Device for assembling two watch components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for assembling two timepiece components comprising a first timepiece component (1) and a second timepiece component (2) intended to be assembled to each other by means of at least one assembling member (3), the assembling member (3) being retained on the second component (2) and being arranged to cooperate with at least one assembling portion (12) provided on the first component (1) in order to assemble the first component (1) on the second component (2), the assembling member (3) comprising at least one resilient region (31) intended to cooperate with the assembling portion (12) of the first component (1) and arranged such that it can be deformed between a rest position and a maximum deformation position. The assembling member (3) is a part that is attached to the second component (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for assembling two watch components. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for assembling the case back or bezel onto the case of a watch.

[0002] In watchmaking, a watch case consists of a case body, closed on the bridge or mainplate side by a case back, and on the dial side by the bezel and crystal. Generally, the case back and / or bezel are screwed, click-fitted, or held in place by screws on the case body.

[0003] In a detent fit, one component has a groove into which a second component is pressed. One of the fitting elements must be slightly flexible to allow the second component to be forced into the groove. The groove has a triangular shape with two distinct slopes, one for deforming the flexible element and the other for retaining the second component.

[0004] The notched adjustment has the advantage of a more aesthetically pleasing final result, as there are no visible screws or ratchets (screw-on case back) after assembly. However, the materials commonly used for watch cases, precious materials like gold or platinum, are very susceptible to deformation. Therefore, during production, it is difficult to ensure a precise and consistent closing force to hold the assembled components securely in place. This leads to significant rework of the produced parts, or even the scrapping of some whose quality is simply too poor. Furthermore, the closing force is not stable over time and will deteriorate with the multiple assembly / disassembly cycles required for checks and tests during the assembly of the timepiece (more than ten openings / closings of the watch case are necessary to produce a chiming watch) or for after-sales service.

[0005] Document EP 2672332 describes a watch case on which a rotating bezel is mounted using a spring ring attached to and retained by the bezel. The case includes a groove used to secure the rotating bezel. When the rotating bezel is mounted on the watch case, a tensile force is applied to the spring ring. When the spring ring is aligned with the groove on the case, the force exerted on the spring ring decreases. The spring ring then relaxes to return to its initial position and inserts itself into the groove in the case to ensure vertical retention.The aim of the present invention is to create a device for assembling two watch components, in particular a case back / bezel and a case middle, which is safe, efficient, easy to produce by limiting rework and waste after manufacturing, resistant over time by guaranteeing a closing force for holding the assembled components stable even after many assembly / disassembly while offering an aesthetic result, with a device almost invisible when the two components are assembled.

[0006] The present invention relates to a device for assembling a first and a second watch component according to claim 1. The accompanying figures schematically illustrate, by way of example, one embodiment of the assembly device according to the invention. figure 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the assembly of a bezel onto a watch case. figure 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the frame and the assembly member of the assembly device according to the embodiment of the figure 1 while the figure 2b is an enlargement of a portion of the figure 2a . THE figures 3a et 3b illustrate the assembly mechanism of the execution form of the figure 1 in a free position, respectively in a fixed position. figures 4a à 4c illustrate the sequence of assembly of the bezel onto the case.

[0007] According to the illustrated embodiment, the assembly device according to the invention is intended to assemble a bezel onto the case of a watch case.

[0008] To achieve this, the illustrated device includes a bezel 1, a case 2 and an assembly member 3. Preferably, the device also includes a sealing gasket 4.

[0009] In the illustrated embodiment, the case 2 includes a groove 22 on a large part of its inner periphery 21. The groove 22 forms a housing intended to receive the assembly member 3 as will be seen later.

[0010] In the illustrated embodiment, the bezel 1 comprises, on the case back side (i.e., the side of the bezel intended to face the case back), a cylindrical portion 11 ending in a shoulder 12. Viewed in cross-section, this cylindrical portion 11 is therefore hook-shaped, as illustrated in figure 4a à 4c . Shoulder 12 is characterized at its end by two distinct slopes: a first inclined flank 13 and a second inclined flank 14 of opposite inclination.

[0011] A groove 15 is formed between the shoulder 12, the lower wall 16 and the cylindrical portion 11 of the bezel 1. The sealing gasket 4 fits into this groove 15.

[0012] According to the invention, the assembly device comprises an assembly member 3 comprising at least one elastic assembly zone 31. Preferably, the assembly member comprises at least three elastic assembly zones 31. Even more preferably, and as illustrated in the figures, the assembly member 3 comprises five elastic assembly zones 31.

