base member provided with at least one spar, - at least one pivoting member rotatably mounted on the base member, and a locking / unlocking mechanism for locking / unlocking the at least one pivoting element on the base element in a closed configuration of the folding clasp, characterized in that the at least one spar comprises at least one elastically deformable part to allow changing the length of said spar under the effect of a force and its elastic participation in the locking / unlocking mechanism of the at least one pivoting element.

The at least one deformable portion may have a serpentine shape.

The deployant clasp according may comprise two pivoting elements mounted to rotate on the base member, and the at least one spar can participate in the locking / unlocking mechanism of the two pivoting elements on the base member.

The base element may comprise two side rails each comprising a deformable portion in the form of a coil.

The deployant clasp may comprise at least one spar of the base member comprising a deformable portion in the form of a coil comprising all or some of the following features: - two serpentine portions arranged symmetrically around a push button, and / or - turns comprising portions extending in a transverse direction distributed around a central axis, and / or - at least 1, or even at least 2, or even at least 3, or even at least 4 turns, and / or - turns allowing a spar to occupy a total length increased compared to the length it would have without turn, including an increase in length of at least 25%, or even at least 40%, and / or - turns of variable amplitude, including increasing towards the center of the spar, and / or - turns arranged in a horizontal plane to promote the transverse displacement of the at least one spar.

The folding clasp may comprise at least one spar comprising its two fixed ends, said spar comprising at least one rigid portion and at least one deformable portion, in particular in the form of a coil.

The deployant clasp may comprise at least one spar comprising its two ends fixed to an axis of rotation for mounting a pivoting element, two rigid parts respectively disposed near each of its two ends, each extended by a portion. deformable portion, in particular in the form of a coil, these two portions of deformable portion, in particular in the form of a coil, being connected in the central part of the at least one spar to a push button, the geometry of said spar being symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged around its center.

The deployant clasp may comprise at least one spar with a deformable part, in particular in the form of a coil, which is in a one-piece form and / or at least one base element in a one-piece form.

The locking / unlocking mechanism may comprise at least one hook carried by a pivoting element arranged to cooperate with at least one lock carried by at least one spar of the base member.

The base member may comprise a fixed blade arranged between first and second side members, which blade is provided with surfaces capable of forming stops to limit the displacement of each of the first and second side members.

The at least one pivoting element may comprise a first end connected to an axis of rotation arranged on the base member and a second free end adapted to receive the fixing of a bracelet strand.

The invention also relates to a bracelet, characterized in that it comprises a folding clasp as described above.

The invention also relates to a timepiece or jewelery, characterized in that it comprises a bracelet as described above.

These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made in a non-limiting manner in relation to the appended figures among which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of an open clasp clasp type clasp according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the clasp in open configuration according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the clasp in open configuration according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of a spar in a state of rest of a basic element of the clasp according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged top view of an elastically deformable portion of the spar according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the same spar in a state of stress according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the clasp in closed configuration according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view from above of the clasp in closed configuration according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of the clasp in closed configuration according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the clasp in closed configuration according to the embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 1 to 10 therefore represent a clasp 1 of the clasp type according to one embodiment of the invention. This clasp 1 is particularly suitable for mounting in a bracelet. Such a bracelet can be used in a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, or in a piece of jewelry.

The clasp 1 according to the embodiment of the invention comprises a base member 3 which is substantially rectangular and which comprises on the larger of its sides first and second spars 4a, 4b, arranged laterally. This clasp 1 also comprises first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b which are mounted hinged about pivot axes 19 arranged in the smaller sides of the base member 3 of the clasp 1, respectively at each end of the longitudinal members 4a, 4b.

To simplify the description, we will use by convention the term longitudinal direction for the direction extending from a pivot axis 19 to the other in the middle of these axes and / or the base element of the clasp. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, extending from one spar 4a to the other 4b. These two longitudinal and transverse directions define a horizontal plane. The vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In addition, in a substantially horizontal plane, an inner portion of the clasp will be considered positioned within the base member 3, between its two longitudinal members 4a, 4b. On the contrary, an external part will be positioned outside the base element 3. An outer direction will be oriented outside the base element 3 and an inner direction towards the inside of this base element 3. In the vertical direction, the top of the clasp will be considered as the part visible from the outside when it is worn, including the areas in which the pivoting elements are pivoted. The lower part of the clasp is the one intended to come into contact with a wrist.

