Timepiece dial foot, timepiece dial plate, and timepiece dial

Abstract

To provide a foot with simple construction which enables easy and reliable fixation to a dial plate made of a brittle material.SOLUTION: A foot 2 for a timepiece dial includes a plastically deformable element 23 arranged to connect the foot to a dial plate by cooperation, in particular by obstacle cooperation, of the plastically deformable element in a deformed configuration with a shaped portion of the dial plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clock dial leg. The present invention also relates to a clock dial plate. The present invention further relates to a clock dial including such a leg and / or such a plate. The present invention likewise relates to a clock including such a clock dial or such a leg or such a plate. The present invention finally relates to a method of attaching such a dial or such a clock.

Background Art

[0002] A clock dial generally includes legs. Conventionally, the legs are generally attached to the lower surface of the dial by welding or brazing and are formed to be received in holes formed in the upper surface of the movement frame of the clock.

[0003] The dial must be made of a material that can withstand such an assembly method, or include legs or an under-dial plate that can withstand such an assembly method. In the case of a stone dial, the under-dial plate may then be attached to the dial, particularly by adhesive bonding, particularly via an adhesive strip. Regardless of the thickness of such a dial, the assembly by such a solution has drawbacks, particularly with regard to measuring the adhesive and the change of the adhesive over time, particularly with regard to its repeatability.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a dial consisting of a first plate made of a brittle material adhesively bonded to a second plate made of a metal material such as brass. It is particularly specified that these plates can be adhesively bonded, particularly by an adhesive tape. In addition to the drawbacks inherent in the use of an adhesive, such a design is not optimal because it necessarily involves a dial having the thickness required for the assembly of two superimposed plates.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a dial including two movable legs. Each leg is characterized by including a divided head having a shape that accommodates first and second grooves formed in the dial plate, respectively. Each groove includes a dovetail joint that allows the leg to be axially locked to the dial plate by receiving the head of the leg. During mounting, the head of the leg is elastically deformed within the groove, thereby holding the leg in place on the dial surface solely by frictional effect without any other locking means. As a result, the leg may be unintentionally displaced, which is undesirable.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a method for assembling a leg to a dial plate, the method comprising the step of crimping the leg into a groove formed in the dial plate. More specifically, the groove includes a shoulder portion intended to cooperate at least partially with the head of the leg to enable axial holding of the leg with respect to the dial plate. This shoulder portion further includes a plastic deformation region intended to deform relative to the head of the leg to enable translational locking of the leg within the groove, thereby fixing the leg to the dial plate. Such an assembly solution requires a dial plate made of a material containing a plastic deformation region and is therefore not suitable for assembling legs to dial plates made of stone or ceramic.

[0007] Patent Document 4 relates to an apparatus for assembling a first component to a second component made of a brittle material, particularly a ceramic such as zirconia or alumina. The apparatus comprises a threaded leg having a portion including a non-circular section, which is intended to be housed inside a groove positioned at the height of an opening formed in the second component made of the brittle material. The threaded leg is thus held axially within the second component via a shoulder formed by the groove. The threaded leg is fixed within the second component by fixing the first component to the second component through a screw that is screwed into the threaded leg itself. Therefore, this solution for assembling a threaded leg to a component made of a brittle material is insufficient in itself and is not suitable for assembling the leg to a watch dial plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3489764 [Patent Document 2] French Patent Application Publication No. 1021251 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2952974 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 080580 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 2730636 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a watch dial leg that is an improvement over conventionally known leg designs. In particular, the present invention proposes a leg with a simple structure that can be easily and reliably fixed to a watch dial made of a brittle material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a dial base as defined in claim 1.

[0011] Claims 2 to 7 define each embodiment of the leg portion.

[0012] According to the first embodiment, claim 8 defines a dial plate.

[0013] Claims 9 to 11 define each embodiment of the plate.

[0014] According to the first embodiment, claim 12 or claim 15 defines a dial.

[0015] According to the first aspect, claim 13 defines a clock.

[0016] According to the first aspect, claim 14 defines a method of attaching a dial.

[0017] The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, two embodiments of a clock.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of a clock. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the dial of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a leg according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a leg according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a leg to a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a leg to a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a leg to a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 9] [[ID=三十六]]FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a leg to a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a leg to a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing the attachment of a leg to a dial plate according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a dial plate according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 13]Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the legs attached to the dial plate according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a detailed view of the leg portion of a third modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a detailed view of the dial plate according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the legs of the dial plate according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a detailed view of the leg portion according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a detailed view of the dial plate according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a detailed view of the legs of the clock according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a detailed view of the legs of the clock according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28]Figure 28 is a detailed view of the dial plate according to the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to the second embodiment of the clock. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a detailed view showing the attachment of the legs to the dial plate according to the second embodiment of the clock. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments and variations of clock 100;100';100'';100* will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 32.

[0020] Regardless of the embodiment or modification, the clock 100;100';100'';100* is, for example, a small clock, and in particular a wristwatch. The clock 100;100';100'';100* includes a clock movement 30 and a dial 10;10';10'';10* intended to be mounted inside a clock casing or case for protection from the external environment. The clock movement may be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, and in particular an automatic movement or a hybrid movement.

