Timepiece including replaceable bezel

Abstract

To provide a bayonet type fixing device for a replaceable bezel in a timepiece.SOLUTION: An aspect of the present invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a case middle part (110) and a replaceable bezel (200). The bezel (200) is fixed to the case middle part (110) through relative rotation of the bezel (200) to the case middle part (110) around a central axis (B) between a combination position and a lock position caused by a bayonet type fixing device (300). The bayonet type fixing device (300) includes first fixing means (300a) formed on the case middle part (110) and complementary second fixing means (300b) formed on the bezel (200). The bayonet type fixing device (300) includes mechanical coding systems (210, 116) for determining a single position where the bezel (200) can be combined with the case middle part (110).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to timepieces, in particular wristwatches, with interchangeable bezels, i.e. bezels that can be easily changed or replaced by the wearer or user. [Background technology]

[0002] Many devices, particularly wristwatches, are already known in which the bezel can be replaced with another bezel for aesthetic or functional purposes. This allows, for example, for the aesthetic purpose, to match the color of the most visible part of the watch (e.g., wristwatch, pocket watch) to the color of the wearer's clothing at low cost. The functionality of replacing the bezel also allows, for example, to change the bezel display or to change the movement to create a multifunctional watch.

[0003] European Patent EP 0 603 353 describes a watch whose bezel can be changed to display the current time in "soccer" or "tennis" mode, which, when selected, displays the time associated with these sports and allows the timekeeping mechanism to be controlled in accordance with the rules of those sports.

[0004] In the known prior art, removable bezels are attached, held in place, or conversely replaced, using devices that can be divided into two broad categories, excluding, for example, inconvenient devices that require screwing.

[0005] The removable bezel can be secured by elastic means, as described in British Patent GB 286107. The elastic means can be formed by a suitably shaped elastomeric ring, as described in Japanese Utility Model JP 4134178, or a snap-fit ​​device, as described in U.S. Patent US 5,005,161. In all such elastic assemblies, it is difficult to find a good compromise between making the device flexible enough to allow the user to replace the bezel without excessive effort, and making the device rigid enough to prevent accidental loss.

[0006] To address the above issues, many designs have proposed securing the bezel to the case middle using a so-called "bayonet" device, which involves providing complementary male and female means on the bezel and the top or back of the case middle, which interlock when the bezel is rotated.

[0007] However, known bayonet approaches do not ensure correct positioning, i.e., orientation, of the bezel on the case, as such bayonet devices allow the bezel to be attached in multiple angular positions, which can result in the bezel being attached in an incorrect position relative to the case.

[0008] As a result, there is a need for an improved bayonet-type fastening device for interchangeable bezels in timepieces. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In this context, the present invention aims to propose a timepiece comprising a case middle and an interchangeable bezel, the bezel being fixed to the case middle by relative rotation of the bezel with respect to the case middle around a central axis between an engaged position and a locked position by means of a bayonet-type fixing device comprising first fixing means formed on the case middle and complementary second fixing means formed on the bezel, the bayonet-type fixing device comprising a mechanical coding system for defining a single position in which the bezel can be fitted to the case middle.

[0010] In addition to the features described in the previous paragraph, a timepiece according to the invention may have one or more of the following complementary features, considered individually or in any combination technically possible: the mechanical coding system is formed by an element separate from the first fastening means and from the second fastening means; The mechanical coding system comprises a coding member formed in the bezel and cooperating with a coding recess formed in the case middle. - said mechanical coding system is formed by a particular shape or dimensional configuration of one of said first fastening means and one of said second fastening means intended to cooperate with one of said first fastening means. - the case middle part has two coding recesses communicating with an annular groove which form the first fastening means of the bayonet fastening device; the bezel has two tabs that form the second fastening means of the bayonet fastening device; The tabs are adapted to fit within two coding recesses and to interface with the annular groove. - the bayonet-type fixing device has two elastic members received in the annular groove of the case middle and supported between the annular shoulder of the case middle and the upper collar, each of the elastic members being configured to cooperate with one of the two tabs of the bezel to apply a force to at least one of the two tabs in an axial direction parallel to the central axis B, thereby pressing the bezel against the annular shoulder of the case middle when the bezel is in the locked position. - The two elastic members have anti-rotation studs adapted to be inserted into orifices formed in the annular shoulder of the case middle, thereby blocking movement of the two elastic members within the annular groove. The bayonet fixing device has a locking element for locking the bezel in a locked position against rotation. the bayonet fixing device has a locking element for locking the bezel in a locked position against rotation, the locking element being formed by cooperation between a locking pin carried by the bezel and a locking orifice formed in the annular shoulder. - the part has at least one stop disposed on the annular shoulder of the case middle, which blocks rotation of the bezel about the central axis in a first rotational direction when the bezel is in the locked position and / or in a second rotational direction when the bezel is in the released position.