[0013] The five elastic assembly zones 31 are each intended to cooperate with the shoulder 12 of the scope 1.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, the five elastic assembly zones 31 are connected to each other by four elastic blades 32, to form an assembly member 3 of almost circular and open shape ( figure 3a ). This allows a function control 5 (rod, pusher, etc.) to pass through the case 2, when the assembly member 3 is housed in the groove 22. Thus, in this embodiment the groove 22 does not extend over the entire inner periphery 21 of the case 2 since a portion of this inner periphery 21 is occupied by the function control 5.

[0015] The elastic blades 32 are arranged to hold the assembly member 3 in the groove 22 by their elastic force alone. figure 3a illustrates the free assembly organ 3, while the figure 3b illustrates the assembly member 3 constrained in a fixed position which it occupies once housed in the groove 22.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the five elastic assembly zones 31 are essentially identical. Each elastic assembly zone 31 comprises at least one, but preferably two, support points 311, located at the ends of the zones in the illustrated embodiment. The assembly member 3 is arranged so that each support point 311 is in contact with the bottom of the groove 22 when said assembly member is in its embedded position in the groove 22 ( figure 2a ). Each elastic assembly zone 31 is also arranged to be able to deform radially towards the bottom of the groove 22 when the assembly member 3 is in its embedded position in said groove 22.

[0017] Finally, each elastic assembly zone 31 comprises two distinct slopes: a first inclined flank 313 and a second inclined flank 314 of opposite inclination and intended to cooperate respectively with the first and second inclined flanks 13, 14 of the shoulder 12 of the telescope 1.

[0018] The assembly of the bezel 1 onto the case 2 will now be described in detail, with particular reference to figures 4a à 4c .

[0019] We begin by fitting the assembly member 3 into the groove 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly member 3 is open and elastic ( figure 3a ), it is sufficient to compress the elastic blades 32 to decrease the diameter of the fastener 3 (by hand or with a tool). Once compressed, it is possible to fully insert the fastener 3 into the groove 22. By releasing the compression, the elastic blades 32 will push and hold the fastener 3 in its position embedded in the groove 22 ( figures 2a And 3b ). In the embedded position of the assembly member 3, each support point 311 of the elastic assembly zones 31 is against the bottom of the groove 22, under the action of the elastic blades 32.

[0020] In this embedded position of the assembly member 3 in the groove 22, the elastic assembly zones 31 are in a rest position and can be deformed radially towards the bottom of the groove 22 under the action of a stress.

[0021] The bezel 1 (with the sealing gasket 4 housed in the groove 15) is then positioned on the case 2. In the illustrated embodiment, it is not necessary to position the bezel 1 in a particular angular position relative to the case 2, since the shoulder 12 extends over the entire circumference of the bezel 1 and is therefore able to cooperate with the five elastic assembly zones 31 of the assembly member 3 regardless of the angular position of the bezel 1 on the case 2. In this disassembled position of the bezel 1 relative to the case 2, the elastic assembly zones 31 of the assembly member 3 are in their rest position and the first inclined flange 13 of the shoulder 12 of the bezel 1 abuts against the first inclined flange 313 of said elastic zones 31 ( figure 4a ).

[0022] From this position, a first force is exerted on the bezel 1 perpendicular to the plane of the bezel 1 and in the direction of the case 2. The shoulder 12 and the elastic assembly zones 31 are shaped so that, under the action of this first force, the first inclined flank 13 of the shoulder 12 cooperates with the first inclined flanks 313 of the elastic assembly zones 31 to deform said elastic zones 31 radially in a direction perpendicular to the first force towards the bottom of the groove ( figure 4b ).

[0023] The first force is maintained on the telescope 1 and the first inclined flank 13 of the shoulder 12 cooperates with the first inclined flanks 313 of the elastic assembly zones 31 until said elastic zones 31 reach a position of maximum deformation in which they no longer block the telescope 1 ( figure 4b ).

[0024] At this point, the bezel 1 can be pushed, while maintaining the initial force, into its assembled position on the case 2 (the lower wall 16 of the bezel 1 against the upper wall 23 of the case 2). Simultaneously, the elastic assembly zones 31 attempt to return to their rest position, and the second inclined flanks 314 of said elastic zones 31 come into contact with the second inclined flank 14 of the shoulder 12. These second inclined flanks 14, 314 are arranged so that the elastic zones 31, in attempting to return to their rest position, exert a force on the shoulder 12 that tends to bring and maintain the bezel 1 in its assembled position.