[0021] In any embodiment or modification, the dial 10;10';10'';10* includes at least one leg 2;2';2'';2* formed to be mechanically connected to the dial plate 1;1';1'';1*. Advantageously, this leg takes the form of a leg for securing the dial to the blank 3 of the watch movement 30. Preferably, the dial plate 1;1';1'';1* includes the visible surface 11;11';11'';11* of the dial, i.e., a visible surface that may support the hands and / or periphery, and when the wearer of the watch wishes to see the time or information derived from the time displayed on the watch, particularly through the glass. The dial 10;10';10'';10* thus advantageously consists of a combination of one or more legs 2;2';2'';2* and one identical dial plate 1;1';1'';1*. A leg or a group of legs 2;2';2'';2* is therefore connected or fixed to one identical plate 1;1';1'';1*. Here, “connected” or “fixed” means any mechanical link that is performed without any adhesive bonding, welding, or brazing processes, which may be cumbersome and difficult to repeat. “Fixed” is understood to mean an action that allows any degree of freedom to be immobilized or locked. “Connected” is understood to mean an action that allows only a certain degree of freedom to be immobilized or locked.

[0022] By convention, the horizontal plane P is defined as a plane parallel to the dial plate, and the vertical direction z is defined as a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane P and toward the dial plate 1;1';1'';1* from the blank 3, i.e., toward the outward direction from the plate at the height of the visible surface 11;11';11'';11*. In the case of a non-planar dial plate, the horizontal plane P may be defined as a plane that includes or passes as completely as possible through the periphery or outskirts of the dial plate. By convention, the legs 2;2';2'';2* thus extend vertically downward from the dial, and the dial 10;10';10'';10* is fixed to the blank 3 by the legs 2;2';2'';2*, which are positioned vertically toward the movement blank 3, particularly within the hole 31 of the blank 3. In particular, the legs 2;2';2'';2* can be fixed within the hole 31 using relevant fastening means, which are not described in detail herein.

[0023] Such dial designs are particularly advantageous for enabling the assembly of dial plates made of brittle materials, i.e., materials that are unable to or have limited plastic deformation. The plate material may be ceramic, particularly zirconia or alumina, fluorescent and / or phosphorescent ceramics, or composite ceramics of yttriaced zirconia and Dy / Eu-doped strontium aluminate. Particularly advantageous, the plate may be made of "luminescent zirconia," as described, for example, in Patent Document 5. Alternatively, the plate may be made of a composite material. Further alternatively, the plate may be made of a mineral material or a material of mineral origin, such as a stone like onyx, opal, turquoise or sapphire, or nacre, or meteorite. The Vickers hardness of the dial plate is preferably 600 HV or higher, or 700 HV or higher, or 800 HV or higher.

[0024] In each of the embodiments and modifications shown, the dial plate is a circular component having axes A1; A1'; A1''; A1*. Alternatively, the dial plate may be of other shapes, such as polygons, squares, or rectangles. In each of the embodiments and modifications shown, the dial plate is a planar component. Alternatively, the plate may be a non-planar shape, such as a concave or convex surface. The dial may include one or more heights.

[0025] In each of the embodiments and modifications shown, the legs are preferably made of metal or a metal alloy. The legs may be made of brass. Alternatively, the legs may be made of steel, particularly Nivaflex®. Preferably, the Vickers hardness of the legs is 600 HV or less.

[0026] In any embodiment or modification, the legs 2;2';2'';2* take the form of a component having an axis A2;A2';A2'';A2*, and more particularly a component including a first portion with axis A2;A2';A2'';A2* as the axis of rotation. After the legs are assembled to the dial plate, axis A2;A2';A2'';A2* may be parallel or substantially parallel to axis A1;A1';A1'';A1*. The first portion of the legs may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and is positioned to be housed in a hole formed in the blank 3 of the watch movement 30. The first portion may also have a flat portion.

[0027] A first embodiment of the clock 100;100';100'' is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 24.

[0028] A first embodiment of the clock 100;100';100'' is described below through four different modifications.

[0029] As mentioned above, the dial may include one or more legs. For the sake of clarity, only one leg will be described below, but the dial may include one or more identical or similar legs. In any variation or embodiment, the dial preferably includes two legs.

[0030] The leg portion 2;2';2'' includes a plastically deformable element 23;23';23'' positioned to connect the leg portion 2;2';2'' to the dial plate 1;1';1'' through cooperation with the forming portion 15;15';15'' of the plastically deformable element 23;23';23'' in a deformable configuration, particularly through obstructive cooperation.

[0031] Thus, the dial plate 1;1';1'' includes a forming portion 15;15';15'' which is arranged to connect the leg portion 2;2';2'' to the dial plate 1;1';1'' through the cooperation of the forming portion 15;15';15'' and the plastically deformable element 23;23';23'' of the leg portion 2;2';2''.

