A watch case with detachable bezel and a watch

Abstract

The present application relates to a watch case with detachable bezel and a watch, the bezel is detachably mounted on the top of the watch case, the watch case comprises two or more sets of buckle structures, the bezel comprises two or more buckle grooves matched with the two sets of buckle structures respectively; the two sets of buckle structures each comprise an operating part, a clamping part and an elastic part, the operating part is connected with the clamping part, the elastic part acts on the clamping part to lock it in the corresponding buckle groove, and the operating part controls the movement of the clamping part to be separated from the buckle groove. The improved bezel is detachably connected with the watch case through the buckle structure, has strong applicability, is not limited to circular watch cases, and can be used for irregular watch cases such as square, wine barrel type and the like; and is convenient to disassemble and assemble without the aid of other tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to watches. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, watches are no longer simply tools for telling time; they have become more often accessories or symbols of status. To meet the changing needs of users, watches with interchangeable bezels have emerged on the market, allowing users to choose different bezels to match different occasions, outfits, or moods. Currently, these watches typically use a rotating mechanism to detach the bezel from the case, which has significant limitations. It is only suitable for cases with a circular central window, and to prevent the bezel from coming loose, the twisting force is usually quite large, making detachment and installation rather strenuous, which is not ideal for frequent daily users. In conclusion, there is room for improvement in existing detachable bezel watch cases. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure addresses a technical problem by providing a watch case with an improved bezel assembly / disassembly structure that is highly adaptable and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a watch case with a detachable bezel, the bezel being detachably installed on the top of the watch case, the watch case including two or more sets of buckle structures, the bezel including two or more slots that respectively cooperate with the two or more sets of buckle structures; each buckle structure includes an operating part, a locking member, and an elastic member, the operating part being connected to the locking member, the elastic member acting on the locking member to lock it in the corresponding slot, and the operating part controlling the movement of the locking member to disengage from the slot.

[0005] As described above, the watch case with a detachable bezel includes at least one set of latching structures: its operating part includes a movable operating key, which is installed through a receiving groove in the side wall of the watch case, and an operating window is provided on the outside of the receiving groove for the operating key to be exposed; the bottom end of the locking member is connected to the operating key, and the top end of the locking member extends upward to cooperate with the locking groove; the elastic member is disposed between the operating key and the receiving groove.

[0006] As described above, the watch case has a detachable bezel, the receiving groove has a top plate, the top plate has a through hole, the locking member passes through the through hole, and the through hole has reserved space to accommodate the movement of the locking member.

[0007] As described above, the watch case has a detachable bezel. The operation button is installed in the receiving groove and can be pressed inward. The two ends of the elastic member abut against the inner sidewall of the operation button and the inner sidewall of the receiving groove, respectively. The slot corresponding to the at least one set of buckle structures is horizontally set on the bottom surface of the bezel. The locking end for locking the locking member faces outward, and the unlocking end for the locking member to move in and out faces inward. The watch case is provided with a vertical limiting rod. The operation button is provided with a limiting hole. The limiting rod is inserted into the limiting hole, and the limiting hole has reserved space for the limiting rod to move to accommodate the pressing action of the operation button.

[0008] As described above, the watch case has a detachable bezel and a crown. The receiving groove is located above the crown. The operation key includes a dial and a button base. The button base is installed in the receiving groove and has the locking element. The dial is exposed through the operation window and is connected to the button base by a bend to allow it to be positioned above the crown.

[0009] As described above, the watch case with a detachable bezel has the locking and unlocking ends of the slots corresponding to the at least one set of buckle structures extending in the same direction as the side length of the bezel, and the movement direction of the operation key is in the same direction as the side length of the watch case; the elastic element is disposed between the end of the operation key and the receiving groove.

[0010] As described above, the watch case with a detachable bezel includes at least one set of latching structures: its operating part includes a corresponding crown and a slider; the side wall of the watch case is provided with a sliding cavity, the slider is installed in the sliding cavity, the bottom end of the locking member is connected to the slider, and the top end of the locking member extends upward to cooperate with the corresponding locking groove; the locking groove corresponding to the at least one set of latching structures has an outer locking end and an inner unlocking end; pressing the crown can push the slider inward to unlock it, and the elastic member is disposed between the inner side wall of the slider and the inner side wall of the sliding cavity.

