Watchcase for wristwatch with music or bell mechanism, comprising watch back with cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch case (10) for a wristwatch having a music or bell mechanism, the watch case (10) being configured to comprise an acoustic membrane (28) held by its periphery at the bottom of the watch case (10). The watch case comprises a cover (14) comprising a bottom (20). The cover (14) is hingedly mounted between an open position and a closed position in which a bottom (20) of the cover (14) allows covering an outer face of the acoustic membrane (28) to ensure that the membrane can vibrate freely. The watch case (10) further comprises at least one sound diffusion opening (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a watch case for a wristwatch, comprising a case back with a cover. The case is designed to house an acoustic membrane and a movement comprising a musical or ringing mechanism. The invention also relates to a wristwatch with a musical or ringing mechanism, comprising a case comprising a case back with a cover. Background Art

[0002] Covers serve to protect the glass of pocket watches, but they also provide an expressive surface for engraving or guilloche. When the watch made the transition from the pocket to the wrist, the watchmaking industry naturally stopped using covers. However, in an effort to revive this tradition, various watch brands have launched watches that include a hinged cover on the back of the case. Pressing the crown allows the release of the cover that hides the transparent back of the case, revealing the movement. There may also be an engraving or another decorative design on the hidden side of the cover. This decorative design is therefore only visible when the cover is opened.

[0003] The user can thus wear a discreet and elegant watch featuring an exceptional mechanical movement, whose hand-made finishing requiring a high level of expertise can be admired when removing the watch from the wrist and actuating the opening of the case cover by simply pressing the crown.

[0004] Wristwatches with music or chime mechanisms are also known, wherein the movement comprises, for example, a minute repeater or a grand sonnerie mechanism.

[0005] For example, EP3009895 discloses a music or ringing wristwatch equipped with a sound radiating device. The wristwatch comprises a watch case, which comprises an intermediate case, a case back fixed to the intermediate case, and a glass for closing the case on the dial side. The sound radiating device comprises a support and a connector fixed in the case back, between the case back frame and the case back glass, and an annular cavity defined around the entire periphery of the support and facing the inner surface of the case back frame. The case back frame comprises a number of side openings. A membrane with small holes covers the side openings to allow air to pass through while preventing dust from entering the annular cavity.

[0006] By covering the side openings with a membrane featuring tiny holes, it is possible to allow sound to escape from the case while preventing the case back glass from becoming dirty over time due to dust particles entering through the openings. However, while this small hole membrane can effectively capture dust or other impurities, it will eventually become clogged over time, thereby attenuating or reducing the amount of sound that can escape from the case. Furthermore, once clogged, the membrane becomes difficult to clean.

[0007] EP3812845 discloses a clock equipped with a vibration generating device designed to generate sound and comprising a chamber. The chamber is surrounded by a membrane and a glass through which a time display using a pointer can be seen. The chamber comprises at least one opening toward the outside of the clock. The opening is protected by a filter that is air-permeable but water-impermeable to prevent impurities from entering the chamber. However, the filter also faces the problem of clogging due to the accumulation of impurities.

[0008] CN111596539 discloses a chiming timepiece comprising a protective cover hinged on the case so that the protective cover can be folded over the glass on the dial side. The glass comprises a sound transmission opening, and the cover comprises a sealing element designed to close the sound transmission opening when the protective cover is folded over the glass. Thus, sound is transmitted to the outside of the case only when the protective cover is pivoted, thereby allowing the user to view the chiming mechanism.

[0009] Also known from DE9415102U1 is a travel or pocket alarm clock which comprises a hinged cover on the back side. This cover is attached to the shell by a snap connection so that it can be used as a support for the alarm clock.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a watch case for a wristwatch with a music or chime mechanism offering an alternative solution to the problems associated with dust and dirt, and in particular offering a solution that at least partially solves the problems mentioned above.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to propose a case for a wristwatch with a musical or chiming mechanism, which is configured so as to sustainably promote the transmission of sound vibrations outside the case. Summary of the invention

