Watch dial, watch comprising such a watch dial and method of mounting a watch dial in a watch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dial comprising an outer component plate (11) intended to be visible to the user, which rests on a bearing surface (120) of a support plate (12), which is superimposed on the support plate, the outer component plate (11) and the support plate (12) being fastened to each other at their periphery by cooperation of a plurality of peripheral fastening members comprised by both, and at their center by cooperation of a plurality of central fastening members comprised by both.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of horology, particularly the field of watch components.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a dial made of, for example, a fragile material, a watch including such a dial, a method for mounting the dial in a watch, and a method for removing the dial. Background Technology

[0003] For aesthetic reasons, some watch dials are made of fragile materials, such as mother-of-pearl, stone, ceramic, and glass.

[0004] To secure this type of dial within the watch case, an outer component plate made of fragile material is typically glued to a support plate, or directly to the center of the watch, which is then secured to the watch movement housed within the case.

[0005] The disadvantage of this type of dial is its high sensitivity to impacts from external components. Because brittle materials do not have the ability to deform plastically when subjected to mechanical stress, they are prone to cracking or breaking if the watch is subjected to an impact.

[0006] In addition, when a watch is impacted, besides damaging the external component plates, if the support plate deforms, it will cause the hands to loosen.

[0007] Finally, the impact resistance of the dial must be given more consideration, as these requirements are governed by the quality standard NIHS 91-10 that must be followed in any watch production.

[0008] More generally, there is a need to propose a dial that is less sensitive to mechanical stress caused by impacts from the watch, in order to avoid or limit any damage to the dial. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention addresses the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a solution that allows for a reduction in stress on the dial when the watch housing the dial is subjected to an impact.

[0010] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a dial comprising an external component plate intended to be visible to a user, the external component plate resting on a support surface of a support plate, the external component plate being stacked on the support plate.

[0011] The outer component plates and support plates are fastened to each other at their periphery by the engagement of peripheral fastening members, and they are fastened to each other at their center by the engagement of central fastening members.

[0012] By creating a fastening effect between the outer component plate and the support plate at their periphery and center, this feature allows for a reduction in the mechanical stress on the outer component plate, and thus greatly limits or prevents any deformation of the outer component plate during possible impacts to the watch.

[0013] This feature allows for the use of fragile materials to form the outer component panels.

[0014] Furthermore, this mechanical fastening solution eliminates any means of gluing the plates together, which simplifies the manufacturing process of this dial.

[0015] Furthermore, this invention allows the same watch to have dials with different appearances during its manufacturing process.

[0016] In specific embodiments, the invention may further include one or more of the following features, either individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the peripheral fastening members of the outer component plate and the support plate are configured to engage with each other in a removable manner, and the central fastening members of the outer component plate and the support plate are configured to engage with each other in a removable manner so as to enable the outer component plate and the support plate to be separated from each other.

[0018] This feature allows the appearance of the dial to be changed at any time during the watch's lifespan simply by altering only the outer component plates of the dial, without having to work on the watch movement.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the peripheral fastening member of the outer component plate includes at least one radial tab, and the peripheral fastening member of the support plate includes at least one catcher forming a notch, the at least one catcher being configured such that the notch receives the at least one radial tab upon insertion.

[0020] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the peripheral fastening member of the support plate includes a pin extending from the support surface of the support plate and an elastic bracket that is elbow-shaped relative to the support surface and separated from the pin by a space forming a gap, into which a radial protrusion of the outer component plate is inserted, and the elastic bracket is elastically deformable by the radial protrusion during insertion into the gap.

[0021] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the outer component plate is configured such that when the outer component plate and the support plate are separated from each other, one of the radial tabs can abut against the side of the pin opposite to the resilient support.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the central fastening member of the outer component plate is formed by a central opening having a non-circular cross-section, and the central fastening member of the support plate includes a cylindrical sleeve inserted through the central opening of the outer component plate and fastened to the central opening of the support plate through one of its ends, the sleeve including a collar at its other end, the collar having a cross-section complementary to the shape of the cross-section of the central opening of the outer component plate.

[0023] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the shape of the cross-section of the collar and the shape of the cross-section of the central opening of the outer component plate include at least one circular arc connected to at least one straight line segment.