[0011] As described above, the watch case has a detachable bezel, and the crown includes a crown cap and a crown seat. The crown seat is mounted on the watch case, and the crown cap covers the outer end of the crown seat. The crown cap can move axially relative to the crown seat, and the crown cap is provided with a trigger part corresponding to the slider. The slider cavity has a window to allow the trigger part to contact the slider.

[0012] As described above, the watch case has a detachable bezel, and the crown has an axially penetrating inner cavity. The inner wall of the crown is connected to a tubular component that passes through the inner cavity. One end of the tubular component opposite to the crown is connected to the watch movement. The outer end of the watch movement is inserted into the tubular component. Both the watch movement and the tubular component have flanges for hooking each other in opposite directions. The inner circumference of the tubular component and the outer cross-sectional profile of the watch movement are a polygon that fits each other. A spring is installed inside the tubular component, and the two ends of the spring abut against the crown and the watch movement, respectively.

[0013] As previously described, the watch case has a detachable bezel, on which a ball is mounted against the bottom surface of the bezel.

[0014] A watch comprising a case having a removable bezel as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0015] One of the benefits of this disclosure is that the improved bezel is detachably connected to the watch case via a snap-fit ​​structure, making it highly adaptable and not limited to round watch cases. It can also be used for irregularly shaped watch cases such as square and tonneau shapes. The bezel is easy to assemble and disassemble without the need for any other tools. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Some specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals designate the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] In the attached image:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the watch case of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the bezel of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the watch case snap-fit ​​structure assembly of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a first-view exploded view of the watch case buckle structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a second-view exploded view of the watch case buckle structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the watch case of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the buckle structure including the crown in this invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the engagement between the snap-fit ​​crown and the slider in this invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the snap-fit ​​crown structure in this invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the snap-fit ​​structure in this invention, which includes a lever;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the toggle-type snap-fit ​​structure in this invention;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a watch case with a push-button snap-on structure installed in this invention;

[0030] The markings in the image are explained as follows:

[0031] 1. Case; 101. Tumbler; 2. Bezel; 3. Slot; 30. Locking end; 31. Unlocking end; 4. Snap-on structure; 5. Receiving groove; 50. Operation window; 6. Operation part; 60. Operation key; 600. Turn button; 601. Button seat; 602. Bend; 61. Crown; 610. Trigger; 611. Crown cap; 62. Slider; 63. Crown seat; 630. Inner cavity; 64. Tubular component; 65. Watch movement; 66. Flange; 67. Spring; 610. Trigger; 7. Locking component; 8. Elastic component; 9. Through hole; 10. Sliding cavity; 100. Window. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should be understood in their ordinary sense by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0034] The terms “first,” “second,” and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “a,” “one,” or “the” do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including” or “contains” mean that the element or object preceding the word covers the element or object listed after the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0035] Reference Page Figure 1-12 The image shows a watch case 1 with a detachable bezel 2. The bezel 2 is detachably mounted on the top of the watch case 1. The watch case 1 includes two or more sets of latching structures 4. The bezel 2 includes two or more slots 3 that respectively cooperate with the two sets of latching structures 4, i.e., the number of slots corresponds to the number of latching structures. Each set of latching structures 4 includes an operating part 6, a locking member 7, and an elastic member 8. The elastic member 8 can be a compression spring. The operating part 6 is connected to the locking member 7. The elastic member 8 acts on the locking member 7 to lock it in the corresponding slot 3. The operating part 6 controls the movement of the locking member 7 to disengage from the slot 3.