[0012] These objects are achieved in particular by a case for a wristwatch with a music or bell mechanism, the case being configured to include an acoustic membrane held by its periphery at the bottom of the case. The case comprises a cover comprising a bottom. The cover is hingedly mounted between an open position and a closed position, in which the bottom of the cover allows covering the outer face of the acoustic membrane to ensure that the membrane can vibrate freely. The case also comprises at least one sound diffusion opening.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the case comprises a plurality of openings distributed around the acoustic membrane.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the total width of the openings accounts for at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, or even at least 95% of the circumference of the acoustic membrane.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the acoustic membrane is held in place by a bottom edge that covers the perimeter of the acoustic membrane, more specifically the perimeter of the outer face of the acoustic membrane.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the watch case further comprises a seal arranged between the bottom edge of the watch case and the acoustic membrane to ensure sealing of the bottom side of the watch case.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the at least one opening consists of one or more holes having a circular or oval shape, preferably in the form of slots.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the at least one opening is constituted by one or more gaps between the bottom edge and the lid in the closed position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the at least one opening is constituted by one or more radial grooves provided on the surface of the bottom edge.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cover further comprises a rim surrounding the bottom, and a bottom support configured to space the bottom of the cover from a general plane defined by the rim surrounding the bottom. The at least one opening is located between the bottom and the rim of the cover.

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one of the bottom of the cover and the acoustic membrane is opaque, at least partially transparent, or at least partially translucent.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the watch case further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the cover in the closed position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a slider operable to open the cover.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cover is hingedly mounted on the bottom edge.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the cover is mounted in an articulated manner via a pivot joint, a ball joint or an articulation of a slide.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising the aforementioned watch case. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the description illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a watch case for a wristwatch with a music or chime mechanism according to a preferred embodiment, comprising a transparent bottom cover in an open position, - Figure 2 Shown in another direction Figure 1 Perspective view of the case in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] according to Figure 1 and 2In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the wristwatch with music or bell device comprises a watch case 10, and a watch movement (not shown) is intended to be installed inside it. The watch movement comprises a music or bell mechanism, such as a large self-sounding device or a minute repeater movement.

[0029] The watch case 10 comprises an intermediate case 12 and an acoustic membrane 28 on the bottom side, which is preferably transparent to allow the movement, in particular the hammers and gongs of the musical or bell mechanism, to be seen. The acoustic membrane is preferably in the form of a disk, the periphery of which is typically held between a bottom edge 30 of the watch case and the intermediate case 12. The bottom edge 30 is fixed to the intermediate case 12, preferably by a plurality of screws 31 that pass through the acoustic membrane from one side to the other.

[0030] Preferably, a seal (not visible in the figure) is provided between the bottom edge 30 and the periphery of the acoustic membrane 28, so that the assembly comprising the acoustic membrane 28, the bottom edge 30 and the seal ensures the sealing of the case on the bottom side. The outer surface of the membrane 28 and the outer surface of the bottom edge 30 surrounding the membrane are preferably coplanar. According to another embodiment, the outer surface of the membrane 28 may be located in a plane closer to the movement (i.e. the music or bell mechanism) than the outer surface of the bottom edge 30.

[0031] The acoustic membrane 28 must be able to vibrate freely to ensure good sound transmission between the interior and exterior of the case 10. To provide a good dynamic response, the acoustic membrane is preferably flat and made of a lightweight, rigid material such as in the form of a sapphire, mineral glass or plexiglass sheet. In the case where the acoustic membrane does not need to be transparent, it can be made of another material such as metallic glass, titanium, steel or a copper-based material.

[0032] In order to be able to vibrate freely, the acoustic membrane 28 of such a wristwatch must be isolated from the wearer's wrist. For this purpose, the case 10 includes a cover 14 designed to isolate the membrane 28 from the wrist. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 14 includes one or more sound diffusion openings 24, which are arranged around the acoustic membrane to promote the diffusion of the sound propagated by the vibration of the membrane to the outside of the case 10. The cover 14 also includes a bottom 20, such as a circular shape, and an edge 22 surrounding the bottom 20 of the cover. The bottom 20 is preferably flat.

[0033] The edge 22 of the cover 14 is preferably connected in rotation to the case, for example by means of a hinge 16 fixed to a base edge 30, so that the cover 14 can occupy a closed position and an open position. According to a variant, the cover can be pivotally mounted on the middle case 12 of the case. Instead of the hinge, it is possible to consider using other articulation mechanisms, such as a ball joint, a sliding joint, or even another pivot joint having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the general plane of the acoustic membrane, so that the cover 14 can pivot in a plane parallel to the plane of the acoustic membrane.

