阅读说明：本技术 用于调节表带长度的装置 (Device for adjusting the length of a bracelet ) 是由 邦雅曼·塞朗 马丁·克里斯蒂安 于 2019-02-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种表带加长装置,其包括能相对于表扣盖体(21)移动的至少一个调节组件(1,2),调节组件(1,2)和盖体(21)分别具有第一和第二紧固元件(23,35’),以用于将它们分别紧固在能够产生不同表带长度的多个位置,其特征在于调节组件(1,2)和盖体(21)还分别具有第一和第二转位元件(15,35)。(The invention relates to a bracelet lengthening device comprising at least one adjustment assembly (1, 2) movable relative to a bracelet cover (21), the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the cover (21) having a first and a second fastening element (23, 35') respectively for fastening them in a plurality of positions respectively capable of producing different bracelet lengths, characterized in that the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the cover (21) also have a first and a second indexing element (15, 35) respectively.)

1. A bracelet lengthening device comprising at least one adjustment assembly (1, 2) movable with respect to a cover (21) of a clasp, the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the cover (21) having a first fastening element (23) and a second fastening element (35'), respectively, for their fastening according to a plurality of positions capable of producing different bracelet lengths, respectively, wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the cover (21) also have a first indexing element (15) and a second indexing element (35), respectively.

2. The watchband lengthening device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) comprises a first guide element (10), wherein the cover (21) comprises a second guide element (30), the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the cover (21) being movably connected to each other by cooperation of their respective first (10) and second (30) guide elements, and wherein the first diversion element (15) is arranged on the first guide element (10).

3. The bracelet extension device according to claim 2, wherein the first guide element (10) and the first diversion element (15) form a single-piece assembly.

4. The bracelet lengthening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first diversion element (15) is distinct from the first guide element (10), in particular is added to the first guide element (10), in particular by nailing or overmolding, or is in particular formed at the end of a cylindrical receiving element (4) located at the end of the stem (3) of the adjustment assembly (1, 2).

5. The bracelet extension device according to claim 4, wherein the first diversion element (15) is made of a different material than the first guide element (10) or wherein the first diversion element (15) has a coating of a different material than the coating of the first guide element (10).

6. The watchband extension device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the first guiding element (10) are two distinct elements, or wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) comprises at least one link (2) and the first guiding element (10) forms a single-piece assembly with the link (2).

7. The bracelet extender of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) comprises a spring (34) cooperating with the first indexing element (15) to exert a resilient thrust on the first indexing element (15) towards the second indexing element (35) and to allow the release of the first indexing element (15) and of the second indexing element (35) during the adjustment phase of the length of the bracelet.

8. The bracelet lengthening device according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) comprises a first guide element (10) and/or a first diversion element (15) provided at the end of the stem (3) of the adjustment assembly, and wherein a spring (34) is provided in the stem (3) to exert an elastic thrust on the first guide element (10) and/or the first diversion element (15) towards the cover (21).

9. The bracelet extender of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first indexing element (15) and the second indexing element (35) take the form of at least one protrusion and a hollow recess, respectively, or vice versa.

10. The watchband lengthening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening element (23) and the second fastening element (35') take the form of teeth provided on the links (1) of the adjustment assembly on one side and on the other side on the inner surface of the cover (21) of the clasp.

11. Watchband lengthening device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening element (35') of the cover (21) of the clasp and the second indexing element (35) of the cover (21) of the clasp are arranged on two different areas of the cover (21), in particular on two different or non-aligned surfaces of the cover (21).

12. The watchband lengthening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment assembly (1, 2) comprises a first guide element (10) and wherein the cover (21) of the buckle comprises a second guide element (30), the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and the cover (21) being movably connected to each other by cooperation of their respective first (10) and second (30) guide elements, wherein the first guide element (10) comprises a guide surface at least partially in contact with the second guide element (30), the guide surface comprising a polymeric material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEK), and/or wherein the first diversion element (15) and/or the second diversion element (35) and/or the second guide element (30) comprise a polymeric material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEK).

13. The bracelet extension device according to claim 12, wherein the two respective first (10) and second (30) guide elements of the adjustment assembly (1, 2) and of the cover (21) are able to slide relatively both of them, in particular by a translational or substantially translational movement.

