Cases for watches or watch parts for watches

Abstract

The invention relates to a case (100) for a timepiece (200) or a timepiece component (10) for a timepiece (200), comprising: a first ring (1), at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5), a second ring (2), and an elastic element (3) which is mounted to press against the first ring and push the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) towards the second ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a case for a timepiece or a timepiece component for a timepiece. The invention also relates to a case for a timepiece comprising such a component. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a component or such a case. Finally, the invention relates to a method for mounting a timepiece or such a component or such a case. Background Art

[0002] The prior art mentions a large number of bezels for watch cases. These bezels may, for example, comprise a bezel ring onto which at least one decorative element of a decorative and / or display disk, for example made of ceramic, is driven. Such a bezel design is completely satisfactory. However, it has the disadvantage that, in the case of a bezel provided with a plurality of decorative elements, a driving operation is required for each decorative element. The operation of assembling such a bezel may therefore be particularly time-consuming. Furthermore, the maintenance of the driving of the decorative elements and therefore the assembly quality of the bezel depend on the size of the decorative elements, in particular on the contact area between the decorative elements and the bezel ring. The size and / or the number of decorative elements are therefore at least partly determined by the design of the bezel.

[0003] From patent application EP2624076 a bezel design is known in which a display disc is driven into a bezel ring and rests on a removal ring.

[0004] Patent application EP2615507 relates to a design that allows maximizing the retention of a decorative element made of ceramic, in particular within a bezel ring. To this end, an insert element in the form of a seal is arranged at the interface between the bezel ring and the decorative element, the surface of the decorative element intended to cooperate with the insert element being textured to increase its roughness. More specifically, the insert element is arranged radially between the bezel ring and the decorative element.

[0005] Patent application WO2019158499, in part, relates to a solution for assembling a decorative element in particular inside a bezel ring, which constitutes an alternative to conventional drives. To this end, it proposes the use of a resin in order to retain the decorative element in a cavity formed, for example, in the bezel ring. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a case for a timepiece or a timepiece component for a timepiece which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and improves the timepiece components known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a timepiece component which is easy to implement.

[0007] According to a timepiece case or a timepiece component for a timepiece according to the present invention, the timepiece component is a bezel and comprises: a first ring, at least one decorative and / or display element, a second ring, and an elastic element installed to press against the first ring and push the at least one decorative and / or display element toward the second ring.

[0008] Preferably, the timepiece component is a rotating bezel.

[0009] Preferably, the at least one decorative and / or display element comprises at least one first element of a first type and at least one second element of a second type, said first element and said second element being distinguished by their geometry and / or their material and / or their colour and / or their surface treatment.

[0010] Preferably, said at least one decorative and / or display element adopts an at least substantially annular shape or a frustoconical shape.

[0011] Preferably, the timepiece component comprises a plurality of decorative and / or display elements and wherein the decorative and / or display elements take the shape of an annular portion or a frustoconical portion.

[0012] Preferably, at least one decorative and / or display element or some decorative and / or display elements or all decorative and / or display elements are made of any of the following materials:

[0013] - metal alloys,

[0014] - Ceramics consisting mainly or essentially of zirconium oxide,

[0015] - Ceramics consisting mostly or essentially of aluminium oxide,

[0016] - Ceramics consisting mostly or essentially of silicon nitride,

[0017] - Ceramics consisting mainly or essentially of boron carbide or aluminium nitride,

[0018] - Composite materials,

[0019] - Metal ceramics,

[0020] -gem,

[0021] -Glass.

[0022] Preferably, the second ring is connected to the first ring by driving or by clamping or by screwing.

[0023] Preferably, the second ring comprises a first boss or a first recess respectively, and the first ring comprises a second recess or a second boss respectively, the first boss and the second recess cooperating by contact to hold the second ring in position on the first ring.

[0024] Preferably, the elastic element is an O-ring.

[0025] Preferably, the first ring comprises a first groove for receiving at least one decorative and / or display element, and / or the first ring comprises a housing for receiving the elastic element.

[0026] Preferably, the second ring comprises a frustoconical surface cooperating by contact with one or more frustoconical surfaces provided on at least one decorative and / or display element.

[0027] Preferably, the metal alloy is an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, a palladium alloy, steel, a precious gold or platinum-based alloy; the composite material is an aluminum oxide-zirconia composite material; and the gemstone is a precious or semi-precious gemstone.

[0028] Preferably, the first ring comprises a shoulder or a second groove for receiving the resilient element.

