Rotating outer ring of a wristwatch case

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotating or rotary bezel device of a watch case or for a watch case. The invention also relates to a watch case comprising such a device. The invention further relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a watch case or such a device.

[0002] Document CH308601 describes a watch case with two concentric bezels, graduated on two time scales, so as to allow the display of two separate time indications such as hours and minutes. This solution has the disadvantage of creating a strong aesthetic impact on the watch case.

[0003] Documents US7434984 and US7572049 describe solutions that enable the unidirectional or bidirectional rotation of a bezel dedicated to displaying a time indication to be activated on demand. More specifically, these solutions concern locking devices designed to prevent untimely rotation of the bezel, which could distort the time information indicated. In no case would these solutions allow the bezel to perform an additional function.

[0004] Other documents disclose rotating bezels that act as a control, adjustment, or selection member. Patent application EP1777598 describes a bezel that is designed to lock the axial position of a related control member. Patent application WO2004053599 relates to a bezel capable of adjusting a time indication, in particular the time zones of a timepiece. Patent application EP2012199 discloses a bezel acting as a correction function selector. Due to their construction, these bezels cannot perform an additional function.

[0005] Patent application WO9739386 discloses a dual-function bezel, one of which is activated depending on the axial position of a selection member. The first function is a movement winding function, and the second function is a time-setting function. Switching between the two functions is made possible by the mechanism of the base movement, which is entirely conventional. Thus, the bezel is continuously engaged with a gear train of the base movement. A disadvantage of this solution is that it cannot be disengaged from the base movement so that it can be rotated without restriction, in the case where it carries, for example, time or time-derived information.

[0006] Document JP2007085895A describes a timepiece having a rotating bezel. A transmission element is provided to be selectively connected to the rotating bezel and to rotate therewith.

[0007] In view of the state of the art, it is noted that a watch case bezel can fulfill various functions. It can either act as a display organ, or constitute an adjustment, control, or selection organ. It can also constitute a control organ for two watchmaking functions under the actuation of a clutch device internal to the movement of the timepiece. The bezel may possibly be accompanied by a device connected to the case allowing its rotation to be activated or not.

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide a device for remedying the drawbacks mentioned above and for improving the rotating bezels known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a rotating bezel device for performing several functions, that is to say, for performing, in addition in particular to a function of indicating time information or information derived from the time, a function of adjusting or a function of selecting a watch mechanism included in a watch movement.

[0009] This object is achieved by a watch case as defined in independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] The attached drawings represent, by way of examples, several embodiments and variants of a rotating bezel according to the invention and of timepieces comprising such a rotating bezel. THE figures 1 to 10are views of a first variant of a first embodiment of a rotating bezel according to the invention. The figures 11 to 17 are views of a second variant of the first embodiment of a rotating bezel according to the invention. The figures 18 to 22 are views of a third variant of the first embodiment of a rotating bezel according to the invention. The figures 23 to 30 are views of a first variant of a second embodiment of a rotating bezel according to the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, a rotating bezel of a watch case is capable of performing two distinct functions under the actuation of a related control member. These functions may be, for example, display, adjustment, winding, or selection functions. Such a bezel makes it possible to multiply the displays and / or adjustment means of a wristwatch while minimizing the aesthetic impacts on the watch case. Preferably, the bezel control member may be a crown of the timepiece so that the integration of the device is not visible to the wearer of the watch.

[0012] Such a bezel makes it possible to activate one or other of two functions that the bezel is capable of fulfilling under the effect of a clutch device external to the movement of the timepiece.

[0013] The invention is illustrated by different constructions in which a watch bezel, intended to display and adjust a first time indication, is for example capable of selecting correction functions or adjusting a second time information, derived or not from the first time information, according to the axial position of the crown of the timepiece.

[0014] A first variant of a first embodiment of a timepiece 110 according to the invention is described below with reference to figures 1 to 10 The timepiece is in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a watch case 111 containing a watch movement 113 including one or more watch mechanisms 112.

[0015] The watch case includes a CA caseband, an FD caseback, a GL crystal and an 11L rotating bezel device.

[0016] The rotating bezel device 11L or rotating bezel comprises a first rotating ring B1, a second rotating ring B2 and a first mechanical connecting element C1 for kinematically connecting the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.