[0036] Under normal conditions, the elastic element 8 applies its elastic force directly or indirectly to the locking element 7, locking it in the locking groove and securing the bezel 2 to the watch case 1. To unlock, the user applies force to the operating part 6 to remove the locking element 7 from the locking groove. Preferably, two sets of latching structures 4 are used, with two corresponding slots 3 on the bezel 2. The two sets of latching structures 4 are radially opposite on both sides of the watch case 1. The two symmetrical latching points generate a stable and balanced connecting force, facilitating unlocking. The use of the latching structure 4 is not limited to round watch cases 1; it can be installed on square or other irregularly shaped watch cases 1.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one set of latching structures 4 includes an operating part 6 comprising a movable operating key 60, which is installed through a receiving groove 5 in the side wall of the watch case. An operating window 50 is provided on the outer side of the receiving groove 5 to expose the operating key 60. The bottom end of the locking member 7 is connected to the operating key 60, and the top end of the locking member 7 extends upward to engage with the locking groove 3. An elastic member 8 is disposed between the operating key 60 and the receiving groove 5. Normally, the elastic member 8 acts on the locking member 7 through the operating key 60, keeping the locking member 7 in a locked state. The operating key 60 is exposed through the operating window 50, allowing the user to apply force. When unlocking, force is applied to the operating key 60 to move it, causing the locking member 7 to move synchronously along the locking groove 3 to the unlocked position.

[0038] In some embodiments, the receiving groove 5 has a top plate with a through hole 9 through which the locking member 7 passes, and the through hole 9 has a reserved space in the radial direction to accommodate the movement of the locking member 7.

[0039] In some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​structure 4 with a press-type operation key 60 is adopted. Specifically, the operation key 60 is installed in the receiving groove 5 with an inward pressing orientation, and the two ends of the elastic member 8 abut against the inner sidewall of the operation key 60 and the inner sidewall of the receiving groove 5, respectively; the slot 3 corresponding to the at least one set of snap-fit ​​structures 4 is horizontally set on the bottom surface of the bezel 2, and its locking end 30 for locking the locking member 7 faces outward, and its unlocking end 31 for the locking member 7 to move in and out faces inward; the watch case 1 is provided with a vertical limiting rod, the operation key 60 is provided with a limiting hole, the limiting rod is inserted into the limiting hole, and the limiting hole has reserved space for the limiting rod to move to adapt to the pressing action of the operation key 60.

[0040] The operation key 60 is installed in the receiving groove 5, which can be pressed inward. The limiting rod of the watch case 1 is inserted into the limiting hole of the operation key 60, which not only restricts the operation key 60 in the receiving groove 5, but also guides the movement of the operation key 60. Under normal conditions, the elastic element 8 pushes the operation key 60 outward, so that the locking element 7 is restricted to the locking end 30 of the slot 3. When unlocking, the operation key 60 exposed in the operation window 50 is pressed, and the operation key 60 moves inward through the locking element 7. The locking element 7 moves along the slot 3 to the unlocking end 31. After unlocking, the bezel 2 can be separated from the watch case 1. When installing, the operation key 60 is pressed to make the locking element 7 enter the slot 3. Then the pressing force is released, and the elastic element 8 releases energy to reset the operation key 60 and the locking element 7 to the locked state.

[0041] In some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​structure 4 with a dial 600 is adopted. Specifically, the watch case 1 is provided with a crown 61, and the receiving groove 5 is disposed above the crown 61; the operation key 60 includes a dial 600 and a button base 601, the button base 601 is installed in the receiving groove 5, and the button base 601 is provided with the locking member 7; the dial 600 is exposed through the operation window 50, and the dial 600 and the button base 601 are connected by a bending part 602 to allow it to be positioned relative to the crown 61. The bending part 602 can be CNC machined into an L-shape. When unlocking, force is applied to the dial 600 to control the movement of the button base 601 within the receiving groove 5, thereby causing the locking member 7 to move relative to the slot 3.