[0029] A watch housing according to the present invention comprises the watch component mentioned above.

[0030] A timepiece according to the present invention comprises the case of the timepiece or the timepiece component.

[0031] According to the present invention, a method for installing the above-mentioned watch component or the above-mentioned watch case or the above-mentioned watch comprises the following steps: arranging an elastic element on a first ring, arranging at least one decorative and / or display element on the elastic element and on the first ring, and installing the second ring on the first ring.

[0032] Preferably, the second ring is mounted on the first ring by driving or clamping or screwing.

[0033] According to a method for installing the above-mentioned watch component or the above-mentioned watch case or the above-mentioned watch of the present invention, the method comprises the following steps: arranging at least one decorative and / or display element on a first ring, arranging an elastic element on the at least one decorative and / or display element or on a second ring, and installing the second ring on the first ring.

[0034] Preferably, the second ring is mounted on the first ring by driving or clamping or screwing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, three embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the timepiece.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view along the first plane II of the component of the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the second plane II-II of the component.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the component along the second plane II-II.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the first embodiment of the timepiece.

[0041] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of components of a second embodiment of the timepiece.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of components of a third embodiment of a timepiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described.

[0044] A timepiece is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

[0045] The watch preferably comprises a watch housing 100. The watch further comprises a watch movement. The watch movement is used to be installed in the watch housing to protect it from the influence of the external environment.

[0046] A watch movement can be electronic or mechanical, especially an automatic movement.

[0047] The watch case 100 preferably comprises a case middle 6 and a bezel-type component 10. The watch case 100 also preferably comprises a case back attached to the case middle and a glass fitted to the case middle.

[0048] The bezel may be fixedly mounted on the case middle. Alternatively, the bezel may be a rotating bezel, i.e. a rotating bezel movably mounted to rotate on the case middle 6 about an axis A1. Axis A1 may be the axis of the bezel. Axis A1 may be the axis of revolution of the bezel, or substantially the axis of revolution of the bezel. Axis A1 may also be the axis of rotation of the bezel. Preferably, axis A1 is an axis common to the bezel and the case middle 6.

[0049] Bezel 10 comprises:

[0050] - First Ring 1,

[0051] - at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5,

[0052] - Second ring 2,

[0053] - elastically deformable insert means 3 mounted so as to press on the first ring 1 and to push at least one decorative and / or display element 4 , 5 towards the second ring 2 .

[0054] In other words, the bezel comprises at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 arranged at the interface of the first ring 1 and the second ring 2. The elastically deformable insert means 3 or elastic element 3 allow the at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 to be retained between the first ring 1 and the second ring 2 with minimal clearance.

[0055] In the assembled state of the bezel, the elastic element is elastically deformed by compression in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis A1. Therefore, the elastic element exerts an antagonistic force on the first ring and the second ring parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis A1. These forces tend to separate the rings or move the rings apart. One of these forces is indirectly applied to one of the first ring and the second ring by an elastically deformable element via at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5. As a result, the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is pressed against or pushed against the ring. The ring is the second ring in the first embodiment. Therefore, the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is installed between the first ring and the second ring with minimal clearance.

[0056] The first ring is, for example, a lower bezel ring.

[0057] The second ring is, for example, an upper bezel ring.

[0058] For example, the upper bezel ring is oriented toward the outside of the watch case, while at least a portion of the lower bezel ring is oriented toward the inside of the case, for example. In particular, the lower bezel ring is closer to the annular seat of the case middle than the upper bezel ring.

[0059] At least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 may comprise at least one first element 4 of a first type and / or at least one second element 5 of a second type. The first element and the second element are distinguished from each other, for example, by their geometry and / or by their material and / or by their color and / or by their surface treatment. For example, Figure 1 A bezel 10 is shown comprising twelve identical elements 4 and twelve identical elements 5. The first element 4 is for example in the shape of a grooved frustum or a portion of a disk. The second element 5 is for example in the shape of a smooth disk or a portion of a frustum.

[0060] These elements may or may not be evenly distributed around the revolution and / or rotation axis A1 of the bezel 10. These decorative and / or display elements may be arranged to constitute means for displaying a time indication or to be arranged to be derived from the time of the timepiece. Thus, they constitute display elements. Alternatively or additionally, these elements may be distributed to constitute decorative elements of the timepiece. Thus, they constitute decorative elements.