[0011] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more clearly understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a timepiece case, e.g., a watch case, including a case middle and an interchangeable bezel that mates with the case middle utilizing a bayonet-style fastening device. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a top view of the case shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interchangeable bezel shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the case shown in FIG. 1, showing in particular the elastic member housed in an annular groove formed in the case middle, which is intended to receive and hold in place a replaceable bezel. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the case shown in FIG. 1, partially illustrating how the interchangeable bezel is axially held on the case middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, common elements are assigned the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a case 100 of a timepiece 1, for example a wristwatch. Fig. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the case 100 with a central axis B, which includes a case middle 110 that is closed on one side by a case back (not shown) and on the other side, the upper side, by a crystal (not shown).

[0015] Generally, the terms "radially inner" and "radially outer" used in this document are considered relative to the central axis B of the case 100. Thus, a radially inner portion, side, or face is radially closer to the central axis B than a radially outer portion, side, or face.

[0016] In particular, FIG. 2 shows a top view of the case 100 of the timepiece shown in FIG.

[0017] Case 100 accommodates a timepiece movement (not shown) housed within an interior space defined by case middle 110 .

[0018] For example, case middle 110 may be made of metal, ceramic, polymer, or a combination of different materials.

[0019] A bezel 200, which typically surrounds the crystal, is disposed on the case 100. According to the present invention, the bezel 200 is a replaceable bezel, i.e., it can be easily removed by the user without the use of specific tools. Figure 3 specifically shows such a bezel 200.

[0020] The interchangeable bezel 200 mates with and is securely connected to the case 100 by a bayonet-style fastening device 300 , with various male and female elements provided on both the case middle 110 and the bezel 200 .

[0021] The bayonet-type fixing device 300 is configured to lock and unlock the bezel 200 by rotating the bezel 200 relative to the case middle portion 110 about the central axis B, for example, by approximately 30°, between a first mated position and a second locked position.

[0022] For illustrative purposes, the locking direction is shown as being clockwise, however, the locking direction can also be counterclockwise.

[0023] The interchangeable bezel 200 can be made from metal, ceramic, polymer, or a combination of different materials.

[0024] The upper part of the case middle 110, ie the part intended to receive the bezel 200, has an annular shoulder 111 extending substantially in a plane perpendicular to the central axis B.

[0025] The annular shoulder 111 is shaped to provide a bearing surface for supporting the bezel 200, particularly when the bezel 200 is in the locked position.

[0026] The case middle 110 has an annular sleeve 112 that extends substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the annular shoulder 111. The sleeve 112 extends, for example, at an edge that is radially inward of the annular shoulder 111.

[0027] The upper portion of the sleeve 112 terminates in an upper collar 113, which is typically annular and extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis B, preferably parallel to the plane of the annular shoulder 111.

[0028] The sleeve 112 defines an annular groove 304 located between the annular shoulder 111 and the upper collar 113. The annular groove 304 belongs to a first fastening means 300a of a bayonet fastening device 300 according to the invention provided on the case middle 110, and this annular groove 304 is adapted to receive a complementary second fastening means 300b of a bayonet fastening device 300 provided on the bezel 200.

[0029] The first fastening means 300 a further includes mating recesses 114 a , 114 b formed in the periphery of the upper collar 113 and communicating with the annular groove 304 .

[0030] The mating recesses 114a, 114b form openings that allow the passage of the second fastening means 300b of the bezel 200 during axial displacement of the bezel 200 along the central axis B. These mating recesses 114a, 114b are formed, for example, by local thinning of the periphery of the upper collar 113, which allows the second fastening means 300b to be inserted into the annular groove 304 of the case middle 110.

[0031] The second fastening means 300 b of the bayonet fastening device 300 are formed, for example, by two tabs 301 , 302 protruding from the radially inner surface 218 of the bezel 200 in a radial direction relative to the central axis B of the case 100 .

[0032] The two tabs 301, 302 extend radially toward the center of the bezel 200 across a predetermined corner section.

[0033] The shape and dimensions of the tabs 301, 302 are determined to coordinate with the shape and dimensions of the mating recesses 114a, 114b.