[0042] Furthermore, in the buckle structure 4 with the dial 600, the extension direction of the locking end 30 and unlocking end 31 of the slot 3 corresponding to the at least one set of buckle structures 4 is consistent with the side length direction of the bezel 2, and the movement direction of the operation key 60 is consistent with the side length direction of the watch case 1; the elastic element 8 is arranged between the end of the operation key 60 and the receiving groove 5, that is, the dial 600 moves along the side length direction of the watch case 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, a latching structure 4 for unlocking by pressing the crown 61 is adopted. Specifically, at least one set of latching structures 4 includes an operating part 6 comprising a corresponding crown 61 and a slider 62; the side wall of the watch case 1 is provided with a sliding cavity 10, the slider 62 is installed in the sliding cavity 10, the bottom end of the locking member 7 is connected to the slider 62, and the top end of the locking member 7 extends upward to cooperate with the corresponding slot 3; the slot 3 corresponding to the at least one set of latching structures 4 has an outer locking end 30 and an inner unlocking end 31; pressing the crown 61 can push the slider 62 inward to unlock, and the elastic member 8 is disposed between the inner side wall of the slider 62 and the inner side wall of the sliding cavity 10.

[0044] Crown 61 is a component typically found in existing watch cases 1. It can be pulled out a short distance and then rotated to adjust the time and date. Now, crown 61 is configured to be pressable inwards. This pressing action actuates slider 62, which in turn moves locking member 7 along the inner end of slot 3 to unlock. Normally, elastic member 8 holds slider 62 outwards, thus restricting locking member 7 to the locking end 30.

[0045] In some embodiments, the crown 61 in the snap-lock structure 4 for unlocking by pressing the crown 61 includes a crown cap 611 and a crown seat 63. The crown seat 63 is mounted on the watch case 1, and the crown cap 611 covers the outer end of the crown seat 63. The crown cap 611 is axially movable relative to the crown seat 63. The crown cap 611 has a trigger part 610 corresponding to the slider 62. The sliding cavity 10 has a window for the trigger part 610 to contact the slider 62. The trigger part 610 can be a ring of bosses on the inner side of the crown cap 611. A hole can be made in the side wall of the watch case 1, and the crown seat 63 is inserted into the hole with one end exposed. The crown cap 611 covers the exposed end of the crown seat 63. When the user applies force, the crown cap 611 moves axially inward along the crown seat 63, and its trigger part 610 pushes the slider 62 through the window, causing the locking member 7 to move synchronously.

[0046] Furthermore, the crown seat 63 has an axially penetrating inner cavity 630; the inner wall of the crown cap 611 is connected to a tubular member 64 passing through the inner cavity 630, one end of the tubular member 64 opposite to the crown cap 611 is connected to a watch movement 65, the outer end of the watch movement 65 is inserted into the tubular member 64, both the watch movement 65 and the tubular member 64 are provided with flanges 66 for hooking each other in opposite directions, the inner circumference of the tubular member 64 and the outer cross-sectional profile of the watch movement 65 are a polygon that are adapted to each other; a spring 67 is installed in the tubular member 64, the two ends of the spring 67 abut against the crown cap 611 and the watch movement 65 respectively, for assisting the crown cap 611 to reset.

[0047] The tubular part 64 of the crown 611 and the watch movement 65 can be fitted together by a hexagonal prism structure to prevent relative rotation between the two. Both are provided with flanges 66, which are connected in opposite directions. When the crown 611 is pressed inward, the watch movement 65 is not affected. When the crown 611 is pulled outward, the two flanges 66 connected in opposite directions can drive the watch movement 65 to pull it out according to the preset stroke, so as to realize the conventional functions of adjusting the time and date.

[0048] In some embodiments, a ball bearing 101 is installed on the case 1, and the ball bearing 101 abuts against the bottom surface of the bezel 2 and pushes it upward, which can reduce the loosening caused by the gap between the bezel 2 and the case 1.

[0049] In the foregoing embodiments, the locking member 7 can be a screw, which includes a shaft and a screw head that is larger than the shaft. The locking groove includes a cavity for accommodating the screw head. The bottom of the cavity has a slot for the screw shaft to travel along. The slot of the unlocking end 31 is larger in size so that the screw head can move in and out vertically. The slot of the locking end 30 is smaller in size so that the screw shaft can move along, but the screw head cannot move in or out.