[0032] Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the leg portion 2;2';2'' includes at least one forming portion 23;23' or region 23'' that is plastically deformable relative to the dial plate. Advantageously, the cooperation of the plastically deformable element 23;23';23'' with the dial plate 1;1';1'', particularly the forming portion 15;15';15'' of the plate, can connect and even fix the leg portion to the plate. The connection may leave a small amount of play between the leg portion and the plate, particularly a small amount of play around axis A2;A2';A2'' and / or along one or more directions parallel to axis A2;A2';A2''. The forming portion 15;15';15'' may preferably be concave or recessed, for example, a notch.

[0033] Preferably, the legs 2;2';2'' include first positioning elements 26;26';26'' of the legs, which are positioned relative to the dial plate 1;1';1'', particularly within a plane P, to position the legs 2;2';2'' relative to the dial plate 1;1';1''. Thus, the plate includes second positioning elements 18;18';18'' of the legs 2;2';2'' relative to the plate 1;1';1''. The second elements may include holes 18;18';18'' and / or be positioned relative to the plate within a plane P to position the legs 2;2';2''. In this way, the first and second positioning elements cooperate to position the legs relative to the plate in a plane P.

[0034] More preferably, the plastically deformable elements 23;23';23'' are positioned to lock the legs 2;2';2'' within a plane P, and in particular to lock the legs 2;2';2' so that they can rotate around an axis A2;A2';A2''. Similarly, the forming parts 15;15';15'' are positioned to lock the legs 2;2';2'' within a plane P, and in particular to lock the legs 2;2';2' so that they can rotate around an axis A2;A2';A2''. The locking is advantageously achieved by the cooperation of the plastically deformable elements 23;23';23'' and the forming parts 15;15';15'' (in the deformable configuration).

[0035] Preferably, the leg portion 2;2';2'' includes a head portion 22;22';22'' which includes at least one second cylindrical portion and / or a plastically deformable element 23;23';23''.

[0036] Advantageously, the first positioning element 26;26';26'' includes a cylindrical portion 26;26';26'' that positions and / or rotates the leg around axis A2;A2';A2'' and / or the first positioning element 26;26';26'' is part of the head 22;22';22''.

[0037] More advantageously, the leg, in particular its head 22;22';22'', includes an element 27;27';27'', in particular a footprint, for driving the leg relative to the plate. The footprint is advantageously positioned to receive a tool end that allows the leg to move relative to the plate, in particular to rotate around an axis A2;A2';A2''.

[0038] Preferably, the plate includes receiving openings 13, 13, 13'', particularly receiving grooves 13, 13'', or counterbores 13' or blind holes 13', which are intended to receive the heads 22, 22', 22'' of the legs 2, 2', 2''.

[0039] A first modification of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0040] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the dial 10 and the blank 3 of the watch movement 30, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dial 10 passing through the respective axes A2 of the two legs 2 assembled to the plate 1.

[0041] More specifically, each leg portion 2 is housed in a receiving opening 13 formed in the lower surface 12 of the dial plate 1, which faces the upper surface 11 of the same plate 1 that constitutes the visible surface 11 of the dial 10.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a receiving opening 13 formed in the plate. This receiving opening 13 is a groove having two parallel walls 14 connected by a rounded contour 17, defining a receiving surface 131 for the head 22 of the leg 2. This surface 131 preferably extends to the bottom surface 12 or is parallel to the top surface 11. Each wall 14 has the characteristic of including a notch 15, beneath which a housing 16 is formed, intended to accommodate at least partially the head 22 of the leg 2.

[0043] The notch 15 includes walls 151, 152 that define angled contact surfaces into which the head 22 of the leg 2, which rotates around axis A2 relative to the plate 1, abuts. The housing 16 allows for the definition of a shoulder 161 or contact surface 161 of the head 22 of the leg 2, which is complementary to the surface 131 and oriented vertically as shown in Figure 11. The surfaces 131 and 161 thus cooperate with the head of the leg to fix the leg translationally to the plate 1 along axis A2.

[0044] The opening 13 further includes a hole 18 having an axis A18, formed at the height of the surface 131, which serves as a second positioning element, and the hole 18 acts as a guide when attaching the leg portion 2 into the opening 13.

[0045] Figures 4 and 5 are detailed views of the leg portion 2.

[0046] The leg portion 2 includes a body 21 extending from the head portion 22 along axis A2. Preferably, the body 21 takes the shape of a cylinder formed to be housed in a hole 31 of the blank 3 of the watch movement 30.

[0047] In this first modified example, the leg portion 2 includes two plastically deformable forming portions 23, each taking the shape of a lip 23 projecting from the head portion 22 in a direction parallel to axis A2. Preferably, the lip and the body project from the head portion in the same direction.

[0048] The head 22 includes a non-circular cross-section. In particular, the head 22 includes two flat sections 24 intended to be positioned along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the wall 14 of the opening 13 during the process of assembling the legs to the plate. The head 22 also includes two cylindrical sections 25 positioned at both ends of the flat sections 24 and intended to be housed within the housing 16 during another process of assembling the legs to the plate.