[0034] The cover 14 also includes a bottom support 18 mounted on the outer side 14a of the cover 14 and configured so that the bottom 20 of the cover 14 is positioned at a distance from the general plane defined by the edge 22. In the closed position, the edge 22 of the cover 14 preferably abuts against the bottom edge 30 of the case. Since the bottom 20 of the cover 14 is away from the edge 22 located at the acoustic membrane 28, a space of about a few tenths of a millimeter can be created between the bottom 20 and the acoustic membrane 28. The acoustic membrane 28 is thus protected and can vibrate freely under the action of music or a ringing mechanism.

[0035] The bottom support member may be used as a spacer, for example, and may include a plurality of legs 18 separating an edge 22 from a bottom 20. Figure 2 , these legs 18 are integral with the edge 22 and the rounded portion 21 of the bottom 20 of the cover. In the closed position, the cover preferably has a convex shape so that the distance between the plane of the membrane 28 and the plane of the bottom 20 is greater than the distance separating the plane of the membrane 28 from the plane of the edge 22. Thus, within the thickness of the cover, in particular between the legs, a sound diffusing opening in the form of a slit 24 is formed.

[0036] The number and position of the legs may vary depending on the selected configuration to define the number of slits and their corresponding lengths at the perimeter of the bottom 20. The various slits may be sized to extend along an arc around the bottom 20 when the lid 14 is in the closed position, and thus extend around the acoustic membrane 28. Together, the slits or openings may occupy or extend over at least 200°, preferably at least 300°, or even at least 340° of the perimeter of the bottom 20 or acoustic membrane. At least one of the slits 24 may extend over at least 30°, or even 60° or 90° of the perimeter of the bottom of the lid.

[0037] More generally, in particular if the base 20 or the elastic membrane 28 is not circular in shape, it may be noted that the total width of the opening 24 represents at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, or even at least 95% of the circumference of the membrane 28 or the base 20 .

[0038] According to another embodiment not shown, the openings are circular in shape and are preferably distributed in a regular manner around the periphery or circumference of the base 20 or of the acoustic membrane 28 .

[0039] According to another embodiment not shown, one or more sound openings are formed at the interface between the edge 22 of the cover 14 and the bottom edge 30 of the case when the cover is in the closed position. In this case, the cover 14 does not have any sound diffusion openings. Instead, the surface of the bottom edge 30 (which is intended to be in contact with the edge 22 of the cover 14 when the cover enters the closed position) may include at least one radial groove extending radially from the inner edge of the bottom edge 30 to the outer edge and serving as an opening 24 for diffusing sound to the outside of the case.

[0040] According to another example, not shown, when the lid 14 is in the closed position, the gap between the bottom edge 30 and the lid 14 can create at least one opening. To this end, a plurality of protrusions or other projections can act as spacers to prevent the lid edge 22 from directly contacting the bottom edge 30. These projections can be integral with the edge 22 and / or the bottom edge 30.

[0041] As a variant or complement, the cover's locking mechanism can keep cover edge 22 away from bottom edge 30 , creating at least one gap between these two parts, which serves as opening 24 when the cover is in the closed position and locked to middle case 12 or to another part of the watch case.

[0042] According to another example, edge 22 of cover 14 is hingedly mounted (for example by pivoting) on ​​bottom edge 30 or on middle case 12 of the watch case.

[0043] According to an embodiment variant not shown, the bottom support 18 may take the form of a ring having at least one radial sound diffusing opening 24. In one embodiment, the bottom support 18, the edge 22 and the circular portion 21 of the bottom 20 are made in one piece, for example by molding or galvanic growth.

[0044] In the open position of the cover 14, the outer surface (or external face) of the acoustic membrane 28, the bottom 20 on the inner side 14b of the cover and, if applicable, the openings 24 formed in the bottom support 18 or on the surface of the bottom edge 30 are advantageously directly accessible to the user. The user can thus regularly and easily clean not only these openings 24, but also the inside of the bottom 20 of the cover and the outer surface of the acoustic membrane 28, to prevent the accumulation of dust particles that could impede the visual appearance of the back of the movement as seen through the back of the cover and the membrane. In addition, cleaning the acoustic membrane allows preventing it from being clogged over time by deposited particles that could impede the optimal vibration of the membrane and affect the acoustic quality of the sound that diffuses through the sound opening or openings outside the case.