[0025] Thus, once the elastic zones 31 have returned to their rest position, they maintain the bezel 1 in its assembled position on the case 2 thanks to their second inclined flank 314 abutting against the second inclined flank 14 of the shoulder 12 of the bezel 1 ( figure 4c ).

[0026] Alternatively, the elastic zones 31 could assume an intermediate position, between their position of maximum deformation and their rest position. This intermediate position could be configured to maintain the bezel 1 in its assembled position and also prevent any rotation of the bezel 1 relative to the case.

[0027] Preferably, the second inclined flanks 14 and 314 of the shoulder 12 and of the elastic zones 31 are parallel in the assembled position of the bezel 1 on the case 2. Thus, once assembled, there is no axial play and between the bezel 1 and the case 2.

[0028] Depending on the arrangement of the two inclined sides on the elastic zones 31 and on the shoulder 12, it is possible to dismantle the scope 1 from the case 2 as described below.

[0029] Starting from the assembled position of the bezel 1 on the case 2 illustrated in the figure 4c , a second force must be exerted on the telescope 1, opposite to the first force, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of the telescope 1 and directed outwards from the box. The second inclined flanks 314, 14 of the elastic zones 31 and of the shoulder 12 will then cooperate and deform said elastic zones 31 from their rest position to their position of maximum deformation ( figure 4b ).

[0030] Once in their maximum deformation position, the elastic zones 31 no longer cooperate with the second inclined flank 14 of the shoulder 12 and no longer retain the scope 1 ( figure 4a ). The bezel 1 can be completely detached from the case 2 and the elastic zones 31 of the assembly member 3 return to their rest position.

[0031] The illustrated design therefore allows for very easy and reversible assembly of the bezel 1 onto the case 2.

[0032] Preferably, the bezel 1 and the case 2 are made of a precious material such as gold or platinum, while the assembly component 3 can be made of steel or any other material suitable for creating an elastic part. In particular, materials such as steel, ceramics, glass, or plastic, etc., which are more amenable to deformation than gold or platinum, typically used for watch cases, can be used.

[0033] The closing force holding the bezel assembled on the case is determined by the elastic zones and it is therefore possible to choose the material, shape and other properties of these elastic zones to obtain a determined closing force.

[0034] The illustrated embodiment has the advantage of very easy and quick assembly of the fastener 3 in the groove 22; assembly can even be carried out by hand without tools. Alternatively, the five elastic assembly zones 31 could be connected by five elastic blades 32 to form a closed circular fastener. In this case, it may be necessary to use a tool to compress the elastic blades and allow the fastener to be fitted into the groove 22, which then extends around the entire inner periphery 21 of the case 2.

[0035] The present invention thus enables precise, rapid, and aesthetically pleasing assembly of the bezel onto the case. By allowing the assembly to be made from a more suitable material than the precious materials used in watch cases, manufacturing is made more reliable and optimized, with less waste and less rework required to ensure proper assembly strength. The stability of the assembly force over time is also easier to control, with less risk of deterioration than with an elastic element made of gold or platinum. Furthermore, the assembly element can be easily replaced if a problem arises without having to replace another component of the watch case made of an expensive raw material. Finally, once the bezel is assembled onto the case, the result is as aesthetically pleasing as with a traditional snap-fit ​​adjustment, since the assembly element is completely concealed.

[0036] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described. Other variations are possible and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] In particular, the assembly member 3 could include only an elastic assembly zone 31. In this case, the bezel and the case also include means for embedding such as a lug on the case intended to fit into a housing in the bezel (or vice versa).

[0038] In another variation, the elastic assembly zones could differ from one another in shape, material, or elastic properties, thus defining distinct closing forces. This can be particularly useful for assembling components that are not circular (for example, a square or elliptical watch case, with a distinct closing force for each face).