[0049] The leg portion 2 further includes a cylindrical portion 26 as a first positioning element 26, which extends from the head portion 22 along axis A2 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the main body 21 extends. The cylindrical portion 26 serves as a guide means when attaching the leg portion 2 to the opening 13, and more specifically, is formed to be inserted into the hole 18.

[0050] Finally, after the head 22 is supported on the surface 131 of the opening 13, the leg 2 includes a footprint 27 intended to allow displacement of the leg in the horizontal plane, which acts as an element for driving the leg relative to the board. This footprint is formed, for example, in the form of a notch 27 that is shaped to work in conjunction with a suitable tool.

[0051] Figures 6 to 11 illustrate different steps in assembling the leg portion 2 to the plate, particularly in assembling the leg portion 2 into the receiving opening 13. This assembly method can be considered as a method for attaching the dial. This method includes the following steps, in particular the following steps performed over time. - The first step E1 (shown in Figure 6) consists of aligning the axes A2 and A18 of the leg portion 2 and the hole 18, respectively, while arranging the flat portion 24 along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the wall 14 of the opening 13. - The second step E2 (shown in Figure 7) involves moving the leg portion 2 closer to the opening 13 perpendicularly in direction z until the head portion 22 contacts the surface 131. -After the head 22 is supported by the surface 131, the third step E3 (shown in Figure 8) consists of rotating the leg 2 90° around axis A18, particularly using the footprint 27 and, for example with the assistance of a tool, until the lip 23 faces the notch 15, as shown in Figure 9. In this configuration, the head 22, and especially the two cylindrical parts 25 of the head 22, are partially housed within the housing 16, and the vertical displacement of the head is limited by the reduced play between the surfaces 131 and 161, as can be seen in more detail from Figure 11 (nevertheless, the lip 23 is in a deformed configuration, as shown in the state after the fourth step). -The fourth step E4 consists of plastically deforming one or more lips 23 within the notches 15, particularly along at least one radial direction with respect to axis A2. After deformation (as shown in Figure 10), the lips 23 lock the relative movement of the leg portion 2 with respect to the plate 1 in the horizontal plane P, in particular the rotational movement about axis A18 in the horizontal plane P. In particular, the walls 151, 152 of each notch 15 define angled contact surfaces for the lips 23, i.e., for the head portion 22 of the leg portion 2.

[0052] Depending on the shape of the lip and its deformation, the fourth step further enables the generation of frictional force on the lip against the notch 15, thereby enabling the head 22 to be held against the surface 131 (as shown in Figure 11).

[0053] A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0054] Figure 12 shows a specific modification of the opening 13, which has the characteristic of including a notch 19 superimposed on a notch 15, which is intended to contact each lip 23 after the lip 23 has been elastically deformed as shown in Figure 13. Such a form of the opening 13 makes it possible to press the head 22 against the shoulder 161, in particular once the lip has elastically deformed.

[0055] Thus, in the two first modifications, the lip or tab 23 is provided to lock with little to no play with respect to the relative movement of the leg with respect to the dial plate along the horizontal plane P. They can also be locked with little to no play with respect to the relative movement of the leg with respect to the dial plate along the vertical direction. Therefore, in the two first modifications, the lip or tab 23 is provided to connect the leg 2 to the dial plate 1 or to fix the leg 2 to the dial plate 1.

[0056] A third modification of the first embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 14 to 18.

[0057] This third variation is essentially distinct from the first and second variations in terms of its shape characteristics.

[0058] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the dial 10', which includes a dial plate 1' with legs 2' attached to the receiving opening 13'.

[0059] As clearly illustrated in Figure 16, the leg portion 2' is identified by the fact that it includes a head portion 22' having three fins 25' (or projections 25') each formed to be housed in three housings 16' of the opening 13', as shown in Figure 17. The head portion 22' further includes three (coaxial or substantially coaxial) cylindrical portions 26' each formed to cooperate with three (coaxial or substantially coaxial) cylindrical portions 18' having axes A18' that form part of the contour of the opening 13', enabling positioning and guidance of the leg portion 2' within the same opening 13'. The number of fins 25' and / or cylindrical portions 18' may, of course, vary without consequently altering the nature of the assembly of the leg portion 2' within the opening 13'.

[0060] The leg portion 2' further includes at least one lip 23' projecting from the head portion 22' along a direction parallel to axis A2' and in the same direction as the cylindrical body 21' of the leg portion extending along it. Once the leg portion 2' is assembled, the lip 23' is plastically deformed within a notch 15' formed in the contour of the opening 13'.

[0061] The leg 2' further includes a notch 27', similar to the notch 27 in the first modification, provided to allow the leg to be rotated.

[0062] The leg portion 2' can be assembled into the opening 13' by four steps E1, E2, E3, and E4 similar to those described above.

[0063] Figure 15 shows the leg portion 2' positioned within the opening 13' after the first and second steps E1 and E2 have been carried out. Here, two wings 25' are housed in notches 14' of the opening 13' having shapes substantially corresponding to the shapes of the wings, and a third wing 25' is housed in a notch 15'. The extent of the notch is thus adapted to house the wings within it during the assembly of the leg portion.