[0017] Thus, at least two annular rings B1, B2 are capable of being secured and detached in rotation under the actuation of a control member CO. This control member CO actuates the bezel 11L by means of a first mechanical element or cam C1 external to the movement of the timepiece. By cam, we mean any mechanical element capable of blocking or allowing the movement of a component capable of being moved. In the first embodiment, this cam C1 may be in the form of a lever or a shuttle. By lever, we mean any mechanical element provided with at least one arm, which is movable in rotation. By shuttle, we mean any cam movable in translation.

[0018] Advantageously, the first rotating ring is arranged so as to axially and / or radially cover and / or mask the second rotating ring.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the rings B1 and B2 are integral in rotation by the direct or indirect actuation of the first cam C1. In all the embodiment variants and all the modes described, the bezel control member CO is a crown of the timepiece.

[0020] In the first variant of the first embodiment as shown in figure 1 , the first cam C1 can be movable in rotation relative to the middle CA according to the axial position of the crown CO. This first cam C1 is mounted on the ring B2 whose angular pitch is defined by cutouts DRB2 provided to cooperate with ball springs RB2 which are arranged on an annular seat SA of the middle as shown in the figure 7 . This first cam C1 here takes the form of a rocker pivoted around an axis PC1 as shown in the figures 3 And 6 .

[0021] When the CO crown is screwed down as in the configurations of the figures 2 And 3 , this controls a first end of the cam C1 within a cutout DCA formed within the caseband so as to secure the ring B2 to the caseband CA with less play, by preventing the rotation of the ring B2 relative to the caseband by an obstacle. In this configuration, the ring B1, secured to a time indication disc DIS, can then rotate relative to the ring B2 when the latter is actuated by the wearer of the watch. Thus, the first rotating ring B1 may comprise time indication or derived time indication markers or indexes, in particular time indication or derived time indication markers or indexes intended to cooperate with at least one time indication or derived time indication member, such as a hand.

[0022] The bezel device comprises a first notching element for producing relative notching between the first and second rotating rings. The first notching element may comprise a spring RB1, for example a trigonal spring RB1, and a toothing DRB1 formed for example on a bearing surface of one of the rings. The trigonal spring may be mounted on the first rotating ring, respectively on the second rotating ring, and cooperate by contact with a conformation, in particular lobes, produced on the second rotating ring, respectively on the first rotating ring. The angular pitch of the ring B1 is defined by the notching element, in particular by the spring RB1 integral in rotation with the ring B1 by means of pins GRB1 as shown in the figures 4 And 5The spring may be a trigonal spring whose lobes LRB1 are provided to cooperate with the teeth DRB1 which may be formed on a bearing surface of the ring B2 as illustrated in figure 4 . Thus, when the crown CO is screwed down, the first ring B1 is notched on n notches defined by the spring RB1 and the toothing DRB1 relative to the second ring B2. For example, the toothing DRB1 is here made up of n=24 teeth or lobes so as to indicate and set a time which is displayed on a 24-hour graduation affixed to the disc DIS of the bezel 11L as illustrated in the figures 1 And 5 .

[0023] When the CO crown is unscrewed as in the figure 6 , a second end of the cam C1, actuated under the effect of a return spring RC1 shown schematically on the figure 6, is housed within one of the m cutouts DB1 formed on the periphery of the ring B1, which secures the rings B1 and B2 in rotation. Preferably, m is equal to n. The notching operated by the spring RB1 is thus cancelled and leaves room for the notching defined by the ball springs RB2 and the cutouts DRB2 of the ring B2 as shown in figure 7 . Thus, the bezel device, and more generally the watch case incorporating the bezel device, comprises a second notching element making it possible to create notching between the second rotating ring B2 and the caseband CA. The second notching device may comprise one or more ball springs RB2 designed to be housed within one of the M cutouts DRB2 formed for example on the seat of the ring B2.

[0024] Thus, when the crown CO is unscrewed, the bezel 11L is notched on N notches defined by the springs RB2 and the M cutouts DRB2. N can be equal to n. Alternatively, N can be different from n.

[0025] Preferably, the second rotating ring B2 comprises a second mechanical connecting element GB2 making it possible to kinematically connect the second rotating ring to a mechanism 112 of the watch movement 113, in particular to a correction or selection mechanism. Advantageously, the second connecting element comprises pins GB2 capable of engaging with an arbor AR pivoted in the caseband CA around an axis AX, as illustrated in the figures 8 And 9 This shaft AR, via its cam CAR, can actuate the mechanism 112 of the clockwork movement 113.

