Thermal protection case for timepieces

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a heat protection case (100) for a timepiece (1000), comprising a device (10) for holding a housing (500) of the timepiece (1000) in a housing, the device (10) comprising: a first elastic piston (11) with a mobile support (12), each of which comprises at least one component having a lower thermal conductivity than the housing and than the housing (500) and creating a thermal barrier between them; and a second opposing support, each consisting of a column (31), each of which comprises at least one component having a lower thermal conductivity than the housing and than the housing (500) and creating a thermal barrier between them, the column constituting a fixed stop support; or each consisting of a second elastic piston comprising a second mobile support arranged to be supported on the housing (500) and comprising at least one component having a lower thermal conductivity than the housing and than the housing (500) and creating a thermal barrier between the housing and the second mobile support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat protection case for a timepiece (especially a watch) and includes a case for holding a timepiece within a cover (enveloppe) holding device.

[0002] The invention also relates to a timepiece assembly comprising such a thermal protection case and at least one timepiece comprising a case having a geometry matching a retaining member included in the thermal protection case.

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of thermal protection of timepieces, in particular watches, used under severe temperature conditions, such as, for example, very high or very low temperatures, or significant diurnal and night-time temperature differences. Background Art

[0004] Thermal protection of timepieces, in particular watches, intended to withstand severe temperature conditions, particularly in aviation or aerospace, is difficult.

[0005] Timepieces are often enclosed in very bulky cases, which can cause discomfort to the user and make reading or activation difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention proposes producing a thermal protection case for a timepiece, in particular a watch, which is compact and does not cause discomfort to the user by minimizing the heat exchange between the external environment and the timepiece.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a thermal protection case according to the invention for a timepiece.

[0008] The invention also relates to a timepiece assembly comprising such a thermal protection case and at least one timepiece comprising a case having a geometry matching a retaining member included in the thermal protection case. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1 Schematically and in perspective, a heat protection case according to the invention is shown, comprising a heat-insulating cover, here highlighted by its actuator for controlling the functions of a watch enclosed in this cover, this actuator being shown here in the closed position;

[0011] - Figure 2 Schematically and in exploded perspective view Figure 1The heat protection shell, and the three main components of the cover can be identified from top to bottom: the watch mirror, the heat shield and the bottom cover; Figure 1 The actuator is shown next to the heat shield. Between the bottom cover and the heat shield, various upper and lower supports characteristic of the invention for maintaining the thermal insulation of the timepiece can be seen: in the upper part, a first elastic piston can be seen, each of which comprises a first side arranged next to the watch case or similar member. a first mobile support of the upper support; and in the lower part, a second support can be seen, here consisting of a thermally insulated fixed column, for bearing on the same second side of the shell, this second side being opposite to the first side;

[0012] - Figure 3 Schematically and in plan view, the bottom cover is shown, seen from the inside of this heat protection case, as well as various supports, as if arranged in an operative position to surround, for example, a watch case (not shown); in this non-limiting example, these supports are: two pairs of first elastic pistons arranged to bear on the lugs of such a case and three fixed columns arranged in a triangle for balancing;

[0013] - Figure 4 Schematically and in Figure 3 AA section shows details of a particular embodiment of these various supports, with an upper crosspiece for fastening the intermediate plate and an anti-vibration lower stop for improved protection in case of shock;

[0014] - Figure 5 Schematically and perpendicular to Figure 3 The same mechanism is shown in the sectional view taken along AA direction;

[0015] - Figure 6 Schematically and in plan view, a heat shield is shown from the inside of the heat protection shell, with a seat and a bearing surface for a first elastic piston;

[0016] - Figure 7 A partial view of a timepiece assembly is shown schematically and in plan view, comprising a thermal protection case according to the invention and a timepiece, here a watch, enclosed in a waterproof manner and immobilized therein, the view showing only the bottom cover, the watch and its upper and lower supports, without showing the heat shield and the watch glass of the thermal protection case;

[0017] - Figure 8 A detail of the same mechanism is shown schematically and in perspective, in which the first mobile support can be seen pressing on the lugs of the watch case;

[0018] - Figure 9Other details of the same mechanism are shown schematically and in perspective, with some of the elements shown in a semi-transparent manner, in which the first elastic piston can be seen in its seat and the first mobile support pressing on the lugs of the watch case;

