Rotating bezel for watch cases

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotating bezel (10) for a watch case, the bezel comprising a first axis (A10) and a single frustoconical surface (1a) centred on the first axis and intended to be acted upon by at least one pressure element (51) at the interface (110) between the bezel (10) and the watch case body (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating bezel for a watch case. The present invention also relates to a watch case including the rotating bezel. Finally, the present invention relates to a watch including the watch case or the rotating bezel.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bezel design in which the annular cross-section is minimized and its surface area is also minimized so as to be disposed on an annular seating portion of a body. Such a bezel includes indexing means and guiding and / or braking means arranged on the same radius centered on the axis of the bezel. This is enabled by an indexing tooth stop passing through the ring so as to cooperate with the insertion of a ring disposed at the interface between a spiral return spring (disposed on the annular seating portion of the body) and the bottom surface of the bezel and an indexing tooth row disposed on the bottom surface of the bezel on the bezel radius. Although the solution is completely efficient, it is possible to further improve the efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a rotating bezel for a watch case that can improve a system known from the prior art. Specifically, the present invention proposes a rotating bezel that is simple, reliable, and has a minimized radial volume.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The rotating bezel according to the present invention is defined in claim 1.

[0006] Various bezel embodiments are described in the claim. 2 It is defined.

[0007] The watch case according to the present invention is as described in the claim. 3 It is defined as follows.

[0008] Various embodiments of watch cases are described in the claim. 4 from 16 It is defined as follows.

[0009] The clock according to the present invention is, 17 to 19 It is defined as follows.

[0010] The attached drawings illustrate two embodiments of the clock as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top view of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the first embodiment of the watch with the bezel removed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the bezel of the first embodiment of the watch. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a radial partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the clock, taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a radial partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the clock on the VV plane of Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a radial partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is another radial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a bottom view of the bezel of the second embodiment of the watch. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a radial section cross-sectional view of a modified example of the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is another radial cross-sectional view of a modified example of the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of a bezel of a modification of the second embodiment of the clock.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A first embodiment of the clock 200 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0013] The clock 2 is, for example, a small clock, specifically a wristwatch.

[0014] The clock 200 includes a clock movement that is intended to be mounted within the clock case 100 to protect itself from the external environment.

[0015] The clock movement may be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, especially an automatic movement.

[0016] The clock case - a body portion 3, - a bezel 10, - a back cover portion, - a glass 8, and includes. [[ID=##]]<00##102> The bezel is a rotating bezel, that is, a bezel that is rotatable about an axis A10 with respect to the rest of the clock case, especially with respect to the body portion 3 on which it is mounted.

[0018] An annular seat portion 3a is provided on the body portion 3, which can be seen particularly in FIG. 2. The seat portion 3a includes different housings 31, 32, 33 in which pressing elements 51, 52, 53 such as balls respectively mounted on spiral springs 61, 62, 63 are arranged. The seat portion 3a also includes a housing

[0019]

[0019] The rotating bezel 10 for the case 100 of the clock 200 is - a first axis A10, - Centered on the first axis A10, a single frustoconical surface 1a is formed at the interface 110 between the bezel 10 and the body 3, particularly at the interface 110 between the bezel 10 and the seat portion 3a of the body 3, which is intended to be acted upon by at least one pressing element 51, 52, 53. Includes.

[0020] Preferably, the bezel has a rotational shape around axis A10 or a substantially rotational shape.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the bezel 10 is, for example, - Bezel ring 1 and, - At least one decorative element 2, Includes.

[0022] Ring 1 is, - The upper surface 10b is recessed to receive at least one decorative element 2, in particular a jewel 2, - A base surface 10a having a frustoconical surface 1a, Includes.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a radial cross-section of the watch, passing through the axis A31 of the housing 31 formed on the annular seat 3a of the case 3. The ball 51 is pressed against the frustoconical surface 1a by the spring 61. Thus, a point contact is formed between the ball 51 and the frustoconical surface 1a. This also applies to the other pressing elements 52, 53, which are elastically returned against the frustoconical surface 1a by their own springs 62, 63, respectively. The frustoconical surface 1a formed on the bottom surface 10a of the bezel 10 is located here on a first radius R1 centered on the axis A10 of the bezel 10.

[0024] Preferably, the frustoconical surface 1a forms an angle α between 30° and 80° (half-angle at the apex of the frustoconical surface) with respect to a vector z positioned along or in conjunction with the direction of axis A10. By convention, the vector z is directed from the bottom of the case 100 to the glass of the case 100. In the illustrated first embodiment, the frustoconical surface 1a is oriented toward axis A10 in the direction defined by vector z. In other words, the single frustoconical surface 1a has an apex directed toward the top of the bezel. The top of the bezel here corresponds to the upper surface of the bezel, i.e., the visible surface of the bezel when the bezel is mounted on the body. In other words, the apex of the conical surface of the extension of the single frustoconical surface is located above the visible surface of the bezel.

