Elastic casing ring for housing a watch movement and watch case including such an elastic casing ring

Abstract

To provide a casing device for fastening a horological movement into a watch case, which can absorb impacts on the horological movement.SOLUTION: A resilient casing ring 200 for accommodating a horological movement 10 inside a watch case 100 including a middle 110 includes: an annular body 205 with a central axis Z; and fastening tabs 210 carried by the annular body 205 and cooperating with the middle 110 to form a bayonet casing system 300 by rotation of the resilient casing ring 200 about the central axis Z between an insertion position and a locked position. The resilient casing ring 200 includes at least one resilient retaining element cooperating with the horological movement 10 and exerting an axial force parallel to the central axis Z on the horological movement 10 by elastic deformation of the resilient retaining element when the resilient casing ring 200 is in the locked position in the middle 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a casing device for fastening a timepiece movement inside a watch case.

[0002] The invention further relates to a watch case comprising a watch movement fastened to the watch case by a casing device.

[0003] The invention further relates to a watch including such a case.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for casing a timepiece movement using an elastic casing ring according to the invention.

[0005] The invention further relates to a casing tool for locking and unlocking the elastic casing ring according to the invention. [Background technology]

[0006] The casing of a watch movement, i.e. the fastening of the watch movement inside the watch case, is usually done by means of clamps which are inserted into grooves provided along the inner circumference of the case and the assembly is firmly connected by clamping screws. However, this solution is relatively complex to implement due to the large number of parts and the various operations required to position the clamps and screws, which greatly affects the productivity of such a casing solution.

[0007] Other casing solutions are also known, which use an intermediate part, such as a casing ring or an expansion ring, placed around the watch movement to hold it in place when the back cover is screwed onto the case. This solution allows for quick fastening of the movement, but requires space between the watch movement and the case to accommodate the casing ring or unit, which limits the possible dimensions of the movement relative to the dimensions of the case.

[0008] Furthermore, existing solutions do not actually solve the problem of absorbing shocks to the watch movement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for housing a watch movement within a case to address at least one of the above problems.

[0010] There is also a need to provide an improved method for housing a watch movement within a watch case that does not suffer from the above limitations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To this end, the present invention relates to a casing device for fastening a timepiece movement inside a watch case, which device overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0012] According to the invention, such a casing device takes the form of an elastic casing ring for quickly fixing a timepiece movement inside a watch case, which eliminates the need for multiple retaining clamps and clamp tightening screws, and thus the multiple manipulations required by the screws and clamps.

[0013] The elastic casing ring according to the invention also provides a solution for damping the displacement of the watch movement in the event of an impact on the watch case.

[0014] In this regard, the present invention relates to an elastic casing ring for accommodating a timepiece movement inside a watch case including an intermediate part, said elastic casing ring comprising an annular body having a central axis Z and fastening tabs carried by said annular body and capable of cooperating with said intermediate part to form a bayonet casing system by rotation of the elastic casing ring relative to said intermediate part about the central axis Z between an insertion position and a locked position, said elastic casing ring comprising at least one elastic retaining element configured to undergo elastic deformation, said at least one elastic retaining element cooperating with the timepiece movement when said elastic casing ring is in the locked position within the intermediate part and capable of applying an axial force parallel to the central axis Z to the timepiece movement by elastic deformation of said elastic retaining element.

[0015] In addition to the features described in the previous paragraph, the elastic casing ring according to the invention may have one or more of the following complementary features, considered individually or in any technically possible combination: The elastic casing ring includes an angle locking member that can cooperate with the watch movement or the intermediate part to lock the locked position of the elastic casing ring within the intermediate part against rotation. The angle locking member may cooperate with the clock movement or an intermediate part to form an angular positioning stop for the elastic casing ring. The elastic casing ring is made of metal or polymer material. The at least one elastic retaining element is formed by an annular body. The elastic casing ring includes a plurality of elastic retention elements formed by elastic retention protrusions connected to the annular body and including elastic portions shaped to undergo elastic deformation. The elastic part comprises a free contact end having at least one portion axially offset along the central axis Z from the annular body, which is able to abut against the timepiece movement and to apply an axial force parallel to the central axis Z to the timepiece movement due to elastic deformation of the elastic part, at least when the elastic casing ring is in the locked position within the intermediate part. The elastic casing ring includes positioning coding elements for assembly. The elastic casing ring comprises at least one recess, the shape of which is adapted to cooperate with the casing tool. The elastic casing ring includes a first recess configured to ensure rotation of the elastic casing ring and a second recess configured to ensure unlocking of said elastic casing ring, each recess having a shape adapted to cooperate with a casing tool.