[0050] Preferably, the two sets of latching structures 4 on the watch case 1 can be the same or different. Taking the aforementioned latching structure 4 scheme with a push-button operation 60, the latching structure 4 scheme with a dial 600, and the latching structure 4 scheme unlocked by pressing the crown 61 as examples, the two sets of latching structures 4 on the watch case 1 can be set in one or two of the aforementioned three schemes. For example, one set of latching structures 4 on the watch case is a latching structure scheme with a push-button operation, and the other set of latching structures 4 is a latching structure scheme with a dial 600 or a latching structure scheme unlocked by pressing the crown. Preferably, one set of latching structures 4 is a latching structure scheme with a push-button operation, and the other set is a latching structure scheme unlocked by pressing the crown. Firstly, by using the existing crown setting, the modification of the watch case shape can be reduced. Secondly, when unlocking, it can be unlocked by pressing with the thumb and forefinger at the same time, which is simple to operate and more ergonomic.

[0051] A watch is provided, comprising a case having a removable bezel as described in the preceding claim.

[0052] In summary, the improved watch case 1 has a bezel 2 that can be disassembled and assembled using a snap-fit ​​structure 4, which is highly adaptable and easy to operate.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications, combinations, and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A watch case with a detachable bezel, the bezel being detachably mounted on the top of the watch case, characterized in that: The watch case includes two or more sets of buckle structures, and the bezel includes two or more slots that respectively cooperate with the two or more sets of buckle structures; Each of the buckle structures includes an operating part, a locking component, and an elastic component. The operating part is connected to the locking component, and the elastic component acts on the locking component to lock it in the corresponding slot. The operating part controls the movement of the locking component to disengage from the slot. At least one set of the aforementioned snap-fit ​​structures: its operating part includes a corresponding crown and a slider; The side wall of the watch case is provided with a sliding cavity, the slider is installed in the sliding cavity, the bottom end of the locking member is connected to the slider, and the top end of the locking member extends upward to cooperate with the corresponding locking groove. The crown includes a crown cap and a crown seat. The crown seat is mounted on the watch case, and the crown cap covers the outer end of the crown seat. The crown cap is axially movable relative to the crown seat. The crown cap has a trigger part corresponding to the slider. The slider cavity has a window for the trigger part to contact the slider. Pressing the crown cap of the crown can push the slider inward to unlock it. The elastic element is disposed between the inner wall of the slider and the inner wall of the sliding cavity.

2. The watch case with a detachable bezel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The crown has an axially penetrating internal cavity; The inner wall of the crown is connected to a tubular component that passes through the inner cavity. One end of the tubular component opposite to the crown is connected to the watch movement. The outer end of the watch movement is inserted into the tubular component. Both the watch movement and the tubular component are provided with flanges for hooking each other in opposite directions. The inner circumference of the tubular component and the outer cross-sectional profile of the watch movement are a polygon that are adapted to each other. A spring is installed inside the tubular component, and the two ends of the spring abut against the crown and the watch movement, respectively.

3. The watch case with a detachable bezel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: At least another set of the aforementioned snap-fit ​​structures: its operating part includes a movable operating key, the operating key being installed through a receiving groove in the side wall of the case, the outer side of the receiving groove having an operating window for exposing the operating key; the bottom end of the locking member is connected to the operating key, and the top end of the locking member extends upward to engage with the locking groove; the elastic member is disposed between the operating key and the receiving groove.

4. The watch case with a detachable bezel as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The receiving groove has a top plate with a through hole. The locking member passes through the through hole and the through hole has reserved space to accommodate the movement of the locking member.

5. The watch case with a detachable bezel as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The operation key is pressable inward and installed in the receiving groove, and the two ends of the elastic member abut against the inner sidewall of the operation key and the inner sidewall of the receiving groove, respectively. The slot corresponding to the other set of buckle structures is horizontally set on the bottom surface of the ring opening. Its locking end for locking the locking member faces outward, and its unlocking end for the locking member to move in and out faces inward. The watch case is provided with a vertical limiting rod, and the operation key is provided with a limiting hole. The limiting rod is inserted into the limiting hole, and the limiting hole has reserved space for the limiting rod to move to accommodate the pressing action of the operation key.

6. The watch case with a detachable bezel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A ball is mounted on the watch case and rests against the bottom of the bezel.

7. A watch, characterized in that: The watch includes a case with a removable bezel as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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