Timepiece comprising an interchangeable bezel

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a watch part (1) comprising a case (110) and an interchangeable bezel (200) fixed to said case (110) by relative rotation of the bezel (200) vis-à-vis the case (110), along a central axis (B), between a snap-fit ​​position and a locked position, by a bayonet fastening device (300), said bayonet fastening device (300) comprising first fastening means (300a) provided on the case (110) and second complementary fastening means (300b) provided on the bezel (200), characterized in that the bayonet fastening device (300) comprises a keying system (210, 116) to define a single snap-fit ​​position of said bezel (200) on the case (110).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a timepiece, more particularly a wristwatch, comprising an interchangeable bezel, that is to say a bezel which can be easily changed and replaced by the wearer or user. Technological background

[0002] We already know of several devices that allow, particularly in wristwatches, the replacement of one bezel with another for aesthetic or functional purposes. Aesthetically, this allows, for example, a low-cost way to match the color of the most visible part of the watch to one's clothing. Functionally, replacing the bezel allows, for example, the display of information on the bezel to be changed, or even the movement to create a multifunctional watch.

[0003] Patent EP 0603353 describes a watch in which replacing the bezel allows switching from the display of the current time to a "football" or "tennis" mode, the chosen bezel then having indications relating to these sports and means allowing the watch mechanism to be controlled according to the rules of said sports.

[0004] According to known prior art, the fitting and maintenance of a removable lens, or conversely its replacement, are carried out using devices that can be classified into two main categories, if we exclude inconvenient devices, requiring for example screwing.

[0005] The removable lens can be secured by elastic means, as described in patent GB 286107. These elastic means can be formed by a suitably shaped elastomer ring, as described in Japanese utility model JP 4134178. Alternatively, it can be a snap-on device, as described in US patent 5005161. In all these elastic assemblies, it is difficult to find a good compromise between a device flexible enough to allow a user to replace the lens without particular effort and a device firm enough to prevent accidental loss.

[0006] To overcome the aforementioned drawback, a number of designs propose attaching the bezel to the case using a so-called "bayonet" device. This device consists of male and female components in the bezel and in the upper part of the case or case back that engage with each other when the bezel is rotated.

[0007] However, existing bayonet mounts do not guarantee correct positioning of the scope on the receiver, meaning a predetermined orientation. This is because bayonet mounts allow for multiple angular positions for scope mounting, which can result in the scope being mounted incorrectly relative to the receiver.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to improve the bayonet fixing devices for interchangeable bezels on watch parts. Summary of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention aims to provide a timepiece comprising a case and an interchangeable bezel fixed to said case by relative rotation of the bezel with respect to the case, along a central axis B, between a snap-in position and a locked position, by a bayonet fixing device, said bayonet fixing device comprising first fixing means provided on the case and second complementary fixing means provided on the bezel, characterized in that the bayonet fixing device includes a keying system to define a single snap-in position of said bezel on the case.

[0010] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the timepiece according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: The error-proofing system is formed by elements distinct from the first fastening means and said second fastening means; the error-proofing system includes an error-proofing element provided on the bezel cooperating with an error-proofing recess provided on the case; the error-proofing system is formed by a specific shape or dimensions of one of the first fastening means and respectively of one of the second fastening means intended to cooperate with said one of the first fastening means; the case has two socket recesses communicating with an annular groove, forming the first fastening means of the bayonet fastening device, and in that the bezel has two tabs, forming the second fastening means of the bayonet device, configured to fit into said two socket recesses and cooperate with the annular groove;The bayonet mounting device comprises two elastic elements housed in the annular groove of the case and bearing between a circular bearing surface and an upper collar of the case, each of the elastic elements being configured to cooperate with one of the two tabs of the scope and to exert a force in an axial direction, parallel to the central axis B, on said at least of the two tabs so as to constrain the scope against said circular bearing surface of said case, when the scope is in said locked position; the two elastic elements comprise anti-rotation studs configured to fit into holes provided in said circular bearing surface of the case to block the movement of the two elastic elements in the annular groove; the bayonet mounting device comprises locking elements to lock said locked position of the scope against rotation;The bayonet mounting device includes locking elements for rotationally locking said locked position of the scope, the locking elements being formed by the cooperation of locking lugs carried by the scope and locking holes provided in the circular bearing surface; said part includes at least one stop provided on said circular bearing surface of the case to block the rotation of the scope in a first direction of rotation in a locked position and / or in a second direction of rotation in a disassembled position, along the central axis B. Brief description of the figures