[0061] Optionally, a first angular positioning element, such as a pin, may be provided on either the first ring or the second ring in order to position at least one decorative and / or display element at an angle relative to the axis A1. The angular positioning element may advantageously cooperate with a second angular positioning element, such as a hole provided in at least one decorative and / or display element. For example, the pin is intended to be received in the hole. Thus, these elements cooperate in order to position one or more decorative and / or display elements at an angle relative to the first ring and / or the second ring around the axis A1.

[0062] Figure 2 is along a first plane II passing through the axis A1 and intersecting the first decorative and / or display element 4 of the first type Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of a bezel 10 of FIG. The first ring has an L-shaped or substantially L-shaped cross-section (along this plane II). The surface 4a of the decorative and / or display element 4 bears against the bearing surface 1a of the first portion 11 of the first ring 1. The first portion is oriented in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A1. This first portion is generally tubular. These surfaces 1a and 4a are advantageously perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10. Advantageously, the surface 4a is arranged at the first end 41 of the element 4, in particular at the first end in a radial direction relative to the axis A1. Advantageously again, the surface 1a constitutes the wall of a first receiving groove 110 formed in the first ring, in which the end 41 of the element 4 is accommodated. The second surface 4b is then intended to bear against the elastic element 3, which is previously arranged in a housing 120 for receiving the elastic element 3, in particular a shoulder or a second groove. This housing is formed in the second portion 12 of the first ring 1. This second portion is oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1. The second portion 12 is planar or generally planar in shape.

[0063] The elastic element 3 may for example take the form of a seal, for example made of an elastomeric material, in particular an O-ring. Advantageously, the surface 4b is arranged at a second end 42 of the element 4, in particular at a second end in a radial direction relative to the axis A1. This surface 4b is advantageously perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10.

[0064] Figure 3is along a second plane II-II passing through the axis A1 and intersecting the second decorative and / or display element 5 of the second type Figure 1 1 . This second element 5 is arranged in the same way as the first element 4 inside the first ring 1 . Thus, a surface 5a of the decorative and / or display element 5 is pressed against a bearing surface 1a of the first portion 11 of the first ring 1 . This surface 5a is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10 . Advantageously, the surface 5a is arranged at a first end 51 of the element 5 , in particular at a first end in a radial direction relative to the axis A1 . Advantageously again, the end 51 of the element 5 is intended to be housed in a first groove 110 . The geometry of the first groove 110 may be different at the position intended for the end of the element 5 relative to the geometry intended to house the end of the element 4 , in particular to allow indexing of the element. Then, a second surface 5b is provided to press against the elastic element 3 . Advantageously, the surface 5b is arranged at a second end 52 of the element 5 , in particular at a second end in a radial direction relative to the axis A1 . This surface 5b is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10 .

[0065] The first element 4 and the second element 5 are both held within the first ring 1 by the second ring 2 .

[0066] The second ring is annular or substantially annular. It comprises a bearing surface 2a intended to cooperate with one of the surfaces 4c of the element 4 and the surface 5c of the element 5 to retain the elements 4, 5. Preferably, these surfaces 2a, 4c, 5c are in the shape of a truncated cone or are part of a truncated cone forming an angle α or substantially forming an angle α with the axis A1. The angle α is the half angle at the apex of the cone. The angle α is between 15° and 45°, in particular the angle α is about 30°.

[0067] The second ring 2 comprises a surface 2b shaped to be clamped or driven against the peripheral surface 1b of the first ring 1. To this end, the second ring 2 comprises a surface 2b comprising a first boss 21b intended to cooperate with a recess 11b of the peripheral surface 1b of the ring 1.

[0068] This surface 2b is carried, for example, by a portion 21 of the ring 2 intended to deform elastically and radially along the axis A1 during an operation of driving or clamping the ring 2 on the ring 1. Specifically, during this operation performed by moving in translation along the axis A1 at least one of the rings relative to the other, the first boss 21b tends to deform the portion 21 under the effect of its cooperation with the second boss 12b of the first ring 1. Once the boss 21b has passed the boss 12b, the ring 2 is axially retained under the cooperation of the recess 11b and the boss 21b pressed against each other by the action of the elastic element 3, which acts as elastic return means or elastic push means.

[0069] The elastic element 3 also has the advantage of avoiding any risk of static uncertainty of the second ring 2, in particular when the second ring is driven against the first ring 1. Figures 1 to 4 In the case of the embodiment shown, in these figures, the surface 2 c of the second ring 2 comes to bear against the surface 1 c of the first ring 1 after the operation of driving or clamping the second ring on the first ring has been completed.