[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a watch comprising a case defining an internal volume, in which a dial as described above and a watch movement designed to drive hour and minute hands are housed, and an external component plate is fastened to a support plate, which in turn is fastened to a plate of the watch movement.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for mounting a watch dial as described above in a watch, the method comprising the following sequential steps:

[0026] - For example, the support plate is fastened to the plate of the watch movement by a threaded connection.

[0027] - The outer component plate is positioned to abut against the support surface of the support plate, and the sleeve is inserted through the central opening of the outer component plate.

[0028] - Rotate the outer component plate relative to the support plate about a central axis perpendicular to the support surface, such that the peripheral fasteners and the central fasteners of the outer component plate engage with the peripheral fasteners and the central fasteners of the support plate.

[0029] In a specific embodiment of the invention, when the outer component plate pivots relative to the support plate, the tabs (one or more) are accommodated in the recesses.

[0030] In a specific embodiment of the invention, when the outer component plate pivots relative to the support plate, the radial protrusion is accommodated in the gap formed between the pin and the elastic bracket.

[0031] In a specific embodiment of the invention, when the outer component plate pivots relative to the support plate, a collar covers a portion of the outer component plate to form an axial stop.

[0032] In a specific embodiment of the invention, during the step of setting the outer component plate against the support surface of the support plate, one of the radial tabs abuts against the side of the pin opposite to the elastic support.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for disassembling a dial as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0034] - Stress is applied to the resilient support to hold it in place in a manner aligned with the support surface of the support plate.

[0035] - Rotate the outer component plate relative to the support plate about a central axis perpendicular to the support surface to remove the radial protrusion from the gap, and

[0036] - The outer component plate is removed by translating it according to the central axis.

[0037] In a specific embodiment of the invention, rotation of the outer component plate is performed until one of the radial tabs abuts against the pin on the side of the pin opposite to the elastic support. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when reading the following detailed description, given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a dial having a watch movement according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the components, in which the outer component plate of the dial is fastened to the support plate of the dial;

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the components, wherein the outer component plate occupies an angular position that allows it to be removed from the support plate, and thus allows for the removal of the dial. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention relates to a dial 10 and its arrangement in a watch, and more particularly to its arrangement in a watch case.

[0043] For clarity, the watch, especially the case, is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The case houses the watch movement 20 in a conventional manner within an internal volume defined between the glass and the back. The dial 10 is designed to be securely attached to the plate 21 of the watch movement 20, as... Figure 1 As shown in the exploded diagram, it is arranged between the watch movement and the glass.

[0045] The hour, minute, and optional second hands (not shown in the accompanying drawings) are designed to be driven to rotate between the dial 10 and the glass by the watch movement 20.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the dial 10 is formed of two plates, one of which is called the “outer component plate” 11, which is made of, for example, a brittle material, and is designed to be visible to the user. The other plate is called the “support plate” 12, which is preferably made of a metallic material, and is designed to be inserted between the outer component plate 11 and the watch movement 20.

[0047] The concept of "brittle material" is well known to those skilled in the art and refers to a material that can fracture or break without deforming under mechanical stress, such as impact. In other words, brittle materials do not have the ability to undergo plastic deformation when subjected to mechanical stress.

[0048] For example, brittle materials can be stone, glass, mother-of-pearl, quartz, ceramics, etc.

[0049] When the dial 10 is assembled, the outer component plate 11 rests on the support surface 120 of the support plate 12.

[0050] The outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 advantageously each include peripheral fastening members that cooperate with each other and central fastening members that cooperate with each other. The cooperation of the peripheral fastening members and the cooperation of the central fastening members mechanically connects the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 to each other.

[0051] By creating a fastening effect between the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 at their periphery and at their center, this feature allows for the limitation of mechanical stress on the outer component plate 11, and thus strongly reduces or avoids any deformation of the outer component plate 11 during possible impacts to the watch.

[0052] The outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 conventionally include central openings 111, 121 extending along a common central axis perpendicular to the support surface 120 and parallel to the axial direction, said central openings 111 and 121 being intended to receive the axis of the pointer. Typically, the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 can receive any means known to those skilled in the art, such as recesses configured to form holes, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Advantageously, the peripheral fastening members of the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 are configured to engage with each other in a removable manner, just like the central fastening members of the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12.

[0054] Therefore, the external component plate 11 and the support plate 12 can be separated from each other, which is particularly useful for replacing the external component plate 11.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral fastening member of the support plate 12 includes at least one catcher 122 forming a notch 123.