14. The watchband extension device of claim 13, wherein the first guide element is in the form of a roller or a slider or a ball that cooperates with the second guide element in the form of a slide, rail, cutout, hole, or groove.

15. The bracelet lengthening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first indexing element (15) and the second indexing element (35) are distributed according to a pitch equal to the first fastening element (23) and the second fastening element (35 ') and, correspondingly, such that each position defined by the first indexing element (15) and the second indexing element (35) has a fastening position of the corresponding first fastening element (23) and second fastening element (35').

16. A clasp for a bracelet, wherein the clasp comprises a bracelet extension device according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A watch band, wherein the watch band comprises the fold buckle according to claim 16.

18. A timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, wherein the timepiece comprises a strap extension according to any one of claims 1 to 15, a clasp according to claim 16, or a strap according to claim 17.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet, comprising a specific guiding and attachment system for the bracelet, which is particularly suitable for the bracelet of a watch with lengthening means and/or with a folding clasp (unfolding clasp) arranged between the two ends of the bracelet. The invention also relates to a clasp and a strap incorporating such a device for adjusting the length of the strap and to a watch comprising such a device.

Background

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the invention is based on a watchband lengthening device comprising at least one adjustment assembly movable with respect to a clasp cover, the adjustment assembly and the cover having a first and a second fastening element, respectively, for their respective fastening according to a plurality of positions capable of producing different watchband lengths, wherein the adjustment assembly and the cover also have a first and a second indexing element, respectively.

The invention is more particularly defined by the claims.

Drawings

These objects, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment thereof, given in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a clasp cover incorporating a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal plane of a clasp cover incorporating a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view along a transverse plane of the clasp cover body at the position of the device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a clasp cover body incorporating a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention, in a phase of operating the links of the adjustment device.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a guide element of a device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a first variant embodiment of the guide element of the device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a second variant embodiment of the guide element of the device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a variant embodiment of a sub-part of the device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows another variant of the subpart of the device for adjusting the length of a bracelet according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

A device for adjusting the length of a band in a clasp according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

This device for adjusting the length of the bracelet comprises two lateral elongated links 2 arranged around a rod 3 and a link 1 mounted so as to be movable in rotation around the rod 3. The two side extension links 2 are movable relative to the clasp cover 21. This assembly, comprising links 1 and two side links 2 arranged on a rod 3, forms an adjustment assembly of the device for adjusting the length of the bracelet. As a variant, the adjustment assembly may take a form different from this embodiment. It may be single-piece, a single component, or advantageously comprise an assembly of a plurality of components.

The cover 21 comprises two side walls 22, each comprising a guide rail. Each guide rail forms a second guide element 30 which cooperates with the first guide element 10 at the end of the rod 3. Therefore, the adjustment assembly further comprises a first guide element 10.

In this embodiment, the first guide element 10 advantageously takes the form of a slider or a roller or a ball, and the second guide element 30 takes the form of a guide rail or a slide or a hole or a cutout or a groove adapted to receive such a slider or roller or ball. The slides or rollers or balls provided at each end of the rod 3 thus slide in parallel in their respective opposite guides by a movement substantially corresponding to the translation.

In this embodiment, the first guide element 10 takes the form of an element different from the links 1, 2. In this particular configuration, two sliders with slightly arched profile are respectively provided on both sides of the two side links 2 and are assembled with these side links 2 by means of a rod 3. For this purpose, the slides comprise a central hole 11 provided for positioning them around the cylindrical receiving element 4 at the end of the rod 3, as can be seen in particular in fig. 3.

The rod 3 comprises an annular central portion 33 in which a spring 34 is arranged, which spring 34 exerts an elastic thrust on the cylindrical receiving element 4 at the end of the rod 3 and indirectly on the first guide element 10 towards the cover 21 and more specifically towards the side wall 22 of the cover 21.

In this embodiment, the first guide element 10 (i.e. the slider or the roller or the ball) is one-piece. Furthermore, they are entirely composed of high-performance polymers belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), in particular Polyetheretherketones (PEEK).

