Pressure reducing valve for a table

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure reducing valve comprising: - a tube (2) intended to be fastened to a watch case; - a recessed head (3) mounted in a manner able to move in rotation about the axis of the tube (2) and in translation along the axis of the tube (2), the head (3) being able to adopt a first axial position in which a gas flow is possible between the inside and the outside of the watch case and a second axial position in which this gas flow is blocked; - a first insert (4) mounted in the recess of the head (3); the valve (1) being characterized in that the head (3) is mounted on the tube (2) via the first insert (4); and in that the head (3) is fastened to the first insert (4) by fastening means (8) comprising a thread and / or a glue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pressure relief valve for a watch case designed for scuba diving. The invention also relates to a watch equipped with said valve. Background Technology

[0002] Some dive watches have a helium release valve to release helium that has seeped into the case during so-called saturation dives, in which divers breathe a mixture of helium and oxygen. This allows divers to stay inside a dive bell or station for several days. During this time, helium can seep into the watch. Without such a valve, the internal overpressure created by the seeping helium can damage the watch during decompression, such as causing the crystal to fall off or crack.

[0003] In the prior art, manual helium valves are known, which are simply operated by tightening / loosening a sealing element such as a valve head, which is analogous to a crown threaded onto a pipe fitting, either fitted or threaded onto a central element. Conventionally, such valves include a plunger connected to the valve head, which can apply pressure to a sealing washer by cooperating with a spring to regulate the pressure inside the valve case. Such valves also include a recessed head threaded onto a pipe fitting and at least one washer that ensures the valve's watertightness and, when uncompressed, allows gas to pass between the inside and outside of the valve case under overpressure conditions.

[0004] Typically, the head is also attached to various components (such as rings, spacers, and components for controlling the stroke of the valve head), which must be assembled onto the head by welding or soldering for ease of installation. This assembly by welding or soldering limits the choice of materials and usually excludes hard materials such as ceramics from the possible range.

[0005] Subsequently, it was necessary to develop new valves with an internal component arrangement that would allow these materials, which are difficult to deform and / or weld, to be used in the watchmaking field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to develop a new valve whose component arrangement does not require the head to be assembled with other components by assembly or welding, so that the valve head can be manufactured using hard materials such as ceramics, sapphire, cermet, etc.

[0007] For this purpose, assembly between the head and the fitting, or generally between the head and any component, is performed via an insert fixed to the head. The insert is not visible from the outside of the valve and can be made of a material of low hardness, thus allowing for any type of assembly. According to the invention, fastening between the head material and the insert material is achieved by a threaded connection, preferably by a combination of threaded connection and adhesive, and alternatively by simple adhesive. The threads can be obtained, for example, directly by molding the head to the desired shape. Subsequently, the insert fixed to the head can be fastened to any component, including the fitting, by assembly or welding and by threaded connection, as required by the installation conditions.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention relates to a pressure reducing valve for a watch case, the pressure reducing valve comprising:

[0009] - A fitting, the fitting being designed to be fastened to the case, the fitting defining an axis A indicating the axial direction;

[0010] - A head, the head being mounted to be rotatable about axis A and translatable along axis A, the head being able to take a first axial position called an open position and a second axial position called a closed position, in which gas flow is allowed between the inside and outside of the case, and in the closed position, gas flow is blocked between the inside and outside of the case, the head being provided with a cover called a first cover that defines a first recess and an axial skirt called a first axial skirt within the head;

[0011] - A first insert, which is installed in the first recess of the head;

[0012] The valve is characterized in that a head is mounted on a pipe via a first insert; and wherein the head is fastened to the first insert by a fastening device comprising threads and / or adhesive. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from reading embodiments of the invention provided by way of non-limiting example only and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] - Figure 1 This is a half-sectional view of the pressure reducing valve according to the present invention in the closed position;

[0015] - Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the same valve in the open position when there is no overpressure inside the housing;

[0016] - Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the same valve in the open position when there is overpressure inside the housing. Detailed Implementation

[0017] According to the invention, valve 1 is in Figure 1 The middle part represents a closed position, and in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The middle indicates that it is in the open position. Figure 3 In this case, there is overpressure inside the watch case. The valve shown in the diagram is an automatic valve, which needs to be manually opened by disconnecting the screw connection on its head to operate, and thus allows gas to escape in the event of overpressure inside the watch case equipped with this valve.

