EP0906734B1 - Jewellery fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

Necklace lock is covered by additional cylindrical case to prevent lock from being opened by movement. The necklace is locked with a plug element (3) which is inserted into a socket element (2) and kept in place with a bayonet mechanism consisting of grooves (5) in the plug (3) and matching ledges (6a, 6b) and a spring coil (9) inside the socket part (2). After locking, the whole unit (1, 3) is covered by a cylindrical case (11). Both (11) and f(2, 3) are joined by gently turning the two parts in opposite directions. When locked, the two parts (2, 3) can still rotate horizontally, preventing the locket from changing its position with the movements of its wearer.

Description

The present invention relates to a jewelry lock according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a method for closing jewelry, such as from the GB Patent 1,035,064 is known.

Closure devices for jewelry are known. width Bayonet locks are widely used in the utility model DE Gm 76 01 893 described type Closure devices in particular allow one and the same Jewelry chain with different, decoratively designed To use closures.

In these known locking devices is on the chain a bayonet connector and a corresponding one on or in the lock shaped bayonet connector receptacle provided.

A problem can arise in particular with the known closures then occur when the closure is flat, approximately in the form of a Plant leaf, is designed and a flat concern the cleavage of its wearer is desired. Even if that Bayonet connector holder with high precision and therefore expensive Manufacturing effort to be aligned on the closure, so that when you put the chain on the lock in the desired position comes, it is possible that by twisting the often rigid Chain no longer exactly the desired when wearing the clasp Takes position.

From DE PS 343 348 is a safeguard against unintentional Known bayonet release. It will not discussed how a relative rotation between closure member and a chain can be prevented.

From the German utility model DE 2 96 06 975 is already a closure device for a piece of jewelry such as in particular a relatively rigid chain or necklace known. In this known locking device is between chain and Connector provided a coupling element. The one arranged on the chain Coupling element is in a sleeve element recorded and within a defined angular range rotatable. This technique does prevent satisfactory Way of twisting the closure, but can only be used, if the chain is for connection to the coupling element has the required minimum cross-section. Especially at Pearl necklaces or fine gold necklaces is this requirement not generally given.

DE 2 95 10 652 U1 deals with the anti-rotation Closure of necklaces. The arrangement shown there sees before that a connector receptacle on their facing away from the connector End over a pin and rotatable about this on a chain receiving element is coupled. The right plug can be in same way via a bolt with a chain receiving element be coupled. The problem here is that for rotating latching of the bayonet connector used there the connector receptacle must be firmly gripped. This is only possible if it is of sufficient structural length; in this case, however, when carrying or putting on especially thick and therefore relatively rigid chains on the bolt large bending moments occur and deform them. Also affected the required length the design options and makes an installation roughly a spherical closure piece or the substructure under a flat locking piece is practical impossible.

From DE 44 24 040 A1 a closure is known with which a wear associated with the kinking of the chain at the lock should be prevented. For this purpose, the connector holder by means of a tilting bearing with an oval cross-section on this suitably shaped closure can be accommodated.

From US Pat. No. 4,364,155 there is already a piece of jewelry closure according to the preamble of claim 1 known. It is discussed that a jewelry lock closes quickly should be open and close. The scripture does not discuss how a chain twist can be prevented by designing the closure.

The object of the present invention is a to create improved jewelry lock.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 as well solved by the features of the independent method claim. It allows the previous bayonet locking plug to be retained with a rotating locking mechanism and the simplification of opening and closing.

In use, the locking plug receptacle according to claim 1 with the bayonet-type connector attached to it the one that is taken when locking and secured against turning first position without further assistance from the wearer the movements of the chain on the clasp caused by wear axially move the acting low forces and slide axially freely into the positions in which twisting the plug connector is possible. So lies in Use a flat closure piece flat at any time, without fear of blocking its rotation.