[0011] The aims, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, which refers to the following figures: there figure 1is an exploded perspective view of an example of a watch case, for example a wristwatch case, comprising a case middle, an interchangeable bezel fitted onto the case middle by means of a bayonet fitting; the figure 2 a top view of the box illustrated at the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a perspective view of the interchangeable bezel illustrated in the figure 1 ; there figure 4 is a side view of the box illustrated in the figure 1 illustrating in particular an elastic element housed in an annular groove in the case and designed to receive the interchangeable bezel and ensure that it is held in position; the figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the box illustrated in the figure 1 partially illustrating the axial retention of the interchangeable bezel on the case.

[0012] In all figures, common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified. Detailed description of the invention

[0013] There figure 1 This is an example of the construction of a case 100 for a timepiece 1, for example, a wristwatch. figure 1 represents an exploded perspective view of a box 100, with central axis B, comprising a case 110 configured to be closed on one side by a bottom of box (not shown) and on the other side by a glass (not shown) in the upper part.

[0014] In general, the expressions "radially internal" and "radially external" in this application are to be taken into consideration with respect to the central axis B of box 100. Thus, a radially internal portion, side or face is radially closer to the central axis B than a radially external portion, side or face.

[0015] There figure 2illustrates in particular a top view of case 100 of the timepiece shown in the figure 1 .

[0016] Case 100 contains a watch movement (not shown) housed in the internal space delimited by case 110.

[0017] For example, the 110 case is made of metal, ceramic, polymer, or a mixture of different materials.

[0018] The case 100 includes a bezel 200, conventionally surrounding the crystal. According to the invention, the bezel 200 is interchangeable, meaning it can be easily removed by a user without the use of special tools. Such a bezel 200 is illustrated more particularly in the figure 3 .

[0019] The interchangeable 200 scope is fitted and secured to the 100 box by a bayonet fitting device 300, the various male and female elements of which ensure such a bayonet fitting are provided both on the 110 case and on the 200 scope.

[0020] The bayonet mounting device 300 is configured to ensure locking and unlocking of the scope 200 by imparting a relative rotation of the scope 200 with respect to the case 110 around the central axis B, for example of the order of 30° between a first snap-in position and a second locked position.

[0021] The locking direction is shown as an example in the clockwise direction. However, the locking direction can also be counterclockwise.

[0022] The interchangeable 200 bezel can be made of metal, ceramic, polymer, or a mixture of different materials.

[0023] The case 110 has, in its upper part, i.e. at the level of the portion intended to receive the scope 200, a circular bearing 111 extending substantially in a plane perpendicular to the central axis B.

[0024] The circular 111 is shaped to form a support surface to receive the 200 scope, particularly when it is in the locked position.

[0025] The case 110 includes a sleeve 112, of annular shape, extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the plane formed by the circular span 111. The sleeve 112 extends for example at the level of a radially internal edge of the circular span 111.

[0026] The sleeve 112 terminates at the top with an upper collar 113, generally circular in shape and extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis B, and preferably in a plane parallel to the plane of the circular span 111.

[0027] The sleeve 112 defines an annular groove 304 located between the circular bearing surface 111 and the upper collar 113. The annular groove 304 belongs to the first fixing means 300a of the bayonet fixing device 300 according to the invention, provided at the level of the case 110, the annular groove 304 being configured to receive second fixing means 300b complementary to the bayonet fixing device 300, provided on the bezel 200.

[0028] The first fixing means 300a also include interlocking impressions 114a, 114b made on the peripheral perimeter of the upper collar 113 and communicating with the annular groove 304.

[0029] The socket recesses 114a, 114b form openings allowing the passage of the second fixing means 300b of the bezel 200 during an axial displacement of the bezel 200 along the central axis B. These socket recesses 114a, 114b are, for example, formed by a localized thinning of the peripheral perimeter of the upper collar 113 allowing the introduction of the second fixing means 300b into the annular groove 304 of the case 110.

[0030] The second means of fixing 300b of the bayonet fixing device 300 are for example formed by two tabs 301, 302 projecting from a radially internal surface 218 of the bezel 200, in a radial direction with respect to the central axis B of the box 100.

[0031] The two tabs 301, 302 extend in a radial direction towards the center of the telescope 200 and over a predetermined angular sector.