[0018] The valve 1 includes a fitting 2 intended for fastening to a housing (not shown) and a head 3 mounted to be rotatably movable about an axis A of the fitting and translatably movable along the axis A, which is also the central axis of the valve. The head can be made of a hard material such as ceramic, sapphire, or cermet, or a conventional material with lower hardness such as steel. The hard material should be understood as having a Vickers hardness greater than 500 HV, preferably greater than 700 HV. The head 3 is recessed, having a recessed portion defined by a first cover 3a extending symmetrically about the axis A via a first axial skirt 3b. According to the invention, the head 3 is fixed to at least one insert 4, referred to as a first insert, which is positioned within the recess of the head. Preferably, the first insert 4 also includes a recessed portion, which is also defined by a second cover 4a extending symmetrically about the axis A via a second axial skirt 4b, the cover 4a being positioned against the inner surface of the cover 3a of the head 3. Figure 2 The cover 4a includes a central connecting element 4c that protrudes from the inner surface of the cover 4a and extends in the direction of axis A, which in the illustrated example is in the form of a cylindrical post. The first insert 4 is secured to at least one second insert 5. The second insert 5 includes a seat 5a carved out in the direction of axis A to receive the central connecting element 4c of the first insert 4. The second insert 5 includes a recess 5b in the outer surface of its transverse wall, which allows for the reception of a first sealing gasket 6 of the valve and is intended to mate with the inner wall of the fitting 2 in the threaded connection position of the head. The recess 5b is carved out along the entire edge of the transverse wall.

[0019] The head 3 is mounted on the pipe fitting 2 via the first insert 4, wherein a portion of the inner surface of the axial skirt 4b is threaded onto the outer portion of the pipe fitting 2. These devices for fastening via threaded connections are also referred to as the first fastening device, which is indicated by reference numeral 7 in the figures. Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the invention, the assembly between the head 3 and the first insert 4 is achieved by a threaded connection, preferably by a combination of threaded connection and adhesive, or alternatively by simple adhesive. The inner portion of the axial skirt 3b of the head 3 is assembled onto the outer portion of the axial skirt 4b of the first insert 4. The fastening device, also referred to as the second fastening device, is indicated by reference numeral 8 in the drawing. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Assembly between the first insert 4 and the second insert 5 is achieved via a central connecting element 4c, which is preferably fitted into the seat 5a of the second insert 5. Therefore, the first insert 4 is made of a material that allows for some deformation during assembly, such as steel. Typically, this material has a hardness below 500 HV.

[0020] Typically, the valve includes a plunger 9 mounted within the fitting 2, adjacent to the second insert 5 in a direction opposite to the head. The plunger 9, mounted to be movable in the direction of axis A, includes a base 9a, on top of which is a handle 9b that tapers at its end opposite the base. Figure 2 The involute portion 9c defines the support surface of the valve's second sealing washer 10. When a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure is applied to the base 9a of the plunger, the plunger moves axially in the direction of the valve head. When the pressure P2 applied to the base 9a is lower than a given value depending on the spring stiffness, a return spring 11 wound around the handle 9b ensures that the plunger 6 returns to its rest position. The spring 11 is supported at one end on the base 9a and at the other end on a support portion 12 projecting from the inside of the fitting 2. The support portion 12 is defined by a lower surface 12a and an upper surface 12b opposite to the lower surface 12a, which points towards the base 9a of the plunger, and the spring 11 is supported on the lower surface 12a. According to the invention, the second sealing washer 10 is positioned between the upper surface 12b and the involute portion 9c of the handle of the plunger 9.

[0021] In addition to the support portion 12 formed on the inner surface of the fitting 2, the fitting 2 includes a notch 2a extending along the entire edge of the inner surface, when the valve is in such a position as Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the open position shown, the notch 2a is designed to be positioned opposite to the first sealing gasket 6. In the closed position ( Figure 1 The notch 2a is axially offset relative to the recess 5b formed in the second insert 5, and may overlap.

[0022] Externally, fitting 2 includes a collar 2b positioned within a recess 4d formed on the inner surface of the axial skirt 4b of the first insert 4. This recess 4d opens at the base of the axial skirt 4b and is closed by a ring 13. The ring 13 is disposed within the recess of the head 3, adjacent to the first insert 4 in the direction of the plunger. The ring 13, together with the recess 4d of the first insert 4, defines a seat for receiving the collar 2b. When the threaded connection of the head is disconnected to open the valve, the ring forms a support portion that restricts the axial movement of the head. The ring is assembled to the axial skirt of the head by a threaded connection (fastening device 8), preferably by a threaded connection and adhesive, or alternatively by simple adhesive, always to avoid assembly by welding or assembly.

[0023] The valve operates as follows. The opening of valve 1 is controlled by the user by disconnecting the threaded connection of head 3, causing axial movement of the head, where the collar 2b of fitting 2 abuts against ring 13, placing the valve in the operating position. In this open position, space is provided for gas passage between the first sealing gasket 6 and the recess 2a formed in fitting 2. When there is no overpressure inside the housing (P1 = P2 or P2 slightly higher than P1), the second sealing gasket 10 is pressed against the support portion 12 of fitting 2 by the involute portion 9c of plunger 9. Figure 2 After this, the valve is completely sealed. In the event of overpressure inside the case (P2>P1), plunger 9 rises, which releases the second sealing gasket 10 and allows gas to pass through to balance the pressure between the inside and outside of the case. Figure 3 The gas flow path is in Figure 3 The passage is indicated by arrows. The passage occurs sequentially between the plunger 9 and the tube 2, between the second sealing gasket 10 and the involute portion 9c of the plunger, and then in the space between the recess 2a of the tube 2 and the first sealing gasket 6. Subsequently, the gas passes between the second insert 5 and the tube 2, between the upper end of the tube 2 and the first insert 4, between the first insert 4 and the second insert 5 at the fastening device 7, within the recess 4d of the first insert 4, and then between the ring 13 and the tube 2 before finally reaching the outside.