[0016] The invention further relates to a watch case comprising an intermediate part, an elastic casing ring according to the invention, and a watch movement housed in said intermediate part by said elastic casing ring.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic casing ring is configured to form a damping means for the timepiece movement in the event of an impact on the watch case, preferably in an axial direction parallel to the central axis Z.

[0018] Preferably, the intermediate portion includes a bayonet groove which cooperates with the fastening tab to form a bayonet casing system for the timepiece movement.

[0019] Preferably, the intermediate portion includes at least one support surface for receiving said tabs for fastening the elastic casing ring at the insertion position of the elastic casing ring, and these tabs abut against said support surface.

[0020] Preferably, the elastic casing ring includes an angular locking member and the intermediate portion includes an elastic locking finger configured to cooperate with said angular locking member to ensure that the elastic casing ring is locked against rotation within the intermediate portion by elastic clipping or locking.

[0021] Preferably, the elastic casing ring includes an angle locking member and the timepiece movement includes an elastic locking finger configured to cooperate with said angle locking member to ensure that the elastic casing ring is locked against rotation within the intermediate portion by elastic clipping or locking.

[0022] The invention further relates to a watch including such a case.

[0023] The invention further relates to a casing tool for housing the timepiece movement according to the invention inside a watch case.

[0024] Preferably, the casing tool includes at least one protruding element configured to cooperate with at least one recess in the elastic casing ring.

[0025] Preferably, the casing tool includes a plurality of protruding elements configured to cooperate with a plurality of recesses in the elastic casing ring, the protruding elements causing the elastic casing ring to rotate when the casing tool is rotated by an operator, a controller or a robot.

[0026] Preferably, the casing tool includes an unlocking pin configured to disengage the elastic locking fingers when the casing tool is in position on the elastic casing ring, to allow the elastic casing ring to be unlocked and the timepiece movement to be disassembled.

[0027] The present invention further provides a casing method for fastening a timepiece movement inside a watch case using an elastic casing ring according to the present invention, the watch case including an intermediate part having a support surface and a plurality of insertion grooves, the casing method comprising: Inserting the clock movement into the middle part; Inserting the elastic casing ring onto a clock movement; a step of fastening the timepiece movement to the intermediate part, during which the elastic casing ring is engaged rotatably about the axis Z, and the fastening tabs engage in the plurality of bayonet grooves of the intermediate part during rotation of the elastic casing ring until the elastic casing ring reaches its locked position; The present invention relates to a casing method comprising:

[0028] Preferably, the locked position is reached when the locking member of the elastic casing ring abuts against an angular positioning stop of the intermediate part or against an angular positioning stop of said timepiece movement.

[0029] Preferably, the step of fastening the movement is carried out using a casing tool including at least one protruding element that cooperates with at least one recess in the elastic casing ring to rotatably engage with the elastic casing ring when the casing tool is rotated by an operator, a controller or a robot.