[0064] The third step E3 involves rotating the leg portion 2' around axis A18' by, for example, 60°, particularly by utilizing the forming portion 27', until the lip 23' is in a position facing the notch 15'. In this configuration, the blade 25' is located within the housing 16', as clearly shown in Figure 17, and thereafter the blade is held vertically between the surface 131' formed by the housing 16' and the shoulder portion 161', as shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0065] The fourth step E4, as shown in Figure 14, consists of plastically deforming the lip 23' with respect to the notch 15' along at least one radial direction with respect to axis A2'. Once the lip is deformed, the walls 151', 152' of each notch 15' define angled contact surfaces for the lip 23' and therefore for the head 22' of the leg 2'.

[0066] Depending on the shape of the lip and its deformation, the fourth step further generates frictional force against the notch 15', thereby enabling the head 22' to be held against the surface 131'.

[0067] A fourth modified example of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 19 to 24.

[0068] The fourth modification differs from the first to third modifications in that the leg portion 2'' includes a region 23'' having low mechanical strength that can be plastically deformed along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A2'' of the leg portion 22''.

[0069] Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the dial 10'', which includes a plate 1'' with legs 2' attached within the receiving opening 13''.

[0070] Similar to the leg 2 of the first and second modifications, the leg 2'' (also shown in Figure 20) includes a head 22'' having two flat portions 24'' intended to be oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the wall 14'' of the opening 13'', which takes the shape of the groove shown in Figures 19 and 21, in the first step of assembling the leg to the plate 1''. The leg 2'' also includes two cylindrical portions 25'', each positioned on either side of the flat portions 24'', intended to be housed within the housing 16'' of the opening 13'' in the third assembly step.

[0071] The leg portion 2'' further includes a cylindrical portion 26'' shown in Figure 24, which extends longitudinally from the head portion 22'' along axis A2'' in the opposite direction to the extension of the leg portion body 21'' from the head portion. This portion 26'' has the same function as portion 26 of the leg portion 2 in the first and second modified examples. This portion is provided to cooperate with a hole 18'' formed in the surface 131'' of the opening 13'' to center and guide the leg portion 2'' within the opening 13''.

[0072] The leg portion 2'' also includes a footprint formed in the head portion 22'', which contains two notches 27'' having the same function as the notches 27 and 27' shown in each of the aforementioned modifications.

[0073] These notches define two surfaces 271'' extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to axis A2''. The thickness e1 of the head 22'' at the height of surface 271'' is substantially less than the maximum thickness e2 of the head 22'', and thicknesses e1 and e2 are measured in a direction parallel to axis A2''. For example, e1 is less than e2 / 3 or less than e2 / 4. For example, e1 is less than 0.15 mm or less than 0.1 mm.

[0074] The surface 271'' thus forms two areas 23'' with low mechanical strength in the head 22''. These areas are plastically deformable within notches or holes 15'' having properties formed in the surface 131'' of the opening 13'', as shown in Figure 21. These holes are, for example, cylindrical blind holes.

[0075] Such a leg portion 2'' can be assembled to the opening 13'' in four steps E1, E2, E3, and E4 similar to those described above.

[0076] Figure 22 shows the leg portion 2'' positioned within the opening 13'' after the first and second steps E1 and E2 have been carried out. The flat portion 24'' is now positioned parallel to the wall 14'' of the opening 13'', and portion 26'' is housed within the hole 18''.

[0077] The third step E3 consists of rotating the leg portion 2'' around axis A18'', particularly using the forming portion 27'', by, for example, 90°, until region 23'' is positioned above the notch 15''. In this configuration, the cylindrical portion 25'' of the head portion 22'' is positioned in the housing 16'' of the opening 13'', as is particularly evident in Figure 21, so that the portion is held vertically between the surface 131'' and the shoulder portion 161'' formed by the housing 16''.

[0078] The fourth step E4, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, consists of plastically deforming region 23'' within the notch 15'' along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to axis A2''. Once these regions are deformed, the contour 151'' of the notch 15'' defines an angled contact surface with the head 22'' of the leg 2''. Depending on the shape resulting from these deformations, region 23'' further generates frictional force within the notch 15'', thereby enabling the head 22'' to be held against surface 131'' or surface 161''.

[0079] In the illustrated modified example, region 23'' is fitted into the notch 27''. However, it is also possible to form region 23'' outside the notch 27''.

[0080] According to the first embodiment, in any of the modifications, the following steps are taken to assemble the dial 10;10;10''. - Legs 2; 2'; 2'', in particular the legs described above, are provided. - A board 1;1';1'', in particular the board described above, is provided. - The legs 2;2';2'' are positioned relative to the plate 1;1';1'', particularly within the plane P. - The plastically deformable elements 23;23';23'' are plastically deformed in cooperation with the formed parts 15;15';15'' of the deformed plastically deformable elements 23;23';23'' and the dial plate 1;1';1'' in such a way that the legs 2;2';2'' are connected to the plate 1;1';1'', in particular, so as to lock the rotation of the legs 2;2';2'' around axis A2;A2';A2'' relative to the dial plate 1;1';1''.

