EP0098239B1 - Wrist watch with a strap hinged to the case - Google Patents

Wrist watch with a strap hinged to the case Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0098239B1
EP0098239B1 EP83810210A EP83810210A EP0098239B1 EP 0098239 B1 EP0098239 B1 EP 0098239B1 EP 83810210 A EP83810210 A EP 83810210A EP 83810210 A EP83810210 A EP 83810210A EP 0098239 B1 EP0098239 B1 EP 0098239B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elements
hinge
wrist watch
holes
case
Prior art date
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Expired
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EP83810210A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0098239A1 (en
Inventor
Elmar Mock
Alphonse Bron
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ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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Application filed by ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA filed Critical ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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    • 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
    • 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
    • G04B37/225—Non-metallic cases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wristwatches, the strap of which is attached to the watch case by hinges.
  • joint means a joint connecting two parts and comprising at least a first element fixed to one of the parts, at least a second element fixed to the other part and at least a third element forming the axis of the joint.
  • a wristwatch comprising a plastic case comprising a base, a middle part and a crystal and a bracelet comprising two half-straps each attached by a first end to the case by means of a hinge.
  • Each of the hinges comprises at least a first element fixed to the case, this element being pierced with a first hole, at least a second element fixed on the first end of the half-bracelet, this second element being pierced with a hole opening out to both ends, and a hinge pin engaged simultaneously in the first and second holes.
  • a watch of this type is described in document FR-A-1 578 023. It more precisely comprises two pairs of horns each pierced with a blind hole intended to receive bars making it possible to associate the two half-straps with the case, which are neither described nor represented in this document.
  • the present invention aims to provide a wristwatch whose hinges connecting the bracelet to the watch case are compatible with the use of watch cases made of plastic.
  • the watches have a metal bracelet made by means of a succession of links linked together by hinges.
  • Each hinge comprises n first elements coming from a single piece with one of the links and arranged so that there remains a spacing between two first neighboring elements and n-1 second elements coming from a single piece with the neighboring link and engaged respectively in one of the spaces defined by the first elements.
  • the latter comprises means for fixing the bracelet having a structure identical to that of a link.
  • a structure of the box is only desirable when associated with a bracelet with links also connected by hinges as described above.
  • each hinge comprises four first hinge elements coming in one piece with the middle part of the watch case, and three second hinge elements coming in one piece with the half bracelet adjacent to said hinge, all these elements being pierced with a hole opening at the two ends, these holes being arranged in alignment and being crossed by a rectilinear axis, this axis being driven into the holes of the second elements, while it is engaged with play in the holes of the first hinge elements.
  • the wristwatch shown in the drawings comprises a watch case 1 and a strap of which only a half-strap 2 has been shown.
  • the case 1 comprises a base 3a, a middle part 3b and a crystal 4.
  • the bottom 3a and the middle-bezel 3b of the housing 1 are in one piece 3, hereinafter called the housing body, made of plastic.
  • the crystal 4 is, in this example, made of a transparent plastic material and it is fixed to the middle part 3b in a sealed manner.
  • the housing body 3 one of the following three plastics: that which is known under the name ABS (acryl butadiene styrene), that which is known under the name ASA (acryl styrene acryl-ester) and that which is known under the name SAN (styrene acryl nitrile), and the lens 4 can be made of a transparent acrylic resin such as that which is known under the trade name Plexiglas.
  • the half-strap 2 can be made either of elastomer or of a plastic material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
  • the half-strap 2 is attached to the watch case 1 by a hinge 5.
