Watch and method for fastening a dial

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch comprising an intermediate part (1), a bezel (2) and a dial (3), the bezel being attached to the intermediate part by fastening means such as a screw thread. The dial (3) is held between the intermediate part and the bezel along its outer periphery. Furthermore, an axial shock-absorbing element (4) made of a flexible material is arranged and partially compressed between the dial (3) and the bezel (2). The shock-absorbing element can take the form of an O-ring and is mounted between a peripheral stop (13) on the inner wall of the bezel (2) and the outer periphery (15) of the front face of the dial. The axial shock-absorbing element (4) is able to attenuate the effects of a frontal impact on the watch, thereby reducing the risk of breakage or other damage to the dial. The fact that the dial (3) is held between the bezel and the intermediate part makes it possible to integrate the dial fastening structure in the external parts of the watch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of horology. More specifically, this invention relates to a device for securing a watch dial. Background Technology

[0002] In the watchmaking industry, watch dials are typically secured with bolts or pins that attach the dial to the mainplate of the watch movement. The rigidity of this fastening system makes the dial sensitive to impacts. Almost all energy, especially from a frontal impact, is transferred to the dial, potentially causing it to crack.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a solution that can better protect the watch dial from the impact of shocks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. This objective is achieved by the following watch and assembly method.

[0005] The watch according to the invention includes a center section, a bezel, and a dial, the bezel being attached to the center section by, for example, a threaded fastening device. The dial is held between the center section and the bezel along its outer periphery. Furthermore, an axial damping element made of a flexible material is arranged and partially compressed between the dial and the bezel. This axial damping element may be in the form of an O-ring and mounted between a peripheral stop on the inner wall of the bezel and the outer periphery of the dial's front surface. This axial damping element mitigates the impact of shocks to the front of the watch, thereby reducing the risk of dial breakage or other damage. The fact that the dial is held between the bezel and the center section allows the dial fastening structure to be integrated into the external components of the watch.

[0006] According to a specific embodiment, the watch also includes lateral shock-absorbing elements to protect the dial from lateral impacts.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the watch also includes an auxiliary element for orienting the dial relative to the central component or relative to the bezel.

[0008] Preferably, the auxiliary element is used to orient the dial relative to the intermediate component, and the auxiliary element includes at least two directional pins fastened to the front of the intermediate component, the directional pins being inserted into corresponding blind holes disposed on the back of the dial.

[0009] Preferably, the auxiliary element is used to orient the dial relative to the bezel, the auxiliary element includes at least two radial pins and at least two radial recesses, the radial pins are fastened to the dial or integral with the dial, the radial recesses are located in the inner wall of the bezel, and the radial pins are inserted into the corresponding radial recesses.

[0010] According to one specific embodiment, the watch also includes one or more lateral shock-absorbing elements disposed between the intermediate component and the dial.

[0011] Preferably, the intermediate component has at least two directional pins fastened to the front of the intermediate component, the directional pins being inserted into corresponding blind holes disposed on the back of the dial; each directional pin has a circumferential groove; each circumferential groove is provided with a lateral damping element, the lateral damping element being partially compressed between the bottom of the circumferential groove and the inner wall of the blind hole.

[0012] Preferably, the cross-section of the blind hole in the plane perpendicular to the directional pin is circular.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling the intermediate components, bezel, and dial of the aforementioned watch, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0014] - Place the intermediate component on a preferably horizontal support surface;

[0015] - The dial is then placed on the intermediate component, and the dial is oriented relative to the intermediate component by inserting the directional pin on the front of the intermediate component into the blind hole on the back of the dial;

[0016] - Then the bezel is placed on the dial, and the axial damping element is arranged between the bezel and the dial;

[0017] - The bezel is then fastened to the intermediate component, thereby partially compressing the axial damping element.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling the intermediate components, bezel, and dial of the aforementioned watch, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0019] - Place the intermediate component on a preferably horizontal support surface;

[0020] - The dial is oriented relative to the bezel by inserting a radial pin on the dial into a radial notch in the bezel, and the axial damping element is arranged between the dial and the bezel;

[0021] - Then the assembly formed by the bezel and the dial is placed on the intermediate component;

[0022] - The bezel is then fastened to the intermediate component, thereby partially compressing the axial damping element. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of multiple components of a watch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the assembled components;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the cross-section to show the location of the axial damping element;

[0027] Figure 4a and Figure 4b This is a bottom view of an assembly formed by a dial and a bezel according to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly including auxiliary elements for orienting the dial relative to the bezel;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of one embodiment including lateral damping elements. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shows components that constitute a characteristic part of an embodiment of the invention, particularly the middle part 1 of a watch, the bezel 2, the dial 3, and the axial damping element 4 arranged between the bezel and the dial.