[0056] More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the support plate 12 includes four capture elements 122.

[0057] The capture element 122 is formed on the periphery of the support plate 12 and extends longitudinally in a tangential plane perpendicular to the radial direction. Each capture element 122 includes a portion referred to as an "end portion" 1220, which is arranged parallel to and at a distance from the support surface 120. The end portion 1220 is connected to the body 124 of the support plate 12 via a joining portion 1221.

[0058] The peripheral fastening members of the outer component plate 11 include at least one radial tab 112 extending from the periphery of the outer component plate 11.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the support plate 12 includes four radial tabs 112, each tab being designed to insert into a notch 123.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown in the detailed view, each capture member 122 is designed to axially hold the cooperating radial tab 112 in place via its end portion 1220. It can be understood here that the outer component plate 11 is held in place between the body 124 of the support plate 12 and the capture member 122 because the outer component plate 11 is supported on the support surface 120 and because the outer component plate 11 is in contact with the end portion 1220 of the capture member 122.

[0061] The peripheral fastening members of the support plate 12 may also include a pin 125 and a resilient bracket 126, the pin extending from the support surface 120 along an axis substantially parallel to the axial direction, the resilient bracket being able to deform and deflect in a direction opposite to the watch movement 20, i.e., tilt, as... Figure 2 The detailed view is shown below.

[0062] Pin 125 has a length substantially equal to the thickness of outer component plate 11, such that its free end is flush with the visible surface of outer component plate 11, as... Figure 2 The detailed view is shown below.

[0063] The elastic support 126 extends longitudinally in a tangential plane perpendicular to the radial direction between its end, which is connected to the body 124 of the support plate 12, and its free end, which is oriented toward the pin 125.

[0064] The elastic bracket 126 and the pin 125 are separated from each other by a space that forms a gap, into which the radial protrusion 113 of the outer component plate 11 is inserted.

[0065] The radial protrusion includes an end wall that connects two transverse sides that are substantially parallel to each other, the wall and the transverse sides being defined in the edge of the outer component plate 11.

[0066] Advantageously, the elastic support 126 is elbow-shaped relative to the body 124 of the support plate 12 at an angle, such that its free end is arranged against the edge of the radial protrusion 113, and more specifically against a lateral side of the radial protrusion 113, in order to form a stop for preventing the outer component plate 11 from rotating about the central axis.

[0067] More specifically, the radial protrusion 113 is arranged in the gap in a close fit manner so as to prevent the outer component plate 11 from traveling at any angle relative to the support plate 12 about the central axis.

[0068] Figure 2 A detailed view illustrating an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the central fastening member of the outer component plate 11 is formed by a central opening 111 having a non-circular cross-section, and wherein the central fastening member of the support plate 12 includes a cylindrical sleeve 127 inserted through the central opening 111.

[0069] More specifically, the sleeve 127 is fastened to the central opening 121 of the support plate 12 at one end and protrudes beyond the support surface 120 at its other end, which is referred to as the "free end," as shown below. Figure 1 The detailed view is shown below.

[0070] Sleeve 127 includes a radial collar 128 at its free end, the cross-section of which has a shape complementary to the cross-section of the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11. In other words, the cross-section of the radial collar 128 has a shape similar to the cross-section of the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11, plus or minus mechanical clearance.

[0071] This feature allows the outer component plate 11 to be positioned against the support surface 120 of the support plate 12 by inserting the sleeve 127 through the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11. Furthermore, the sleeve 127 advantageously allows the outer component plate 11 to be aligned in place relative to the support plate 12.

[0072] By pivoting the outer component plate 11 relative to the support plate 12 about its central axis, the non-circular shape of the cross-section of the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11 allows the radial collar 128 to cover a portion of the outer component plate 11 to form an axial stop, such as... Figure 2 The detailed view is shown below.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the cross section comprises two opposing circular arcs on the diameter connected to each other by two straight line segments.

[0074] This cross-sectional shape has the advantage of being easy to manufacture.

[0075] Alternatively, the cross-section may include a single straight line segment and a single circular arc, or any polygonal or elliptical shape.

[0076] The dial 10 is preferably removably fastened to the plate 21 of the watch movement 20 via a support plate 12. For example, the support plate 12 is threaded onto the plate 21. Figure 1 As shown in the exploded view, the retaining plate can optionally be arranged between the plate 21 and the support plate 12.