[0026] The mechanism may comprise a movement mechanism selection cam or a correction wheel for a time or time-derived indication. Thus, when the crown CO is unscrewed, the bezel 11L may constitute, for example, a selection member or an adjustment member for a time or time-derived indication. Indeed, in this configuration, an action exerted by the user on the bezel causes the rotation of the first and second rings relative to the caseband and consequently the rotation of the arbor AR and the activation of the mechanism 112.

[0027] Advantageously, the angular arc traveled by the bezel 11L is here strictly less than 360°, or even less than 180° when the crown CO is unscrewed. This angular range is defined by the pins GB2 of the ring B2 as well as by the ends of a cutout DGB2 formed on the annular seat SA of the caseband CA as illustrated in figure 9 .

[0028] The second mechanical connecting element for kinematically connecting the second rotating ring to the mechanism 112 of the clockwork movement 113 may have another structure. For example, it may be a gear toothing intended to cooperate with a complementary toothing provided on the AR shaft.

[0029] Preferably, an annular skirt JB2 is formed on the ring B2 so that the crown CO cannot be screwed back in without the ring B2, the ring B1 and the disc DIS carried by the latter having been previously repositioned in the angular position that they occupied before the rotation of the ring B2. This construction also makes it possible to reposition the cam C1 opposite the crown CO so that the screwing of the latter secures the cam C1 to the middle CA and thus indexes and locks the ring B2 in position relative to the middle.

[0030] Thus, in this first variant of the first embodiment, the first mechanical connecting element has a first configuration, in particular a first position illustrated in the figure 3 , allowing the rotational movements of the first rotating ring B1 and second rotating ring B2 to be left independent of each other and a second configuration, in particular a second position illustrated in the figure 6 , making it possible to kinematically connect the first rotating ring B1 and the second rotating ring B2. The first mechanical connecting element is, in its second configuration, in particular in its second position, capable of securing the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring with less play, that is to say of immobilizing the first and second rings relative to each other.

[0031] In this first variant, the watch case therefore comprises a control member CO, in particular the crown, arranged to cooperate with the first mechanical connecting element, the configuration, in particular the position of the control member determining the configuration, in particular the position of the first connecting element.

[0032] It is noted that in this variant of the first embodiment, the eyeglass device comprises a third mechanical connecting element having a first configuration, in particular a first position illustrated in figure 3 , allowing the middle part and the second rotating ring B2 to be kinematically linked and a second configuration, in particular a second position illustrated in the figure 6, allowing the rotational movement of the second rotating ring B2 to be free relative to the caseband. The third mechanical connecting element is, in its first configuration, in particular in its first position, capable of securing the caseband and the second rotating ring with minimal play, i.e. of immobilizing the second ring on the caseband. The third mechanical connecting element is, in its second configuration, in particular in its second position, capable of securing the first and second rotating rings with minimal play. The third mechanical connecting element comprises, like the first mechanical connecting element, the cam C1, in particular the rocker C1.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, in the other variants and / or the other embodiment, a second element designated by a reference identical to a reference used in the first variant to designate a first element, has the same function and / or the same structure as this first element.

[0034] The elements distinguishing the other variants and embodiments from the first variant are indicated below.

[0035] A second variant of the first embodiment of a timepiece 120 according to the invention is described below with reference to figures 11 to 17 . The timepiece is in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a watch case 121 containing a watch movement including one or more watch mechanisms.

[0036] The watch case includes a CA caseband, an FD caseback, a GL crystal and a 12L rotating bezel device.

[0037] The rotating bezel device 12L or rotating bezel comprises a first rotating ring B1, a second rotating ring B2 and a first element C1, RB1, DGRB1, GRB1, LRB1, DRB1, C2, DC2, of mechanical connection making it possible to kinematically connect the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.

[0038] In the second variant of the first embodiment, a cam C1 and a spring RC1 are arranged within the caseband CA and are mounted coaxially with a crown CO. The cam C1 is a shuttle movable in translation relative to the caseband under the effect of the spring RC1 and the crown CO. This cam is angularly indexed by a cutout DCA made in the caseband CA which is designed to accommodate a projection S11 of the cam C1 as illustrated in figure 12 .

[0039] When the CO crown is screwed down, as shown in figures 12 to 14, the ring B2 is locked in rotation under the effect of the cam C1, a projection SC1 of which is housed in a cutout DB2 which is made in an annular skirt JB2 of the ring B2.