[0019] - Figure 10 Further details of the same mechanism are shown schematically and in a perspective view, the view being taken in a section through the axis of the elastic piston and through the axes of the screws and pins for retaining the support plate, the mechanism without the watch case but in a compressed position corresponding to the first elastic spring retaining the watch, in which the bearing surface of the heat shield can be seen, on which the support plate bears, and in which the first elastic piston can be seen in its seat; the spring of the first elastic piston is compressed, the first mobile support comprising a shoulder, which is here situated at a non-zero distance from the support plate;

[0020] - Figure 11 and Figure 10 Similarly, this time the watch case is shown, and the corresponding first mobile support can be seen pressing on the lugs of the watch case;

[0021] - Figure 12 Schematic and in perspective view, showing a detail of a timepiece assembly comprising the thermal protection case and a watch mounted in a holding position, without showing the bottom cover of the thermal protection case; visible are the crosspieces supporting the transverse stop between the lugs of the watch in the event of shocks;

[0022] - Figure 13 Similar to Figure 12 , not shown, it can be seen that the first support is located at a certain distance from the corresponding support plate fastened to the heat shield. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The invention relates to a thermal protection case 100 for a timepiece 1000 comprising a retaining device 10 for retaining a case 500 of the timepiece 1000 within a cover.

[0024] According to the invention, the holding device 10 comprises supports on either side of the housing 500 .

[0025] On the one hand, in order to bear on the same first side of the housing 500, the holding device 10 comprises at least two first elastic pistons 11, each of which comprises a first mobile support 12 arranged to bear on the first side of the housing 500. Each first elastic piston comprises at least one component having a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and the housing 500 and forming a thermal barrier between the cover and the housing 500.

[0026] On the other hand, in order to be supported on the same second side of the shell 500, which is opposite to the first side, the retaining device 10 includes at least three second supports, each of which is either composed of a column 31 (as shown in the figure), which is made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and than the shell 500 and constitutes a fixed stop support; or, in a variant not shown, is composed of a second elastic piston, which includes a second movable support arranged to be supported on the shell 500 and includes at least one component, which has a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and than the shell 500 and creates a thermal barrier between the cover and the second movable support.

[0027] More particularly, the cover comprises at least one heat-insulating cover 1 and a bottom cover 2, arranged to cooperate with each other in a watertight closed position under the action of closing means.

[0028] Heat shield 1 and / or bottom cover 2 include or carry a crystal 3 secured in a watertight manner and arranged for viewing timepiece 1000 enclosed in heat-protective case 100 .

[0029] More particularly, heat shield 1 and / or bottom cover 2 and / or crystal 3 are made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than case 500 of timepiece 1000 that thermal protective shell 100 may enclose.

[0030] In an advantageous variant, heat shield 1 and / or bottom cover 2 and / or crystal 3 constitute a double-walled Arsonval-Dewar vessel with an internal vacuum between its two walls. More particularly, heat shield 1 is well suited to this type of embodiment, given the dimensions of these components.

[0031] More specifically, heat shield 1 includes seats 4, each of which is arranged to accommodate a first elastic piston 11 and each of which includes a stop bearing surface 5 for one end of first elastic piston 11, and more specifically a stop bearing surface 5 for the spring included in this first elastic piston 11. For example, this seat 4 is composed of a blind hole or the like, and its back constitutes the stop bearing surface 5, and makes it possible to guide the first elastic piston in the installation direction to facilitate the installation of timepiece 1000 in case 100.

[0032] like Figure 11 and Figure 13 As can be seen in FIG, mobile support 12 thus operates like a piston; it is held in its seat by plate 21, which is itself fastened to a bearing surface 121 of heat shield 1 by screws 22 and pins 23 to ensure its positioning. When watch case 500 is mounted in protective housing 100, the piston is compressed and therefore does not rest against plate 21. Figure 10 and Figure 11The support plate 21 is shown pressed against this bearing surface 121; the spring 110 of the first elastic piston 11 is compressed and the corresponding first mobile support 12 can be seen pressed against the lug 800 of the watch case 500; the first mobile support 12 includes a shoulder which is here located at a non-zero distance J from the support plate 21.

[0033] In a variant not shown, the plate 21 is fastened to a crosspiece 15 which overhangs an anti-vibration stop 18 (to be explained below) by means of screws 22 and pins 23. The crosspiece 15 is preferably made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and than the housing 500.

[0034] More particularly, the thermal shield 100 includes at least three first elastic pistons 11, at least two of which are identical and form a pair arranged to exert distinct and symmetrical pressures on the case 500. More particularly, the thermal shield 100 includes at least four first elastic pistons 11, forming two pairs arranged to exert pressures on distinct areas and located on either side of the timepiece 1000, but on the same first lateral side. More particularly, and as can be seen in the figures, each pair of first elastic pistons 11 forms a converging dihedral angle that tends to generate a force that pushes toward the longitudinal axis of the case 500.