[0030] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the assembly formed by assembling these components is shown. (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, the back of the bezel 2 is provided with feet 5. These feet 5 are arranged in corresponding holes 6 passing through the intermediate component 1. For example, the feet 5 are provided with threaded holes through which the bezel 2 can be threaded to the front of the intermediate component 1.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The enlarged view shows that the dial 3 is held between the intermediate component 1 and the bezel 2 along its outer periphery. In the illustrated configuration, the dial 3 has a flat back surface 10 that abuts against the front surface 11 of the intermediate component 1. The inner wall 12 of the bezel 2 has a peripheral stop 13, which (when viewing the bezel without other components) can be seen and touched from the back surface 14 of the bezel 2. The axial damping element 4 is in the form of an O-ring and is arranged between the peripheral stop 13 of the bezel 2 and the outer periphery 15 of the front surface of the dial 3. According to the illustrated embodiment, the outer periphery 15 is a narrow region parallel to the back surface 10 of the dial, while the remaining portion 16 of the front surface of the dial is slightly convex. However, the cross-section of the dial can take other shapes, as long as these shapes allow the axial damping element to be inserted between the dial and the bezel.

[0032] The component is sized such that when the bezel 2 is fastened to the intermediate component 1, the axial damping element 4 is partially compressed between the bezel 2 and the dial 3. Partial compression is defined as the degree of compression that maintains the damping element in a flexible state that absorbs frontal impacts while retaining the dial on the intermediate component. The degree of compression depends on the component's dimensions and the material chosen for the damping element. An example material that can be used in this invention is Hytrel manufactured by Celanese. 7246.

[0033] The elasticity of the axial damping element 4 reduces the risk of the dial breaking due to frontal impacts.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an auxiliary element for dial orientation is provided. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, these auxiliary elements include two directional pins 20 fastened to the front of the intermediate component 1, and two blind holes on the back of the dial 3. Figure 1 (Not visible in the image), the blind holes are configured to hold the directional pins 20 within their respective blind holes. Preferably, one of the blind holes is circular (cross-sectional view) and configured to hold one of the directional pins with substantially no gap between the directional pin and the inner wall of the blind hole, while the other blind hole is elongated. This configuration allows for slight adjustment of the dial's orientation and ensures that no stress that could damage the dial is introduced when the dial is fastened.

[0035] Without departing from the scope of this invention, other auxiliary elements for dial orientation may be used. For example, instead of orienting the dial relative to the central component, auxiliary elements may be provided to orient the dial relative to the bezel. This can be achieved through, for example... Figure 4a and Figure 4b This is achieved as shown. Two radial recesses 25 are machined on the inner wall 12 of the bezel 2. The dial 3 is provided with radial pins 26 that are fixed to the dial or integrally formed with the dial, and the radial pins 26 engage in the radial recesses 25 to achieve correct orientation.

[0036] Preferably, two auxiliary elements for dial orientation are provided, such as two axial orientation pins 20 or two radial pins 26, but the present invention does not exclude the provision of more than two auxiliary elements for dial orientation.

[0037] These components can be assembled to form by performing the following steps. Figure 2 The components shown:

[0038] - Place the intermediate component 1 on a preferably horizontal support surface. In this step, the watch movement (not shown in the drawings) may have been installed in the intermediate component.

[0039] - Then place dial 3 on the central component and orient the dial relative to the central component. According to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, correct orientation is achieved by placing the dial 3 so that the orientation pin 20 engages in a blind hole on the back of the dial;

[0040] - Then bezel 2 is placed on dial 3, with the axial damping element positioned between them. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the O-ring, serving as an axial damping element, can be positioned to contact the peripheral stop 13 of the bezel. Preferably, the outer diameter of the O-ring is chosen to be slightly larger than the diameter of the inner wall 12 of the bezel. This allows the bezel to be manipulated while the O-ring is mounted on it, and the assembly formed by the bezel and the O-ring to be placed on the dial 3.

[0041] Then, the bezel 2 is fastened to the intermediate part 1 using the support 5 and the hole 6, thereby partially compressing the axial damping element 4 and keeping the dial 3 in place.

[0042] If auxiliary elements are used to orient the dial relative to the bezel, for example... Figure 4a and Figure 4b The radial pins 26 and radial notches 25 shown require the bezel and dial to be assembled first using these auxiliary elements for dial orientation, and the axial damping element to be installed between the dial and bezel. The assembly is then placed on the intermediate part to secure the bezel to the intermediate part.