[0040] In this second variant, the rotating bezel device comprises a first notching element for creating notching between the first and second rings. The first notching element comprises a spring, in particular a trigonal spring RB1 mounted on the ring B2 by means of pins GRB1. Lobes LRB1 of the spring are provided to cooperate with an internal toothing DRB1 which is formed on the periphery of the ring B1 as illustrated in the figure 14 . Thus, when the crown CO is screwed in, the pins GRB1 of the trigonal spring are able to move within oblong cutouts DGRB1 formed on the surface of the ring B2, and thus allow the rotation and notching on n notches of the ring B1 relative to the ring B2.

[0041] Unscrewing the crown CO releases the ring B2 so as to allow its rotation and therefore its rotation under the effect of a movement of the ring B1 and the spring RB1 as illustrated in the figures 15 to 17 . Once the ring B2 is rotated, the deflection of the trigonal spring RB1 is cancelled by means of a washer C2 secured to the middle CA, the geometries of the DC2 cutouts of which block the radial movement of the pins GRB1 of this spring. Thus, the rings B1 and B2 are perfectly secured in rotation.

[0042] In this variant embodiment, the washer C2 is secured and indexed to the caseband by means of projections SC2 which are inserted into cutouts DA formed on the periphery of a ring A which is driven onto the caseband CA.

[0043] As in the first embodiment, the watch case comprises a second notching element of the ring B2 relative to the caseband. This second notching element comprises ball springs RB2 cooperating with cutouts DRB2 of the ring B2 as illustrated in the figure 11 . Thus, when the CO crown is unscrewed, the 12L bezel is notched on N notches defined by the RB2 springs and the DRB2 cutouts. This number N may or may not be equal to the number n of notches defined by the RB1 spring and the DRB1 toothing.

[0044] As in the first embodiment, the rotating bezel device comprises a second connecting element between the ring B2 and a watch mechanism. This second connecting element comprises pins GB2 provided on the ring B2 which are capable of engaging with a pivoted shaft in the caseband CA so that the bezel can constitute, for example, a selection member or a setting member for a time or time-derived indication. The angular arc traveled by the bezel 12L is here strictly less than 360°, or even less than 180°, when the crown CO is unscrewed. This angular range is in particular delimited by the number, distribution, and angular extent of the cutouts DC2 of the washer C2. The annular skirt JB2 is also formed at the periphery of the ring B2 so that the screwing of the crown can be carried out only when the cutout DB2 of the ring B2 is located opposite the cam C1.

[0045] It is noted that in this second variant of the first embodiment, the bezel device comprises a third mechanical connecting element having a first configuration, in particular a first position, making it possible to kinematically connect the middle part and the second rotating ring B2 and a second configuration, in particular a second position, making it possible to leave free the rotational movement of the second rotating ring B2 relative to the middle part. The third mechanical connecting element is, in its first configuration, in particular in its first position, capable of securing the middle part and the second rotating ring with less play, that is to say of immobilizing the second ring on the middle part. The third mechanical connecting element comprises the shuttle C1.

[0046] A third variant of the first embodiment of a timepiece 130 according to the invention is described below with reference to figures 18 to 22The timepiece is in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a watch case 131 containing a watch movement 133 including one or more watch mechanisms 132.

[0047] The watch case includes a CA caseband, an FD caseback, a GL crystal and a 13L rotating bezel device.

[0048] The rotating bezel device 13L or rotating bezel comprises a first rotating ring B1, a second rotating ring B2 and a first element C1, RB1, LRB1, SRB1, C2, DC2, of mechanical connection making it possible to kinematically connect the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.

[0049] In this third variant of the first embodiment, the ring B2 is capable of rotating through more than 360°. A spring RB2, in particular a trigonal spring RB2, is rotationally secured to the ring B2 by means of pins GRB2 which are designed to move within oblong cutouts DGRB2 of the ring B2.

[0050] A washer C2, driven directly onto the middle CA, has on the one hand a toothing DRB2 which is intended to cooperate with the lobes LRB2 of the trigonal spring RB2, and has on the other hand means DC2 which are intended to cancel the deflection of a trigonal spring RB1, similar to that of the second variant, when the ring B2 is driven in rotation. In the specific embodiment illustrated by the figures 18 to 22, the teeth of the DRB2 toothing and the DC2 means are merged. Alternatively, the periphery, in particular the outer periphery, of the C2 washer could be staggered on two levels so as to conform the DRB2 toothing on a first level and the DC2 means on a second level or vice versa.