The applicant's studies have shown that such polymers have the advantage of optimizing the reliability and durability of the parts, in particular by better wear and scratch resistance. In particular, the properties are particularly superior to those of polyacetal-based polymers in terms of slidability and durability.

Alternatively, the first guide element 10 may comprise only a portion made of a high performance polymer belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), in particular PEEK. In particular, this portion may be located at the position of the guide surface for contact with the second guide element 30 (i.e. the guide rail or the slideway). Thus, the portion may take the form of a surface coating in the contact or friction area. In particular, a configuration of PEEK may be formed around the slider, in particular over-molded on the slider. For example, the first guiding element 10 may comprise a core covered with a coating forming all or part of the guiding surface, the coating comprising a polymeric material belonging to the PEAK group.

As a further variant, the guide elements 10 can be made of another material, for example metal.

Fig. 8 shows a variant embodiment in which the first guide element 10 is fixed directly to the side link 2. In this variant, on the side surface of the first guide element 10, there is provided a fixing block 12 for being driven into the hole of the side extension link 2. Such fastening may be achieved by nailing, riveting, gluing, welding or soldering, for example. The guide element 10 comprises a guide surface 13 on its second side surface.

Alternatively, the side link 2 may comprise a projection, in particular a circular or oval projection, which acts as a slider. Which are formed on the side walls of said links 2 and form the guide elements 10 of the adjustment assembly. In this particular case, the link 2 is a single piece. It can be made of high performance polymers belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), in particular PEEK. Alternatively, the protrusion may be overmolded on the side wall of the side link 2. As another alternative, the projections may be coated with PEAK, such as PEEK, on all or part of their surface.

Of course, the guiding element 30 of the cover 21 may also comprise a material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEK). In other words, either of the two guiding elements 10, 30 may comprise, on all or part of its guiding surface, all or part of a material belonging to the Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family. Alternatively, both guide elements may comprise this material or any other material.

The second guide element 30 may be made of steel or a precious material such as gold or platinum. Alternatively, the second guide element 30 may be made of ceramic. More particularly, it may be made of a single piece with a cover made of ceramic or steel or of a precious material such as gold or platinum. As mentioned above, as a variant, the second guide element 30 can be made of a high-performance polymer, in particular of a polymer material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), in particular PEEK. More particularly, it can be made of a single piece with the cover of the clasp made entirely of PEEK. Alternatively, the second guide element 30 may be added to the cover body, which is preferably made of steel or a precious material such as gold or platinum. As a further alternative, the second guide element 30 may be added to a cover body made of ceramic.

For example, a watch clasp cover has runners provided in side walls formed in both sides of the cover. In this particular case, the cover is one-piece. It may be composed entirely of high-performance polymers, in particular of PEEK. Alternatively, the slide may be coated on all or part of its surface only with a polymeric material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), in particular PEEK. As a further alternative, the cover may be made entirely of another material, such as metal.

In the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs), the material selected may be filled or unfilled. The filler may in particular optimize the friction and mechanical properties of the component. For example, the filler may comprise at least reinforcing fibres and/or a lubricant and/or graphite. As a variant, the filler may also comprise at least one pigment, in particular for the purpose of coloring the part.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the material selected will be PEAK, in particular PEEK, Polyetheretherketone (PEEEK), Polyetherketone (PEK), Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) or a copolymer and/or polymer mixture thereof. Furthermore, the polymeric material may advantageously comprise at least one filler of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), molybdenum sulphide, tungsten disulphide, hexagonal boron nitride, carbon fibres, aramid fibres, glass fibres, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, polyimide, polyphenylene sulphide, diamond nanoparticles, polysilsesquioxane, boron fibres or a combination of two or more thereof. The above list is of course not limiting.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the material is a material containing 20% PTFE of PEEK, e.g. of450FE 20. According to another embodiment, the material is PEEK containing 30% of additives, in particular carbon fibers and/or graphite and/or PTFE. According to another embodiment, the material is PEEK containing 30% carbon fibers and additional additives, in particular graphite and/or PTFE. Alternatively or in addition to the carbon fibers, the fibers contained in PEEK may be aramid fibers or boron fibers. Examples of PEAK or PEEK that may be used are, inter alia:PEEK 450FC30、HPV、

PVX、

KT-820SL30、PEAK CF30、AV-651CF30、AV-722SL30、

AV-755SL 45. It should be noted that in all cases, in particular in all the embodiments described, the PEEK polymer may be replaced by any other polymer of the PEAK family.

