Bezel for a timepiece part case or for a timepiece part

Abstract

Clockwork organ (10) for case (100) of clockwork part (200) or for clockwork part (200), the organ comprising: - a first ring (1), - at least one ornamental and / or display element (4, 5), - a second ring (2), - an elastic element (3) mounted so as to bear on the first ring and to pull the at least one ornamental and / or display element (4, 5) towards the second ring.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a watch component such as a bezel for a watch case or for a watch component. The invention also relates to a watch case comprising such a component. The invention further relates to a watch component comprising such a component or such a case. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling a watch component, such a component, or such a case.

[0002] Prior art describes a large number of watch case bezels. These bezels may, for example, include a bezel ring onto which at least one decorative element, such as a decorative and / or display disc made, for example, of ceramic, is pressed. Such a bezel design is entirely satisfactory. However, it has the drawback of requiring a pressing operation for each decorative element in the case of a bezel with multiple decorative elements. Assembling such a bezel can therefore be particularly time-consuming. Furthermore, the strength of the pressing of the decorative element, and thus the quality of the bezel assembly, depends on the size of the decorative element and, in particular, on the contact area between the decorative element and the bezel ring. Therefore, the size and / or number of decorative elements is at least partially dictated by the bezel design.

[0003] We know from patent application EP2624076 a bezel design in which a display disc is driven into a bezel ring, and rests on a dismounting ring.

[0004] Patent application EP2615507 relates to a design for maximizing the retention of a ceramic ornament within a bezel ring. To achieve this, an interlayer element in the form of a gasket is positioned at the interface between the bezel ring and the ornament element. The surface of the ornament element intended to interact with the interlayer element is textured to increase its roughness. More specifically, the interlayer element is positioned radially between the bezel ring and the ornament element.

[0005] Patent application WO2019158499 concerns a solution for assembling an ornamental element within, for example, a bezel ring, which constitutes an alternative to traditional mounting. To achieve this, it proposes using a resin to hold the ornamental element in a cavity formed, for example, within a bezel ring.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a bezel for a watch case or watch component that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and improves upon existing bezels of the prior art. In particular, the invention offers a bezel that is simpler to manufacture.

[0007] A bezel for a watch case according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0008] Different embodiments of the component are defined by claims 2 to 10.

[0009] A watch part box according to the invention is defined by claim 11.

[0010] A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 12.

[0011] Methods for mounting a bezel or a watch case or a watch part are defined by claims 13 and 14.

[0012] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, three embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention. There figure 1 This is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a timepiece. figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along a first plane II of a telescope of the first embodiment. figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along a second plane II-II of this telescope. figure 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of this telescope along the second plane II-II. The figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the first embodiment of a timepiece. figure 6 is a perspective view of a bezel from a second embodiment of a timepiece. figure 7 is a perspective view of a bezel of a third embodiment of a timepiece.

[0013] A first embodiment of a 200 timepiece is described below with reference to figures 1 à 5 .

[0014] The timepiece is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

[0015] The timepiece preferably includes a watch case. The timepiece also includes a watch movement. The watch movement is intended to be mounted inside the watch case to protect it from the external environment.

[0016] The watch movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, including an automatic movement.

[0017] The 100 watch case preferably includes a 6 case middle and a 10 bezel.

[0018] The 100 watch case also preferably includes a case back attached to the case and a crystal attached to the case.

[0019] The bezel can be fixed to the case. Alternatively, the bezel can be a rotating bezel, that is, mounted to rotate on the case 6 about an axis A1. Axis A1 can be an axis of the bezel. Axis A1 can be an axis of revolution of the bezel or substantially an axis of revolution of the bezel. Axis A1 can also be an axis of rotation of the bezel. Preferably, axis A1 is a common axis of the bezel and the case 6.

[0020] Scope 10 includes: a first ring 1, at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5, a second ring 2, an elastically deformable intercalary means 3 mounted so as to bear against the first ring 1 and to draw the at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 towards the second ring 2.

[0021] In other words, the bezel includes at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 arranged at the interface of the first ring 1 and the second ring 2. The elastically deformable intercalary means 3 or elastic element 3 allows the at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 to be held with less play between the first and second rings 1 and 2.

[0022] In the assembled state of the bezel, the elastic element is elastically deformed in compression along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to axis A1. The elastic element consequently exerts opposing forces on the first and second rings, parallel or substantially parallel to axis A1. These forces tend to separate or spread the rings apart. One of these forces is exerted indirectly by the elastically deformable element on one of the first and second rings, via at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5. As a result, the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is pressed or pulled against this ring. This ring is the second ring in the first embodiment. Thus, the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is mounted with minimal clearance between the first and second rings.