[0030] The casing process can be manual, i.e., performed by a person, or automated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by reading the detailed description given below in conjunction with the following figures. [Figure 1] 1 is a semi-exploded perspective view of a watch case according to the present invention, including an intermediate part, a watch movement installed in the intermediate part, and an elastic casing ring for fastening the watch movement inside the watch case; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a top view of the watch case shown in FIG. 1, showing in particular the elastic casing ring in its insertion position; [Figure 3] 2 is a top view of the watch case shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 shows in particular the elastic casing ring in its locked position inside the middle part. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an intermediate portion according to the present invention, the cross-section being taken at the insertion groove. [Figure 5] 1 is a detailed view of the elastic casing ring according to the present invention, showing the angle locking member of the elastic casing ring in more detail. [Figure 6] 1 is a detailed view of the elastic casing ring according to the present invention, showing the elastic retaining protrusions of the elastic casing ring in more detail. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly / disassembly tool for housing a watch movement with an elastic casing ring according to the present invention;

[0032] In all figures, common elements are numbered the same unless otherwise specified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] FIG. 1 is a semi-exploded perspective view of a case 100 according to the present invention, having a central axis B and including a middle part 110 adapted to be closed on both sides by a back cover (not shown) and a crystal (not shown).

[0034] The watch case 100 includes a watch movement 10 housed in an interior space 115 bounded by a middle portion 110 .

[0035] For example, the middle section 110 may be made of a metal, ceramic, or polymer material, or a combination of different materials.

[0036] The watch movement 10 can be a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic movement.

[0037] The clock movement 10 has a central axis A that is perpendicular to a general plane P1. The general plane P1 of the clock movement 10 is parallel to the plane of the hands (not shown). The central axis A of the clock movement 10 is parallel to or coincides with the axis of rotation of the hands of the movement.

[0038] The central axis A of the timepiece movement 10 is parallel to or coincides with the central axis B of the intermediate part 110 .

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the watch movement 10 is cased from the back side. Of course, the watch movement 10 could also be cased from the crystal side while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a casing arrangement that facilitates the installation of a watch movement 10 inside a watch case 100.

[0041] To this end, the applicant proposes to use an elastic casing ring 200 to fasten, secure and lock the watch movement 10 within the watch case 100.

[0042] The elastomeric casing ring 200 includes an annular body 205 having a central axis Z and fastening tabs 210 extending radially relative to the axial direction Z.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the central axis A of the timepiece movement 10 coincides with the central axis Z of the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring. However, other configurations are possible while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0044] 2 shows in more detail a top view of such a watch case according to the invention, with the watch movement 10 installed inside the watch case 100 and the elastic casing ring 200 positioned above the watch movement 10 in an inserted (i.e. unlocked) position. From this inserted position of the elastic casing ring 200, a few degrees of rotation of the elastic casing ring 200 about axis Z will bring the elastic casing ring 200 into a locked position, as shown in FIG. 3. This locked position ensures that the watch movement 10 is cased.

[0045] By way of example, the locking direction is shown to be clockwise by the arrow on the elastomeric casing ring 200 shown in Figure 2. However, the locking direction may also be counterclockwise.

[0046] Advantageously, such a resilient casing ring 200 is made of a metal or polymer material.

[0047] Such an elastic casing ring 200 also has a damping function that reduces the effects of displacements of the watch movement 10, and mainly of axial displacements along the axis Z in the event of an impact on the watchcase 100.

[0048] However, the elastic casing ring 200 is also able to reduce and damp the displacements of the timepiece movement 10 in the plane P1.

[0049] Advantageously, such a resilient casing ring is a resilient bayonet casing ring.

[0050] The fastening tabs 210 of the elastic casing ring 200 form a bayonet casing system 300. Such a bayonet locking system 300 allows the watch movement 10 to be encased simply by rotating the elastic casing ring 200 relative to the intermediate part 110 about axis Z between an inserted (unlocked) position and a locked position.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the intermediate portion 110, particularly showing the portion having the insertion groove 113.

[0052] To receive the elastic casing ring 200 , the intermediate portion 110 includes a support surface 111 that forms a circular shoulder extending along the inner periphery of the intermediate portion 110 .

[0053] More specifically, when the elastic casing ring 200 is inserted into the intermediate portion 110 , the fastening tabs 210 rest at least partially on the support surface 111 of the intermediate portion 110 .

[0054] Generally speaking, the terms "internal," "inner," "external," and "outer" should, of course, be understood with respect to the axial direction Z shown in FIG. 1, which forms the central axis of the elastic casing ring 200, with the "internal" elements being closer to the central axis than the "external" elements.