[0039] Alternatively, the shoulder could not extend around the entire inner circumference of the bezel but be divided into one or more hook zones that must be aligned with the corresponding elastic assembly zones of the mounting component during assembly. For example, orienting features could be provided to ensure the bezel is positioned at the correct angle relative to the case during assembly.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener is a single piece and is held elastically in the groove. Alternatively, the fastener could be held in the groove by any suitable means or be composed of several unconnected elastic assembly zones held independently within the groove. Similarly, the groove could be discontinuous but composed of one or more independent groove segments, each designed to house an elastic assembly zone.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the second inclined flanks of the bezel shoulder and the elastic zones of the assembly member are arranged to allow the bezel to be held and removed from the case. Alternatively, the shoulder and the elastic zones could each comprise only one inclined flank intended for assembly, while the second inclined flanks are arranged to allow only the bezel to be held on the case; that is, they are arranged to cooperate to retain the bezel in its assembled position on the case, but without the possibility of removing the bezel by exerting a force opposing the assembly force.

[0042] It is obvious that the groove in which the assembly member is housed could have been on the bezel and the shoulder on the case.

[0043] The assembly device according to the invention can also be applied to the mounting of a rotating bezel on the case or to the mounting of the movement in the case back or to the mounting of the case back on the case or to the mounting of the dial or replace other uses of a notched adjustment device such as the adjustment of the barrel cover.

[0044] In general, the device for assembling two watch components according to the invention comprises a first watch component and a second watch component intended to be assembled to each other by means of at least one assembly member. The assembly member is retained in a housing of the second component and is arranged to cooperate with at least one assembly portion provided on the first component for the assembly of the first component onto the second component.

[0045] The assembly member includes at least one elastic zone intended to cooperate with the assembly portion of the first component and arranged to be deformable between a rest position and a position of maximum deformation.

[0046] In the disassembled position of the first and second components, the elastic zone is in its rest position. When the first component is brought into contact with the second component, the elastic zone abuts against the assembly portion of the first component. In this disassembled position, applying a force to the first component when its assembly portion is in contact with the elastic zone causes the assembly portion to cooperate with the elastic zone, deforming it from its rest position to its maximum deformation position. In this maximum deformation position, the elastic zone no longer restrains the first component, which, under the action of the force, can return to its assembled position on the second component.Once in this assembled position, the elastic zone of the second component returns to its rest position or an intermediate position between said rest position and the position of maximum deformation and cooperates with the assembly portion of the first component to retain it in its assembled position on the second component.

[0047] According to the invention, the assembly member is an add-on to the second component. This allows the most suitable material for the assembly member and its elastic zone to be chosen almost independently of the materials of the first and second components, which may have properties incompatible with elastic deformation.

[0048] Preferably, the elastic zone of the assembly member and the assembly portion of the first component are also shaped to allow the disassembly of the first and second components. That is, once the first component is assembled onto the second component, applying a second force to the first component, opposite to the first force, causes the assembly portion to cooperate with the elastic zone, deforming it from its rest position to its position of maximum deformation. In this position of maximum deformation, the elastic zone no longer restrains the first component, which, under the action of the second force, can be disassembled from the second component. Once in this disassembled position, the elastic zone of the second component returns to its rest position.

[0049] According to the invention, the elastic zone of the assembly member and the corresponding assembly portion of the first component each comprise the first inclined flanks, intended to cooperate with each other so that, in the disassembled position, by exerting a first force on the first component to bring the assembly portion of said first component into contact with the elastic zone, the first inclined flank of the assembly portion then cooperates with the first inclined flank of the elastic zone to deform the latter from its rest position into its maximum deformation position.

[0050] Alternatively, the elastic zone of the assembly member and the corresponding assembly portion of the first component each include second inclined flanks, with an inclination opposite to the first inclined flanks intended to cooperate with each other so that, once the first component is in its assembled position on the second component, by exerting a second force on the first component opposite to the first, the second inclined flank of the assembly portion then cooperates with the second inclined flank of the elastic zone to deform the latter from its rest position to its maximum deformation position.

[0051] Preferably, the second inclined flanks of the assembly portion of the first component and of the elastic zone of the assembly member are arranged to be parallel once the first component is in its assembled position on the second component so as to reduce the axial play between said first and second components.

[0052] Preferably, the assembly member is arranged to be held elastically in the housing of the second component.

[0053] Alternatively, the assembly element could comprise only a single elastic zone. The device then includes means for fixing the first component and the second component, shaped to achieve a rigid assembly of the first component onto the second.

[0054] Preferably, the assembly member comprises at least three or five elastic zones intended to cooperate with one or more corresponding assembly portions of the first component.