The first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b are likely to fall back on the base member 3, and to be maintained in the closed configuration of the clasp 1, under the action of the longitudinal members 4a, 4b and a locking mechanism-unlocking the clasp 1. Thus, the first and second longitudinal members 4a, 4b and the locking / unlocking mechanism of the clasp 1 together participate in the hooking / unhooking of the first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b on the basic element 3.

In this clasp 1 according to the embodiment of the invention, the first and second spars 4a, 4b each comprise a push button 21 facing outwardly and substantially arranged in a central portion of each spar 4a, 4b. Each push button 21 forms a gripping element allowing in particular to apply a force of stress F to the longitudinal members 4a, 4b by manual pressure from the external lateral surface of the push buttons. In addition, each push button 21 is arranged within a resiliently deformable portion 6 of a spar 4a, 4b and is connected to this elastically deformable portion 6 by at least one connecting arm 15.

Each spar comprises its two fixed ends, connected to a pivot axis 19 for respectively receiving the two pivoting elements. From these two ends, each spar comprises first a rigid portion 18, then a deformable portion 6 in the form of a coil. As mentioned, a push button 21 is arranged within the deformable portion 6. The latter thus comprises two deformable portions respectively arranged around the push button 21. In the embodiment, each spar has a symmetrical shape of part and of other of a median transverse axis, in other words of the push button 21.

A deformable portion of a deformable portion 6 of a spar is more particularly shown in Fig.5. It has a serpentine shape comprising about eight turns or loops 7a, 7b successively distributed around a central axis C, which respectively correspond to internal convex portions and external concave portions, seen from inside the clasp. The coil thus comprises an alternation of portions extending substantially in the transverse direction, interconnected by rounded portions extending generally substantially in a longitudinal direction, thereby forming the turns or loops. According to the embodiment, the turns furthermore have a transverse amplitude which increases as it approaches the center of the spar, as is illustrated by the measurements A1, A2 (A1> A2) in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal projection of each spar 4a, 4b shows a profile that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction. The rigid parts 18 are however slightly inclined outwards. The deformable portions 6 extend substantially in the longitudinal direction, that is to say they are arranged around a central axis C which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction. Each push button 21 is arranged outwardly of the base member 3, providing a pressure surface adapted for a pressure in the transverse direction.

In addition, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the projection of a spar in a vertical longitudinal plane has a curved shape, so that the central portion and therefore the push button 21 is in the highest position. The basic element 3, and likewise the whole clasp, thus has a convexity adapted to that of a wrist.

The deformable portion 6 of a spar previously described provides a degree of freedom in the transverse direction of a spar. It allows the change of length, including the elongation of a spar, and its displacement in a large amplitude in the transverse direction. It allows in addition a flexibility, a certain deformation, in the longitudinal direction. It does not allow, or negligibly, deformation in the vertical direction.

The fact of using a deformable part 6 in serpentine form, or in another deformable form, has the first effect of being able to vary the total length of a spar, which allows a large deformation despite the fixing of both ends. The second effect is a global elastic deformation, because of the materials used, an elastic material, such as an elastic metal. This geometry is compatible with any metallic material, such as steel and titanium, and especially noble metals such as gold.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the specific form of coil as chosen by this embodiment. By serpentine in the broad sense is meant any shape that includes at least one turn or loop, to achieve the technical effects explained. Thus, the coil may comprise any number of different turns, preferably however greater than or equal to 1.2, 3 or 4. In addition, the turns advantageously extend in a horizontal plane, but could take another orientation and / or shape in the horizontal plane. The coil advantageously comprises at least one loop in a horizontal plane, or at least two or three loops. These turns or loops could for example take a triangular or rectangular profile rather than rounded. The turns advantageously make it possible to significantly increase the total length of the spar; an elongation of a certain percentage is obtained between the length measured by traversing all the turns, with respect to the length which it would have without turn (length measured by traversing all the turns), with respect to the length which it would have without turn (length measured along the central axis C). In addition, a portion of coil could extend over a smaller or larger length of a spar. In the embodiment, this length corresponds substantially to half the length of a spar, in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, the coil is composed of two portions symmetrically arranged around the center of the spar. Alternatively, a spar could comprise only a single portion of coil. It could also include two asymmetrical portions. This or these portions could occupy a less central position, for example near an end of the spar.