[0055] According to one alternative embodiment, a plurality of support surfaces 111 are arranged, spanning an angular portion of the inner circumference of the intermediate portion 110, and may be distributed evenly or otherwise along the inner circumference of the intermediate portion 110. In this alternative embodiment, the number of support surfaces 111 is preferably equal to the number of fastening tabs 210 of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0056] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the elastic casing ring 200 includes six fastening tabs 210. However, the number of fastening tabs 210 is not limited to six, and can be any number equal to or greater than two.

[0057] The insertion groove 113 is formed between the support surface 111 and a holding surface 114 facing the support surface 111 .

[0058] The number of bayonet slots 113 is at least equal to the number of fastening tabs 210 .

[0059] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the bayonet groove 113 is arranged in a plane parallel to the general plane P1 of the timepiece movement 10, i.e. perpendicular to the central axis A of the timepiece movement.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the bayonet groove 113 can be arranged to include at least one portion that is inclined with respect to the general plane P1 of the watch movement 10 in order to guide the rotation and translation of the fastening tab 210 and thus displace the elastic casing ring vertically along the axis Z towards the watch movement 10 when locking by rotation about the axis Z. For example, the bayonet groove 113 can have at least one portion that is sloped towards the crystal of the case 100 (i.e. towards the side opposite to the side where the watch movement 10 and the elastic casing ring 200 are inserted).

[0061] The space between the support surface 111 and the retention surface 114 defines the width of the bayonet groove 113. Of course, the width of the bayonet groove 113 can be constant or variable, for example, having a widest width at the insertion end portion to facilitate insertion of the fastening tab 210 and a narrowest width at the bottom of the bayonet groove 113, and a width that is close to or corresponds to the thickness of the fastening tab 210 to further retain the fastening tab 210 by, for example, rubbing or friction.

[0062] However, as will be seen below, such an arrangement is not necessary, since the elastic casing ring 200 according to the invention comprises one or more elastic retaining elements which act elastically on the timepiece movement 10 and serve to retain, by elastic recoil, the fastening tabs 210 of the elastic casing ring 200 pressed against the retaining surfaces 114 in the bayonet grooves 113.

[0063] The bayonet groove 113 may include a bottom or obstruction, such as a protrusion, to provide an angular positioning stop when the elastic casing ring 200 is rotated.

[0064] The elastic casing ring 200 includes a locking member 220 that prevents rotation of the locked position of the elastic casing ring 200. Such a locking member is configured to prevent the elastic casing ring 200 from accidentally loosening or unlocking, particularly in the event of an impact to the watch case 100.

[0065] According to one alternative embodiment, the elastic casing ring 200 includes a plurality of locking members 220 .

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a portion of the elastic casing ring 200 including the locking member 220.

[0067] In the first alternative embodiment, as shown, the locking member 220 has at a first end a portion 222 connected to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200. Opposite the first end, the portion 222 has a free end 221 that is axially offset along the axis Z relative to the annular body 205. The free end 221 therefore protrudes from the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 and is directed towards the timepiece movement 10.

[0068] The locking member 220 is configured to cooperate with a resilient locking finger 230 provided on the intermediate part 110 or on the watch movement 10. Such a resilient locking finger 230 is shaped to prevent the resilient casing ring 200 from being unlocked by rotating when the resilient casing ring 200 is in the abutted position, and therefore in the locked position.

[0069] In a second alternative embodiment, the angle locking member 220 can take the form of an indentation, e.g. a hole, provided at least on the underside of the annular body 205 (i.e. the surface intended to face the watch movement 10). The indentation may be through or not. Accordingly, a resilient locking finger 230 provided on the intermediate part 110 or on the watch movement 10 is shaped to at least partially fit the indentation in order to prevent the conductive resilient ring 200 from rotating in the opposite direction when it abuts against it, and the ring is thus in a locked position.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elastic locking fingers 230 belong to the clock movement 10, which is locked against rotation within the intermediate part 110 by catches, bars or ad hoc means cooperating with slots formed in the inner circumference of the intermediate part 110. These means also make it possible to form positioning coding elements (assembly keys) for assembly in order to guarantee the correct positioning and orientation of the clock movement 10 in the intermediate part 110 when storing it.