[0024] List of reference numerals

[0025] 1. Valve

[0026] 2. Pipe fittings

[0027] a. notch

[0028] b. Circle collar

[0029] 3. Head

[0030] a. Cover, also known as the first cover

[0031] b. Axial skirt, also known as the first axial skirt

[0032] 4. First insert

[0033] a. Cover, also known as the second cover

[0034] b. Axial skirt, also known as the second axial skirt

[0035] c. Center connecting element

[0036] d. Depression

[0037] 5. Second insert

[0038] a. Seat

[0039] b. concave part

[0040] 6. First sealing gasket

[0041] 7. First fastening device

[0042] 8. Second fastening device

[0043] 9. Plunger

[0044] a. base

[0045] b. Handle

[0046] c. Involute

[0047] 10. Second sealing gasket

[0048] 11. Spring

[0049] 12. Support portion of pipe fittings

[0050] a. Below

[0051] b. Above

[0052] 13. Ring.

Claims

1. A pressure reducing valve (1) for a watch case, the pressure reducing valve (1) comprising: - Fitting (2), said fitting (2) is intended to be fastened to said case, said fitting (2) defines an axis (A) indicating the axial direction; - Head (3), the head (3) is mounted to be rotatable about the axis (A) and to be translatable along the axis (A), the head (3) is capable of taking a first axial position called an open position and a second axial position called a closed position, in which gas flow is possible between the inside and outside of the case, and in which the gas flow between the inside and outside of the case is blocked, the head (3) is provided with a cover (3a) called a first cover and an axial skirt (3b) called a first axial skirt, which define a recess called a first recess within the head (3). - A first insert (4), which is installed in the first recess of the head (3); The valve (1) is characterized in that the head (3) is mounted on the pipe fitting (2) via the first insert (4) which is translated integrally with the head (3), and wherein the head (3) is fastened to the first insert (4) by a fastening device (8) including threads and / or adhesive.

2. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first insert (4) is recessed and includes a second insert (5) within a recess that is called the second recess.

3. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first insert (4) has a cover (4a) that defines the second recess and is called a second cover, and an axial skirt (4b) that defines the second axial skirt. The second cover (4a) is positioned against the inner surface of the first cover (3a) of the head (3).

4. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second cover (4a) of the first insert (4) includes a central connecting element (4c) protruding from the inner surface of the second cover (4a) in the axial direction, and wherein the second insert (5) includes a seat (5a) for receiving the central connecting element (4c).

5. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The valve (1) includes a first sealing gasket (6), and wherein the second insert (5) includes a recess (5b) on the outside of its transverse wall that receives the first sealing gasket (6).

6. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fitting (2) includes a notch (2a) on its inner surface, which is positioned opposite to the recess (5b) when the valve (1) is in the open position, and is positioned with axial offset when the valve (1) is in the closed position.

7. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The valve (1) includes a second sealing gasket (10); wherein the fitting (2) includes a support portion (12) on its inner surface, the second sealing gasket (10) rests on the support portion (12), and wherein the valve (1) includes a plunger (9) mounted to be axially movable within the fitting (2), the plunger (9) including an involute portion (9c) that compresses the second sealing gasket (10) against the support portion (12) when the valve (1) is in the closed position, and that releases the second sealing gasket (10) when the valve (1) is in the open position.

8. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The valve (1) includes a ring (13) in the first recess of the head (3), the ring (13) being adjacent to and adjacent to the first insert (4), the ring (13) being fastened to the head (3) by the fastening device (8) including threads and / or adhesive.

9. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, A recess (4d) called a third recess is formed in the inner surface of the second axial skirt (4b) of the first insert (4), the third recess opening into the ring (13), and wherein the tube (2) includes a collar (2b) on its outer surface, the collar (2b) being positioned within the third recess (4d), the ring (13) forming a support portion that restricts the axial movement of the head (3) when the head (3) moves from the closed position to the open position.

10. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The head (3) is made of a material with a Vickers hardness of more than 500 HV.

11. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first insert (4) is made of a material having a hardness of less than 500 HV.

12. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The head (3) does not include a means for fastening by assembly or welding.

13. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The Vickers hardness of the material is higher than 700 HV.

14. The pressure reducing valve (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The head (3) is made of ceramic material, sapphire or cermet.

15. A table comprising a pressure reducing valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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