[0077] Therefore, the external component plate 11 and the support plate 12 can be separated from the watch movement 20.

[0078] exist Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown, the support plate 12 includes a plurality of through holes 129, for example three, on its periphery for receiving screws, the screw shanks of which engage with threaded holes 22 formed in the plate 21.

[0079] Furthermore, the support plate 12 is preferably fastened to the plate 21 by screws that are closer to the central opening 121 of the plate than other screws arranged around its periphery, and the screws also engage with threaded holes 22 formed in the plate 21.

[0080] The present invention extends to a method for mounting a dial 10 in a watch, and a method for removing the dial 10.

[0081] The method includes a first step of fastening the support plate 12 to the plate 21 of the watch movement 20, preferably by means of a threaded connection.

[0082] Then, the outer component plate 11 is applied onto the support plate 12 so as to abut against its supporting surface 120, and the sleeve 127 is inserted through the central opening 111, as shown. Figure 3 As shown.

[0083] At this first relative position of the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12, the radial collar 128 is aligned with the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11, such that the projection of the cross-section of the radial tab 128 and the projection of the cross-section of the central opening 111 coincide with each other, with mechanical clearance added or subtracted, as... Figure 3 The detailed view is shown below.

[0084] To facilitate this step, the outer component plate 11 can be configured such that when the sleeve 127 is inserted through the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11, one of the radial tabs 112 is designed to abut against the pin 125 on the side opposite to the resilient support 126. This arrangement in Figure 3 As can be seen, this arrangement also serves to prevent misalignment during the assembly of the external component plate 11 and the support plate 12.

[0085] Then, the outer component plate 11 pivots about the central axis to advance the radial protrusion 113 until it is received in the gap formed between the pin 125 and the resilient support 126. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the dial 10 rotates clockwise, but in other exemplary embodiments, the rotation direction may be counterclockwise.

[0086] During the rotation of the outer component plate 11, considering its insertion into the gap, the radial protrusion 113 deforms the elastic support 126 into a deflection by applying a force having an axial component that overcomes the elastic return stress generated by the elastic support 126, so as to align it with the body 124 of the support plate 12. Once the radial protrusion 113 is received in the gap and abuts against the pin 125, it no longer restricts the elastic support 126, and thus the elastic support returns to its elbow-shaped rest state, forming a stop for preventing the outer component plate 11 from rotating about the central axis, as... Figure 2 The detailed view is shown below.

[0087] Furthermore, this step also has the effect of offsetting the center opening 111 of the outer component plate 11 at an angle relative to the sleeve 127, such that the radial collar 128 covers a portion of the outer component plate 11 and forms an axial stop, and also has the effect of receiving the radial tab 112 in the recess 123, as... Figure 2 The detailed view is shown below.

[0088] The outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 are thus fastened together.

[0089] Advantageously, the plates are reversibly assembled to each other, with the peripheral fastening members and central fastening members of the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 engaging with each other in a removable manner.

[0090] To separate the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12, the elastic bracket 126 is stressed to align with the body 124 of the support plate 12, and the outer component plate 11 is pivoted about its central axis to remove the radial protrusion 113 from the gap. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, this rotation is counterclockwise, but in other exemplary embodiments, the direction of rotation that separates the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 may be clockwise.

[0091] Advantageously, the radial tabs 112 are sized such that when one of them passes through the side of a stop pin 125 on its lateral side opposite to the resilient support 126, the peripheral and central fastening members of the outer component plate 11 and the support plate 12 are separated from each other, respectively. More specifically, the radial tabs 112 are removed from the notch 123, and the projection of the cross-section of the radial collar 128 and the projection of the central opening 111 of the outer component plate 11 coincide with each other, plus or minus mechanical clearance, so that the outer component plate 11 can be removed from the support plate 12 by translation in the axial direction.