[0071] 5, the locking member 220 of the elastic casing ring 200 can also form an angular stop for positioning the elastic casing ring 200 by contacting the stop surface 16 of the intermediate part 110 or the timepiece movement 10, thereby eliminating the need to form one or more angular stops in the groove 113 of the intermediate part 110. Therefore, the manufacture of such an intermediate part 110 is simplified.

[0072] The locking member 220 and the resilient locking fingers 230 form an anti-rotation means by resilient clipping of the resilient casing ring 200. The anti-rotation means is reversible and can be unlocked with a tip or assembly / disassembly tool that allows applying stress to the resilient locking fingers 230, causing them to resiliently deform, in this case in an axial direction parallel to axis Z, to release the locking member 220, and rotating the resilient casing ring 200 in a direction that unlocks and disassembles the resilient casing ring.

[0073] The resilient locking fingers 230 function as disengageable elements that are inactive when the resilient casing ring 200 is assembled and are configured to prevent the ring from rotating backwards once in the locked position (the normal operating position of the watch).

[0074] More particularly, in the illustrated alternative embodiment, the resilient locking finger 230 is shaped so that, when in the free position, its end is located axially above the portion of the free end 221 of the locking member 220 that is axially furthest from the annular body 205.

[0075] The resilient locking fingers 230 can be made of either a polymeric or metallic material.

[0076] The elastic casing ring 200 further comprises at least one elastic retaining element configured to, by elastic deformation, apply an axial force to the timepiece movement 10 along an axis parallel to the axis Z of the timepiece movement 10 .

[0077] According to a first alternative embodiment, the elastic retaining element can be formed by the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200. The annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 is preferably an elastic member configured to abut against the timepiece movement 10 and to elastically deform in order to apply an elastic axial force to the timepiece movement when in the locked position within the intermediate part 110.

[0078] According to a second alternative embodiment, the resilient retention element is formed by a plurality of resilient retention protrusions 250 .

[0079] FIG. 6 particularly shows a portion of the elastic casing ring 200 at one of the elastic retention projections 250 .

[0080] The elastic retaining protrusion 250 comprises a resilient portion 251 connected at a first end to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200. This resilient portion 251, for example in the form of a blade, is intended to be resiliently deformed relative to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200. The resilient portion 251 comprises a free contact end 252, at least a portion 253 of which is axially offset along the axis Z relative to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 and the fastening tab 210. The free contact end 252 therefore protrudes from the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 towards the timepiece movement 10.

[0081] Advantageously, the free contact end 252 of the elastic retaining projection 250 and the free end 222 of the locking member 220 are provided at different heights relative to the plane formed by the annular body 205 .

[0082] The free contact end 252 of the elastic retaining protrusion 250 is configured to abut against the clock movement 10, preferably at the dedicated support portion 18, and apply a force to the clock movement 10 when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position inside the intermediate part 110.

[0083] Preferably, the free contact end 252 of the elastic retaining protrusion 250 is configured to apply an axial force parallel to the central axis Z to the timepiece movement 10 when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position inside the intermediate part 110 .

[0084] The elastic retaining protrusions 250 allow the watch movement 10 to be subjected to stress within the intermediate portion 110 to hold the watch movement 10 in the proper position within the intermediate portion 110 during normal use, while forming an absorbing or damping means to reduce displacement of the watch movement 10 upon impact to the watch case 100.

[0085] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the elastic retaining protrusion 250 applies stress to the timepiece movement 10 axially along axis Z to reduce the effects of axial displacement of the timepiece movement 10 along this axis.

[0086] The dedicated support portion 18 of the watch movement 10 may include an irregularity, for example a recess, i.e. a surface recessed from the top surface of the watch movement 10, which is configured to receive and accommodate the elastic retaining protrusion 250.

[0087] These irregularities on the watch movement 10 may also form angular positioning stops for the elastic casing ring 200, provide positioning indications for the elastic casing ring 200, and / or participate in locking the elastic casing ring 200 in a locked position.