In addition, the two longitudinal members are advantageously symmetrically distributed around a vertical longitudinal median plane. Alternatively, the two longitudinal members may not be identical and / or asymmetrically arranged. There could be only one spar.

In the embodiment of the invention, the base element 3 of the clasp 1 also comprises a fixed blade 12 arranged between the first and second longitudinal members 4a, 4b, in the central part of the base element 3. This blade 12 comprises lateral edges capable of cooperating with each deformable portion 6, forming for example abutment and abutment surfaces, to limit the transverse amplitude of movement of each spar.

The clasp 1 also comprises a locking / unlocking mechanism, which participates in maintaining the first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b on the clasp 1 in its closed configuration. To do this, this mechanism comprises: - first and second hooks 8a, 8b carried by a free end that has the first pivoting element 5a, and - third and fourth hooks 9a, 9b carried by a free end that has the second element swivel 5b, and - first and second latches 10a, 10b carried by the first spar 4a, and - third and fourth latches 11a, 11b carried by the second spar 4b.

In closed configuration, the two pivoting elements 5a, 5b are folded on the base member 3 until it comes to rest on its upper surface. The first and third hooks 8a, 9a are respectively locked by the first and second latches 10a, 10b carried by the first spar 4a, and the second and fourth hooks 8b, 9b are locked respectively by the third and fourth latches 11a, 11b carried by the second spar 4b. In the embodiment, the four latches 10a to 11b are respectively defined in the first and second longitudinal members 4a, 4b being made therein.

The first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b each comprise a respective free end 16a, 16b provided for fixing a strand of the bracelet. To do this, each of these ends 16a, 16b is provided with a fastening element 17a, 17b which is defined to ensure a connection between this end 16a, 16b and the corresponding strand of the bracelet.

Note that the first and second spars 4a, 4b and the fixed blade 12 are separate parts, which are assembled to form the base member 3. In an alternative embodiment, the base member 3 can be a monobloc piece. In all cases, a spar is advantageously in a one-piece form, that is to say that its deformable portion 6 and the rest of its structure are formed in one piece, integrally.

The operation of the clasp according to the embodiment will now be explained.

From the closed configuration of the clasp, for example shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a user proceeds to unlock the clasp by the simultaneous application on the first and second side members 4a, 4b of a force F, by means of the push buttons 21 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, so as to cause deformation of at least one elastically deformable portion 6 of each spar 4a, 4b. This force F is oriented in a transverse direction, towards the inside of the clasp. The first and second spars 4a, 4b then undergo a change in length and deformation under the action of this force F, which is located essentially at each deformable portion 6. All or part of the spar 4a, 4b moves towards the interior, in the direction of the fixed blade 12. This displacement is advantageously extended until it comes into abutment against the fixed blade 12.

In this movement, each first and second spar 4a, 4b passes from a state of rest, illustrated in FIG. 4, in a state of stress, illustrated in FIG. 6. These two figs. 4, 6 also illustrate the phenomenon of changing the length of a stressed spar. In its rest state of FIG. 4, it has a length LO measured between the push button 21 and one end, along its central axis C. During the stressing of a spar, this length increases and reaches a value L1 in FIG. 6 (always measured along the central axis C). Once the force F is no longer applied to the push buttons 21, the first and second spars 4a, 4b then move from the state of stress to the state of rest in an elastic manner, and find their elastic geometry elastically. rest state of FIG. 4.

The passage of the first and second longitudinal members 4a, 4b from a state of rest to a state of stress induces a respective approximation between the latches 10a and 11a and the latches 10b and 11b, which causes a clearance / unhook respectively hooks 8a and 8b secured to the first pivoting element 5a and hooks 9a and 9b integral with the second pivoting element 5b. Thus the first and second pivot members 5a, 5b are released and can be rotated about their respective pivot axes 19 to be unfolded. The clasp can then occupy its open configuration, and its deployed configuration illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2.

Conversely, the clasp can be brought from its open configuration to closed. For this, the first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b are moved in a rotational movement about the pivot axes 19 to be folded over the base member 3 of the clasp 1. Thereafter, a force oriented according to a vertical direction is applied on these first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b so as to bring the hooks 8a and 8b of the latches 10a and 11a to generate their engagement / hooking respectively, to lock the first pivoting element 5a and likewise to lock the second pivoting element 5b on the base element 3.