[0034] The two tabs 301, 302 may have different shapes or dimensions, such that one tab 301 is adapted to mate with only one mating recess 114a and the other tab 302 of the upper collar 113 is adapted to mate with only the other mating recess 114b, so that the bayonet fastening device 300 has a foolproof mechanical coding system formed by the difference in shape and / or dimension of the first fastening means 300a and the second fastening means 300b, respectively. The bezel 200 can therefore only be mated in one mating position, which corresponds to a single angular position of the bezel 200 about the central axis B relative to the case middle 110.

[0035] In another alternative embodiment, as shown in the figures, a dedicated coding member 210 (or positioning member) can be used that is separate from the fastening means of the bayonet-type fastening device 300 of the present invention. The coding member 210 is shaped to mate with a complementary shaped coding recess 116 (or positioning recess). In this alternative embodiment, the tabs 301, 302 can be the same shape and dimensional configuration and can mate with mating recesses 114a, 114b of the same complementary shape and dimensional configuration.

[0036] Preferably, the coding recess 116 has a specific shape or dimensional configuration different from that of the mating recesses 114a, 114b, or the coding member 210 has a specific shape or dimensional configuration different from that of the tabs 301, 302, respectively. Therefore, the bezel 200 can only be mated in one mating position corresponding to a single angular position of the bezel 200 about the central axis B relative to the case middle 110.

[0037] For example, as shown, a male coding member 210 is carried by the bezel 200 and, in particular, the coding member 210 protrudes from a radially inner surface 218 of the bezel 200 .

[0038] To ensure that the bezel 200 is held securely in the locked position in the case middle 110, the bayonet-type fastening device 300 further includes a resilient member 18, for example in the form of an elongated spring, which is received and held in a predetermined position in the annular groove 304 in the case middle 110. The resilient member 18 is configured to exert an axial force parallel to the central axis B on the tabs 301, 302 of the bezel 200, at least when the bezel 200 is in the locked position in the case middle 110.

[0039] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, two elastic members 18 are inserted and accommodated in the annular groove 304 of the case middle portion 110, and these two elastic members 18 are supported by the annular shoulder portion 111 and the underside of the upper collar 113.

[0040] Each elastic member 18 is configured to be supported by tabs 301 and 302 at least when the bezel 200 is in the lock position of the case middle portion 110 .

[0041] Each resilient member 18 has a body and an anti-rotation stud 19 configured to be inserted into an orifice 119 formed in annular shoulder 111 of case middle 110. Thus, when bezel 200 is engaged and rotated to reach the locked position, resilient member 18 is prevented from rotating by tabs 301, 302 on bezel 200, and remains in place within annular groove 304, mechanically restrained between the bottom of orifice 119 and the underside of upper collar 113.

[0042] Each resilient member 18 has at least one resilient end lug 17 extending from the body that interacts with tabs 301, 302 on the bezel 200 when the bezel 200 is locked and in the locked position.

[0043] When the resilient member 18 is in its rest position, i.e. when the bezel 200 is not engaged with the case middle 110, the resilient lug 17 rests against the annular shoulder 111, as shown in FIG.

[0044] As the bezel 200 rotates about the central axis B, the tabs 301, 302 contact the ends of the resilient lugs 17. The V-shape of the ends of the resilient lugs 17 provides an inclined engagement surface that allows the tabs 301, 302 to engage under the ends of the resilient lugs 17 while resiliently stressing the resilient lugs 17 by moving towards the upper collar 113, with the main body of the resilient member 18 being stressed upward by the upper collar 113.

[0045] When the bezel 200 is in the locked position, the resilient lugs 17 engage with the upper support surfaces 311 of the tabs 301, 302 by applying an axial force to the upper support surfaces 311 of the tabs 301, 302 due to the resilient return of the resilient lugs 17, thereby pressing the bezel 200 against the annular shoulder 111.

[0046] In this regard, Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of case 100 with bezel 200 in a locked position on case middle 110. In this locked position, the end of at least one resilient lug 17 of each resilient member 18 rests against upper support surfaces 311 of tabs 301, 302.

[0047] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each resilient member 18 has two resilient lugs 17 that are opposite each other and located on either side of the body and anti-rotation stud 19. The use of two opposite resilient lugs 17 makes it possible to balance the stresses exerted on the resilient members 18, particularly when the bezel 200 is in the locked position. Thus, when one resilient lug 17 rests axially on the tabs 301, 302, the other resilient lug 17 always rests on the annular shoulder 111, which ensures dimensional stability of the resilient members 18 in the annular groove 304 and ensures that minimal axial stress is exerted by the resilient members 18 on the tabs 301, 302 due to elastic deformation of one resilient lug 17.