  • the hinge 5 comprises two first intermediate elements 61 and two first external elements 6E which together form four first elements 6 come molding with the housing body 3, these elements 6 being spaced apart and each being drilled with a hole 7 of circular section, opening at its two ends, the holes 7 all having the same diameters and being mutually aligned.
  • the hinge 5 further comprises three second elements 8 coming in one piece with the bracelet 2, each element 8 being respectively engaged in a space 9 remaining between two first neighboring elements 6.
  • Each element 8 is pierced with a hole 10 of circular section, opening at both ends; the holes 10 are aligned with each other and, when the elements 8 are placed in the spaces 9, they are also aligned with the holes 7 of the first hinge elements 6.
  • a rectilinear metal rod 11 of circular cross-section passes through the holes 7 and 10 aligned, to constitute the axis of articulation of the hinge. In order to avoid the application of any tangential stress on the first hinge elements 6, the rod 11 is driven into the holes 10, while it is freely engaged in the holes 7.
  • a cover wall 3c sized to cover, in top view, said elements.
  • the cover wall 3c molded with the housing body 3, interconnects the first hinge elements 6 and thus contributes to improving the mechanical strength of the latter.
  • the cover wall 3c has a free edge 3d located opposite the center 1a of the watch case 1. This free 3d edge is substantially flush with the end 6a, opposite the center 1a of the watch case, of the hinge elements 6 .
  • each second hinge element 8 has, transverse to the hole 10, a straight section whose periphery consists of a first part in an arc 12 centered on the axis of rotation geometrical 5a of the hinge 5, of a rectilinear part 13 substantially perpendicular to the general plane 2a of the half-bracelet 2, of a second part in an arc 14 also centered on the axis 5a, and of a second flat part 15 constituting the extension of the lower face 2b to the half-strap 2.
  • the lower face 2b is that which is intended to be in contact with the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch.
  • the first part in an arc 12 has a radius R substantially equal to the distance between the geometric axis 5a of the hinge 5 and the free edge 3d of the cover wall 3c. Thanks to this particular dimensioning, the unsightly presence of a space remaining between the elements 8 and the 3d edge is avoided.
  • the first part in an arc 12 is connected by a regular curve 16 with the upper face 2c of the half-bracelet 2. At its opposite end, the part in arc 12 is connected to the substantially rectilinear part 13.
  • the second part in an arc 14 has a radius r smaller than that R of the part 12. This radius r is substantially equal to the distance existing between the geometric axis 5a of the hinge 5 and a face 17 of the middle part 3b, face delimiting, in the direction of the center of the housing 1, each space 9.
  • the second part in an arc 14 is connected, on the one hand, to the first rectilinear part 13 and, on the other hand, to the second part straight line 15 of the cross section of an element 8. These straight parts 13 and 15 are spaced from the geometric axis 5a by a distance substantially equal to r.
  • the two parts in an arc 12 and 14 of the section of an element 8 each have an angular opening substantially equal to 90 degrees.
  • the half-strap 2 can be pivoted relative to the watch case 1 by a maximum angle of 90 degrees, from a first extreme position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, position for which the half-bracelet 2 extends parallel to the general plane 1b of the case 1 and substantially in its alignment, up to a second extreme position shown in FIG. 4, for which the half-bracelet 2 extends substantially perpendicular to said general plane 1 b.
  • the half-strap 2 is stopped in its first extreme position by the flat face corresponding to the rectilinear part 13, this flat face coming into abutment with the face 17.
  • the second extreme angular position of the half-strap 2 is stopped by the flat face corresponding to the rectilinear part 15, this flat face coming into abutment with the face 17.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 but it extends, on the contrary, to any other embodiment falling within the scope of the principle defined by the claims appended to this description.
  • the axis 11 could not be driven into the holes 10 of the hinge elements 8 but simply be kept axially in these holes 10, everywhere suitable means.
  • the axis 11 may, for example, have, in its sections housed in the holes 10, a diameter less than that of its sections engaged in the holes 7 of the first hinge elements 6.
  • the holes 10 have a diameter less than that of said sections of the axis 11, the annular recesses thus produced between the parts of different diameters of the axis 11 serve as means axially stopping said axis 11 relative to the second hinge elements 8.