[0023] The first ring is, for example, a lower eyeglass ring.

[0024] The second ring is, for example, a top ring for eyeglasses.

[0025] The upper bezel ring is oriented, for example, towards the outside of the watch case, while at least a portion of the lower bezel ring is oriented, for example, towards the inside of the watch case. The lower bezel ring is notably closer to the annular seat of the case middle than the upper bezel ring.

[0026] The at least one ornamental and / or display element (4, 5) may comprise at least one first element of a first type (4) and / or at least one second element of a second type (5). The first and second elements are distinguished from each other, for example, by their geometries and / or materials and / or colors and / or surface treatments. For example, the figure 1 This illustrates a telescope 10 comprising twelve identical elements 4 and twelve identical elements 5. The first elements 4 are, for example, in the form of a portion of a disc or a grooved truncated cone. The second elements 5 are, for example, in the form of a portion of a smooth disc or a truncated cone.

[0027] These elements may be equally or unevenly distributed around the axis A1 of revolution and / or rotation of the bezel 10. These ornamental and / or display elements may be arranged to constitute a display device for a time indication or a time derivative of the time on a timepiece. In this case, they constitute display elements. Alternatively or complementaryly, these elements may be distributed to constitute decorative elements on a timepiece. In this case, they constitute ornamental elements.

[0028] Optionally, a first angular positioning element, for example a pin, may be provided on either of the first and second rings to angularly position at least one decorative and / or display element relative to axis A1. This angular positioning element may advantageously cooperate with a second angular positioning element, for example a hole provided in at least one decorative and / or display element. For example, the pin is designed to fit into the hole. These elements thus cooperate to angularly position the decorative and / or display element(s) around axis A1 relative to the first and / or second ring.

[0029] There figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of telescope 10 of the figure 1 , according to a first plane II passing through axis A1 and intersecting a first ornamental and / or display element 4 of the first type. The first ring has an L-shaped or substantially L-shaped cross-section (according to this plane II). A surface 4a of the ornamental and / or display element 4 bears against a stop surface 1a of a first portion 11 of the first ring 1. The first portion is oriented in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to axis A1. This first portion is generally tubular in shape. These surfaces 1a and 4a are advantageously perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to axis A1 of the bezel 10. Advantageously, the surface 4a is located at a first end 41 of the element 4, in particular a first end in a radial direction relative to axis A1.Advantageously, surface 1a forms a wall of a first receiving groove 110 made in the first ring, into which the end 41 of the element 4 is housed. A second surface 4b is provided to bear against the elastic element 3, which is previously disposed within a housing 120, in particular a bearing surface or a second groove, for receiving the elastic element 3. This housing is formed within a second portion 12 of the first ring 1. This second portion is oriented in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1. This second portion 12 is planar or generally planar.

[0030] The elastic element 3 can, for example, take the form of a seal, in particular an O-ring made of an elastomeric material. Advantageously, the surface 4b is disposed at a second end 42 of the element 4, in particular a second end in a radial direction relative to the axis A1. This surface 4b is advantageously perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the telescope 10.

[0031] There figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of telescope 10 of the figure 1 , according to a second plane II-II passing through axis A1 and intersecting a second ornamental and / or display element 5 of the second type. This second element 5 is arranged within the first ring 1 in the same manner as the first element 4. Thus, a surface 5a of the ornamental and / or display element 5 bears against the abutment surface 1a of the first portion 11 of the first ring 1. This surface 5a is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to axis A1 of the bezel 10. Advantageously, the surface 5a is arranged at a first end 51 of the element 5, in particular a first end along a radial direction relative to axis A1. Advantageously still, the end 51 of the element 5 is provided to fit into the first groove 110.The geometry of the first groove 110 may differ, particularly with regard to the location intended for the end of element 5, from the geometry intended for the end of element 4, so as to allow, among other things, indexing of the elements. A second surface 5b is provided to bear against the elastic element 3. Advantageously, surface 5b is located at a second end 52 of element 5, specifically a second end along a radial direction relative to axis A1. This surface 5b is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to axis A1 of the telescope 10.

[0032] The first and second elements 4, 5 are both held within the first ring 1 by the second ring 2.

[0033] This second ring has an annular or nearly annular shape. It includes a bearing surface 2a designed to cooperate with one of the surfaces 4c, 5c of the elements 4, 5 to hold the elements 4, 5. Preferably, these surfaces 2a, 4c, 5c have frustoconical shapes or are portions of a frustocone forming an angle α, or forming a nearly equal angle α, with the axis A1. The angle α is half the apex angle of the cone. The angle α is between 15° and 45°, in particular the angle α is on the order of 30°.