According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the component comprises 65% PEEK, 15% carbon fiber, 10% PTFE, 8% carbon nanotubes, and 2% nanodiamonds.

The element or part of the element made of a material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEK) is manufactured by any method or combination of methods known to the person skilled in the art. According to a variant embodiment, the surface of the part or of the part made of a material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEK) may be structured, in particular microstructured, in particular for shaping the first element, in order to further optimize the friction and/or wear properties of the surface made of PEAK, or to better distribute the lubricant. Such structuring can be obtained directly during the shaping of the part or subsequently by machining or micromachining, for example by means of laser surface structuring (or LST) or chemical etching. Any other technique or combination of techniques may also be implemented to achieve structuring or microstructuring.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, it has been seen that the guide element or a portion of the guide element, which may be a portion made of a polymer or metal, is at least partially coated with a coating comprising a material belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEK), in particular PEEK. In such embodiments, the coating may be applied by using conventional dispersion spray techniques, electrostatic spray techniques, or overmolding. It is also possible to apply a coating to the surface microstructured element according to one of the preceding embodiments, with or without the component: such as a DLC coating or any other suitable coating technique. The microstructuring of the surface can also be carried out after the application of the coating.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the relative displacement of the link 1 and the lateral elongated link 2 with respect to the clasp, i.e. of the adjustment assembly with respect to the clasp, comprises indexing means which make it possible to predetermine a specific positioning of the adjustment assembly with respect to the clasp which is relatively stable. Such indexing means are realized on the one hand by corresponding indexing elements of the adjustment assembly and on the other hand by indexing elements of the watch buckle.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the first guiding element 10 comprises a first diverting element 15. For example, fig. 5 shows a guide element 10 comprising an indexing element 15 in the form of a plurality of projections formed directly on the guide element, in particular a one-piece slider. The protrusions may have a hemispherical configuration. Alternatively, the projections may have any other geometry, such as rectangular and/or elongated geometries. These projections are arranged to cooperate with a second indexing element 35, the second indexing element 35 taking the form of a series of notches arranged in a guide track of the second guide element 30 forming the clasp cover, as shown in figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, if the assembly is a single piece, the projection is made of the material of the first guide element (e.g. PEAK, in particular PEEK). Alternatively, the projection may be made of another material, and may be formed particularly on a slider at least a portion of which is made of or coated with PEAK.

Fig. 6 shows, as an exemplary embodiment, a guide element 10 in the form of a slide comprising a cylindrical bore in which an indexing element 15, different from the guide element, is mounted, advantageously by nailing. This cylindrical hole 11 may be an extension of the hole provided for mounting the guiding element at the end of the rod 3, or may be a different hole.

Fig. 7 shows a further variant in which the guide element 10 in the form of a slide is formed, in particular overmoulded, around an indexing element 15 which is different from the guide element. The results are similar to those of fig. 6.

Alternatively, the indexing element 15 may be realized by the cylindrical receiving element 4 of the rod 3, in particular by the end of the cylindrical receiving element 4 of the rod 3, as shown in fig. 9. For this purpose, the cylindrical receiving element 4 passes directly through the guide element 10, in particular through the central hole 11 provided for positioning said guide element, so as to be able to cooperate with the second indexing element 35. Thus, the first diverting element 15 may be different from the guiding element 10. In particular, the first diverting element 15 can be realized by the rod 3.