[0088] The elastic retaining protrusions 250 housed in these protrusions and recesses can also prevent the clock movement 10 from displacing in the plane P1 and / or damp or reduce the displacement of the clock movement 10 in the plane P1.

[0089] The elastic casing ring 200 further includes at least one positioning coding element 245 that cooperates with a cavity 246 formed in the intermediate portion 110 and extends axially along the axis Z.

[0090] The elastic casing ring 200 further includes recesses 260 (preferably at least two) configured to cooperate with protruding elements 460 such as protrusions, pins or catches of the casing tool 400 to assemble (lock) and disassemble (unlock) the elastic casing ring 200.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elastomeric ring includes five recesses 260 .

[0092] The recess 260 may be a hole, a notch, or the like.

[0093] The casing tool 400 includes a body 410 that facilitates handling, locking, and unlocking the elastic casing ring 200 .

[0094] FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically such a casing tool according to the invention for the operation of encasing a timepiece movement 10 with an elastic casing ring 200 according to the invention.

[0095] The casing tool 400 may take the form of a sleeve that is easily gripped by the watchmaker and has at least one pin 460 configured to fit into said at least one cavity 260 of the elastic casing ring 200 .

[0096] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the casing tool 400 includes five pins 460 configured to fit into the five cavities 260 of the elastic casing ring 200 .

[0097] The elastic casing ring 200 further includes a disassembly recess 270 configured to receive and pass an unlocking pin 470 of the casing tool 400. Such disassembly recess 270 preferably has a specific shape that is different from the shapes of the other recesses 260, particularly to facilitate identification compared to the other recesses. Of course, other means can be used to easily identify the disassembly recess 270 compared to the other recesses 260 used to rotate the elastic casing ring 200.

[0098] The disassembly recess 270 may be, for example, an oval hole or notch, while the recess 260 may be circular in shape.

[0099] Disassembly recesses 270 are formed in annular body 205 such that they are positioned above resilient locking fingers 230 when resilient casing ring 200 is in a locked position within intermediate section 110 .

[0100] The unlocking pin 470 of the casing tool 400 is configured to disengage the resilient locking fingers 230 when the casing tool 400 is placed on the resilient casing ring 200. The unlocking pin 470 is configured to press the resilient locking fingers 230 to elastically deform them, releasing them from the locking members 220 or removing them from the tracks of the locking members 220, thereby allowing the resilient casing ring 200 to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0101] Thus, once the casing tool 400 is placed in the proper position on the elastic casing ring 200, disassembling the elastic casing ring 200 is easy by simply rotating the tool in the opposite direction to the assembly direction, which causes the elastic casing ring 200 to rotate as a result of the cooperation of the pin 460 and the recess 260.

[0102] Advantageously, in the insertion position of the elastic casing ring 200, i.e. in the position in which the elastic casing ring 200 simply rests on the support surface 111 of the intermediate part 110 (the fastening tabs 210 are not engaged in the bayonet grooves 113), the elastic retaining projections 250 are not in contact with the various support parts 18 of the timepiece movement. The elastic retaining elements 250 exert a force, in particular an axial force, on the timepiece movement only when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position.

[0103] Casing method for a watch movement according to the present invention To encase the clock movement 10, the first operation consists in inserting the clock movement 10 into the intermediate part 110 so that the various indexing elements of the clock movement 10 and the intermediate part 110 are aligned. The clock movement 10 can thus be placed in a predetermined angular position relative to the intermediate part 110. The various indexing elements pre-hold the clock movement 10 in order within the intermediate part 110 relative to the axis Z.

[0104] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the watch movement 10 is inserted from the back side.

[0105] The second operation then consists of inserting the elastic casing ring 200 onto the watch movement 10 until the fastening tabs 210 abut against the support surface 111 of the intermediate part 110 .

[0106] According to an alternative embodiment, the elastic casing ring 200 can be placed directly on the timepiece movement 10 .