Thus, it will be noted that each elastically deformable portion 6 participates in securing the locking / unlocking of the clasp 1. A succession of portions 7a, 7b forming serpentine turns confers an elasticity and an optimal displacement amplitude to first and second rails 4a, 4b, which are provided with latches 10a to 11b participating in the hooking / unhooking of the first and second pivoting elements 5a, 5b on the base member 3 of the clasp 1.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the base element could comprise only one spar with a deformable part 6 in the form of a coil, and not two. A spar may not be lateral but occupy a more central position in the base member 3. The locking mechanism could take any other form, preferably incorporating at least one hook and / or latch. More generally, the elastically deformable portion could have any other geometry accepting an elastic deformation (in the form of a text, a letter, a spiral winding ...).

On the other hand, the invention is not limited to a clasp with three blades including two pivoting as shown, but can also be applied to a clasp with only two blades, including a single swivel on an element basic 3. It is therefore on any folding clasp.

The invention also relates to a bracelet incorporating such a clasp, and a timepiece or jewelry incorporating such a bracelet or such a clasp.

Claims (13)

claims Clasp (1) comprising: - a base element (3) provided with at least one spar (4a, 4b), - at least one pivoting element (5a, 5b) rotatably mounted on the spider base element (3), and - a locking / unlocking mechanism for latching / unlocking latch Yesterday the at least one pivoting element (5a, 5b) on the base element (3) in a closed configuration of the folding clasp, characterized in that - the at least one spar (4a, 4b) comprises at least one deformable portion (6) elastically to allow the length change of said spar under the effect of a force and its elastic participation in the locking mechanism / unlocking the at least one pivoting element (5a, 5b). 2. Clasp (1) deployant according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one deformable portion (6) has a serpentine shape. 3. clasp (1) deployant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises two pivoting elements (5a, 5b) rotatably mounted on the base member (3), and in that the at least a spar (4a, 4b) participates in the locking / unlocking mechanism of the two pivoting elements (5a, 5b) on the base element (3). 4. Clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base member (3) comprises two side members (4a, 4b) each comprising a deformable portion (6) in the form of a coil. 5. clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one spar (4a, 4b) of the base member (3) comprising a deformable portion (6) in the form of coil comprising all or some of the following characteristics: - two coil portions arranged symmetrically around a push button (21), and / or - turns comprising portions extending in a transverse direction distributed around a central axis ( C), and / or - at least 1, or even at least 2, or even at least 3, or even at least 4 turns, and / or - turns allowing a spar to occupy a total length increased compared to the length that it would have no turn, in particular an increase in length of at least 25%, or even at least 40%, and / or - turns of variable amplitude, in particular increasing toward the center of the spar, and / or - arranged spiers in a horizontal plane to promote transverse displacement of u at least one spar. 6. clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one spar (4a, 4b) comprising two fixed ends, said spar (4a, 4b) comprising at least one rigid portion (18) and at least one deformable portion (6), in particular in the form of a coil. 7. clasp (1) deployant according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one spar (4a, 4b) comprising its two ends fixed to an axis of rotation (19) for mounting a pivoting element ( 5a, 5b), two rigid parts (18) respectively disposed near each of its two ends, each extended by a portion of deformable portion (6), in particular in the form of a coil, these two portions of deformable portion (6), in particular in the form of a coil, being connected in central part of the at least one spar to a push button (21), the geometry of said spar being symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged around its center. 8. clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one spar (4a, 4b) with a deformable portion (6), in particular in the form of a coil, in a form monobloc and / or at least one base member (3) in one-piece form. 9. Clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking / unlocking mechanism comprises at least one hook (8a, 8b) carried by a pivoting member (5a) arranged to cooperate with at least one latch (10a, 10b) carried by at least one spar (4a, 4b) of the base member (3). 10. Clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base member (3) comprises a fixed blade (12) arranged between first and second longitudinal members (4a, 4b), which blade ( 12) is provided with surfaces capable of forming stops to limit the movement of each of the first and second side members (4a, 4b). 11. clasp (1) deployant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pivoting member (5a, 5b) comprises a first end connected to an axis of rotation (19) arranged on the base member. (3) and a second free end (16a, 16b) adapted to receive the attachment of a bracelet strand. 12. Bracelet, characterized in that it comprises a clasp (1) deploying according to one of the preceding claims. 13. Timepiece or jewelery, characterized in that it comprises a bracelet according to the preceding claim.