As for a piece of jewelry closure according to the invention 1 chains with conventional plugs without the requirement a special coupling piece or the like is used can be, the closure of the invention is without can also be used with existing chains. It can also very thin chains like pearl or thin chains Gold chains are used without this having a minimum volume must have; use with thicker and therefore relatively rigid chains without the risk of wear and tear Bending of parts of the closure through the full page Enclosing the locking plug receptacle allows. The usage a small sleeve for gripping the locking plug holder ensures that the external dimensions of the invention Jewelery clasp only slightly larger than with conventional bayonet locks. This is beneficial for the design of the jewelry clasps, which despite the improved wearing properties no restrictions is subjected; rather, by ensuring flat There is even a design for flat jewelry closures still stimulated and favored. The for aligning the locking plug receptacles previously required assembly precision is reduced. The new piece of jewelry closure is thus despite the required additional socket part cheap in manufacturing.

Advantageous designs are specified in the subclaims. The formation in which there is a gap between Socket and plug connector is provided, the small against the axial expansion of the locking plug receptacle is. With such a dimensioning of the gap can be prevented be that the locking plug receptacle in the socket so puts it at an angle so that it jams in it. That danger otherwise exists especially when the plug connector is formed sharp and for the socket soft material like gold is used. At the same time it is from Advantage if the gap is so large that a low-friction Back and forth movement of the locking plug receptacle in the socket - unlike, for example, with a press fit of the locking plug receptacle into the socket - is possible. This "floating Storage "is particularly desirable and is available with gap sizes of less than 2/10 mm, gap sizes preferably less than 5/100 mm and particularly preferably 2.5 / 100 mm, while the lock connector itself a length of a few Can have millimeters. It is preferred if the stroke, i.e. the immersion depth around which the locking plug receptacle yourself from the position range of the closure piece with free Rotation to the position secured against twisting in the Jack moves, also in the range of less than a millimeter lies. In a practical embodiment, so the same external dimensions as with common locking arrangements can be achieved according to the prior art. Here can the socket in a practical version has an outer diameter of between 3 and 5 mm have what their problem-free Installation in beads, for example. It has proven to be beneficial proven if to achieve the small gap sizes the facing surfaces of the socket and plug connector generated by high-gloss turning.

The low friction provided by the gap ensures even if the arrangement is free from wear Carrier of the chain while wearing the clasp plays and rotates it permanently. The the smooth rotatability even stimulates such play on. On the other hand, the wearer is irritated by standing up the lock is excluded when twisting the chain. On in this way the wearing comfort is increased.

Fig.1

eine Schnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Schmuckstückverschlußes mit einem zugehörigen Stecker;

Fig. 2a und 2b

Schnittansichten des Schmuckstückverschlußes von Fig.1, worin die Verschlußsteckeraufnahme unterschiedliche Positionen in der Buchse aufnimmt;

Fig. 2c

eine Schnittansicht eines weiteren Schmuckstückverschlußes mit veränderter Sicherung der Verschlußsteckeraufnahme gegen Verlieren;

Fig. 3a und b

Draufsichten in die Buchse mit darin angeordneter Verschlußsteckeraufnahme;

Fig. 4

eine Explosionsdetailansicht der Buchse des in Fig. 2c gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 5

eine Schnitt-Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels.

The invention is described below only by way of example with reference to the drawing; in this shows:

Fig.1

a sectional view of a jewelry closure according to the invention with an associated plug;

2a and 2b

Sectional views of the jewelry closure of Figure 1, wherein the closure plug receptacle takes up different positions in the socket;

Fig. 2c

a sectional view of another piece of jewelry closure with modified securing of the locking plug receptacle against loss;

3a and b

Top views into the socket with the locking plug receptacle arranged therein;

Fig. 4

an exploded detailed view of the socket of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2c;

Fig. 5

a sectional view of another embodiment.

According to Figure 1, a piece of jewelry closure 1 includes at least one outside essentially cylindrical locking plug receptacle 2, which is designed to receive a locking plug 3, which on its side facing away from the jewelry clasp 1 can be connected with a chain 4 or the like or about penetrated in a known manner by a string of pearls is. In the connector 3 grooves 5 are provided, which in the Use with projections 6a, 6b on the connector facing Side (reference number 7a on the double arrow A) of the locking plug receptacle 2 are arranged. Inside 8 the hollow trained locking plug receptacle 2 is supported Compression spring 9 on a plate 10 facing the plug, and presses them on the inside in the idle state of projections 6a, 6b and optionally an annular one Border around the cavity 8. On the opposite side (Reference number 7b on the double arrow) the spring 9 is supported an annular border.