Abstract

A wrist watch has a bracelet connected to the watch casing by hinges. Each hinge comprises four lugs which are formed in one piece with the peripheral casing portion and rim portion of the casing, the lugs defining therebetween three spaces which are each occupied by one of three hinge elements provided at one end of the adjacent bracelet half. The casing is made of plastics material. A metal pivot pin extends through holes formed in the elements.

Description

La présente invention concerne les montres- bracelets dont le bracelet est attaché au boîtier de montre par des charnières.The present invention relates to wristwatches, the strap of which is attached to the watch case by hinges.

On entend par "charnière" une articulation reliant deux pièces et comprenant au moins un premier élément fixé sur l'une des pièces, au moins un deuxième élément fixé sur l'autre pièce et au moins un troisième élément formant axe de l'articulation.The term "hinge" means a joint connecting two parts and comprising at least a first element fixed to one of the parts, at least a second element fixed to the other part and at least a third element forming the axis of the joint.

Elle concerne plus particulièrement une montre-bracelet comportant un boîtier en matière plastique comprenant un fond, une carrure et une glace et un bracelet comprenant deux demi-bracelets attachés chacun, par une première extrémité au boîtier au moyen d'une charnière. Chacune des charnières comprend au moins un premier élément fixé au boîtier, cet élément étant percé d'un premier trou, au moins un second élément fixé sur la première extrémité du demi-bracelet, ce second élément étant percé d'un trou débouchant aux deux extrémités, et un axe d'articulation engagé simultanément dans les premier et second trous.It relates more particularly to a wristwatch comprising a plastic case comprising a base, a middle part and a crystal and a bracelet comprising two half-straps each attached by a first end to the case by means of a hinge. Each of the hinges comprises at least a first element fixed to the case, this element being pierced with a first hole, at least a second element fixed on the first end of the half-bracelet, this second element being pierced with a hole opening out to both ends, and a hinge pin engaged simultaneously in the first and second holes.

Une montre de ce type est décrite dans le document FR-A-1 578 023. Elle comporte plus précisément deux paires de cornes percées chacune d'un trou borgne destiné à recevoir des barrettes permettant d'associer les deux demi-bracelets au boîtier, qui ne sont ni décrits ni représentés dans ce document.A watch of this type is described in document FR-A-1 578 023. It more precisely comprises two pairs of horns each pierced with a blind hole intended to receive bars making it possible to associate the two half-straps with the case, which are neither described nor represented in this document.

Si l'on se réfère aux dessins de ce document, tout porte à croire qu'une montre faite en matière plastique peut être fabriquée de manière identique à une boîte en métal, tant les cornes sont fines. Or, si on utilise le boîtier en matière plastique de ce brevet français, il s'avère qu'au porter, de nombreuses boîtes ne résistent pas au niveau des cornes. Ceci peut s'expliquer par le fait que le bracelet soumet les cornes, par l'intermédiaire de l'axe, non seulement à des contraintes de traction, mais également à des contraintes de flexion. La rupture des cornes s'amorce ainsi là où l'axe rentre dans les trous de celle-ci et ces amorces de rupture dégénèrent rapidement en des ruptures franches car la matière plastique résiste en général beaucoup moins bien aux contraintes mécaniques que le métal.If we refer to the drawings in this document, everything suggests that a watch made of plastic material can be manufactured identically to a metal box, as the horns are thin. However, if the plastic case of this French patent is used, it turns out that when wearing, many boxes do not withstand the horns. This can be explained by the fact that the bracelet subjects the horns, via the axis, not only to tensile stresses, but also to flexural stresses. The rupture of the horns thus begins where the axis enters the holes thereof and these incipient fractures quickly degenerate into frank ruptures because the plastic material generally withstands mechanical stress much less than metal.

La présente invention a pour but de fournir une montre-bracelet dont les charnières reliant le bracelet au boîtier de la montre sont compatibles avec l'utilisation de boîtiers de montre réalisés en matière plastique.The present invention aims to provide a wristwatch whose hinges connecting the bracelet to the watch case are compatible with the use of watch cases made of plastic.

Ce but est atteint dans une montré-bracelet comportant:

  • - un boîtier de montre en matière plastique comprenant un fond, une carrure et une glace; et
  • - un bracelet en matière souple comprenant deux demi-bracelets attachés chacun, par une extrémité; audit boîtier au moyen d'une charnière et ayant chacun une face intérieure destinée à être en contact avec le poignet d'un porteur de la montre et une face extérieure opposée à ladite face intérieure, chacune desdites charnières comprenant:
    • a) deux premiers éléments extérieurs venus d'une pièce avec ledit boîtier, ces éléments étant perçés de premiers trous,
    • b) au moins un second élément solidaire de ladite première extrémité du demi-bracelet, ce second élément étant perçé d'un second trou débouchant aux deux extrémités, et
    • c) un axe d'articulation engagé simultanément dans lesdits premiers et second trous;