[0070] Alternatively, the surface 1 b may be threaded, for example externally, and the surface 2b may be threaded, for example internally.Thus, the second ring 2 may be screwed onto the first ring 1 about the axis A1 .

[0071] The role of element 3 is twofold, namely to allow reliable and durable assembly of ring 2 on ring 1 , while avoiding the risk of static uncertainties relative to elements 4 , 5 .

[0072] In particular, depending on the shape of the surfaces 1 b and 2 b, the second ring 2 may or may not be detachable from the first ring 1. Additionally or alternatively, an operation of gluing, soldering or brazing the second ring to the first ring may also be performed. More particularly, an operation of gluing, soldering or brazing the surfaces 1 b and 2 b may be performed.

[0073] Bezel 10 may be fixed relative to case middle 6 of case 100. For example, inner surface 1d of portion 11 of first ring 1 may be driven against case middle 6, in particular against a seal of the case middle not shown.

[0074] As an alternative, Figure 5 In a variant of the first embodiment of the timepiece partially shown in FIG. 1 , bezel 10 may be able to rotate relative to axis A1 around case middle 6. To this end, portion 11 may comprise a third groove 130 intended to receive axial retaining seal 7 intended to press portion 12 of ring 1 against the annular seat of the case middle. Optionally, portion 12 may comprise means for angular indexing and / or notches 140 intended to cooperate with means for angular indexing and / or notches 8 of case middle 6.

[0075] The first ring 1 and / or the second ring 2 may be made of the following materials:

[0076] - metal alloys, such as aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, palladium alloys, steel or precious gold or platinum based alloys,

[0077] - Ceramics consisting mainly or essentially of zirconium oxide,

[0078] - Ceramics consisting mostly or essentially of aluminium oxide,

[0079] - Ceramics consisting mostly or essentially of silicon nitride,

[0080] - Ceramics consisting mainly or essentially of boron carbide or aluminium nitride,

[0081] - Composite materials, in particular alumina-zirconia composites (ZTA / ATZ) or cermets.

[0082] At least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 or some decorative and / or display elements 4, 5 or all decorative and / or display elements 4, 5 can be made of the following materials, respectively:

[0083] - metal alloys, such as aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, palladium alloys, steel or precious gold or platinum based alloys,

[0084] - Ceramics consisting mainly or essentially of zirconium oxide,

[0085] - Ceramics consisting mostly or essentially of aluminium oxide,

[0086] - Ceramics consisting mostly or essentially of silicon nitride,

[0087] - Ceramics consisting mainly or essentially of boron carbide or aluminium nitride,

[0088] - composite materials, in particular alumina-zirconia composites (ZTA / ATZ) or cermets,

[0089] - precious stones, especially precious or semi-precious stones,

[0090] -Glass.

[0091] At least one decorative and / or display element 4 , 5 may take an at least substantially disk-shaped annular or frustoconical shape.

[0092] Thus, the first decorative and / or display element 4 and / or the second decorative and / or display element 5 may take the shape of a disc-shaped annular portion or a frustoconical portion. Figures 1 to 4 In the embodiment, the elements 4, 5 each take the shape of a portion of a truncated cone extending along an angle of 15° or substantially 15° around the axis A1. Of course, the elements 4, 5 may take the shape of a portion of a truncated cone or a disk-shaped ring extending along another angle around the axis A1.

[0093] Refer to the following Figure 6 A second embodiment of a timepiece is described, of which only bezel 10 is shown. In this second embodiment, the timepiece differs from the first embodiment only in that the bezel comprises two decorative and / or display elements 4, 5 each extending along an angle of 180° around axis A1.

[0094] Refer to the following Figure 7A third embodiment of a timepiece is described, of which only bezel 10 is shown. In this third embodiment, the timepiece differs from the first embodiment in particular in that the bezel comprises a single decorative and / or display element 4 in the shape of a disk ring or a frustum of a cone. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of a bezel 10 whose second ring 2 is detachable from the first ring 1, since it allows easy removal of the disk ring 4 or the frustum of a cone without risking breaking the disk ring or the frustum of a cone in the case of a disk ring or a frustum of a brittle material such as ceramic.

[0095] In the embodiment described and shown, this component is a bezel 10. However, the invention is also applicable to any external element, such as a flange, a crown, a dial or a portion of a dial.