The locking plug receptacle 2 is in a socket 11 with at least essentially slidable hollow cylindrical interior and generally arranged concentrically and by a projection 12 on the side of the socket facing the plug (7a) 11 and opposite the socket bottom 16 held captive. The length of the bushing 11 compared to the length of the Lock plug receptacle 2 and thus the stroke by which the Lock plug receptacle 2 along the double arrow A in the Socket 11 can be moved is in the drawing for reasons the clarity of what is required in practice Exaggerated measure. It is sufficient if the socket 11 only is little longer than the locking plug receptacle 2, which in practice has a length measurement in the millimeter range.

The locking connector receptacle 2 faces the connector 3 facing away (direction 7b) a recess 14 in which when positioning the locking plug receptacle 2 in a first position close to or directly on the socket bottom 16 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a), one provided there corresponding increase 15 in positive and / or frictional Intervention can occur.

Unless the locking plug receptacle 2 is not in the first Position close to or directly on the socket bottom 16, but away from it in any other axial position (Fig. 2b), which is in the stroke range, the locking plug receptacle turn freely in the socket.

Is between the socket 11 and the locking plug receptacle 2 for this purpose, a gap 13 is provided, which is not to scale Drawing is shown exaggerated. In practice it is by the difference between the outer diameter of the plug connector 2 and clear width of the socket 11 formed Gap 13 very small; Gap sizes below half Millimeters are easy to manufacture, are preferred Gap sizes under 2/10 mm and a particularly favorable storage behavior results in gap sizes below 5/100 mm, preferred 2.5 / 100mm. With a sufficiently precise production is a smooth rotation of the locking plug receptacle 2 in the bushing 11 enables the ball bearing-like turning properties guaranteed. The for the small gap sizes mentioned required manufacturing precision can in particular by high-gloss turning of the parts on standard machines be achieved.

The jewelry clasp according to the invention is closed, by the plug 3 past the projections 12 of the socket 11 is pressed onto the locking plug receptacle and the grooves 5 brought into alignment with the projections 6a, 6b. The Tip 3a of plug 3 is then in contact with the plate 10 pressed, which prevents jamming with the spring 9. The Pressing causes a movement of the locking plug receptacle 2 inside the socket 11 and leads to seating of the locking plug receptacle on the socket bottom 16, recess 14 and increase 15 if necessary by a slight rotary movement engage at connector 3.

Then the connector 3 overcoming the force of the spring 9 further pressed against the shutter, the projections 6a, 6b slide along in the grooves 5 until they rotate of the plug 3 slide past the deflection 5a. After this The closing press pressure is applied in the manner of a bayonet the connector is released and so the bayonet lock with the spring 9 locked.

After releasing the closing press pressure, the locking plug receptacle can 2 from the first position on the socket bottom 16 remove slidingly. The breech's own gravity, Restoring forces of a somewhat rigid chain or the light ones Movements of the chain wearer are sufficient for this. The locking plug receptacle 2 can then be freely inside turn the socket 11 with the plug connected.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3b and Fig. 4 using largely the same reference numerals shown. This is another embodiment with the previously described in design and function largely identical, but shows a difference in terms the captive holder of the locking plug receptacle 2 in that instead of the projections 12 on the Socket 11 of the socket interior near the socket bottom 16 a all around running stage 12a, which acts as a stop for a the locking plug receptacle 2 preferably all around Shoulder 17 serves near the socket bottom. Between the inner wall of the socket and the shoulder 17 runs a gap 13 ', the preferably how gap 13 is dimensioned.

The corresponding top view for the embodiments according to FIG. 1 is shown in Fig. 3a, the top view of Fig. 2c in Fig. 3b.