    ladite charnière comprenant en outre:
    • d) d'une part, au moins un premier élément intermédiaire venu également d'une seule pièce avec la carrure et disposé de telle sorte que subsiste un espacement entre deux premiers éléments voisins, ce ou ces premiers éléments intermédiaires étant également percés de premiers trous, les trous de tous les premiers éléments étant alignés et débouchant sur les faces latérales de ces éléments; et
    • e) d'autre part, autant de seconds éléments qu'il y a d'espacements entre les premiers éléments.
This object is achieved in a wristwatch comprising:
  • - a plastic watch case comprising a back, a middle part and a crystal; and
  • - a flexible material bracelet comprising two half-bracelets each attached at one end; to said case by means of a hinge and each having an inner face intended to be in contact with the wrist of a watch wearer and an outer face opposite to said inner face, each of said hinges comprising:
    • a) two first external elements coming from a part with said housing, these elements being drilled with first holes,
    • b) at least one second element secured to said first end of the half-bracelet, this second element being pierced by a second hole opening at both ends, and
    • c) a hinge pin engaged simultaneously in said first and second holes;

    said hinge further comprising:
    • d) on the one hand, at least a first intermediate element also come in one piece with the middle part and arranged so that there remains a spacing between two first adjacent elements, this or these first intermediate elements also being pierced with first holes , the holes of all the first elements being aligned and opening onto the lateral faces of these elements; and
    • e) on the other hand, as many second elements as there are gaps between the first elements.

On connaît certes par les documents CH-B-405 170 et CH-B-545 504 des montres en métal munies d'un bracelet à maillons dont la fixation à la boîte répond à la définition ci-dessus. Dans ces documents, le but recherché est avant tout esthétique. Les montres comportent un bracelet en métal réalisé au moyen d'une succession de maillons reliés entre eux par des charnières. Chaque charnière comprend n premiers éléments venus d'une seule pièce avec l'un des maillons et disposés de telle sorte que subsiste un espacement entre deux premiers éléments voisins et n-1 deuxième éléments venus d'une seule pièce avec le maillon voisin et engagés respectivement dans l'un des espacements défini par les premiers éléments.There are certainly known from documents CH-B-405 170 and CH-B-545 504 metal watches provided with a link bracelet whose attachment to the box meets the above definition. In these documents, the aim sought is above all aesthetic. The watches have a metal bracelet made by means of a succession of links linked together by hinges. Each hinge comprises n first elements coming from a single piece with one of the links and arranged so that there remains a spacing between two first neighboring elements and n-1 second elements coming from a single piece with the neighboring link and engaged respectively in one of the spaces defined by the first elements.

Afin de réaliser une intégration du bracelet au boîtier qui soit la plus complète possible, ce dernier comporte des moyens de fixation du bracelet ayant une structure identique à celle d'un maillon. Dans chacun de ces cas, une telle structure de la boîte n'est souhaitable qu'associée à un bracelet à maillons reliés eux aussi par des charnières telles que décrites ci-dessus.In order to achieve the integration of the bracelet into the case which is as complete as possible, the latter comprises means for fixing the bracelet having a structure identical to that of a link. In each of these cases, such a structure of the box is only desirable when associated with a bracelet with links also connected by hinges as described above.

Selon un mode de réalisation actuellement préféré de l'invention, chaque charnière comprend quatre premiers éléments de charnière venus d'une seule pièce avec la carrure du boîtier de montre, et trois seconds éléments de charnière venus d'une seule pièce avec le demi-bracelet adjacent à ladite charniére, tous ces éléments étant percés d'un trou débouchant aux deux extrémités, ces trous étant disposés en alignement et étant traversés par un axe rectiligne, cet axe étant chassé dans les trous des seconds éléments, tandis qu'il est engagé avec jeu dans les trous des premiers éléments de charnière.According to a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, each hinge comprises four first hinge elements coming in one piece with the middle part of the watch case, and three second hinge elements coming in one piece with the half bracelet adjacent to said hinge, all these elements being pierced with a hole opening at the two ends, these holes being arranged in alignment and being crossed by a rectilinear axis, this axis being driven into the holes of the second elements, while it is engaged with play in the holes of the first hinge elements.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention seront mieux compris à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation, description faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • - la figure 1 est une vue partielle de dessous d'une montre-bracelet selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • - la figure 2 est une vue partielle en élévation et en coupe verticale selon le plan A-A de la figure 1 ;
  • - la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 montrant une seconde position angulaire du demi-bracelet par rapport au boîtier; et
  • - la figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 montrant une troisième position angulaire du demi-bracelet par rapport au boîtier.
The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows of an embodiment, description made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a partial bottom view of a wristwatch according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • - Figure 2 is a partial elevational view in vertical section along the plane AA of Figure 1;
  • - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a second angular position of the half-strap relative to the housing; and
  • - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a third angular position of the half-strap relative to the housing.