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a radial cross-section of the clock passing through axis A4. The shaft 4 includes a first operating part 4a of the clock movement located at the first longitudinal end and a second part 4b located at the second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end. The part 4b is provided to be actuated by an operating element 1b of the ring 1 of the bezel 10. The operating element 1b is located on a second circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a second radius R2.

[0026] Shaft 4 is positioned, for example, on a third circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a third radius R3. More specifically, the third circle passes through axis A4 of shaft 4.

[0027] For example, these elements 1b take the form of pins or studs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 as shown in Figure 3, which are provided to cooperate with a Maltese cross or pinion formed on the second portion 4b of the shaft 4 as shown in Figure 5. These pins protrude from the bottom surface 10a of the bezel 10 toward the annular seat 3a of the barrel 3 and are positioned on a second circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a second radius R2.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the first radius R1 is smaller than the second radius R2. Depending on preference, the ratio of radius R2 / R1 may be less than 1.2 or less than 1.1.

[0029] In the first embodiment of the illustrated bezel 10, the pins 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are distributed across the angular segment S1 of the bottom surface 10a of the bezel. Of course, these pins may be distributed throughout the entire rotation of the bezel, and moreover, evenly distributed. These pins may be manufactured integrally with the ring 1 of the bezel 10. Alternatively, these pins may be pressed into or riveted, brazed, or welded to the bezel ring or the bezel.

[0030] The guidance and / or braking of the bezel 10 is applied through a frustoconical surface 1a, which cooperates with pressing elements 51, 52, and 53 mounted on their respective helical springs 61, 62, and 63. The pressing elements press against the frustoconical surface. The arrangement of the frustoconical surface 1a and the pressing elements generates a mechanical force from the pressing elements to the frustoconical surface 1a, having a radial component relative to axis A10 and directed outward from the case. Such a configuration makes it possible to generate suitable rotational guidance for the bezel around axis A10 relative to the case.

[0031] The angular indexing of the bezel 10 with respect to axis A10 is applied by a recess 11a (particularly visible in Figure 3) which is locally formed on the frustoconical surface 10a and is intended to cooperate with the pressing elements 51, 52, and 53 under the influence of the helical springs 61, 62, and 63. For this reason, the frustoconical surface does not need to be continuous and may consist of several parts of the surface arranged on the same cone. Such indexing makes it possible to position the bezel 10 at one or more stable angular positions corresponding to one or more watch movement function selections. Of course, such angular indexing is not mandatory.

[0032] The bezel 10 is maintained vertically on the glass 8 by a ring 7 added to the body 3 via case sealing gaskets 91, 92. The gasket consists of, for example, a seal 91 and a ring 92. More specifically, the bezel 10 includes a groove 1c, in particular the ring 1, which is intended to accommodate at least a portion of the ring 7.

[0033] A second embodiment of clock 200' will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0034] A watch of the 200s is, for example, a small watch, especially a wristwatch.

[0035] The watch 200' includes a watch movement, which is intended to be housed within the watch case 100' to protect itself from the external environment.

[0036] The watch movement may be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, and in particular an automatic movement.

[0037] The watch case 100' is - Torso 3' and, - Bezel 10' and, - The back cover and, - Glass 8' and, Includes.

[0038] The bezel is a rotating bezel, meaning it is a bezel that rotates around axis A10' relative to the rest of the watch case, and especially relative to the barrel 3' on which it is mounted.

[0039] The body 3' is provided with annular seat portions 3a', which include different housings 31', 32', and 33', each containing pressing elements 51', 52', and 53', such as balls mounted on helical springs 61', 62', and 63', respectively. The seat portions 3a' also include a housing 34', which houses a shaft 4' on an axis A4' parallel or substantially parallel to the rotation axis A10' of the bezel 10'. The shaft 4' is translationally movable on axis A4'.

[0040] A 10-inch rotating bezel for a 100-inch watch case is, - First axis A10', - Centered on the first axis A10', a single frustoconical surface 1a' is formed at the interface 110' between the bezel 10' and the body 3', particularly at the interface 110' between the bezel 10' and the seat portion 3a' of the body 3', which is intended to be acted upon by at least one pressing element 51', 52', 53', Includes.

