Watch cases and timepieces incorporating such watch cases

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch case (1) and a timepiece comprising such a watch case (1), the watch case (1) comprising a watch mirror (2) and a rotating bezel (3). It is notably characterized in that one of the watch mirror and the rotating bezel comprises at least one elastic sheet (4) arranged to engage with a tooth (5) comprised by the other of the watch mirror and the rotating bezel to angularly index the position of the rotating bezel relative to the watch mirror and thus relative to the intermediate part. Preferably, the at least one elastic sheet (4) extends from the watch mirror (2), and the teeth are defined by the rotating bezel (3) and located on the inner side of the rotating bezel. In one advantageous variant, the rotating bezel (3) and the watch mirror (2) are arranged such that the rotating bezel can be snapped onto the watch mirror.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202511503228.7 (22) Application Date 2025.10.21 (30) Priority Data 24209252.6 2024.10.28 EP (71) Applicant ETA Swiss Watch Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Address Switzerland (72) Inventor R. Balmer A. Keller (74) Patent Agency Beijing Zhongzi Law Firm 11247 Patent Attorney Gao Meiyan Wan Liujun (51) Int.Cl. G04B 19 / 28 (2006.01) G04B 37 / 18 (2006.01) (54) Title of Invention: Watch Case and Watch Including the Watch Case (57) Abstract: This invention relates to a watch case (1) and a watch including the watch case (1), the watch case (1) comprising a crystal (2) and a rotating bezel (3). A significant feature is that one of the crystal and the rotating bezel includes at least one resilient sheet (4) arranged to engage with teeth (5) included in the other of the crystal and the rotating bezel to angularly grade the position of the rotating bezel relative to the crystal and thus relative to an intermediate component. Preferably, the at least one resilient sheet (4) extends from the crystal (2), and the teeth are defined by the rotating bezel (3) and located inside the rotating bezel. In an advantageous variation, the rotating bezel (3) and the crystal (2) are arranged such that the rotating bezel can be snapped onto the crystal. Claims 1 page, Description 3 pages, Drawings 3 pages, CN 121934339 A 2026.04.28 CN 1 21 93 43 39 A 1. A watch case (1) comprising a crystal (2) and a rotating bezel (3), characterized in that one of the crystal (2) and the rotating bezel (3) comprises at least one resilient sheet (4), the at least one resilient sheet (4) being arranged to engage with a tooth (5) included in the other of the crystal (2) and the rotating bezel (3) to angularly divide the position of the rotating bezel (3) relative to the crystal (2). 2. The watch case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one resilient sheet (4) and the tooth (5) are arranged to form a unidirectional device, such that the rotating bezel (3) is rotatable in a single direction, particularly counterclockwise. 3. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one elastic sheet (4) extends from the crystal (2), and the teeth are defined by the rotating bezel (3) and located inside the rotating bezel. 4. The watch case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating bezel (3) is pivotally...5. The watch case (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotating bezel (3) and the watch crystal (2) are arranged such that the rotating bezel can be snapped onto the watch crystal. 6. The watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one elastic sheet (4) is arranged to deform in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating bezel, and the tooth (5) is arranged above the at least one elastic sheet. 7. The watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one elastic sheet (4) is arranged to deform in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating bezel (2), and the tooth (5) is arranged at a corresponding position on the at least one elastic sheet and located on the outer periphery of the at least one elastic sheet. 8. The watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the watch case includes at least three elastic sheets (4) engaging with the tooth (5). 9. A watch, characterized in that the watch includes a watch case according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Claims 1 / 1 page 2 CN 121934339 A Watch case and watchmaking technology including the watch case

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical watches. More specifically, the present invention relates to a watch case fitted with a rotating bezel. Background Art

[0002] There are many exemplary embodiments of watches with rotating bezels. The rotating bezel is generally rotatably fitted to the middle part of the watch case. These rotating bezels generally have minute scales, providing a simple means of timing or indicating a second time zone. In order to keep the rotating bezel in place, a graduated device is provided, which allows the bezel to be positioned at a predetermined angular position, particularly 60 positions. The graduated device is made of a flexible sheet, which acts as a pawl abutting against the teeth. The teeth are fixed to the rotating bezel by either being formed directly on the invisible inner surface of the bezel or forming on an attachment ring assembled with the bezel and thus forming part of the bezel. Flexible sheet-like elements extend from an annular element, which is typically made of steel and fixed to the intermediate component.