La montre-bracelet représentée sur les dessins comprend un boîtier de montre 1 et un bracelet dont seul un demi-bracelet 2 a été représenté. Le boîtier 1 comprend un fond 3a, une carrure-lunette 3b et une glace 4.The wristwatch shown in the drawings comprises a watch case 1 and a strap of which only a half-strap 2 has been shown. The case 1 comprises a base 3a, a middle part 3b and a crystal 4.

Selon le présent exemple, le fond 3a et la carrure-lunette 3b du boîtier 1 sont en une seule pièce 3, ci-après dénommée corps de boîtier, réalisée en matière plastique. La glace 4 est, dans cet exemple, réalisée en une matière plastique transparente et elle est fixée sur la carrure-lunette 3b de façon étanche.According to the present example, the bottom 3a and the middle-bezel 3b of the housing 1 are in one piece 3, hereinafter called the housing body, made of plastic. The crystal 4 is, in this example, made of a transparent plastic material and it is fixed to the middle part 3b in a sealed manner.

Avantageusement, on utilise pour réaliser le corps de boîtier 3, l'une des trois matières plastiques suivantes: celle qui est connue sous la dénomination ABS (acryl butadiène styrène), celle qui est connue sous la dénomination ASA (acryl styrène acryl-ester) et celle qui est connue sous la dénomination SAN (styrène acryl nitrile), et la glace 4 peut être réalisée en une résine acrylique transparente telle que celle qui est connue sous la dénomination commerciale Plexiglas. Le demi-bracelet 2 peut être réalisé soit en élastomère, soit en une matière plastique telle que le PVC (chlorure de polyvinyle).Advantageously, one uses to make the housing body 3, one of the following three plastics: that which is known under the name ABS (acryl butadiene styrene), that which is known under the name ASA (acryl styrene acryl-ester) and that which is known under the name SAN (styrene acryl nitrile), and the lens 4 can be made of a transparent acrylic resin such as that which is known under the trade name Plexiglas. The half-strap 2 can be made either of elastomer or of a plastic material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Comme on peut le.voir sur les dessins, le demi-bracelet 2 est attaché au boîtier de montre 1 par une charnière 5. La charnière 5 comprend deux premiers éléments intermédiaires 61 et deux premiers éléments extérieurs 6E qui forment ensemble quatre premiers éléments 6 venus de moulage avec le corps de boîtier 3, ces éléments 6 étant disposés de façon espacée et étant chacun perçé d'un trou 7 de section circulaire, débouchant à ses deux extrémités, les trous 7 étant tous de mêmes diamètres et étant mutuellement alignés. La charnière 5 comprend, en outre, trois seconds éléments 8 venus d'une seule pièce avec le bracelet 2, chaque élément 8 étant respectivement engagé dans un espace 9 subsistant entre deux premiers éléments 6 voisins. Chaque élément 8 est percé d'un trou 10 de section circulaire, débouchant aux deux extrémités; les trous 10 sont alignés entre eux et, lorsque les éléments 8 sont mis en place dans les espaces 9, ils sont également alignés avec les trous 7 des premiers éléments de charnière 6. Une tige métallique rectiligne 11 de section circulaire traverse les trous 7 et 10 alignés, pour constituer l'axe d'articulation de la charnière. Afin d'éviter l'application de toute contrainte tangentielle sur les premiers éléments de charnière 6, la tige 11 est chassée dans les trous 10, tandis qu'elle est engagée librement dans les trous 7.As can be seen in the drawings, the half-strap 2 is attached to the watch case 1 by a hinge 5. The hinge 5 comprises two first intermediate elements 61 and two first external elements 6E which together form four first elements 6 come molding with the housing body 3, these elements 6 being spaced apart and each being drilled with a hole 7 of circular section, opening at its two ends, the holes 7 all having the same diameters and being mutually aligned. The hinge 5 further comprises three second elements 8 coming in one piece with the bracelet 2, each element 8 being respectively engaged in a space 9 remaining between two first neighboring elements 6. Each element 8 is pierced with a hole 10 of circular section, opening at both ends; the holes 10 are aligned with each other and, when the elements 8 are placed in the spaces 9, they are also aligned with the holes 7 of the first hinge elements 6. A rectilinear metal rod 11 of circular cross-section passes through the holes 7 and 10 aligned, to constitute the axis of articulation of the hinge. In order to avoid the application of any tangential stress on the first hinge elements 6, the rod 11 is driven into the holes 10, while it is freely engaged in the holes 7.