[0081] A second embodiment of the clock 100* will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 32.

[0082] Figures 25 to 31 show a first modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 25 shows in more detail a schematic diagram of the dial 10*, which includes a plate 1* with legs 2* attached within its receiving opening 13*.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the leg portion 2* includes a friction means, particularly a friction spring 23*, which is advantageously capable of being elastically deformed to press the leg portion against the dial plate.

[0084] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the leg portion 2* takes the form of an assembly consisting of a single leg element 20* and a friction spring 23* having a substantially annular shape and two elastic arms 230* with protrusions 231* formed thereon. These protrusions allow the leg portion 2* to be assembled into the opening 13*.

[0085] The spring 23* is, more specifically, formed in the housing of the head 22* of the integrated leg element 20*. The spring 23* is formed to be housed within the housing 220*. The spring 23* further includes two beggs 232* provided to be driven into holes 28* located in the head 22*, respectively, so that the spring 23* can be secured within the housing 220*. Alternatively, the beggs 232* may be glued, brazed, or welded into the holes 28*. Once the spring 23* is housed within the head 22*, the head 22* may be supported in particular by a receiving surface 221* defined by the housing 220*. Nevertheless, as shown in Figure 27, some play j remains between the surface 221* and the arm 230* so that the arm 230* can elastically deform when assembling the leg portion 2* into the opening 13*. Furthermore, once the spring 23* is fixed inside the head 22*, the protrusion 231* slightly protrudes from the head 22* so that it can be operated when the leg portion 2* is assembled into the opening 13*, causing elastic deformation of the arm 230*.

[0086] The nature of assembling the leg portion 2* into the opening 13* is similar to the description in the context of the fourth modification of the first embodiment. The shape of the receiving opening 13* is similar to that shown in the fourth modification. The opening 13* further takes the form of a groove and includes notches or holes 15* (e.g., blind cylindrical holes) formed in the surface 131* of the opening 13*, particularly near the housing 16* as shown in Figure 28. These notches 15* are formed to accommodate the spring protrusions 231* so as to prevent any displacement of the leg portion 2* in the horizontal plane, in particular any rotational movement. Furthermore, the opening 13* also includes holes 18* formed to receive the cylindrical portion 26* of the leg, whose function has already been described in the context of the first embodiment.

[0087] Such leg portions 2* can be assembled into the opening 13* in four steps E1*, E2*, E3*, and E4*.

[0088] The first step E1* consists of aligning the axes A2* and A18* of the leg portion 2* and the hole 18* respectively, and orienting the flat portion 24* along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the wall 14* of the opening 13*.

[0089] The second step E2* consists of bringing the leg portion 2* closer in direction z, perpendicular to the opening 13*, until the protruding portion 231* of the spring 23* contacts the surface 131*.

[0090] The third step E3* consists of restraining the arm 230* by continuing to bring the leg portion 2* closer to the opening 13* in direction z, perpendicular to the opening, until the head portion 22* is supported by the surface 131*. In this configuration, the protrusion 231* is at least partially retracted within the housing 220* to allow the next step E4 to be performed. Figure 29 is a plan view of the leg portion 2* and plate 1* showing the configuration immediately before the fourth step E4.

[0091] The fourth step E4* involves rotating the leg portion 2* around axis A18*, particularly using the forming portion 27* as described above, by, for example, 90°, until the projection 231* is positioned above the notch 15*. In this configuration, the projection 231* is naturally housed within the notch 15* under the effect of the elastic recovery of the arm 230*. The leg portion 2* is thus prevented from any movement in the horizontal plane P, and especially from any rotational movement within the opening 13*. Furthermore, in the same configuration, the cylindrical portion 25* of the head portion 22* is positioned within the housing 16* of the opening 13*, thereby holding the cylindrical portion vertically between the surface 131* and the shoulder portion 161* formed by the housing 16*, as shown in Figures 30 and 31.

[0092] The spring 23* is thus provided to lock with minimal play in the relative movement of the leg portion along the horizontal plane relative to the dial plate. The spring 23* also allows for locking with minimal play in the relative movement of the leg portion along the vertical direction relative to the dial plate. The spring 23* is thus provided to connect the leg portion 2* to the dial plate 1*.

[0093] In the modified spring 23* shown in Figures 25 to 31, once the protrusion 231* is positioned within the notch 15*, the spring is no longer compressed. This is due to the shape of the arm 230* in its stationary configuration. This shape is such that once the cylindrical portion 25* is housed within the housing 16, axial play remains.

[0094] Alternatively, the spring 23* may have a different shape, for example, a concave shape (as shown in Figure 32), and the retraction of the projection 231* into the housing 220* brings about a first stress level, and once the projection 231* is positioned within the notch 15*, a second stress level lower than the first is brought about. In particular, this allows the head 22* to be pressed against the shoulder 161*, and the legs are locked in place with no relative movement or play in the vertical direction relative to the dial plate. The spring 23* is thus provided to connect the legs 2* to the dial plate 1*, or to fix the legs 2* to the dial plate 1*.