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a socket 11 for the Embodiment according to Fig. 2c, which is not in one piece from a massive workpiece is made, but from a graduated Pipe piece 18 and a separate bottom insert 19 assembled is. The surfaces 18a and 19a can be used for assembly by means of gluing, press fitting, spot welding or another known methods are connected.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which in a double socket 11a two locking plug receptacles 2a, 2b on back Back are arranged.

While according to the figures and the previous description on Bottom of the socket is provided with a survey Corresponding recess in the locking plug receptacle is readily understandable that the socket bottom instead could have a recess into which a facing Elevation of the locking plug receptacle can intervene. Also could have a partial area on both sides as a recess and be designed as a survey.

Instead of or next to a survey-recess connection it is also possible to have a frictional engagement between Provide socket bottom and locking plug receptacle. This is even cheap in that it is for working out operations required by recess and collection eliminated.

Instead of a generally cylindrical outer shape, the locking plug receptacle 2 also generally conical become. If the inside of the socket has the same cone angle provided, arises when the locking plug receptacle is pressed in a desired friction fit into the socket.

Claims (14)

1. Jewellery clasp (1) having a clasp connector receptacle (2) for accommodating a clasp connector (3) axially insertable therein in the direction of a certain angle of rotation and securable in the manner of a bayonet against being pulled out by twisting, having a case (11) in which the clasp connector receptacle (2) is held captive and movable axially back and forth between a first position in which a relative rotation between the clasp connector receptacle and case is prevented and another position taken up, characterised in that the clasp connector receptacle is freely rotatable in the case in the other position.
2. Jewellery clasp according to Claim 1, characterised in that in its position located axially furthest inward in the case (11) the clasp connector receptacle (2) is prevented from rotating.
3. Jewellery clasp according to Claim 2, wherein the inner base (16) of the case and the end of the clasp connector receptacle facing towards the latter have an elevation/recess couple (14, 15) whose engagement with one another prevents rotation of the clasp connector receptacle in the case.
4. Jewellery clasp according to Claim 2, wherein the inner base of the case and the end of the clasp connector receptacle facing towards the latter are located in the first position in friction-locking engagement with one another.
5. Jewellery clasp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clasp connector receptacle (2) externally and the case (11) internally are of rotationally symmetrical construction and preferably at least substantially of cylindrical construction.
6. Jewellery clasp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clasp connector receptacle (2) in the other position (arrow 7a) is rotatable by at least 360° and preferably by an angle of any size without limit stop.
7. Jewellery clasp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a gap (13) between the case (11) and the clasp connector receptacle (2) is provided which is small with respect to the axial and/or radial extension of the clasp connector receptacle.
8. Jewellery clasp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gap (13) between the case and clasp connector receptacle in the other position is of such a size that back-and-forth movement of the clasp connector receptacle in the case with little friction is possible.
9. Jewellery clasp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clasp connector receptacle is held captive in the case.
10. Jewellery clasp according to the preceding claim, wherein at its end facing away from the connector the clasp connector receptacle has an all-round shoulder having an increased outer diameter which in a region of increased internal diameter is held captive in the receiving receptacle.
11. Jewellery clasp according to Claim 9, characterised in that the case (11) engages over the clasp connector receptacle on the side facing towards the connector in order to produce the captive fixed position.
12. Jewellery clasp according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clasp connector receptacle comprises a spring member (9) in order to fix the connector (3) in the clasp position elastically into the locked position.
13. Jewellery clasp according to Claim 12, wherein the force required to shift the clasp connector receptacle (2) into the first position is lower than that for overcoming the fixing of the locking.
14. Method for locking an item of jewellery by means of a connector, a clasp connector receptacle and a case which holds the clasp connector receptacle captive in axially movable manner between a first position, in which the clasp connector receptacle in secured against twisting in the case, and another position in which the free rotation of the clasp connector receptacle is ensured, wherein by means of the connector the clasp connector receptacle is pushed into the first axial position in the case, the connector is pushed into the clasp connector receptacle and locked with the latter in the manner of a bayonet and after release of pressure on the connector the clasp connector receptacle is allowed to slide back out of the first position.

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