Dans le but de dissimuler les éléments de charnière 6 et 8, on prévoit sur la carrure-lunette 3b, du côté de la glace 4, une paroi de couverture 3c dimensionnée pour recouvrir, en vue de dessus, lesdits éléments.In order to conceal the hinge elements 6 and 8, there is provided on the middle part 3b, on the side of the glass 4, a cover wall 3c sized to cover, in top view, said elements.

La paroi de couverture 3c, venue de moulage avec le corps de boîtier 3, relie entre eux les premiers éléments de charnière 6 et contribue ainsi à améliorer la tenue mécanique de ces derniers. La paroi de couverture 3c présente un bord libre 3d situé à l'opposé du centre la du boîtier de montre 1. Ce bord libre 3d affleure sensiblement l'extrémité 6a, opposée au centre la du boîtier de montre, des éléments-de charnière 6.The cover wall 3c, molded with the housing body 3, interconnects the first hinge elements 6 and thus contributes to improving the mechanical strength of the latter. The cover wall 3c has a free edge 3d located opposite the center 1a of the watch case 1. This free 3d edge is substantially flush with the end 6a, opposite the center 1a of the watch case, of the hinge elements 6 .

Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 2 à 4, chaque second élément de charnière 8 présente, transversalement au trou 10, une section droite dont le pourtour se compose d'une première partie en arc de cercle 12 centrée sur l'axe de rotation géométrique 5a de la charnière 5, d'une partie rectiligne 13 sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan général 2a du demi-bracelet 2, d'une seconde partie en arc de cercle 14 également centrée sur l'axe 5a, et d'une seconde partie plane 15 constituant le prolongement de la face inférieure 2b au demi-bracelet 2. La face inférieure 2b est celle qui est destinée à être en contact avec le poignet du porteur de la montre-bracelet.As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, each second hinge element 8 has, transverse to the hole 10, a straight section whose periphery consists of a first part in an arc 12 centered on the axis of rotation geometrical 5a of the hinge 5, of a rectilinear part 13 substantially perpendicular to the general plane 2a of the half-bracelet 2, of a second part in an arc 14 also centered on the axis 5a, and of a second flat part 15 constituting the extension of the lower face 2b to the half-strap 2. The lower face 2b is that which is intended to be in contact with the wrist of the wearer of the wristwatch.

La première partie en arc de cercle 12 présente un rayon R sensiblement égal à la distance séparant l'axe géométrique 5a de la charnière 5 et le bord libre 3d de la paroi de couverture 3c. Gràce à ce dimensionnement particulier, on évite la présence inesthétique d'un espace subsistant entre les éléments 8 et le bord 3d. La première partie en arc de cercle 12 se raccorde par une courbe régulière 16 avec la face supérieure 2c du demi-bracelet 2. A son extrémité opposée, la partie en arc de cercle 12 se raccorde à la partie sensiblement rectiligne 13.The first part in an arc 12 has a radius R substantially equal to the distance between the geometric axis 5a of the hinge 5 and the free edge 3d of the cover wall 3c. Thanks to this particular dimensioning, the unsightly presence of a space remaining between the elements 8 and the 3d edge is avoided. The first part in an arc 12 is connected by a regular curve 16 with the upper face 2c of the half-bracelet 2. At its opposite end, the part in arc 12 is connected to the substantially rectilinear part 13.