[0051] Advantageously, a ring C3, integral in rotation with the ring B2 by means of the spring RB2, in particular the pins GRB2 which are designed to move within oblong cutouts DGRB2' of the washer C3, is provided to allow adequate assembly and functionality of the springs RB1 and RB2.

[0052] When the CO crown is screwed down as shown in the figure 19, the ring B1 is capable of being driven in rotation relative to the ring B2 which is secured to the case by means of a cam C1 similar to that of the second variant. In this configuration, projections SRB1 formed at the level of the lobes LRB1 of the spring RB1 can move within the N tooth hollows of the toothing DRB2 which is shaped for this purpose.

[0053] N corresponds to the number of notches defined by the spring RB2 and the teeth DRB2. N is preferably a multiple or a divisor of n, where n is the number of notches defined by the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1.

[0054] In the specific embodiment illustrated by the figures 18 to 22, the teeth DRB1 and DRB2 have the same number of teeth. The teeth DRB1, intended to cooperate with the spring RB1, are made up of 24 teeth so as to indicate and adjust a first time indication which is displayed on a 24-hour graduation affixed to the disc DIS of the bezel L and the teeth DRB2, intended to cooperate with the spring RB2, are made up of 24 notches so as to adjust for example a second time indication which is derived from the first time information. For this purpose, as in the previous variants, the ring B2 carries pins GB2 which are capable of actuating an arbor AR, pivoted in the caseband CA, engaged with a mechanism 132 of the movement 133, in particular a mobile for adjusting the second time information.

[0055] Unscrewing the crown CO causes the ring B2 to be released, under the effect of the cam C1 and the spring RC1, so as to allow it to be driven in rotation by the bezel 13L. Once the latter is driven in rotation, the deflection of the projections SRB1 and the lobes LRB1 of the trigonal spring RB1 can be respectively cancelled by the teeth, in particular the heads of the teeth, of the toothing DRB2 and by the teeth of the toothing DRB1, over an angular amplitude substantially equal to 360° / N. Thus, when the crown CO is unscrewed, and the user acts on the bezel, the ring B1 driving the ring B2 in rotation via the action of the spring RB1, the rings B1 and B2 are secured in rotation or immobilized relative to each other.

[0056] In this variant, the first mechanical connecting element comprises the cam C1, the washer C2 and the teeth DRB2, the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1.

[0057] In this variant, the second mechanical connecting element comprises the GB2 pins and possibly the AR shaft.

[0058] In this variant, the third mechanical connecting element comprises the cam C1, in particular the projection SC1 and the ring B2, in particular the openings DB2 in the ring B2.

[0059] In this variant, the first notching element comprises the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1.

[0060] In this variant, the second notching element comprises the spring blades RB2 and the teeth DRB2.

[0061] Alternatively, the first mechanical connecting element could only comprise the cam C1, the spring RB1 and the toothing DRB1, in the case where the torque produced by the spring RB1 is substantially greater than the torque produced by the spring RB2. In this alternative embodiment, the spring RB1 could thus be devoid of the projections SRB1 which are shaped at the level of each of the lobes LRB1 of the spring RB1, the latter being secured to the ring B1 only by means of the lobes LRB1 which, when the crown CO is unscrewed, each fit between two teeth of the toothing DRB1 of the ring B1.

[0062] In each of the embodiments described, the rings B1, B2 are respectively notched by springs RB1, RB2 and teeth DRB1, DRB2. However, it is entirely possible to implement a bezel in which at least one ring is devoid of notches.

[0063] In the second and third embodiments, DC2 geometries of the washer C2 are provided to cancel the notching produced by the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1 of the ring B1. The washer C2 is optional in the case where the highest torque generated by the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1 is significantly greater than that produced by the spring RB2 and the teeth DRB2, and when the ring B2 is capable of rotating more than 360°.

[0064] In each of the embodiments, the rings B1 and B2 are capable of being driven in rotation in both directions of rotation. Of course, it is possible to shape the springs RB1, RB2 and the teeth DRB1, DRB2 in such a way that the ring B1 and / or the ring B2 move in a single direction of rotation.