[0041] Preferably, the bezel has a rotational shape around axis A10' or a substantially rotational shape.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the bezel 10' is, for example, - The first bezel ring, especially the lower ring, - The second bezel ring '99, especially the upper ring, - A disc-like, or at least one decorative element 2', Includes.

[0043] For example, the second bezel ring 99' is held in place by the action of at least one decorative element 2'. For example, the decorative element 2' is snapped onto the first ring 1', and the second ring 99' is housed and held between the first ring 1' and the decorative element 2'.

[0044] The first ring 1' is, - The upper surface 10b' is recessed to receive the second ring 99', - A base surface 10a' having a frustoconical surface 1a', Includes.

[0045] Figure 6 illustrates a radial cross-section of the watch, passing through the axis A31' of the housing 31' formed on the annular seat 3a' of the case 3'. The ball 51' is pressed against the frustoconical surface 1a' by the spring 61'. Optionally, the case 100' includes at least three balls 51', 52', 53', each elastically returned by springs 61', 62', 63'. A point contact is formed between the ball 51' and the frustoconical surface 1a'. This also applies advantageously to other pressing elements 52', 53', each elastically returned against the frustoconical surface 1a' by its own springs 62', 63'. The frustoconical surface 1a' formed on the bottom surface 10a' of the first bezel ring 1' is located here on a first circle with a first radius R1', centered on the axis A10' of the bezel 10'.

[0046] Preferably, the frustoconical surface 1a' forms an angle α' between 30° and 80° (half-angle at the apex of the frustoconical surface) with respect to a vector z' positioned along or in conjunction with axis A10'. By convention, the vector z' is directed from the bottom of case 100' to the glass 8' of case 100'. In the illustrated second embodiment, the frustoconical surface 1a' is oriented toward axis A10' in the direction defined by vector z'. In other words, the single frustoconical surface 1a' has an apex directed toward the top of the bezel.

[0047] The shaft 4', housed within the opening 34' of the annular seat 3a' of the body 3', is arranged to cooperate with the edge teeth 1b' formed on the bottom surface 10a' of the bezel 10', as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the first longitudinal end 4a' of the shaft 4' contacts the helical spring 64', allowing the helical spring to elastically return the second longitudinal end 4b' of the shaft 4' to the teeth 1b' of the bezel 10'. Thus, the shaft 4' is capable of translational displacement in a direction parallel to its axis A4', under the combined effect of the teeth 1b' of the bezel 10' and the spring 64'.

[0048] The shaft 4' is positioned, for example, on a third circle centered on the first axis A10' and having a third radius R3'. More specifically, the third circle passes through axis A4' of the shaft 4'.

[0049] In particular, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 7, the spring 64' is housed in an opening 41' formed in the end 4a' of the shaft 4'. Furthermore, the end 4b' takes the shape of teeth 4b'.

[0050] The tooth row 1b' may or may not be symmetrical. The tooth row 4b' may or may not be symmetrical. Furthermore, the tooth row is positioned on the second radius R2' of the second circle, which is centered on the axis of rotation A10' of the bezel 10'.

[0051] The guiding and / or braking of the bezel 10' is applied through a frustoconical surface 1a', which cooperates with pressing elements 51', 52', 53' mounted on its own helical springs 61', 62', 63'. The pressing elements press against the frustoconical surface 1a'. The arrangement of the frustoconical surface 1a' and the pressing elements generates a mechanical force from the pressing elements to the frustoconical surface 1a', having a radial component relative to the axis A10' and directed outward from the case. Such a configuration makes it possible to generate suitable rotational guidance for the bezel around the axis A10' relative to the case.

[0052] Such a design allows the surface 1a' and element 1b', and the balls 51', 52', 53' and shaft 4', to be placed on radii R1' and R2', respectively, that are close or very close.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the first radius R1' is greater than the second radius R2'. Depending on preference, the ratio of radii R1' / R2' may be less than 1.2 or less than 1.1.

[0054] Similar to the first embodiment, the axial retention of the bezel 10' is defined by a ring 7' added to the case body 3' via a case sealing packing at the glass 8'. The sealing packing consists of a seal 91' and a ring 92'. More specifically, the first and second rings 1' and 99' form a groove 1c' which is provided to accommodate at least a portion of the ring 7'.

[0055] A modification of the second embodiment of the clock 200' is described below with reference to Figures 9 to 11. In this modification, the second bezel ring 99' is characterized by including a row of teeth 1b' formed on the bottom surface 10a' of the bezel 10'. Such a modification is particularly advantageous in that it simplifies the shape of the first bezel ring 1', and therefore simplifies its machining. Since the first ring is positioned around the second ring, particularly with respect to axis A10', the first ring can be viewed as an outer ring and the second ring as an inner ring overall.