La seconde partie en arc de cercle 14 présente rayon r plus faible que celui R de la partie 12. Ce rayon r est sensiblement égal à la distance existant entre l'axe géométrique 5a de la charnière 5 et une face 17 de la carrure 3b, face délimitant, dans la direction du centre la du boîtier 1, chaque espace 9. La seconde partie en arc de cercle 14 se raccorde, d'une part, à la première partie rectiligne 13 et, d'autre part, à la seconde partie rectiligne 15 de la section droite d'un élément 8. Ces parties rectilignes 13 et 15 sont espacées de l'axe géométrique 5a d'une distance sensiblement égale à r. Enfin, selon l'exemple représenté, les deux parties en arc de cercle 12 et 14 de la section d'un élément 8 présentent chacune une ouverture angulaire sensiblement égale à 90 degrés.The second part in an arc 14 has a radius r smaller than that R of the part 12. This radius r is substantially equal to the distance existing between the geometric axis 5a of the hinge 5 and a face 17 of the middle part 3b, face delimiting, in the direction of the center of the housing 1, each space 9. The second part in an arc 14 is connected, on the one hand, to the first rectilinear part 13 and, on the other hand, to the second part straight line 15 of the cross section of an element 8. These straight parts 13 and 15 are spaced from the geometric axis 5a by a distance substantially equal to r. Finally, according to the example shown, the two parts in an arc 12 and 14 of the section of an element 8 each have an angular opening substantially equal to 90 degrees.

Gràce à cette conformation particuliére des éléments de charnière 8 et à celle, représentée sur les dessins, des parois délimitant les espaces 9, le demi-bracelet 2 peut être pivoté par rapport au boîtier de montre 1 d'un angle maximal de 90 degrés, depuis une première position extrême représentée sur les figures 1 et 2, position pour laquelle le demi-bracelet 2 s'étend parallélement au plan général 1b du boîtier 1 et sensiblement dans son alignement, jusque dans une seconde position extrême représentée sur la figure 4, pour laquelle le demi-bracelet 2 s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement audit plan général 1 b. Le demi-bracelet 2 est arrêté dans sa première position extrême par la face plane correspondant à la partie rectiligne 13, cette face plane entrant en butée avec la face 17. La seconde position angulaire extrême du demi-bracelet 2 est arrêtée par la face plane correspondant à la partie rectiligne 15, cette face plane entrant en butée avec la face 17.Thanks to this particular conformation of hinge elements 8 and that, shown in the drawings, of the walls delimiting the spaces 9, the half-strap 2 can be pivoted relative to the watch case 1 by a maximum angle of 90 degrees, from a first extreme position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, position for which the half-bracelet 2 extends parallel to the general plane 1b of the case 1 and substantially in its alignment, up to a second extreme position shown in FIG. 4, for which the half-bracelet 2 extends substantially perpendicular to said general plane 1 b. The half-strap 2 is stopped in its first extreme position by the flat face corresponding to the rectilinear part 13, this flat face coming into abutment with the face 17. The second extreme angular position of the half-strap 2 is stopped by the flat face corresponding to the rectilinear part 15, this flat face coming into abutment with the face 17.

Bien entendu, l'invention ne se limite pas au mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit en référence aux figures 1 à 4 mais elle s'étend, au contraire, à tout autre mode de réalisation entrant dans le cadre du principe défini par les revendications annexées à la présente description. En particulier, l'axe 11 pourrait ne pas être chassé dans les trous 10 des éléments de charnière 8 mais être simplement maintenu axialement dans ces trous 10, partout moyen approprié. L'axe 11 peut, par exemple, présenter, dans ses tronçons logés dans les trous 10, un diamètre inférieur à celui de ses tronçons engagés dans les trous 7 des premiers éléments de charnière 6. Si, de plus, les trous 10 présentent un diamètre inférieur à celui desdits tronçons de l'axe 11, les décrochements annulaires ainsi réalisés entre les parties de différents diamètres de l'axe 11 servent de moyens arrétant axialement ledit axe 11 par rapport aux seconds éléments de charnière 8.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 but it extends, on the contrary, to any other embodiment falling within the scope of the principle defined by the claims appended to this description. In particular, the axis 11 could not be driven into the holes 10 of the hinge elements 8 but simply be kept axially in these holes 10, everywhere suitable means. The axis 11 may, for example, have, in its sections housed in the holes 10, a diameter less than that of its sections engaged in the holes 7 of the first hinge elements 6. If, in addition, the holes 10 have a diameter less than that of said sections of the axis 11, the annular recesses thus produced between the parts of different diameters of the axis 11 serve as means axially stopping said axis 11 relative to the second hinge elements 8.