[0065] In the second embodiment of the timepiece, rings B1 and B2 are toothed. The rings may be kinematically linked by at least one intermediate wheel RBC1. The intermediate wheel may be pivoted on a lever or on an auxiliary ring BC1. The lever or the auxiliary ring is actuated directly or indirectly by a cam C1 and / or a spring RC1. As in the first embodiment, cam C1 is controlled by a control member CO, in particular a crown.

[0066] A first variant of the second embodiment of a timepiece 210 according to the invention is described below with reference to figures 18 to 25 The timepiece is in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a watch case 211 containing a watch movement 213 including one or more watch mechanisms 212.

[0067] The watch case includes a CA caseband, an FD caseback, a GL crystal and a 21L rotating bezel device.

[0068] The rotating bezel device 21L or rotating bezel comprises a first rotating ring B1, a second rotating ring B2 and a first mechanical connecting element BC1, RBC1 for kinematically connecting the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.

[0069] The first mechanical connecting element comprises a rocker BC1. The pivot axis PBC1 of the rocker is arranged on an annular seat SA of the middle CA as illustrated in figure 21 .

[0070] The angular indexing pitch 360° / n of the bezel is here the same whatever the position of the control member. This is defined by a single trigonal spring RB1 which is carried by the ring B1. This spring is assembled on the ring B1 in the same way as that of the first variant of the first embodiment.

[0071] When the CO crown is screwed down as shown in figures 19 to 22 , this maintains the rocker BC1, by means of the cam C1, in a position such that the return RBC1 is out of reach of the teeth DB1', DB2' of the respective rings B1, B2 as illustrated in figure 21 . In this configuration, ring B1 is held in position by spring RB1, the lobes LRB1 of which are designed to cooperate with a toothing DRB1 which is carried by a ring A secured to the case CA. Ring B2 is, for its part, held in position by friction by the spring washer RC1 and / or by a resistive torque from an AR shaft pivoted in the case.

[0072] Thus, when the crown CO is screwed in, the ring B1 can rotate relative to the ring B2 according to n notches defined by the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1. Unscrewing the crown CO induces the rotation of the lever BC1 under the effect of a spring, in particular the leaf spring of the washer RC1, and thus generates the engagement of the rings B1 and B2 via the return RBC1 as illustrated in figures 23 and 24 . In this configuration, the rings B1 and B2 can rotate relative to the case CA according to n notches defined by the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1. In this construction, the teeth DB2' of the ring B2 are engaged with the teeth DAR of an AR shaft pivoted in the case. As in the variants described previously, this shaft can be engaged with the mechanism 212, in particular a movement selection or adjustment member.

[0073] In this variant, the spring RC1 actuates the rocker BC1 via the return RBC1 as illustrated by the figure 23 .

[0074] Preferably, the spring RC1 is dimensioned such that the clutch device comprising the cam C1, the rocker BC1 and the spring RC1 constitutes a torque limiter transmitted between the rings B1 and B2. Such a device may be particularly useful when the AR shaft is likely to transmit torques significantly greater than those produced by the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1.

[0075] Such a construction also has the advantage of requiring a minimum of components to implement a 21L scope capable of fulfilling two distinct functions.

[0076] In this variant, the first mechanical connecting element comprises the rocker BC1 and the return RBC1.

[0077] In this variant, the second mechanical connecting element comprises the DB2' and DAR teeth and possibly the AR shaft.

[0078] In this variant, the third mechanical connecting element preferably comprises the spring washer RC1.

[0079] In this variant, the first notching element comprises the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1.

[0080] In this variant, the second notching element comprises the spring RB1 and the teeth DRB1.

[0081] A second variant, not shown, of the second embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention is described below. The timepiece is in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a watch case containing a watch movement including one or more watch mechanisms.

[0082] The watch case includes a case middle, a case back, a crystal and a rotating bezel device.

[0083] The rotating bezel or rotating bezel device comprises a first rotating ring, a second rotating ring and a first mechanical connecting element for kinematically connecting the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring.

[0084] In the second variant, the first mechanical connecting element may comprise an auxiliary ring coaxial with the first and second rings, which is shaped to constitute the planet carrier of at least one satellite which is provided to kinematically connect the first and second rings. Thus, the bezel here includes an epicyclic gear train provided to kinematically connect the first and second rings. In this second variant, the auxiliary ring is preferably integral in rotation with a third ring on which a disc for indicating time information is driven. In this variant embodiment, the disc thus has the particularity of being able to decouple from the first ring when the bezel is manipulated in the unscrewed crown position.