[0032] The shape and dimensions of the tabs 301, 302 are determined to cooperate with the shape and dimensions of the socket recesses 114a, 114b.

[0033] The two tabs 301, 302 may have different shapes or dimensions, such that one tab 301 can be configured to cooperate only with one recess 114a and the other tab 302 is configured to cooperate only with the other recess 114b of the upper collar 113. Thus, the bayonet mounting device 300 has a keying system formed by the differences in shape and / or dimensions of the first mounting means 300a and, respectively, the second mounting means 300b. Therefore, the bezel 200 can only be fitted in one specific position, which corresponds to a single angular position of the bezel 200 relative to the case 110, along the central axis B.

[0034] According to another embodiment, as shown in the figures, a dedicated locating element 210 can be used, separate from the fastening means of the bayonet fastening device 300 of the invention. The locating element 210 is shaped to cooperate with a locating recess 116 of complementary shape. In this embodiment, the tabs 301, 302 can be of identical shape and dimensions and cooperate with locating recesses 114a, 114b of identical complementary shape and dimensions.

[0035] Preferably, the keying recess 116 has a specific shape or dimensions different from the insertion recesses 114a, 114b, respectively the keying member 210 has a specific shape or dimensions different from the tabs 301, 302. Thus, the bezel 200 can only be inserted in one and only one insertion position, which corresponds to a single angular position of the bezel 200 with respect to the case 110, along the central axis B.

[0036] For example, as shown in the figures, the male locating member 210 is carried by the telescope 200, and more particularly the locating member 210 protrudes from the radially internal surface 218 of the telescope 200.

[0037] To ensure that the scope 200 is held in the locked position on the case 100, the bayonet mounting device 300 also includes elastic elements 18, for example in the form of leaf springs, housed and held in position in the annular groove 304 of the case 110. The elastic elements 18 are configured to exert a force in an axial direction, parallel to the central axis B, on the tabs 301, 302 of the scope 200 at least when the scope 200 is in the locked position in the case 110.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, two elastic elements 18 are inserted and housed in the annular groove 304 of the case 110, the two elastic elements 18 being supported against the circular bearing surface 111 and against the lower face of the upper collar 113.

[0039] Each elastic element 18 is configured to bear against a tab 301, 302, at least when the scope 200 is in the locked position on the case 110.

[0040] Each elastic element 18 comprises a main body and anti-rotation studs 19 configured to fit into holes 119 provided in the circular bearing surface 111 of the case 110. Thus, when the bezel 200 is fitted and rotated to reach the locked position, the elastic elements 18 are not driven into rotation by the tabs 301, 302 of the bezel 200 and remain in position in the annular groove 304, mechanically constrained between the bottom of the holes 119 and the lower face of the upper collar 113.

[0041] Each elastic element 18 has at least one elastic end tab 17 extending from the main body and interacting with a tab 301, 302 of the scope 200, when the scope 200 is locked as well as in the locked position of the scope 200.

[0042] In the rest position of the elastic elements 18, that is to say when the bezel 200 is not engaged on the case 110, the elastic tab 17 rests on the circular bearing surface 111, as shown in the figure 4 .

[0043] When the telescope 200 is rotated around the central axis B, the tabs 301, 302 come into contact with the ends of the elastic tabs 17. The V-shaped end of the elastic tabs 17 provides an inclined contact surface allowing the tabs 301, 302 to engage under the ends of the elastic tabs 17 while elastically constraining the elastic tabs 17 by moving towards the upper collar 113, the main body of the elastic element 18 being constrained in its upper part by the upper collar 113.

[0044] In the locked position of the telescope 200, the elastic tabs 17 cooperate with an upper bearing surface 311 of the tabs 301, 302 by exerting an axial force on it to constrain the telescope 200 against the circular bearing 111, by elastic return of the elastic tabs 17.

[0045] To that end, the figure 5illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the case 100 including the bezel 200 in the locked position on the case 110. In this locked position, the end of at least one elastic tab 17 of each elastic element 18 is in contact with the upper bearing surface 311 of the tabs 301, 302.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, each elastic element 18 comprises two opposing elastic tabs 17, located on either side of the main body and the anti-rotation pads 19. The use of two opposing elastic tabs 17 allows for balancing the stresses on the elastic element 18, particularly when the bezel 200 is in the locked position. Thus, when one of the elastic tabs 17 bears axially on a tab 301, 302, the other elastic tab 17 always bears on the circular bearing surface 111. This ensures dimensional stability of the elastic element 18 in the annular groove 304 and guarantees a minimum axial stress exerted by the elastic element 18 on the tabs 301, 302, through the elastic deformation of one of the elastic tabs 17.