[0045] In one embodiment, the cover 14 can be held in the closed position by a locking mechanism. Figure 1In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism comprises a male element 32 and a notch 26. The male element 32 is located on the bottom edge 30, for example at the crown 34 (ie at the 3 o'clock position). This male element 32 is intended to cooperate with a notch 26 located opposite it on the edge 22 of the cover (in particular on its inner side 14 b). This cooperation allows the cover 14 to be locked to the intermediate case 12, in particular to the bottom edge 30 integral with the intermediate case.

[0046] In this example, the notch 26 is diametrically opposite the hinge 16 of the lid 14. The opening of the lid 14 may be achieved, for example, via a slider 35 located at the crown 34. According to a variant, the opening of the lid may be achieved by actuating the crown to a predetermined axial position.

[0047] According to a preferred form, the bottom 20 of the cover 14 and the acoustic membrane 28 are transparent or partially transparent to allow the movement to be seen from the bottom without opening the cover. The bottom is made of sapphire glass, for example. As a variant, at least one of the bottom 20 and the acoustic membrane can be at least partially translucent or opaque. As a variant or supplement to these embodiments, at least one of the bottom 20 and the acoustic membrane 28 can include, for example, a decoration or engraving.

[0048] The bottom of the cover of the watch case can have other visual appearances according to different implementation variants. For example, the bottom can be transparent glass with a decal, a marking preferably made with a laser, or any other pattern created by various methods. It is also conceivable to use frosted glass for the bottom, frosted glass with or without transparent areas in some places, use glass with a gradient from opaque to transparent, or even use smoked glass. Parts List Case 10 Intermediate shell 12 Cover 14 Outer side 14a Medial 14b Hinged member 16 (eg hinged) bottom support member 18 bottom 20 Round part 21 Edge 22 Opening 24 Notch 26 Transparent film 28 Bottom edge 30 Screw 31 Convex element 32 Crown 34 Slider 35

Claims

1. A watch case (10) for a wristwatch having a music or ringing mechanism, constructed to include a sound membrane (28), the sound membrane (28) being retained at the bottom of the watch case (10) by its periphery, the case comprising a cover (14) having a bottom (20), the cover (14) being hingedly mounted between an open position and a closed position, in which the bottom (20) of the cover (14) allows the outer surface of the sound membrane (28) to be covered to ensure that the membrane can vibrate freely, and when the cover (14) is in the closed position, the watch case (10) further comprises at least one sound diffusion opening (14).

2. The watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of openings (24) distributed around the acoustic membrane (28).

3. A watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The total width of the opening (24) accounts for at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, or even at least 95% of the circumference of the acoustic membrane (28).

4. Watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The acoustic membrane (28) is held in place by a bottom edge (30) that covers the perimeter of the acoustic membrane (28).

5. The watch case (10) according to claim 4 further comprises a seal arranged between a bottom edge (30) of the watch case (10) and the acoustic membrane (28) to ensure sealing of the bottom side of the watch case.

6. Watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one opening (24) consists of one or more holes having a circular or oval shape, preferably in the form of slots.

7. The watch case (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The at least one opening (24) is formed by one or more gaps between the bottom edge (30) and the lid (14) in the closed position.

8. The watch case (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The at least one opening (24) is formed by one or more radial grooves provided on the surface of the bottom edge (30).

9. Watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (14) also includes a rim (22) surrounding the bottom (20), and a bottom support (18) configured such that the bottom (20) of the cover (14) is spaced apart from a general plane defined by the rim (22) surrounding the bottom, and the at least one opening (24) is located between the bottom (20) and the rim (22) of the cover.

10. Watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the bottom (20) of the cover (14) and the acoustic membrane (28) is opaque, at least partially transparent, or at least partially translucent.

11. Watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the cover (14) in the closed position.

12. Watch case (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a slider (35) operable to open the cover (14).

13. A watch case (10) according to any one of claims 4, 5, 7 or 8, or any one of claims 6, 9, 10, 11 or 12 in combination with any one of claims 4, 5, 7 or 8, wherein: The cover (14) is hingedly mounted on the bottom edge (30).

14. Watch case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (14) is mounted in an articulated manner via an articulated member (16) of a pivot joint, a ball joint or a slider.

15. A wristwatch comprising a case (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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