[0003] Application EP2672333 provides an example of a rotating bezel pivotally mounted on the intermediate component and its indexing mechanism. It consists of added teeth and a ring with three flexible sheet-like elements forming pawls.

[0004] Application EP0573386 describes a specific embodiment in which the rotating bezel is sandwiched between the intermediate component and the upper annular protrusion of the watch crystal. As in other embodiments, the inner surface of the rotating bezel includes teeth. An annular element comprising four flexible sheet-like elements is disposed between the intermediate component and the bezel.

[0005] These designs have many drawbacks, especially for watches with plastic cases. The use of additional components increases the complexity and cost of the watch. In particular, the ring must be securely fastened to the central component so that the rotating bezel can be graduated. In addition, the ring is generally made of metal. If the flexible sheet is metal, the teeth should also be made of metal to avoid premature wear.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the various defects of the prior art and to provide a watch case with a rotating bezel that is made of a small number of specific components and is relatively inexpensive. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main object of the present invention is achieved by a watch case comprising a crystal and a rotating bezel, one of which includes at least one elastic sheet arranged to engage with the teeth included in the other of the crystal and the rotating bezel to grade the position of the rotating bezel relative to the crystal.

[0008] The watch case design according to the present invention makes it easy and cost-effective to achieve the angular graduation of the bezel relative to the crystal.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the at least one elastic sheet and the teeth are arranged to form a unidirectional system, such that the rotating bezel can rotate in a single direction, preferably counterclockwise.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one elastic sheet extends from the watch crystal, and the teeth are defined by the rotating bezel and located inside the rotating bezel.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotating bezel is pivotally mounted on the watch crystal. In particular, the rotating bezel and the watch crystal are arranged such that the rotating bezel can be snapped onto the watch crystal.

[0012] According to a first general embodiment of the invention, the at least one elastic sheet is arranged to deform in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel, and the teeth are arranged above the at least one elastic sheet.

[0013] According to a second general embodiment of the invention, the at least one elastic sheet is arranged to deform in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel, and the teeth are arranged at corresponding positions of the at least one elastic sheet and located on the outer periphery of the at least one elastic sheet.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the case includes at least three elastic sheets that engage with the teeth.

[0015] The invention also relates to a watch comprising the aforementioned case. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Certain objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent from the various embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rotating bezel and watch crystal in a separate configuration prior to assembly, forming a case assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the watch crystal near the elastic plate included in the watch crystal;

[0019] Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the watch crystal and rotating bezel assembled in the watch case in the first embodiment at the location of the teeth and elastic plate;

[0020] Figure 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the watch crystal and rotating bezel assembled on the watch crystal in the watch case in the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of an assembly including a watch crystal and a rotating bezel forming a watch case according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0022] Figures 1 to 4 show an assembly consisting of a watch crystal 2 forming a watch case 1 and a rotating bezel 3 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The assembly is designed to enclose the middle part of the watch. The watch crystal 2 will be fixed to the middle part by adhesive, welding or any other suitable means. Only the watch crystal and the rotating bezel are shown in the figures. Other parts of the watch case 1 are known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] The rotating bezel 3 is designed to be directly mounted on the watch crystal 2 in a pivotable manner. For this purpose, the watch crystal includes a lateral protrusion 6 extending around its outer periphery, while the inner surface of the rotating bezel 3 includes a continuous or multi-segment lower flange 7. The bevels on the lateral protrusion 6 and the lower flange 7 facilitate press-fitting of the rotating bezel onto the watch crystal. Therefore, pressing along the rotation axis of the bezel allows the rotating bezel to snap onto the watch crystal.

[0024] The rotating bezel 3 has teeth 5 formed on its inner side. The innovation lies in that the watch crystal 2 includes at least one resilient sheet 4 arranged to engage with the teeth 5 formed on the inner surface of the rotating bezel 3. In the first embodiment shown, four resilient sheets 4 are provided, arranged to deform in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating bezel, the teeth being arranged at corresponding positions / heights of the resilient sheets and located on the outer periphery of the resilient sheets. In the preferred variant shown, the resilient sheets 4 extend from the watch crystal 2. In other words, the elastic sheet 4 is integrally formed with the watch crystal 2, which is preferably made of plastic. Advantageously, the rotating bezel is also made of plastic.