[0047] In addition to the axial force exerted on the scope 200 by the elastic elements 18, the bayonet mounting device 300 may include rotational locking elements to prevent unwanted reverse rotation of the scope. These rotational locking elements are achieved through the interaction of locking lugs 312 on the scope 200 and locking holes 118 in the circular bearing surface 111.

[0048] The locking lugs 312 protrude from an underside 211 of the bezel 200. Preferably, the locking lugs 312 are located at the tabs 301, 302.

[0049] Thus, when the scope 200 is fitted and rotated, the locking lugs 312 are first in sliding contact on the circular bearing surface 111 until they reach the locking holes 118 provided on the circular bearing surface 111. Under the elastic return action imparted by the elastic elements 18 on the tabs 301, 302, the locking lugs 312 fit into the locking holes 118 when they are positioned opposite each other, preventing any rotation, in particular reverse, of the scope 200 without action by the user.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the bezel 200 has two locking lugs 312 configured to cooperate with two locking orifices 118 provided on the circular bearing 111. However, it is possible to provide a different number of rotating locking elements without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0051] The watch part 1 may also, additionally, include stops 21 to stop the rotation of the bezel 200 during the assembly and / or disassembly of the case 110.

[0052] For example, the stops 21 are positioned on the periphery of the circular bearing 211 so as to block the rotation of the bezel 200 around the central axis B, by cooperation with the tabs 301, 302 and / or the keying device 210, if present.

[0053] For example, the stops 21 are reliefs made on the circular surface 111 which obstruct the movement of the tabs 301, 302 and / or the anti-missing element 210 of the bezel 200.

[0054] For example, the stops 21 are added pins secured in holes provided for this purpose at the level of the circular bearing 111. These pins obstruct the movement of the tabs 301, 302 and / or the anti-missing element 210 of the bezel 200.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in the various figures, a first stop 21 is positioned on the circular bearing 111 in a region close to an elastic element 18 to cooperate with one end of a tab 301, 302 in order to block the rotation of the telescope 200 during assembly, if it were brought by force beyond the locked position, imparted in particular by the fitting of the locking pins 312 into the locking holes 118.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the various figures, a second stop 21 is positioned on the circular bearing 111 in a region close to the keying recess 116 so as to cooperate with the keying member 210. This second stop 21 makes it possible to block the rotation of the bezel 200 during disassembly, in particular to indicate the position of fitting and disassembly of the bezel 200 of the case 110 in which the tabs 301, 302 are located opposite the fitting recesses 114a, 114 so as to be able to disassemble the bezel 200 of the case 110 by an axial movement along the central axis B. Method for assembling and disassembling an interchangeable lens according to the invention

[0057] The mounting and dismounting of the 200 scope on the 110 case is carried out in the following manner.

[0058] Initially, the user positions the bezel 200 in relation to the case 10 so as to match the different protrusions of the bezel 200, formed by the tabs 301, 302 and, if present, the keying element 210, with the different impressions of the upper collar 113 formed by the fitting impressions 114a, 114b, and the keying impression 116, if present.

[0059] When the different elements are facing each other, the user can fit the bezel 200 onto the case 110 so as to position the tabs 301, 302, as well as the keying element 210 if present, in the annular groove 304 by an axial movement along the central axis B. In this position the bezel 200 is in the fitting position.

[0060] In this position of the 200 scope, the locking lugs 312 are in contact with the circular bearing surface 111 of the case 110.

[0061] The user then applies a rotation, for example clockwise as shown in the figures, around the central axis B, so as to move the tabs 301, 302 of the bezel 200 into the annular groove 304. As soon as the tabs 301, 302 are no longer opposite the insertion recesses 114a, 114, the bezel 200 is engaged on the case 110 and held axially, around the central axis B, between the circular bearing surface 111 on one side and the upper collar 113 on the other, a slight axial operating play being possible.

[0062] By continuing the rotation of the telescope 200, the tabs 301, 302 come into contact with the elastic legs 17 of the elastic organs 18 and engage under the elastic legs 17 by imposing an elastic deformation on the elastic legs 17, the elastic organs 18 being blocked in rotation in the annular groove 304.