[0096] In the embodiment described and shown, the elastic element is installed between the first ring (lower ring) and at least one decorative and / or display element. However, as a variation, the elastic element can be installed between the second ring (upper ring) and at least one decorative and / or display element.

[0097] One embodiment of a method for mounting a component 10 or a case 100 of a timepiece 200 or a timepiece 200 is described below.

[0098] In a first variant, the method comprises the following steps:

[0099] - arranging the elastic element 3 on the first ring 1,

[0100] - arranging at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 on the elastic element 3 and the first ring 1,

[0101] The second ring 2 is mounted on the first ring 1 , in particular by clamping or by driving or by screwing.

[0102] In a second variant, the method comprises the following steps:

[0103] - at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is arranged on the first ring 1,

[0104] - arranging the elastic element 3 on at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 or on the second ring 2,

[0105] The second ring 2 is mounted on the first ring 1 , in particular by clamping or by driving or by screwing.

[0106] The invention also relates to a casing 100 or a timepiece 200 of a component 10 or a timepiece 200 obtained by implementing the above-described mounting method.

[0107] The bezel solution described above makes it possible to increase the number of decorative and / or display elements without adversely affecting their retention inside the bezel or requiring no adhesive to attach each decorative and / or display element. In addition, this design makes it possible to provide a method for assembling a bezel that is particularly advantageous in terms of the simplicity of its implementation and its execution time, in particular in the case where the bezel comprises at least two decorative and / or display elements. This design can also make it possible to provide new aesthetic bezel variants combining, for example, gemstones and disks made of metal or ceramic.

Claims

1. A watch component for a watch case or for a watch, the watch component being a bezel and comprising: - First Ring, - at least one decorative and / or display element, - Second ring, - an elastic element mounted so as to press against said first ring and to push said at least one decorative and / or display element towards said second ring.

2. The timepiece component according to claim 1, wherein: The timepiece component is a rotating bezel.

3. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one decorative and / or display element comprises at least one first element of a first type and at least one second element of a second type, the first element and the second element being distinguished by their geometry and / or their material and / or their color and / or their surface treatment.

4. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one decorative and / or display element takes an annular shape or a frustoconical shape.

5. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The timepiece component comprises a plurality of decorative and / or display elements and wherein the decorative and / or display elements take the shape of annular or frustoconical portions.

6. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one decorative and / or display element or some decorative and / or display elements or all decorative and / or display elements are made of any of the following materials: - metal alloys, - a ceramic consisting mainly of zirconium oxide, - Ceramics consisting mainly of aluminum oxide, - a ceramic composed mainly of silicon nitride, - Ceramics consisting mainly of boron carbide or aluminum nitride, - Composite materials, -gem, -Glass.

7. The timepiece component according to claim 6, wherein: The composite material is metal ceramic.

8. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second ring is connected to the first ring by driving.

9. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second ring includes a first boss and the first ring includes a second recess, the first boss and the second recess cooperating by contact to hold the second ring in place on the first ring.

10. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elastic element is an O-ring.

11. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first ring comprises a first groove for receiving at least one decorative and / or display element and / or the first ring comprises a housing for receiving the elastic element.

12. The timepiece component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second ring comprises a frustoconical surface which cooperates by contact with one or more frustoconical surfaces provided on at least one decorative and / or display element.

13. The timepiece component according to claim 6, wherein: The metal alloy is an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, a palladium alloy, steel, a precious gold or platinum-based alloy; the composite material is an aluminum oxide-zirconium oxide composite material; and the gemstone is a precious or semi-precious gemstone.

14. The timepiece component according to claim 11, wherein: The first ring includes a shoulder or a second groove for receiving the resilient element.

15. A case of a timepiece comprising the timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A timepiece comprising the timepiece case according to claim 15 or the timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A method for mounting a timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a case of a timepiece according to claim 15, or a timepiece according to claim 16, the method comprising the following steps: - arranging the elastic element on the first ring, - arranging at least one decorative and / or display element on said elastic element and on said first ring, - Mounting the second ring on the first ring.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second ring is mounted on the first ring by driving.

19. A method for mounting a timepiece component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a case of a timepiece according to claim 15, or a timepiece according to claim 16, the method comprising the following steps: - at least one decorative and / or display element is arranged on the first ring, - arranging an elastic element on said at least one decorative and / or display element or on the second ring, - Mounting the second ring on the first ring.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second ring is mounted on the first ring by driving.

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