[0043] The installation of the dial and the assembly and fastening of the bezel are both operations involved in adding external components to a watch. Since the dial is held between the bezel and the central component by axial damping elements, fastening the dial is also included when adding external components. However, compared to conventional dial fastening systems using pins or bolts, the fastening method of the present invention requires fewer operations and components.

[0044] According to some embodiments, in addition to axial damping, lateral damping is also provided. One non-limiting implementation of these embodiments is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the figure illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of the directional pins 20, which is fastened to the intermediate component 1 and inserted into one of the blind holes 21 in the dial 3. A circumferential groove 30 is provided in the sidewall of the directional pin 20, and an O-ring made of flexible material, serving as a lateral shock-absorbing element 31, fits into the circumferential groove 30. The dimensions of the component and the blind hole 21 shown are designed such that the lateral shock-absorbing element 31 is partially compressed between the bottom of the circumferential groove 30 and the wall of the blind hole 21. This structure applied to each directional pin 20 mitigates the effects of lateral impacts on the watch.

[0045] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, two blind holes 21 and two directional pins 20 are used. Preferably, both blind holes 21 are circular (cross-sectional view). The lateral damping element 31 automatically aligns the directional pins 20 within the blind holes 21 without the risk of stress.

Claims

1. A watch comprising a central component (1), a bezel (2), and a dial (3), the bezel (2) being attached to the central component, the bezel, the dial, and the central component each having a front and a back, characterized in that: - The dial (3) is held along its outer periphery between the intermediate component (1) and the bezel (2); - An axial damping element (4) made of flexible material is arranged between the dial (3) and the bezel (2), and the axial damping element is partially compressed between the dial and the bezel.

2. The watch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial damping element (4) is an O-ring arranged along the outer periphery of the dial (3).

3. The watch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bezel (2) is threaded to the intermediate component (1).

4. The watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - The inner wall (12) of the bezel (2) is provided with a peripheral stop (13); - The axial damping element (4) is held and partially compressed between the peripheral stop (13) and the outer periphery (15) of the front of the dial (3).

5. The watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The watch also includes auxiliary elements for orienting the dial (3) relative to the intermediate part (1) or relative to the bezel (2).

6. The watch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary element is used to orient the dial (3) relative to the intermediate part (1), and the auxiliary element includes at least two directional pins (20) fastened to the front (11) of the intermediate part (1), the directional pins being inserted into corresponding blind holes (21) provided in the back (10) of the dial (3).

7. The watch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary element orients the dial (3) relative to the bezel (2). The auxiliary element includes at least two radial pins (26) and at least two radial notches (25). The radial pins (26) are fastened to the dial (3) or integral with the dial. The radial notches (25) are located in the inner wall (12) of the bezel (2). The radial pins (26) are inserted into the corresponding radial notches (25).

8. The watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The watch also includes one or more lateral shock-absorbing elements (31) arranged between the intermediate part (1) and the dial (3).

9. The watch according to claim 8, characterized in that: - The intermediate component (1) is provided with at least two directional pins (20) fastened to the front side (11) of the intermediate component, the directional pins (20) being inserted into corresponding blind holes (21) provided in the back side (10) of the dial (3); - Each of the aforementioned directional pins (20) is provided with a circumferential groove (30); - Each of the circumferential grooves (30) is provided with a lateral damping element (31), which is partially compressed between the bottom of the circumferential groove and the inner wall of the blind hole (21).

10. The watch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cross-section of the blind hole (21) in the plane perpendicular to the directional pin (20) is circular.

11. A method for assembling the middle component (1), bezel (2), and dial (3) of a watch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - Place the intermediate component (1) on a preferably horizontal support surface; - Then the dial (3) is placed on the intermediate component, and the dial is oriented relative to the intermediate component by inserting the directional pin (20) on the front of the intermediate component into the blind hole (21) on the back of the dial; - Then the bezel (2) is placed on the dial (3), and the axial damping element (4) is arranged between the bezel (2) and the dial (3); - Then the bezel (2) is fastened to the intermediate component (1), thereby partially compressing the axial damping element (4).

12. A method for assembling the intermediate component (1), bezel (2), and dial (3) of a watch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - Place the intermediate component (1) on a preferably horizontal support surface; - By inserting the radial pin (26) on the dial into the radial notch (25) of the bezel, the dial (3) is oriented relative to the bezel (2), and the axial damping element (4) is arranged between the dial (3) and the bezel (2); - Then the assembly formed by the bezel (2) and the dial (3) is placed on the intermediate part (1); - Then the bezel (2) is fastened to the intermediate component (1), thereby partially compressing the axial damping element (4).

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