[0056] For example, the second bezel ring 99' is held in place of the first bezel ring 1' by the action of at least one decorative element 2'. For example, the decorative element 2' is snapped onto the first ring 1', and the second ring 99' is housed and held between the first ring 1' and the decorative element 2'. In this case, the second ring is guided into the first ring from above, and the rings abut each other with the surface of the second ring facing downwards and the surface of the first ring facing upwards (in the direction defined by vector z'), so the first ring can be seen as a complementary or alternative lower ring, and the second ring can be seen as an upper ring.

[0057] Alternatively or complementary, ring 99' may be fixed to ring 1' by any other means, such as by driving, riveting, welding, or brazing. To ensure rotational fixation of the first ring 1' with ring 99', ring 99' may include an angle contact element. For example, ring 1' may include a round projection 1c' projecting toward axis A10', provided to cooperate with an opening 99c' formed on the outer circumference of ring 99', as can be seen in Figure 11. Advantageously, the opening 99c' has a shape that complements the shape of the round projection 1c'. Of course, the round projection may be formed on ring 99' and the opening on ring 1'.

[0058] Preferably, as used herein, “ring seat” is understood to mean the receiving surface of the bezel. Optionally, the surface forms a single integral part of the case. Optionally, the surface as a whole is positioned perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bezel, except in particular a frustoconical surface having a specific orientation according to the present invention.

[0059] Preferably, as used herein, “radial section” is understood to mean a section on a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the bezel. In other words, the axis of rotation of the bezel is included in that plane.

[0060] Preferably, in this specification, “guide and / or braking surface” is understood to mean a surface provided for cooperation with a guide and / or braking element. These elements may take the form of a ball that is elastically returned by one or more springs.

[0061] Preferably, in this specification, “radius” is understood to preferably mean the median radius. More specifically, the first radii R1, R1' through which the frustoconical surfaces 1a, 1a' pass correspond to the radii that divide the frustoconical surfaces 1a, 1a' into two parts of equal or substantially equal area. Furthermore, the second radius R2 through which element 1b passes corresponds more specifically to the radii that pass through the centers of the pins or studs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Furthermore, the second radius R2' through which element 1b passes corresponds to the radius that divides the marginal dentition 1b' into two parts of equal or substantially equal area.

[0062] In this specification, “angle indexing” or “bezel indexing” is understood to mean the definition of various stable angular positions of the bezel relative to the barrel. These stable positions may be separated by a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions or two indexed positions or two indexed positions, the bezel temporarily passes through a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. The bezel may leave a stable position only when a torque exceeding a threshold torque is applied to the bezel, but may leave an unstable position when a torque less than the threshold torque is applied to the bezel.

[0063] In this specification, the terms "first radius," "second radius," and "third radius" are used to distinguish them from each other and do not have a temporary or location-related meaning.

[0064] In the two embodiments described, the pressing element is a ball. However, the pressing element, or a particular pressing element, may be a stud or shaft, in particular a stud or shaft having a hemispherical or substantially hemispherical end.

[0065] In the two embodiments described, three pressing elements were implemented. However, a small watch case may have three or more pressing elements acting on the bezel, in particular four, five, or six pressing elements.

[0066] Whatever the embodiment or modification, the various pressing elements are preferably evenly distributed around the axis A10;A10', i.e., the pressing elements are symmetrically arranged with respect to one or more planes passing through the axis A10;A10', or according to rotational symmetry around the axis A10;A10'.

[0067] In the two embodiments described, the single frustoconical surface has an apex directed toward the top of the bezel. However, the single frustoconical surface may alternatively have an apex directed toward the bottom of the bezel. The bottom of the bezel here corresponds to the bottom of the bezel, i.e., the surface of the bezel that is not visible when the bezel is mounted on the case. In other words, the apex of the conical surface of the extension of the single frustoconical surface is located below the bottom of the bezel. In such embodiments, the arrangement of the frustoconical surface and the pressing element generates a mechanical force from the pressing element toward the frustoconical surface, having a radial component relative to axis A10;A10' and directed toward the inside of the case.

[0068] In whatever embodiment or variation thereof, the bezel may display time or time-derived information. Such information may be borne by the decorative elements of the bezel.

[0069] In the two embodiments described, the mechanical action exerted by the pressing element on the frustoconical surface is a contact action. However, the action may alternatively be a distance action, such as a magnetic force.