[0035] More specifically, bottom cover 2 includes at least one anti-vibration lower stop 18 made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than case 500; and in the nominally unlocked position, this anti-vibration lower stop 18 is located at a distance from timepiece 1000, which is supported on at least three second supports. This anti-vibration lower stop 18 is arranged to constitute a stop that limits the travel of timepiece 1000 during an oscillation that unbalances timepiece 1000 relative to the second supports.

[0036] More particularly, at least one anti-vibration lower stop 18 is elastic; or by virtue of the crosspiece 15 on which at least one plate 21 may rest, forms a cavity 24 containing elastic return means such as a spring, or an elastic washer, or similar.

[0037] This mechanism advantageously comprises, on crosspiece 15, an element 16 and on anti-shock lower stop 18, an element 19, respectively lateral and axial stops intended to limit the movement of watch case 500 in the event of shocks. In the static state, watch head 500 is in contact with protective case 100 solely by means of contact elements 12 and 31.

[0038] More particularly, at least one such anti-shock lower stop 18 comprises such an axial stop 19 mounted on an elastic support and intended to position timepiece 1000 longitudinally along a plane symmetrical to lugs 800 of timepiece 1000 (when the timepiece comprises lugs).

[0039] In a variant, the retaining element 16 is a transverse stop made of a material with low thermal conductivity, which is located at a distance from the watch except in the case of shock.

[0040] More particularly, the enclosure comprises at least one communication port between the inner volume of the enclosure and the outside environment, which communication port can be enclosed in a watertight manner and is arranged to extract gas contained in the enclosure or to inject gas into the enclosure.

[0041] More particularly, the cover comprises at least one control port 70 between its internal volume and the external environment, arranged to receive in a watertight manner an actuator 7 for a user action on a crown or a push-button or a pull-out included in timepiece 1000 .

[0042] More particularly, the heat shield 1 comprises an external lug 8 with a seat 80 for fastening a wrist strap.

[0043] More specifically, the member made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the housing 500 is made of PTFE or refractory crystalline structure polyimide.

[0044] The invention also relates to a timepiece assembly comprising such a thermal protection shell 100 and at least one timepiece 1000 comprising a housing 500 having a geometry matching the first elastic piston 11 and the second support included in the thermal protection shell 100 , in particular the stud 31 .

[0045] In short, a thermal protection case 100, intended to protect a timepiece 1000 (more particularly a watch) from its environment, comprises a piston that limits heat conduction. The timepiece 1000 (more particularly a watch) is retained by a piston system comprising this first elastic piston 11, which performs two functions: ensuring the retention of the watch and minimizing heat conduction between the watch 1000 and the thermal protection case 100.

[0046] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, four first elastic pistons 11, arranged in pairs, are mounted on the upper portion of the thermally protective shell 100 at seats 24 of the heat shield 1. These first elastic pistons 11 include elastic return means (particularly springs) that ensure good watch retention and, in some cases, filter vibrations. These first elastic pistons 11 act on the case 500 of the watch 1000, for example, on the lugs 800 of this case 500, on the bezel or main crystal side of the watch 1000. Three fixed studs 31 are mounted on the bottom cover 2 included in the thermally protective shell 100 and serve as rigid supports on the other side of the watch (particularly the bottom cover of the watch itself). The first elastic pistons 11 and the fixed studs 31 have a shape designed to minimize the contact surface with the watch and each include at least one element made of a low-thermal-conductivity material, such as PTFE, or a refractory crystalline polyimide such as "Vespel," or similar materials.

[0047] A system of stops installed at each inner lug of the watch limits movement in the event of vibrations and shocks. In the nominal position, the watch does not come into contact with these stops, limiting heat transfer between the watch and the case. Like the piston and plunger, these stops are made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0048] The thermal protection case 100 comprises in particular a heat shield 1 forming a double-walled Arsonval-Dewar container with an internal vacuum between its two walls, and at least one crystal 3 making the dial and the display of the watch optically readable, filtering the radiation emitted by the watch towards the outside of the case and protecting the watch from radiation originating from the outside of the case.

[0049] Back cover 2 is removable and advantageously includes a quick-release attachment that allows the case to be opened quickly, for example, via an eccentric toggle lever or similar, and closed quickly and watertightly. The watch is inserted into the case through the back cover. Fastening back cover 2 to cover 1 forces the watch against a piston, which in turn compresses a spring. This ensures that the watch remains firmly in place in the case, thus ensuring the absence of any play.