It should be noted that the indexing means described above can be combined with complementary indexing means of the links of the bracelet with respect to the clasp cover, that is to say it can complement a conventional indexing system, such as a lever indexing system or a ball indexing system, which in particular implements the tooth 35' shown in fig. 1 and 2. Such a conventional indexing device in fact fulfils the function of a fastening device displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the clasp for the adjustment assembly of the device for adjusting the length of the bracelet. Thus, such a fastening device, which can be displaced, can produce different bracelet lengths. Such fastening means may therefore comprise a tooth 23 provided on the link 1, subject to the action of a spring 24, the spring 24 exerting a force that keeps the tooth 23 against the corresponding tooth 35' of the cover. In this embodiment, the teeth 35' are provided on the inner surface of the top wall of the cover 21, perpendicular to the second guide means 30 comprising the adjustment assembly and to the side wall 22 of the second indexing element 35. The teeth 23 and 35' form the fastening elements of the fastening means of the adjustment assembly and the fastening elements of the fastening means of the cover, respectively. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the second fastening element 35' of the clasp cover 21 and the second indexing element 35 of the clasp cover 21 are provided on two different surfaces of the cover 21. Any other arrangement can be envisaged, preferably the second fastening element 35' and the second indexing element 35 are arranged in two different regions of the cover.

The invention therefore also relates to a bracelet lengthening device comprising a link with a first guide element 10 and a clasp cover 21 with a second guide element 30, which are movably connected to each other by cooperation of their respective guide elements 10, 30, wherein the link comprises a first indexing element 15 cooperating with a second indexing element 35 of the cover 21.

It is noted that the recess forming the second indexing element complements a recess known in the art, such as the recess 35' forming the fastening means, which is visible in particular in fig. 2. The indexing means can thus form a predetermined bit element which assists the user in making the adjustment by achieving a suitable position of the adjustment assembly, in particular suitably acting on the fastening means. Such indexing means are insufficient to secure the adjustment assembly which can be easily disengaged from the different recesses to allow adjustment. It does not perform the fastening function. As previously mentioned, it is supplemented with different fastening means.

The indexing element may form a one-piece assembly with the guide element or a different element disposed adjacent to or through the guide element. Furthermore, the indexing element may take the form of an assembly, for example a ball ratchet comprising balls resiliently returned by springs, the latter being able in particular to supplement or replace the springs 34 of the rod 3, in particular shown in fig. 3.

Note that according to this embodiment, the spring 34 cooperates with the first indexing element 15 to exert a resilient thrust on the first indexing element 15 towards the second indexing element 35 and to allow the release of the first indexing element 15 and of the second indexing element 35 during the phase of length adjustment of the bracelet.

These indexing elements behave in a manner that is very similar to the stress to which the guide elements are subjected. They may therefore also advantageously comprise polymeric materials belonging to the family of Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs). Additionally or alternatively, they may comprise other materials.

As a variant, the first diversion element 15 can be realized separately from the first guide element 10.

The invention therefore also relates to a watchband extension device comprising at least one link connected to a clasp cover, the link comprising a first indexing element 15 and the clasp cover 21 comprising a second indexing element 35, the two parts being movably connected to each other, and wherein the first indexing element 15 and/or the second indexing element 35 comprise a contact surface comprising a polymeric material belonging to the Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family.

When adjusting the length of the bracelet, the user rotates the link 1 of the adjustment assembly to release the tooth 23 from the recess of the notch 35' of the clasp, thus opening the fastening means of the adjustment assembly. This action may be performed by pulling the bracelet links in the appropriate direction. The adjustment assembly thus reaches the open position, allowing it to be displaced longitudinally with respect to the clasp via the previously described guide elements 10, 30. In this displacement, the adjustment assembly is automatically positioned in succession in the different stable positions predefined by the indexing elements. These indexing elements are advantageously distributed with a pitch equal to the pitch of the fastening means and correspondingly such that each indexing element corresponds to a fastening position. In this way, under the action of the elastic element of the adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly is automatically positioned in the position predefined by the indexing element upon its longitudinal displacement, thus facilitating the positioning of the adjustment assembly in different possible longitudinal positions, corresponding to different specified length settings. Thus, adjustment of the length of the wristband is facilitated and is very user friendly. If the user wants to continue the adjustment, he or she continues to displace the adjustment assembly and the force he or she exerts allows disengagement from the encountered intermediate indexing element against the force of the elastic element of the adjustment assembly.

The invention also relates to a bracelet and/or clasp and/or watch incorporating the aforementioned bracelet lengthening device.