[0048] In addition to the axial stress exerted on the bezel 200 by the resilient member 18, to prevent unwanted reverse rotation of the bezel, the bayonet-type fastening device 300 may have rotational locking elements for locking the locked position of the bezel 200 against rotation. These rotational locking elements are created by the cooperation of locking pins 312 carried by the bezel 200 with locking orifices 118 formed in the annular shoulder 111.

[0049] The locking pin 312 protrudes from the underside 211 of the bezel 200. Preferably, the locking pin 312 is located on the tabs 301, 302.

[0050] Thus, when the bezel 200 is rotated while engaged, the locking pins 312 first slide against the annular shoulder 111 until they reach the locking orifices 118 formed in the annular shoulder 111. Under the elastic return action provided by the elastic members 18 on the tabs 301, 302, the locking pins 312 engage with each other in the locking orifices 118 when positioned opposite each other, preventing any rotation of the bezel 200, particularly reverse rotation, without any action on the part of the user.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bezel 200 has two locking pins 312 configured to cooperate with two locking orifices 118 formed in the annular shoulder 111. However, a different number of rotational locking elements may be provided while remaining within the context of the present invention.

[0052] The timepiece 1 may further include a stop 21 for stopping the rotation of the bezel 200 when the case middle 110 is attached and / or removed.

[0053] For example, stops 21 are disposed around the periphery of annular shoulder 211, which interlock with tabs 301, 302 and / or coding member 210, if present, to block rotation of bezel 200 about central axis B.

[0054] For example, the stops 21 are undulations formed on the annular shoulder 111 that act as obstacles to movement of the tabs 301 , 302 and / or the coding member 210 of the bezel 200 .

[0055] For example, the stops 21 are pins that are rigidly connected to orifices formed for this purpose in the annular shoulder 111. These pins act as obstacles to the movement of the tabs 301, 302 and / or the coding member 210 of the bezel 200.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the various figures, the first stop 21 is located on the annular shoulder 111 in an area near the resilient member 18 to engage one end of the tabs 301, 302 to block the bezel 200 from rotating during installation, particularly if the bezel 200 is forced beyond the locked position by engagement of the locking pin 312 within the locking orifice 118.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the various figures, a second stop 21 is arranged on the annular shoulder 111 in the area close to the coding recess 116 so as to cooperate with the coding member 210. This second stop 21 makes it possible to block the bezel 200 from rotating during removal and in particular to indicate the engagement and removal position of the bezel 200 relative to the case middle 110, in which the tabs 301, 302 are arranged opposite the engagement recesses 114a, 114 so that the bezel 200 can be removed from the case middle 110 by axial displacement along the central axis B.

[0058] Method for installing and removing an interchangeable bezel according to the present invention The bezel 200 is attached to and removed from the case middle 110 as follows.

[0059] First, the user positions the bezel 200 facing the case middle 10 so that the various protrusions of the bezel 200 formed by the tabs 301, 302 and, if present, the coding member 210, are aligned with the various recesses in the upper collar 113 formed by the mating recesses 114a, 114b and, if present, the coding recess 116.

[0060] With these various elements facing each other, the user assembles the bezel 200 with the case middle 110, positioning the tabs 301, 302, and, if present, the coding member 210, within the annular groove 304 by axial displacement along the central axis B. In this position, the bezel 200 is in the mated position.

[0061] In this mated position of the bezel 200 , the locking pin 312 rests against the annular shoulder 111 of the case middle 110 .

[0062] The user then rotates the bezel about central axis B, for example, clockwise in the illustrated example, to move tabs 301, 302 of bezel 200 into annular groove 304. When tabs 301, 302 no longer face mating recesses 114a, 114b, bezel 200 engages on case middle 110 and is axially held along central axis B between annular shoulder 111 on the one hand and upper collar 113 on the other hand, although there may be a small amount of axial operating clearance.

[0063] As the bezel 200 continues to rotate, the tabs 301, 302 begin to contact the resilient lugs 17 of the resilient member 18, engaging under and resiliently deforming the resilient lugs 17, which are locked against rotation within the annular groove 304.

[0064] As the bezel 200 continues to rotate again, the locking pin 312 comes into opposition to the locking orifice 118. Under axial stress imparted to the bezel 200 by the resilient lug 17 via the tabs 301, 302, the locking pin 312 engages in the locking orifice 118, and the bezel 200 undergoes axial movement toward the annular shoulder 111 so that the underside 211 of the bezel 200 contacts and rests against the annular shoulder 111. In this position, the bezel 200 is in a locked position. Thus, without voluntary action on the part of the user, the bezel 200 is locked in place and cannot be reversed until an upward axial force is applied to the bezel 200, disengaging the locking pin 312 from the locking orifice 118.