[0107] The third operation consists in rotating the elastic casing ring 200 in a defined locking direction, for example clockwise, so that the fastening tabs 210 are inserted into the bayonet grooves 113 until they reach a stop position thanks to one or more angular positioning stops. The elastic casing ring 200 is therefore in a locked position. In the exemplary embodiment described above, the locking members 220 of the elastic casing ring 200 cooperate with the stop faces 16 of the timepiece movement 10 to form angular positioning stops for the elastic casing ring 200.

[0108] During rotation, the operator may have to overcome the resistance force due to the elastic deformation of one or more elastic retention elements of the ring 200 .

[0109] For example, during rotation, the operator may have to overcome resistance forces due to elastic deformation of the annular body 205 and / or the elastic retaining protrusions 250 that come into contact with the watch movement 10 during rotation of the ring 200, and / or overcome resistance forces caused by friction of the annular body 205 and / or the elastic retaining protrusions 250 that come into contact with the watch movement 10.

[0110] The operator may also need to apply an axial force along axis Z to the elastic casing ring 200 to apply elastic stress to the annular body 205 and / or the elastic retention protrusion 250 to engage the fastening tab 210 with the groove 113.

[0111] Preferably, the elastic casing ring 200 is rotated using the above-described casing tool 400 according to the present invention. Such a casing tool 400 facilitates handling of such an elastic casing ring 200 according to the present invention.

[0112] To this end, the method may include a preliminary step consisting of positioning the casing tool 400 on the elastic casing ring 200 by aligning the various pins 460, 470 of the casing tool 400 with the various respective recesses 260, 270 in the elastic casing ring 200.

[0113] During rotation of the elastic casing ring 200, the free end 221 of the locking member 220 comes into contact with the elastic locking finger 230, gradually elastically deforming the elastic locking finger 230 as the ring 200 rotates, or as soon as the conductive elastic ring 200 is placed on the timepiece movement 10. When the elastic casing ring 200 reaches its final angular position (stop position), the elastic locking finger 230 is no longer under stress and can return to its free rest position to cooperate with the locking member 220, thereby preventing the elastic casing ring 200 from rotating in the reverse direction. This locks the elastic casing ring 200 in place.

[0114] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the resilient locking fingers 230 are positioned axially (along axis Z) facing or above the locking member 220 to prevent reverse rotation of the resilient casing ring 200.

[0115] The locking member 220 cooperates with the elastic fingers 230 of the watch movement to enable the elastic casing ring 200 to be locked in a locked position, preventing accidental and unintended disassembly of the elastic casing ring 200, for example under the influence of vibrations, successive inflation cycles, shocks, careless use by the wearer, etc.

[0116] The elastic casing ring 200 moves from the inserted position to the locked position, or vice versa, by rotating approximately 20 degrees.

[0117] In the locked position, the elastic retaining projection 250 abuts against a dedicated support part 18 of the timepiece movement 10 .

[0118] Advantageously, the locking of the elastic casing ring 200 by means of the bayonet connection, in particular by rotation about the axis Z, is reversible.

[0119] Disassembly of the resilient casing ring 200 preferably requires the use of a casing tool 400 to disengage the resilient fingers 230 and release the locking members 220 so that the resilient casing ring 200 can be rotated in the unlocking direction.

[0120] Preferably, the tool mentioned during assembly of the elastic casing ring 200 is also used to unlock and disassemble the elastic casing ring 200. As mentioned above, the tool includes an unlocking pin 470 configured to cooperate with the elastic locking finger 230 and apply stress to the resilient locking finger 230 in an axial position relative to axis Z when the tool is held in place on the elastic casing ring 200 by an operator.

[0121] Generally speaking, the invention has been described using operations performed by a human worker, however, the invention can also be applied to controllers or robots, and the method for casing a watch movement according to the invention can be manual or automated.