[0085] Unlike the first embodiment, the pitch of the bezel can vary according to the position of the crown by using first and second separate springs.

[0086] When the crown is screwed down, the first ring is capable of being driven in rotation relative to the second ring which is secured to the caseband by means of a cam or shuttle arranged coaxially with the crown, similar to that of the second and third variants of the first embodiment. To do this, the cam is housed in one of the N cutouts made on the outer periphery of the second ring. N may be equal to the number of notches defined by the springs and the cutouts of the second ring, which are preferably similar to those of the first and second variants of the first embodiment. The angular pitch of the first ring is, for its part, preferably defined by a trigonal spring secured in rotation to the rings BC1 and BDIS by means of pins which may be provided to pivot the satellite(s) and advantageously secure the auxiliary ring and the third ring.Lobes of the spring may be provided to cooperate with a toothing attached to a ring secured to the caseband. Thus, when the crown is screwed down, the bezel is notched on n notches defined by the first spring and the toothing. For example, the toothing may be made up of 24 teeth so as to indicate and set a time which is displayed on a 24-hour graduation affixed to the disc of the bezel 22L.

[0087] When the crown is unscrewed, the cam is designed to engage in one of the n cutouts made on the outer periphery of the auxiliary ring, thus locking the auxiliary ring and the third ring in rotation. The disc is then locked in the angular position it occupied before the crown was unscrewed. The second ring is capable of being driven in rotation under the effect of the rotation of the first ring via the intermediate wheel(s). In this configuration, the notching operated by the first trigonal spring is canceled, and leaves room for a notching defined by the second spring and the cutouts of the second ring. The bezel, more particularly the first ring, can rotate on z _ B 1 z _ B 2 × N notches where z_B1 and z_B2 are respectively the number of teeth of the first and second rings.

[0088] As in the previous embodiments, the second ring, by means of its pins, can engage with a shaft pivoted in the case middle. This shaft, by means of a cam, can actuate a mechanism, in particular a cam for selecting movement mechanisms, or even a wheel for correcting a time indication or a time-derived indication.

[0089] In this variant, the first mechanical connecting element comprises the auxiliary ring and the satellites.

[0090] In this variant, the second mechanical connecting element comprises the pins and possibly the shaft.

[0091] In this variant, the third mechanical connecting element comprises the cam and the cutouts of the auxiliary ring.

[0092] In this variant, a fourth mechanical connecting element allows the auxiliary ring and the case to be joined together with less play. This includes the cam and the cutouts of the auxiliary ring.

[0093] In this variant, the first notching element comprises the first spring and the teeth.

[0094] In this variant, the second notching element comprises the second springs, in particular ball springs, and the teeth.

[0095] The second embodiment allows in particular the rotation of the first and second rings over more than 360°.

[0096] In the various variants described, the rings B1 and B2 are capable of being driven in rotation in both directions of rotation. Of course, it is possible to shape the springs RB1, RB2 and the teeth DRB1, DRB2 in such a way that the ring B1 and / or the ring B2 move in a single direction of rotation.

[0097] Throughout this document, the term "rotating ring" preferably means a ring capable of rotating relative to another element, in particular another ring or a case middle. Preferably, the rotating ring is capable of rotating about its axis relative to the other ring. Preferably, the axes of the two rings coincide. Preferably, the rotating ring is capable of rotating about its axis relative to the other ring. Preferably, the axes of the two rings coincide. Preferably, the axis of the ring and that of the case middle coincide.

[0098] Throughout this document, the term “mechanical connecting element for kinematically connecting the first rotating ring and the second rotating ring” is preferably understood to mean an element allowing, depending on its configuration: link or secure, in particular fix, in rotation the first and second rings, or leave the first and second rings independent.

[0099] Thus, in a first configuration, by acting on the rotating bezel, the user can rotate the first ring relative to the caseband, while the second ring remains fixed relative to the caseband. In this way, a first horological function can be ensured. Thus, in a second configuration, by acting on the rotating bezel, the user can rotate the first ring and the second ring relative to the caseband. In this way, a second horological function can be ensured.