[0095] In all the embodiments and modifications described above, the assembly of the legs 2;2';2'';2* to the plate 1;1';1'';1* requires rotational movement of the legs in the horizontal plane. These are assembly steps E3 and E4* described above, respectively. However, depending on the form of elements 2;2';2'';2* and 13;13';13'';13*, the legs may undergo translational movement between these steps, for example, to position the legs relative to the plane P of the plate. In such cases, the legs may not have cylindrical guides 26;26';26'';26*, and the plate may not have cylindrical guides 18;18';18'';18*. The positioning of the legs relative to the plate can be defined by the shape of the non-opening end of the groove and the contact cooperation with the legs.

[0096] In any embodiment or modification, the deformable elements 23;23';23'';23* advantageously provide reduced or no play in any relative movement of the leg along the horizontal plane P with respect to the dial plate. They also enable reduced or no play in any relative movement of the leg along the vertical direction z with respect to the dial plate.

[0097] As described above, the various dial solutions described above are characterized by having legs that include at least one (plastic or elastic) deformable means that enables assembly within the plate constituting the dial.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the leg portion includes at least one formed portion or region having low mechanical strength that can be plastically deformed within an opening formed in the dial plate.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the legs include elastic means, particularly friction springs, that can be elastically deformed within a receiving opening formed in the dial plate.

[0100] The receiving ports for the legs have features common to each embodiment.

[0101] A second aspect of the present invention is defined by the following proposal.

[0102] 1. Legs (2;2';2'';2*) for a clock face (10;10';10'';10*), comprising deformable elements (23;23';23'';23*) arranged to connect the leg (2;2';2'';2*) to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) by the cooperation of the deformable elements (23;23';23'';23*) of the leg (2;2';2'';2*) in a deformable configuration with respect to the forming part (15;15';15'';15*) of the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*), particularly by obstructive cooperation.

[0103] 2. A dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) for a clock dial (10;10';10'';10*), comprising a forming portion (15;15';15'';15*), particularly a concave or recessed forming portion, arranged to connect the legs (2;2';2'';2*) of the forming portion (15;15';15'';15*) to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) in cooperation, particularly in obstructive cooperation, with deformable elements (23;23';23'';23*) of the legs (2;2';2'';2*) of the forming portion (15;15';15'';15*), particularly a concave or recessed forming portion.

[0104] 3. A dial (10;10';10'';10*) for a clock (100;100';100'';100*), comprising at least one leg (2;2';2'';2*) according to Proposal 1, preferably two legs (2;2';2'';2*) according to Proposal 1, and / or a dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) according to Proposal 2.

[0105] 4. The dial according to Proposal 3, wherein the deformable elements (23;23';23'';23*) and the forming parts (15;15';15'';15*) are arranged such that their legs are indexed to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) along a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate.

[0106] 5. The dial according to Proposal 4, wherein the deformable elements (23;23';23'';23*) and the forming parts (15;15';15'';15*) are arranged to define one or more indexing positions of the legs relative to the plate, in particular one or more indexing positions of the legs around the axis (A2;A2';A2'';A2*) relative to the plate.

[0107] 6. A clock (100;100';100'';100*) including the legs (2;2';2'';2*) according to Proposal 1 and / or the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) according to Proposal 2 and / or the dial (10;10';10'';10*) according to one of Proposals 3 to 5.

[0108] 7. A method for mounting a clock face (10;10';10'';10*) or a clock (100;100';100'';100*), - Leg parts (2;2';2'';2*), especially the leg parts according to Proposal 1, - Dial plate (1;1';1'';1*), in particular providing a plate according to Proposal 2, - The legs (2;2';2'';2*) are positioned relative to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*), particularly along a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*), and the legs are positioned relative to the plate by translation of the legs, particularly along the vertical direction, and then the legs are rotated relative to the plate around an axis (A2;A2';A2'';A2*). - Through the cooperation of the deformable element and the forming part (15;15';15'';15*) of the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*), the deformable element (23;23';23'';23*) is deformed so that the leg portion (2;2';2'';2*) is connected to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*), and in particular so that the leg portion (2;2';2'';2*) is rotatably locked to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*) around an axis (A2;A2';A2'';A2*) perpendicular to a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1;1';1'';1*). A method that includes a process.

[0109] 8. An installation method relating to Proposal 7, wherein the deformation of a deformable element is brought about by the elastic recovery of the deformable element when the deformable element is positioned in a location where it cooperates with the forming part (15*), or the deformation of a deformable element is a plastic deformation brought about by the worker when the deformable element is positioned in a location where it cooperates with the forming part (15;15';15'').

[0110] 9. A dial (10;10';10'';10*) obtained by implementing the method relating to Proposal 7 or 8.

[0111] Throughout this specification, “locating an element” or “locatively locating an element” is understood to mean defining multiple different stable positions of an element. These stable positions may be separated by a sequence of unstable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions, or two located positions, or two located positions, the element transitions through a sequence of unstable or less stable intermediate positions.