[0055] Preferably, the first component is a bezel, rotating or not, while the second component is a watch case. The housing on the case is a groove extending over part or all of the inner periphery of the case, the corresponding bezel mounting portion also extending over all or part of the bezel's circumference. Preferably, the mounting element is open to allow the passage of a control element through the case.

Claims

1. Device for joining two timepiece components comprising a first timepiece component (1) and a second timepiece component (2) which are intended to be joined one to the other by means of at least one joining member (3) placed and held on the second component (2) and being arranged to cooperate with at least one joining portion (12) provided on the first component (1) for the joining of the first component (1) to the second component (2), the joining member (3) comprising at least one elastic zone (31) intended to cooperate with the joining portion (12) of the first component (1) and arranged to be deformable between a resting position and a position of maximum deformation; the joining portion (12) of the first component (1) and the elastic zone (31) of the joining member (3) being arranged so that: • when the first and second components (1, 2) are in the detached position, the elastic zone (31) is in its resting position, in which, in bringing the first component (1) into contact with the second component (2), said elastic zone (31) comes to abut against the joining portion (12) of the first component (1); and • in its position of maximum deformation, the elastic zone (31) no longer blocks the first component (1) which, under the action of the first force, can return to its position joined to the second component (2); and so that • once in the joined position, the elastic zone (31) of the joining member (3) resumes its resting position or an intermediate position between said resting position and the position of maximum deformation and cooperates with the joining portion (12) of the first component (1) in order to keep this component in its position joined to the second component (2); said device being characterised in that the elastic zone (31) of the joining member (3) and the corresponding joining portion (12) of the first component (1) each comprise first inclined flanks (13, 313) intended to cooperate with each other so that, in the detached position, by exerting a first force on the first component (1) in order to bring the joining portion (12) of said first component (1) into contact with the elastic zone (31), the first inclined flank (13) of the joining portion (12) then cooperates with the first inclined flank (313) of the elastic zone (31) in order to deform this zone from its resting position into its position of maximum deformation.

2. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the elastic zone (31) of the joining member (3) and the joining portion (12) of the first component (1) are also shaped so that, once the first component (1) is in its position joined to the second component (2), by exerting a second force on the first component (1) opposite to the first, the joining portion (12) cooperates with the elastic zone (31) in order to deform this zone into its position of maximum deformation, and in that, in this position of maximum deformation, the elastic zone (31) no longer blocks the first component (1) which, under the action of the second force, can be detached from the second component (2).

3. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastic zone (31) of the joining member (3) and the corresponding joining portion (12) of the first component (1) each comprise second inclined flanks (14, 314), inclined oppositely to the first inclined flanks (13, 313) intended to cooperate with each other so that, once the first component (1) is in its position joined to the second component (2), by exerting a second force on the first component (1) opposite to the first, the second inclined flank (14) of the joining portion (12) then cooperates with the second inclined flank (314) of the elastic zone (31) in order to deform this zone into its position of maximum deformation.

4. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the second inclined flanks (14, 314) of the joining portion (12) of the first component (1) and of the elastic zone (31) of the joining member (3) are arranged to be parallel once the first component (1) is in its position joined to the second component (2) so as to reduce the axial play between said first and second components (1, 2) in their joined position.

5. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the joining member (3) comprises an elastic zone (31); and in that the device further comprises embedding means distributed over the first component (1) and the second component (2) and shaped to effect rigid joining of the first component to the second.

6. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the joining member (3) comprises at least three, and preferably five, elastic zones (31) intended to cooperate with one or more corresponding joining portion(s) (12) of the first component (1).

7. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the joining member (3) is arranged to be held elastically in a receiver (22) of the second component (2).

8. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the joining member (3) is formed of a single piece.

9. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the joining member (3) comprises at least two elastic zones connected to each other by at least one elastic strip (32) arranged to enable the joining member to be held elastically in a receiver (22) of the second component (2).

10. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first component is a bezel (1) while the second component is a middle (2) of a watchcase; and in that the joining member is housed in a groove (22) of the middle (2) which extends over part or the whole of the internal periphery (21) of the middle (2), the corresponding joining portion (12) of the bezel also extending over the whole or part of the circumference of the bezel.

11. Device for joining two timepiece components as claimed in the preceding claim, characterised in that the joining member (3) is of a shape that is quasi-circular and open to enable the passage of a control member (5) through the middle.

12. Watchcase comprising a joining device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

13. Timepiece comprising a watchcase as claimed in claim 12 or a joining device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images