[0065] In this locked position, tabs 301, 302, in this case tab 301, can bear against first stop 21. There may be a slight clearance between tab 301 and first stop 21 when bezel 200 is in this locked position, and the angular position of bezel 200 is marked by the cooperation of locking pin 312 and locking orifice 118.

[0066] To remove the bezel 200, the user must move the bezel 200 axially along the central axis B to remove it from the annular shoulder 111. Therefore, the user must exert a force on the bezel 200 greater than the axial stress exerted by the elastic member 18 to disengage the locking pin 312 from the locking orifice 118. The user then rotates the bezel in the opposite direction to the installation direction—counterclockwise in this case—until the tabs 301, 302, and, if present, the coding member 210, are aligned with the various recesses 114a, 114b, 116 in the upper collar 113, thus placing the bezel 200 in a removal position from which it can be removed from the case middle 110. This removal position is angularly very close to or the same as the mating position described above for installing the bezel 200.

[0067] In this release position, the positioning member or at least one tab 301 , 302 abuts against the second stop 21 .

[0068] Thus, the user can attach a new bezel 200 to the case middle 110 to change its aesthetic appearance, or change the display carried by the bezel 200 to change the information displayed by the chronograph function of the timepiece movement attached to the timepiece 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 clock 18 Elastic Member 19 Anti-rotation stud 21 Stop 110 Case middle part 111 Annular shoulder 113 Upper Color 116 Coding recess 118 Locking Orifice 119 Orifice 200 bezel 210 coding members 300 Bayonet-type fixing device 304 Annular groove 312 Locking pin Tabs 301 and 302 114a, 114b engagement recesses 300a First fixing means 300b Second fixing means

Claims

1. A timepiece (1) comprising a case middle (110) and an interchangeable bezel (200), The bezel (200) is secured to the case middle (110) by relative rotation of the bezel (200) with respect to the case middle (110) about a central axis (B) between an engaged position and a locked position by a bayonet-type securing device (300); The bayonet-type fastening device (300) comprises a first fastening means (300a) formed on the case middle (110) and a complementary second fastening means (300b) formed on the bezel (200); The bayonet-type fastening device (300) comprises a mechanical coding system (210, 116) for defining a single position at which the bezel (200) can be combined with the case middle (110). A timepiece (1) characterized by:

2. The mechanical coding system (210, 116) is formed by an element separate from the first fastening means (300a) and the second fastening means (300b). A timepiece (1) according to claim 1.

3. The mechanical coding system includes a coding member (210) formed in the bezel (200) and interlocking with a coding recess (116) formed in the case middle (110). Timer (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that

4. The mechanical coding system is formed by a specific shape or dimensional configuration of one of the first fastening means (300a) and one of the second fastening means (300b) intended to cooperate with one of the first fastening means (300a). A timepiece (1) according to claim 1.

5. The case middle (110) has two mating recesses (114a, 114b) communicating with an annular groove (304) that form the first fixing means (300a) of the bayonet-type fixing device (300); The bezel (200) has two tabs (301, 302) that form the second fastening means (300b) of the bayonet fastening device (300); The tabs (301, 302) are adapted to mate within two mating recesses (114a, 114b) and to cooperate with the annular groove (304). A timepiece (1) according to claim 1.

6. The bayonet-type fixing device (300) has two elastic members (18) received in the annular groove (304) of the case middle part (110) and supported between the annular shoulder part (111) of the case middle part (110) and an upper collar (113); Each of the elastic members (18) is configured to cooperate with one of the two tabs (301, 302) of the bezel (200) and apply a force to one of the two tabs (301, 302) in an axial direction parallel to the central axis (B), thereby pressing the bezel (200) against the annular shoulder (111) of the case middle (110) when the bezel (200) is in the locked position. Timer (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that

7. The two resilient members (18) have anti-rotation studs (19) adapted to be inserted into orifices (119) formed in the annular shoulder (111) of the case middle (110). Timer (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

8. The bayonet type fastening device (300) has locking elements (312, 118) for locking the bezel (200) in a locked position against rotation. A timepiece (1) according to claim 1.

9. The bayonet-type fastening device (300) has a locking element (312, 118) for locking the bezel (200) in a locked position against rotation; The locking element is formed by the cooperation of a locking pin (312) carried by the bezel (200) and a locking orifice (118) formed in the annular shoulder (111). Timer (1) according to claim 6 or 7.

10. There is at least one stop (21) disposed on the annular shoulder (111) of the case middle (110) for blocking rotation of the bezel (200) about the central axis (B) in a first rotational direction when the bezel is in the locked position and / or in a second rotational direction when the bezel is in the removed position. A timepiece (1) according to claim 1.

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