[0112] Unless there is a technical or logical contradiction, the subject matter of the second embodiment may be combined with any feature of the first embodiment.

[0113] The solutions described above are particularly advantageous for assembling the legs to dials made of materials that are unable to or have limited plastic deformation, especially to dials made of ceramic, natural stone, or more generally, brittle materials. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1 Dial 2 legs 10 Dial 13 Opening 15 Formation part 18 Second positioning element 22 Head 23 Plastically deformable elements 24 Flat area 26 First positioning element 100 clocks

Claims

1. A leg (2;2';2'') for a timepiece (100;100';100'') dial (10;10';10''), comprising a plastically deformable element (23;23';23'') arranged to connect said leg (2;2';2'') to a dial plate (1;1';1'') by cooperation of said plastically deformable element (23;23';23'') in a deformed configuration relative to a forming part (15;15';15'') of the dial plate (1;1';1'').

2. A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1, wherein the plastically deformable element (23; 23'; 23'') is arranged to lock the leg (2; 2'; 2'') in a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1'').

3. said leg (2; 2'; 2'') comprises a head (22; 22'; 22'') comprising at least one cylindrical portion and / or comprising said plastically deformable element (23; 23'; 23''); A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

4. said head portion comprising a flat portion (24; 24'') or a wing (25'); A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

5. said leg (2; 2'; 2'') comprising a first positioning element (26; 26'; 26'') of said leg relative to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1''); A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

6. said leg includes an element (27; 27'; 27'') for driving said leg relative to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1''); A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

7. said plastically deformable element being a plastically deformable lip (23; 23') or wall (23''); A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

8. A dial plate (1;1';1'') for a timepiece (100;100';100'') dial (10;10';10'') comprising a forming part (15;15';15'') arranged to connect a leg (2;2';2'') to said dial plate (1;1';1'') by cooperation of said forming part with a plastically deformable element (23;23';23'') of said leg.

9. said dial plate (1;1';1'') comprising a second positioning element (18;18';18'') of the leg (2;2';2'') relative to said dial plate (1;1';1''); and / or said formations (15; 15'; 15'') are arranged to engage said legs (2; 2'; 2'') in a plane (P) parallel to said dial plate (1; 1'; 1''); A dial plate (1;1';1'') according to claim 8.

10. said dial plate (1; 1'; 1'') comprises a receiving opening (13; 13'; 13'') intended to receive the head (22; 22'; 22'') of a foot (2; 2'; 2''); A dial plate (1;1';1'') according to claim 8.

11. said formations (15; 15'; 15'') being notches; A dial plate (1;1';1'') according to claim 8.

12. A dial (10; 10'; 10'') for a timepiece (100; 100'; 100'') comprising a dial and at least one leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

13. A watch (100; 100'; 100'') including a dial (10; 10'; 10'') according to claim 12.

14. A method for fitting a dial (10; 10'; 10'') for a clock (100; 100'; 100'') or a clock, comprising the steps of: Providing a leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1, Providing a dial plate (1;1';1''), positioning said legs (2; 2'; 2'') relative to said dial plate (1; 1'; 1''); plastically deforming the plastically deformable element (23; 23'; 23'') so as to connect said leg (2; 2'; 2'') to said dial plate (1; 1'; 1'') by cooperation of said plastically deformable element (23; 23'; 23'') in a deformed configuration with a forming portion (15; 15'; 15'') of said dial plate (1; 1'; 1''), A dial (10; 10'; 10'') for a clock (100; 100'; 100'') or a method for mounting a clock.

15. A dial (10; 10'; 10'') obtainable by implementing the method according to claim 14.

16. The legs (2;2';2'') are positioned along a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1;1';1''), and the plastically deformable element (23;23';23'') is plastically deformed so as to rotatably engage the legs (2;2';2'') with respect to the dial plate (1;1';1'') about an axis (A2;A2';A2'') perpendicular to the plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1;1';1''). The method of claim 14.

17. The legs (2; 2'; 2'') are arranged to connect the legs (2; 2'; 2'') to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1'') by an impeding cooperation in a deformation configuration of the plastically deformable element (23; 23'; 23'') with a forming part (15; 15'; 15'') of the dial plate (1; 1'; 1''), A leg (2; 2'; 2'') according to claim 1.

18. The plastically deformable element (23; 23'; 23'') is arranged to rotatably engage the leg (2; 2'; 2'') about an axis (A2; A2'; A2'') perpendicular to a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1''), A leg (2;2';2'') according to claim 2.

19. The first positioning element (26; 26'; 26'') is arranged to position the leg (2; 2'; 2'') relative to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1'') in a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1''), Leg (2;2';2'') according to claim 5.

20. The first positioning element (26; 26'; 26'') comprises a cylindrical part (26; 26'; 26'') for positioning and / or rotationally guiding the leg about an axis (A2; A2'; A2'') perpendicular to a plane (P) parallel to the dial plate (1; 1'; 1''); and / or said first positioning element (26; 26'; 26'') being part of said head portion (22; 22'; 22''); A leg (2;2';2'') according to claim 5.

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