Claims

1. A dial (10) comprising an outer component plate (11) intended to be visible to a user, the outer component plate (11) resting on a support surface (120) of a support plate (12), the outer component plate being stacked on the support plate, the outer component plate (11) and the support plate (12) being fastened to each other at their peripheries by the engagement of peripheral fastening members included therein, and fastened to each other at their center by the engagement of central fastening members included therein, the dial being characterized in that the peripheral fastening members of the outer component plate (11) and the peripheral fastening members of the support plate (12) are configured to engage with each other in a removable manner, and the central fastening members of the outer component plate (11) and the central fastening members of the support plate (12) are configured to engage with each other in a removable manner so as to enable the outer component plate (11) and the support plate (12) to be separated from each other, wherein, The peripheral fastening member of the support plate (12) includes a pin (125) extending from the support surface (120) of the support plate (12) and an elastic bracket (126) elbow-shaped relative to the support surface (120) and separated from the pin (125) by a space forming a gap, into which a radial protrusion (113) of the outer component plate (11) is inserted, and the elastic bracket (126) is elastically deformable by the radial protrusion (113) during the insertion of the radial protrusion into the gap.

2. The dial (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral fastening member of the outer component plate (11) includes at least one radial tab (112), and the peripheral fastening member of the support plate (12) includes at least one catcher (122) forming a notch (123), the at least one catcher (122) being configured such that the notch (123) receives the at least one radial tab (112) upon insertion.

3. The dial (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The outer component plate (11) is configured such that when the outer component plate (11) and the support plate (12) are separated from each other, the radial tab (112) or one of the radial tabs can abut against the side of the pin (125) opposite to the elastic bracket (126).

4. The dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The central fastening member of the outer component plate (11) is formed by a central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11), the cross-section of the central opening of the outer component plate (11) having a non-circular shape, and wherein the central fastening member of the support plate (12) includes a cylindrical sleeve (127) inserted through the central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11) and fastened to the central opening (121) of the support plate (12) through one end of the cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve (127) including a radial collar (128) at its other end, the cross-section of the radial collar having a shape complementary to the shape of the cross-section of the central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11).

5. The dial (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The shape of the cross-section of the radial collar (128) and the shape of the cross-section of the central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11) include at least one circular arc connected to at least one straight line segment.

6. A watch comprising a case defining an internal volume in which a dial (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a watch movement (20) intended to drive hour and minute hands are housed, an external component plate (11) being fastened to a support plate (12), the support plate itself being fastened to a plate (21) of the watch movement (20).

7. A method for mounting a dial (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 3 in a watch, comprising the following sequential steps: - Secure the support plate (12) to the plate (21) of the watch movement (20), - The external component plate (11) is configured such that it abuts against the support surface (120) of the support plate (12). - Rotate the outer component plate (11) relative to the support plate (12) about a central axis perpendicular to the support surface (120), such that the peripheral fastening member and the central fastening member of the outer component plate (11) respectively engage with the peripheral fastening member and the central fastening member of the support plate (12).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, When the outer component plate (11) pivots relative to the support plate (12), the radial tab (112) is received in the recess (123).

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, When the outer component plate (11) pivots relative to the support plate (12), the radial protrusion (113) is accommodated in the gap formed between the pin (125) and the elastic bracket (126).

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The central fastening member of the outer component plate (11) is formed by a central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11), the cross-section of the central opening of the outer component plate (11) having a non-circular shape, and wherein the central fastening member of the support plate (12) includes a cylindrical sleeve (127) inserted through the central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11) and fastened to the central opening (121) of the support plate (12) through one end of the cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve (127) including a radial collar (128) at its other end, the cross-section of the radial collar having a shape complementary to the shape of the cross-section of the central opening (111) of the outer component plate (11), wherein when the outer component plate (11) pivots relative to the support plate (12), the radial collar (128) covers a portion of the outer component plate (11) to form an axial stop.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein, During the step of setting the outer component plate (11) against the support surface (120) of the support plate (12), one of the radial tabs (112) abuts against the pin (125) on the side of the pin (125) opposite to the elastic bracket (126).

12. A method for disassembling the dial (10) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising the following steps: - Stress is applied to the elastic support (126) to hold the elastic support in alignment with the support surface (120) of the support plate (12). - Rotate the outer component plate (11) relative to the support plate (12) about a central axis perpendicular to the support surface (120) to remove the radial protrusion (113) from the gap, and - The outer component plate (11) is removed by translating the outer component plate (11) along the central axis.

13. The method for disassembling the dial (10) according to claim 12, wherein, Perform rotation of the outer component plate (11) until the radial tab (112) or one of the radial tabs abuts against the pin (125) on the side of the pin (125) opposite to the elastic bracket (126).

Images