[0034] The second ring 2 includes a surface 2b shaped to clip or drive itself against a peripheral surface 1b of the first ring 1. To do this, the second ring 2 includes a surface 2b comprising a first boss 21b intended to cooperate with a hollow 11b of the peripheral surface 1b of the ring 1.

[0035] This surface 2b is, for example, supported by a portion 21 of ring 2 which is designed to deform elastically and radially along the axis A1 during the operation of pressing or clipping the ring 2 against the ring 1. Indeed, during this operation carried out by moving at least one ring in translation along the axis A1 relative to the other ring, the first boss 21b tends to deform the portion 21 under the effect of its cooperation with a second boss 12b of the first ring 1. Once the boss 21b has passed the boss 12b, the ring 2 is held axially under the effect of the cooperation of the hollow 11b and the boss 21b which are pressed against each other by the action of the elastic element 3 which acts as an elastic return means.

[0036] The elastic element 3 also has the advantage of preventing any risk of over-constraint in the second ring 2, particularly when the latter is forced against the first ring 1. This is the case in the embodiment illustrated in the figures 1 à 4 , in which a surface 2c of the second ring 2 comes against a surface 1c of the first ring 1 once the operation of driving or clipping the second ring against the first ring has been completed.

[0037] Alternatively, surface 1b can be threaded, for example externally, and surface 2b can be threaded, for example internally. Thus, the second ring 2 can be screwed onto the first ring 1 around axis A1.

[0038] The role of element 3 is twofold, namely to allow a reliable and durable assembly of ring 2 against ring 1 while avoiding the risks of hyperstaticity with respect to elements 4, 5.

[0039] Depending in particular on the conformation of surfaces 1b and 2b, the second ring 2 may or may not be removable from the first ring 1. Complementarily or alternatively, the second ring may also be bonded, welded, or brazed to the first ring. More specifically, surfaces 1b and 2b may be bonded, welded, or brazed.

[0040] The bezel 10 can be fixed relative to the case 6 of the watch case 100. For example, an internal surface 1d of the portion 11 of the first ring 1 can be driven against the case 6, in particular against a case seal not shown.

[0041] Alternatively, as in the variant of the first embodiment of the timepiece partially represented on the figure 5 The bezel 10 can rotate about the case 6, relative to the axis A1. To achieve this, the portion 11 can include a third groove 130 provided to receive an axial retaining seal 7, which is intended to press the portion 12 of the ring 1 against an annular seat in the case. Optionally, the portion 12 can include notching and / or angular indexing means 140, which are intended to cooperate with notching and / or angular indexing means 8 of the case 6.

[0042] The first and / or second ring 1, 2 can be made of: a metallic alloy such as an aluminium alloy, a titanium alloy, a palladium alloy, a steel or a precious alloy based on gold or platinum, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of zirconia, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of alumina, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of silicon nitride, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of boron carbide or aluminium nitride, a composite, in particular an alumina-zirconia ZTA / ATZ composite or a cermet.

[0043] At least one ornamental and / or display element (4, 5), or some ornamental and / or display elements (4, 5), or all ornamental and / or display elements (4, 5) may each be made of: a metallic alloy such as an aluminium alloy, a titanium alloy, a palladium alloy, a steel or a precious alloy based on gold or platinum, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of zirconia, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of alumina, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of silicon nitride, a ceramic mainly or predominantly composed of boron carbide or aluminium nitride, a composite, in particular an alumina-zirconia ZTA / ATZ composite or a cermet, a stone, in particular a precious or semi-precious stone, a glass.

[0044] At least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 may at least substantially have the shape of a disc crown or a truncated cone shape.

[0045] Thus, a first 4 ornamental and / or display element and / or a second ornamental and / or display element 5 may take the form of a portion of a disc's rim or a portion of a truncated cone. In the embodiment of the figures 1 à 4 Elements 4 and 5 each take the form of a portion of a truncated cone extending at an angle of 15° or approximately 15° around axis A1. Of course, elements 4 and 5 can take the form of portions of a disc rim or truncated cone extending at another angle around axis A1.

[0046] A second embodiment of a timepiece is described below with reference to the figure 6 on which only the bezel 10 is represented. In this second embodiment, the timepiece differs from the first embodiment, for example, only in that the bezel comprises two ornamental and / or display elements 4, 5, each extending at an angle of 180° around the axis A1.