Claims

1. Watch case comprising: - a case middle (CA), - a crown (CO) that can be screwed and unscrewed, and - a rotary bezel device (11L; 12L; 21L), the device comprising a first rotary ring (B1), a second rotary ring (B2) and a first mechanical-connection element (C1; C1, RB1, LRB1, DRB1, GRB1, C2, DC2; C1, RB1, LRB1, SRB1, DRB1, DRB2; C1, RB1, LRB1; BC1, RBC1) allowing the first rotary ring and the second rotary ring to be kinematically connected, the first mechanical-connection element having a first configuration, notably a first position, that allows the rotational movements of the first rotary ring and second rotary ring to be left independent of one another such that, by acting on the rotary bezel device, a user can rotate the first ring in relation to the case middle while the second ring remains fixed in relation to the case middle and a second configuration, notably a second position, allowing the first rotary ring and the second rotary ring to be kinematically connected such that, by acting on the rotary bezel device, a user can rotate the first ring and the second ring in relation to the case middle, the first mechanical-connection element being arranged to cooperate with the crown, the configuration, notably the position, of the crown determining the configuration, notably the position, of the first mechanical-connection element.

2. Watch case according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element is arranged in such a way as to secure the first rotary ring and the second rotary ring together, notably to secure the first rotary ring and the second rotary ring together with lesser play.

3. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first rotary ring comprises marks or indexes, notably marks or indexes for indicating time or indicating a derivative of the time, notably marks or indexes for indicating time or for indicating a derivative of the time which are intended to collaborate with at least one member for indicating the time or for indicating a derivative of the time, and / or characterized in that the first rotary ring is arranged in such a way as to axially and / or radially cover and / or hide the second rotary ring, and / or characterized in that the second rotary ring comprises a second mechanical-connection element (GB2) allowing the second rotary ring to be connected kinematically to a mechanism (112; 132; 212; 222) of a timepiece movement, notably to a correction or selection mechanism, and / or characterized in that the rotary bezel device comprises a first notching element (RB1; DRB1) making it possible to carry out a notching between the first and second rotary rings.

4. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary bezel device comprises a spring (RB1), notably a trigonal spring, mounted on the first rotary ring, respectively on the second rotary ring, and collaborating by contact with a shaping, notably lobes, produced on the second rotary ring, or respectively on the first rotary ring.

5. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second rotary ring comprises a second notching element (RB2; DRB2) making it possible to carry out a notching between the second rotary ring and the case middle.

6. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element comprises a cam (C1), notably a lever, mounted to rotate on the second rotary ring and designed to collaborate as an obstacle with a shaping, notably a cutout (DCA), made in the case middle (CA), and / or characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element comprises at least one intermediate wheel (RBC1) able to engage with at least one of the first and second rotary rings.

7. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims and according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element comprises a washer (C2) provided with cutouts (DC2) and / or the first notching element (RB1, DRB1).

8. Watch case according to one of Claims 1 to 5, the case being characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element comprises a cam (C1), notably a lever, mounted to rotate on the case middle, and designed to collaborate as an obstacle with a shaping, notably a cutout, made on the second rotary ring.

9. Watch case comprising a device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, the case being characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element comprises a cam (C1), notably a shuttle, mounted for translational movement relative to the case middle and designed to collaborate as an obstacle with a shaping, notably a cutout, made on the second rotary ring (B2).

10. Watch case according to Claim 9, the case being characterized in that the first mechanical-connection element comprises a washer (C2) provided with cutouts (DC2).

11. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, the case being characterized in that it comprises a third mechanical-connection element that allows the second rotary ring and the case middle (CA) to be secured together, notably to be secured together with lesser play.

12. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, the case being characterized in that it comprises a fourth mechanical-connection element that allows an auxiliary ring (BC1) and the case middle (CA) to be secured together, notably to be secured together with lesser play.

13. Watch case according to Claim 11, characterized in that the third mechanical-connection element comprises a cam (C1), notably a shuttle, mounted for translational movement relative to the case middle and designed to collaborate as an obstacle with a shaping, notably a cutout, made on the second rotary ring.

14. Watch case according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the third mechanical-connection element is arranged to cooperate with the crown, the configuration, notably the position, of the crown determining the configuration, notably the position, of the third mechanical-connection element.

15. Watch case according to either of Claims 12 and 14, characterized in that the fourth mechanical-connection element is arranged to cooperate with the crown, the configuration, notably the position, of the crown determining the configuration, notably the position, of the fourth mechanical-connection element.

16. Timepiece (110; 120; 210), notably a watch, particularly a wristwatch, comprising a watch case according to one of the preceding claims.