Claims (10)

1. Wrist watch including:
- a watch case (1) of plastic material comprising a bottom cover (3a), a caseband (3b) and a crystal (4); and
- a bracelet of flexible material comprising two half bracelets (2) each attached at one end to said case (1) by means of a hinge (5) and each having an inner surface (2b) destined to contact the wrist of a person wearing the watch and an outer surface (2c) opposite said inner surface, each of said hinges comprising
a) two first outer elements (6E) integrally formed with said case (1) such elements being pierced by first holes (7)
b) at least one second element (8) fixed to said one end of the half bracelet (2), such second element being pierced by a second hole (10) open at both extremities thereof, and
c) a pivot axis (11) simultaneously engaged in said first and second holes;

said hinge additionally comprising:
d) on one hand at least one first intermediate element (61) also integrally formed with the caseband (3b) and arranged in a manner such that there remains a gap (9) between two neighbouring elements (6 E or 6 1) this or these first intermediate elements (6 1) being likewise pierced by first holes (7), the holes of all first elements (6) being aligned and opening onto the lateral faces of these elements (6); and
e) on the other hand as many second elements (8) as there are gaps (9) between said first elements (6).
2. Wrist watch according to claim 1 characterized in that said pivot axis (11) is freely engaged in said first holes (7) while being axially retained relative to the second elements (8) of the hinge.
3. Wrist watch according to claim 2 characterized in that the second elements (8) of the hinge are formed of plastic material and in that said pivot axis (11) is force driven into at least one of said second holes (10).
4. Wrist watch according to any of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said first hinge elements (6) are interconnected by a covering wall (3c) integrally formed with the caseband (3b) such wall being located on the same side as the crystal (4) and being dimensioned to cover said first hinge elements (6) as seen from above.
5. Wrist watch according to claim 4 characterized in that said covering wall (3c) exhibits a free edge (3d) located remote from the center (I a) of said watch case (1), in that each of said second hinge elements (8) exhibits transversally to the second hole (10) a straight cross-section, the periphery of which exhibits on the side adjacent said outer surface (2c) of the half bracelet (2) a first portion in the form of an arc of a circle (12) centered on the geometric rotation axis (5a) of the hinge (5) and having substantially as radius (R) the distance between said rotation axis and said free edge (3d) of said covering wall (3c), in that at least one of said second elements (8) furthermore exhibits abutment means (13,15) cooperating with counter abutment means (17) of the watch case (1) so as to determine a first and a second utmost position of rotation of the half bracelet (2) relative to the case (1), such two utmost positions being angularly spaced from one another by a certain angle and in that said arc of a circle (12) exhibits an opening angle at least equal to said certain angle.
6. Wrist watch according to claim 1- characterized in that there are two intermediate hinge elements (6) provided.
7. Wrist watch according to claim 1 characterized in that said back cover (3a) and said caseband (3b) of the watch case (1) form a single piece (3) of plastic material.
8. Wrist watch according to any of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that said caseband (3b) is formed from one of the following plastic materials:
ABS (acrylic butadiene styrene), ASA (acrylic styrene acrylester), SAN (styrene acrylic nitrile).
9. Wrist watch according to any of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the crystal (4) of the watch case (1) is formed of plastic material and is fastened in a water tight manner onto said caseband (3b).
10. Wrist watch according to any of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that said second hinge elements (8) are integrally formed with the half bracelet (2).
EP83810210A 1982-06-11 1983-05-17 Wrist watch with a strap hinged to the case Expired EP0098239B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH362082A CH647917GA3 (en) 1982-06-11 1982-06-11
CH3620/82 1982-06-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0098239A1 EP0098239A1 (en) 1984-01-11
EP0098239B1 true EP0098239B1 (en) 1987-01-14

Family

ID=4259892

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP83810210A Expired EP0098239B1 (en) 1982-06-11 1983-05-17 Wrist watch with a strap hinged to the case

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US4561077A (en)
EP (1) EP0098239B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS592704A (en)
CH (1) CH647917GA3 (en)
DE (2) DE98239T1 (en)
HK (1) HK47687A (en)
SG (1) SG1690G (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3369208D1 (en) 1987-02-19
US4561077A (en) 1985-12-24
JPS592704A (en) 1984-01-09
DE98239T1 (en) 1986-06-12
HK47687A (en) 1987-06-26
SG1690G (en) 1990-08-17
CH647917GA3 (en) 1985-02-28
EP0098239A1 (en) 1984-01-11
US4624581A (en) 1986-11-25
JPS6341564B2 (en) 1988-08-17

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