[0047] A third embodiment of a timepiece is described below with reference to the figure 7on which only the bezel 10 is shown. In this third embodiment, the timepiece differs notably from the first embodiment in that the bezel comprises a single decorative and / or display element 4 in the form of a disc or a truncated cone. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of a bezel 10 whose second ring 2 is detachable from the first ring 1, as it allows for easy removal of the disc or truncated cone without risk of cracking the disc or truncated cone if the latter is made of a fragile material such as ceramic.

[0048] In the described and illustrated embodiments, the elastic element is mounted between the first ring (lower ring) and at least one decorative and / or display element. However, in an unclaimed variant, the elastic element may be mounted between the second ring (upper ring) and at least one decorative and / or display element.

[0049] An embodiment of a method for mounting a bezel 10 or a case 100 of a watch part 200 or a watch part 200 is described below.

[0050] In one variant, the process includes the following steps: place the elastic element 3 on the first ring 1, place at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 on the elastic element 3 and on the first ring 1, mount the second ring 2 on the first ring 1, in particular by clipping or by pressing or by screwing.

[0051] In a second variant, the process includes the following steps: place at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 on the first ring 1, place the elastic element 3 on at least one ornamental and / or display element 4, 5 or on the second ring 2, mount the second ring 2 on the first ring 1, in particular by clipping or by pressing or by screwing.

[0052] The invention also relates to a bezel 10 or a case 100 of a watch part 200 or a watch part 200 obtained by implementing the assembly methods described above.

[0053] The bezel solution described above allows for an increased number of decorative and / or display elements without compromising their stability within the bezel, nor requiring adhesive to attach each element. Furthermore, this design offers a particularly advantageous bezel assembly process due to its ease of implementation and reduced execution time, especially for bezels with at least two decorative and / or display elements. This design also enables the creation of new aesthetic variations of bezels, combining, for example, stones with metal or ceramic disc sections.

Claims

1. A bezel (10), in particular a rotating bezel, for a timepiece (200) case (100), the bezel comprising: - a first ring (1), - at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5), - a second ring (2), The bezel being characterized in that it comprises: - an intercalary elastic element (3) mounted so as to bear on the first ring and to return the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) toward the second ring.

2. The bezel as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) comprises at least a first element of a first type (4) and at least a second element of a second type (5), the first and second elements being distinguished by their geometries and / or by their materials and / or by their colors and / or by their surface treatments.

3. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) takes at least substantially a crown shape or a frustoconical shape.

4. The bezel as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the bezel comprises a plurality of decorative and / or display elements (4, 5) and wherein the decorative and / or display elements take the shape of crown portions or frustoconical portions.

5. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) or some decorative and / or display elements (4, 5) or all of the decorative and / or display elements (4, 5) are each made of any of the following materials: - a metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, a palladium alloy, a steel, a precious gold- or platinum-based alloy, - a ceramic mainly or primarily composed of zirconia, - a ceramic mainly or primarily composed of alumina, - a ceramic mainly or primarily composed of silicon nitride, - a ceramic mainly or primarily composed of boron carbide or aluminum nitride, - a composite, in particular an alumina-zirconia composite (ZTA / ATZ), - a cermet, - a stone, in particular a precious or semi-precious stone, - a glass.

6. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the second ring (2) is joined to the first ring (1) by driving or by clipping or by screwing.

7. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the second ring (2) comprises a boss (21b) or a hollow, respectively, and wherein the first ring comprises a hollow (11b) or a boss, respectively, the boss (21b) cooperating by contact with the hollow (11b) so as to hold the second ring in position on the first ring.

8. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (3) is an O-ring.

9. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first ring comprises a first groove (110) for receiving the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) and / or wherein the first ring comprises a housing (120), in particular a shoulder or a second groove, for receiving the elastic element (3).

10. The bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the second ring comprises a frustoconical surface cooperating by contact with one or more frustoconical surfaces provided on the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5).

11. A timepiece (200) case (100) comprising a bezel as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

12. A timepiece (200), in particular a watch, in particular wristwatch, comprising a case as claimed in claim 11 or a bezel as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method for mounting a bezel (10) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10 or a case (100) of a timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 11 or a timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 12, the method comprising the following steps: - arranging the intercalary elastic element (3) on the first ring, - arranging the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) on the elastic element and on the first ring, - mounting the second ring on the first ring, in particular by driving or clipping or screwing.

14. A method for mounting a bezel (10) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10 or a case (100) of a timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 11 or a timepiece (200) as claimed in claim 12, the method comprising the following steps: - arranging the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) on the first ring, - arranging the intercalary elastic element (3) on the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) or on the second ring, - mounting the second ring on the first ring, in particular by driving or clipping or screwing.

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