[0025] FIG3 shows an enlarged view of the elastic sheet 4 and the teeth 5. The pressure applied by the elastic sheet to the teeth enables the rotating bezel to be indexed relative to the watch crystal at a predetermined angular position, thereby indexing relative to the intermediate component.

[0026] In the variant embodiment shown, the teeth 5 have a serrated profile, which, together with the elastic sheet 4, constitutes a unidirectional system, allowing the watch crystal to rotate only in one direction. In this example, the rotating bezel 3 can only rotate counterclockwise.

[0027] Of course, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular tooth, but covers any other type of profile capable of achieving angular indexing of the rotating bezel.

[0028] In a variation of the first embodiment (not shown), the resilient sheet can be positioned at the same height as the lateral protrusion to reduce the thickness of the crystal and bezel.

[0029] Preferably, the crystal 2 is injection molded from plastic. To facilitate mold production, the lateral protrusion 6 is broken at the resilient sheet 4.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the rotating bezel and crystal system according to the invention, wherein the resilient sheet 4 is arranged to deform in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the bezel. Teeth 5 are correspondingly formed to engage with the resilient sheet 4 and to achieve angular division of the rotating bezel 3. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the teeth are arranged above the resilient sheet. The serrated profile of the teeth allows the rotation of the bezel to be restricted to a counterclockwise direction.

[0031] The invention also relates to other embodiments (not shown). Thus, the resilient sheet can be carried by the rotating bezel, and the crystal is formed with teeth. Preferably, the resilient sheet extends from the rotating bezel and is located inside it. In other words, the elastic sheet is made of the same material as the rotating bezel. As shown in the embodiment, the elastic sheet can deform in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel. The rotating bezel with the elastic sheet can be produced by injection molding or additive manufacturing methods. The rotating bezel is preferably made of plastic.

[0032] The present invention enables the production of components including the watch crystal and the rotating bezel with relatively few resources, eliminates the risks associated with using additional metal rings, and simplifies the operations involved in assembling a watch. Instruction manual, page 3 / 3, CN 121934339 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, page 1 / 3, CN 121934339 A, Figure 2; Figure 3; Instruction manual, page 2 / 3, CN 121934339 A, Figure 4; Figure 5; Instruction manual, page 3 / 3, CN 121934339 A, CN 121934339 A. Abstract: The present invention relates to a watch case (1) and to a timepiece comprising such a watch case (1). The watch case (1) includes a crystal (2) and a rotating bezel (3). A notable feature thereof lies in that one of the crystal and the rotating bezel comprises at least one elastic leaf-like element (4), the at least one elastic...leaf-like element being arranged to engage with tooth portions (5) included in the other of the crystal and the rotating bezel, so as to provide angular indexing of the position of the rotating bezel relative to the crystal and thus relative to an intermediate member. Preferably, the at least one elastic leaf-like element (4) extends from the crystal (2), and the tooth portions are defined by the rotating bezel (3) and are located on the inner side of said rotating bezel. In an advantageous variant, the rotating bezel (3) and the crystal (2) are arranged such that the rotating bezel is snap-fitted onto the crystal.

Claims

1. A watch case (1) comprising a crystal (2) and a rotating bezel (3), characterized in that, One of the watch crystal (2) and the rotating bezel (3) includes at least one elastic sheet (4), which is arranged to engage with a tooth (5) included in the other of the watch crystal (2) and the rotating bezel (3) to angularly divide the position of the rotating bezel (3) relative to the watch crystal (2).

2. The watch case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one elastic sheet (4) and the teeth (5) are arranged to form a unidirectional device, such that the rotating bezel (3) can rotate in a single direction, particularly counterclockwise.

3. The watch case (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one elastic sheet (4) extends from the watch crystal (2), and the teeth are defined by the rotating bezel (3) and located inside the rotating bezel.

4. The watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating bezel (3) is pivotally mounted on the watch crystal (2).

5. The watch case (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotating bezel (3) and the watch crystal (2) are arranged such that the rotating bezel can be snapped onto the watch crystal.

6. The watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one elastic sheet (4) is arranged to deform in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel, and the teeth (5) are arranged above the at least one elastic sheet.

7. The watch case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one elastic sheet (4) is arranged to deform in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel (2), and the teeth (5) are arranged at corresponding positions of the at least one elastic sheet and located on the outer periphery of the at least one elastic sheet.

8. The watch case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The case includes at least three resilient sheet-like elements (4) that engage with the teeth (5).

9. A clock, characterized in that, The watch includes a case according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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