[0063] By continuing the rotation of the telescope 200, the locking lugs 312 come into contact with the locking holes 118. Under the axial force imposed by the elastic tabs 17 on the telescope 200 via the tabs 301, 302, the locking lugs 312 fit into the locking holes 118, and the telescope 200 imparts an axial displacement towards the circular bearing 111, so that the lower face 211 of the telescope 200 is in contact and resting on the circular bearing 111. In this position, the telescope 200 is in the locked position. Thus, without voluntary action on the part of the user, the scope 200 is locked in position, and reverse rotation is not possible until an upward axial force is imposed on the scope 200 to disengage the locking pins 312 from the locking holes 118.

[0064] In this locked position, a tab 301, 302, here tab 301, can rest against a first stop 21. A slight play can also be provided between the tab 301 and the first stop 21 when the scope 200 is in this locked position, the angular position of the scope 200 being marked by the cooperation of the locking pins 312 and the locking holes 118.

[0065] To remove the bezel 200, the user must apply an axial displacement, along the central axis B, of the bezel 200 by lifting it away from the circular bearing 111. The user must then exert a force exceeding the axial stress imposed by the elastic elements 18 on the bezel 200 in order to disengage the locking pins 312 from the locking holes 118. The user can then rotate the bezel 200 in the opposite direction to the mounting direction, here counterclockwise, until the tabs 301, 302, and the alignment feature 210 (if present) align with the various recesses 114a, 114b, 116 of the upper flange 113, thus positioning the bezel 200 in a disassembly position that allows its removal from the case 110. This disassembly position is angularly very close to the bezel 200. or even identical, to the previously described mounting position for the 200 scope.

[0066] In this disassembly position, the keying device, or at least a tab 301, 302, is against a second stop 21.

[0067] The user can then mount a new bezel 200 on the case 110 to modify its aesthetic appearance or to modify the display carried by the bezel 200 in order to modulate the information displayed by a chronograph function of the watch movement equipping the watch piece 1.

Claims

1. A timepiece (1) comprising a case (110) and an interchangeable bezel (200) fixed to said case (110) by relative rotation of the bezel (200) with respect to the case (110), along a central axis (B), between a snap-in position and a locked position, by a bayonet fastening device (300), said bayonet fastening device (300) comprising first fastening means (300a) provided on the case (110) and second complementary fastening means (300b) provided on the bezel (200), characterized in that The bayonet fixing device (300) includes a keying system (210, 116) to define a single position for fitting said scope (200) onto the case (110).

2. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the error-proofing system (210, 116) is formed by elements distinct from the first fastening means (300a) and said second fastening means (300b).

3. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The error-proofing system includes an error-proofing element (210) provided on the bezel (200) cooperating with an error-proofing imprint (116) provided on the case (110).

4. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the error-proofing system is formed by a specific shape or dimensions of one of the first fastening means (300a) and respectively of one of the second fastening means (300b) intended to cooperate with said one of the first fastening means (300a).

5. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the case (110) has two socket recesses (114a, 114b) communicating with an annular groove (304), forming the first fastening means (300a) of the bayonet fastening device (300), and in thatthe scope (200) has two tabs (301, 302), forming the second fixing means (300b) of the bayonet device (300), configured to fit into said two fitting recesses (114a, 114b) and cooperate with said annular groove (304).

6. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatThe bayonet fastening device (300) includes two elastic members (18) housed in the annular groove (304) of the case (110) and bearing between a circular bearing surface (111) and an upper collar (113) of the case (110), each of the elastic members (18) being configured to cooperate with one of the two tabs (301, 302) of the bezel (200) and to exert a force in an axial direction, parallel to the central axis (B), on said one of the two tabs (301, 302) so as to constrain the bezel (200) against said circular bearing surface (111) of said case (110), when the bezel (200) is in said locked position.

7. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two elastic elements (18) have anti-rotation studs (19) configured to fit into holes (119) provided in said circular bearing surface (111) of the case (110).

8. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bayonet fixing device (300) includes locking elements (312, 118) for rotationally locking said locked position of the scope (200).

9. Timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that The bayonet mounting device (300) includes locking elements (312, 118) for rotationally locking said locked position of the scope (200), the locking elements being formed by the cooperation of locking lugs (312) carried by the scope (200) and locking holes (118) provided in the circular bearing (111).

10. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatit includes at least one stop (21) provided on said circular bearing (111) of the case (110) to block the rotation of the bezel (200) in a first direction of rotation in a locked position and / or in a second direction of rotation in a disassembly position, along the central axis (B).

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