[0070] Whatever the embodiment or modification, the rotating bezel includes a single frustoconical surface 1a centered on the first axis A10;A10' and intended to be acted upon by at least one pressing element. This excludes the rotating bezel from including two frustoconical surfaces, each centered on the first axis and intended to be acted upon by a pressing element. This specifically excludes two frustoconical surfaces centered on the first axis, forming a radial bezel cross section having a V-shape, to which one or more pressing elements can simultaneously press two sides of the V. As stated above, a single frustoconical surface can be composed of several parts of the same conical surface. Due to such a shape, it is possible to limit the radial volume required for the implementation of the bezel guiding and indexing means. In particular, this allows the frustoconical surface to coexist with bezel indexing and / or acting elements, providing at least a level of performance equivalent to known solutions from the prior art in terms of guiding and / or braking, especially for bezels with a small surface area, particularly the base. The annular cross-section of the bezel according to the present invention can therefore be minimized. Such a design is particularly advantageous in defining a rotating bezel and / or a set rotating bezel that is positioned in a small-diameter case and has a body portion including an annular seat portion with a minimized cross-section.

Claims

1. A rotating bezel (10;10') for a watch case (200;200'), The first axis (A10; A10'), Centered on the first axis, a single frustoconical surface (1a; 1a') is intended to be acted upon by at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53; 51', 52', 53') at the interface (110; 110') between the bezel (10; 10') and the case (100, 100') of the watch (200; 200'), and Includes, The single frustoconical surface has a vertex that points toward the bottom of the bezel. Bezel.

2. The single frustoconical surface (1a; 1a') has an angle (α; α') between 30° and 80° with respect to the axis (A10; A10'). The bezel according to claim 1.

3. A watch case (100; 100') comprising a body (3; 3') and a bezel (10; 10') according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The interface (110;110') between the bezel (10;10') and the body (3;3') includes at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53: 51', 52', 53'), wherein the at least one pressing element is intended to press against the single frustoconical surface (1a;1a'), The watch case according to claim 3.

5. A device comprising a body (3; 3'), a bezel (10; 10'), at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53: 51', 52', 53') at the interface (110; 110') between the bezel (10; 10') and the body (3; 3'), and a spring (61, 62, 63, 61', 62', 63'), The bezel (10;10') is a rotating bezel (10;10') of a watch (200;200') case (100;100'), The first axis (A10; A10'), Centered on the first axis, at the interface (110; 110') between the bezel (10; 10') and the case (100, 100') of the watch (200; 200'), there is a single frustoconical surface (1a; 1a') that is intended to be acted upon by the at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53; 51', 52', 53') and Includes, The at least one pressing element is intended to press the single frustoconical surface (1a; 1a') by the spring. Watch case (100; 100').

6. The single frustoconical surface (1a; 1a') has an angle (α; α') between 30° and 80° with respect to the axis (A10; A10'), The watch case according to claim 5.

7. The single frustoconical surface has a vertex that points towards the top of the bezel, The watch case according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The single frustoconical surface has a vertex that points toward the bottom of the bezel, The watch case according to claim 5 or 6.

9. The at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53; 51' 52' 53') includes a pressing element having a ball or semi-shape or effectively hemispherical end, A watch case according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53; 51', 52', 53') is positioned on a first circle having its center on the first axis (A10; A10') and a first radius (R1; R1'), A watch case according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

11. A shaft (4; 4) having a second axis (A4; A4') parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis (A10; A10'), The bezel includes an indexing or operating element (1b; 1b') centered on the first axis (A10; A10') and positioned on a second circle having a second radius (R2; R2'), The shaft (4; 4') is arranged to cooperate with the indexing or operating element (1b; 1b'), and the shaft (4; 4') is centered on the first axis (A10; A10') and positioned on a third circle having a third radius (R3; R3'). A watch case according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

12. The shaft (4) is a shaft that is rotatable around the second axis (A4). The watch case according to claim 11.

13. The indexing or operating element (1b) takes the shape of a pin provided to cooperate with a pinion (4b) or Maltese cross (4b) fixed to the shaft (4). The watch case according to claim 12.

14. The shaft (4') is a shaft that is translatably movable on the second axis (A4'), The watch case according to claim 13.

15. The indexing or operating element (1b') forms a toothed row provided to cooperate with the teeth (4b') fixed to the shaft (4'), The watch case according to claim 14.

16. The largest radius of the first and second radii. of The minimum radius of the first and second radii mentioned above. The ratio to is less than 1.

2. The watch case according to claim 11, referencing claim 10.

17. A watch (200; 200') comprising a watch case according to any one of claims 3 to 16, and / or a bezel according to claim 1 or 2.

18. The clock is a small clock, The clock according to claim 17.

19. The clock is a wristwatch, The clock according to claim 17.

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