[0050] The case may include the actuator 7 , a lever, a button, a pull to activate the actuator of the watch.

[0051] The invention makes it possible to limit the volume of the case, thanks to the good thermal insulation at the bearing points on the watch, and also to limit its weight, and to allow the user to operate their watch normally.

Claims

1. A thermal protection case (100) for a timepiece (1000), comprising a retaining device (10) for retaining a housing (500) of the timepiece (1000) within the housing, characterized in that: On the one hand, in order to support on the same first side of the housing (500), the holding device (10) comprises at least two first elastic pistons (11), each of the first elastic pistons (11) comprising a first movable support (12) arranged to support on the first side of the housing (500), and each first elastic piston (11) comprising at least one component having a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and than the housing (500) and generating a thermal barrier between the cover and the housing (500); And on the other hand, in order to be supported on the same second side as the shell (500), the second side being opposite to the first side, the retaining device (10) includes at least three second supports, each of which is either composed of a column (31), the column (31) being made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and the shell (500) and constituting a fixed stop support; or composed of a second elastic piston, the second elastic piston including a second movable support arranged to be supported on the shell (500) and including at least one component having a lower thermal conductivity than the cover and the shell (500) and generating a thermal barrier between the cover and the second movable support.

2. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover comprises at least one heat shield (1) and a bottom cover (2), the heat shield (1) and the bottom cover (2) being arranged to cooperate with each other in a watertight closed position under the action of a closing device, the heat shield (1) and / or the bottom cover (2) carrying a watch mirror (3) fastened in a watertight manner and arranged for viewing a timepiece (1000) enclosed in the thermal protective shell (100).

3. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The heat-insulating cover (1) and / or the bottom cover (2) and / or the watch mirror (3) constitute a double-walled vacuum insulation container with an internal vacuum between the two walls.

4. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The heat shield (1) comprises seats (4) each arranged to receive a first elastic piston (11) and comprising a stop bearing surface (5) for one end of the first elastic piston (11).

5. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that At least one first mobile support (12) operates like a piston and is arranged to push a housing (500) under the action of elastic return means included in said first elastic piston (11).

6. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that At least one first mobile support (12) is held in its seat by a plate (21), said plate (21) itself being fastened to a bearing surface (121) by means of screws (22) and pins (23) to ensure its positioning, so that when a housing (500) is mounted in said thermal protection shell (100), said first elastic piston is compressed and does not rest against said plate (21).

7. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that At least one plate (21) is fastened to a support surface (121) included in the heat shield (1).

8. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat protection shell (100) comprises at least three first elastic pistons (11), at least two of which are identical and form a pair, the pair being arranged to exert distinct and symmetrical pressures on a housing (500).

9. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The heat protection shell (100) comprises at least four first elastic pistons (11) forming two pairs arranged to exert differential pressures on one housing (500) on either side of the timepiece (1000).

10. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The bottom cover (2) includes at least one shock-resistant lower stop (18), the shock-resistant lower stop (18) being made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the case (500), and in a nominally unlocked position, the shock-resistant lower stop (18) being located at a certain distance from a timepiece (1000) supported on at least three second supports, and the shock-resistant lower stop (18) being arranged to constitute a stop limiting the travel of the timepiece (1000) during an oscillation that causes the timepiece (1000) to be unbalanced relative to the second supports.

11. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least one anti-vibration lower stop (18) is elastic or forms a cavity (24) by virtue of the crosspiece (15) supporting the transverse stop (16), said cavity (24) containing elastic return means.

12. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that At least one shock-resistant lower stop (18) comprises an elastic axial stop support (19) for longitudinally positioning a timepiece (1000) along a plane of symmetry of the lugs of said timepiece (1000).

13. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The enclosure comprises at least one communication port between an inner volume of the enclosure and an outside environment, the communication port being sealable in a watertight manner and being arranged to extract gas contained in the enclosure or to inject gas into the enclosure.

14. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cover comprises at least one control port (70) between the inner volume of the cover and the outside environment, the control port (70) being arranged to receive in a watertight manner an actuator (7) for a user's action on a crown or a push-button or on a pull-shift included in the timepiece (1000).

15. The thermal protection shell (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The member made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the housing (500) is made of PTFE or refractory crystalline structure polyimide.

16. A timepiece assembly comprising a thermal protection case (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and at least one timepiece (1000), the timepiece (1000) comprising a housing (500) having a geometry matching the first mobile support (12) and the second mobile support included in the thermal protection case (100).

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