Claims

1. An elastic casing ring (200) for housing a watch movement (10) inside a watch case (100) including a middle portion (110), The elastic casing ring (200) includes an annular body (205) having a central axis (Z) and fastening tabs (210) carried by the annular body (205); the fastening tabs (210) are capable of cooperating with the intermediate portion (110) to form a bayonet casing system (300) by rotating the elastic casing ring (200) relative to the intermediate portion (110) about the central axis (Z) between an inserted position in which the elastic casing ring (200) is inserted into the intermediate portion (110) but unlocked, and a locked position in which the elastic casing ring (200) is locked within the intermediate portion (110); The elastic casing ring (200) includes at least one elastic retaining element; the at least one elastic retaining element is capable of cooperating with the timepiece movement (10) when the elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position in the intermediate part (110) and of applying an axial force parallel to the central axis (Z) to the timepiece movement (10) by elastic deformation of the elastic retaining element; The elastic casing ring (200) includes a plurality of elastic retention elements formed by elastic retention protrusions (250) including elastic portions (251) connected to the annular body (205); The elastic casing ring (200) is characterized in that the elastic portion (251) is configured to abut against the timepiece movement (10) and elastically deform when the elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position.

2. The elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) includes a locking member (220) that can cooperate with the timepiece movement (10) or the intermediate part (110) to lock the locked position of the elastic casing ring (200) against rotation within the intermediate part (110).

3. The elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking member (220) can cooperate with the timepiece movement (10) or the intermediate part (110) to form an angular positioning stop for the elastic casing ring (200).

4. The elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic casing ring (200) is made of a metal or polymer material.

5. The elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic portion (251) includes a free contact end (252) having at least one portion (253) axially offset from the annular body (205) along the central axis (Z), which abuts against the timepiece movement (10) at least when the elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position within the intermediate portion (110) and which can apply an axial force parallel to the central axis (Z) to the timepiece movement (10) by elastic deformation of the elastic portion (251).

6. 2. The elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) includes a positioning element (245) for positioning the timepiece movement (10) within the intermediate portion (110).

7. The elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) comprises at least one recess (260, 270), the shape of which is adapted to receive a corresponding protruding element (460, 470) of a casing tool (400).

8. 2. The elastic casing ring (200) of claim 1, wherein the elastic casing ring (200) includes a first recess (260) having a shape adapted to receive a first protruding element (460) of the casing tool (400) and a second recess (270) having a shape adapted to receive a second protruding element (470) of the casing tool (400), the shape of the second recess (270) being different from the shape of the first recess (260).

9. A watch case (100) comprising an intermediate part (110), an elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, and a watch movement (10) housed inside the intermediate part (110) by the elastic casing ring (200).

10. The watch case (100) of claim 9, characterized in that the elastic retaining protrusions (250) of the elastic casing ring (200) dampen the displacement of the watch movement (10) in an axial direction parallel to the central axis (Z) upon impact to the watch case (100).

11. 10. The watch case (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the intermediate portion (110) includes a bayonet groove (113) which cooperates with the fastening tab (210) to form a bayonet casing system (300) of the watch movement (10).

12. The watch case (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the intermediate portion (110) includes at least one support surface (111) for receiving the fastening tab (210) for fastening the elastic casing ring (200), and the fastening tab (210) abuts against the at least one support surface (111) in the insertion position of the elastic casing ring (200).

13. 10. The watch case (100) of claim 9, wherein the elastic casing ring (200) includes a locking member (220), the intermediate portion (110) includes a resilient locking finger (230), and the locking member (220) and the resilient locking finger (230) are configured to abut against each other when the elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position to prevent the elastic casing ring (200) from rotating and becoming unlocked.

14. 10. The watch case (100) of claim 9, wherein the elastic casing ring (200) includes a locking member (220), the watch movement (10) includes a resilient locking finger (230), and the locking member (220) and the resilient locking finger (230) are configured to abut against each other when the elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position to prevent the elastic casing ring (200) from rotating and becoming unlocked.

15. A casing tool (400) for housing a watch movement (10) inside a watch case (100) using an elastic casing ring (200), the casing tool (400) comprising: at least one protruding element (460) having a shape adapted to be received in a corresponding recess (260) in said elastic casing ring (200); an unlocking pin (470) configured to disengage the elastic locking fingers (230) of the watch case (100) or the watch movement (10) from the locking members (220) of the elastic casing ring (200) through a corresponding recess (270) of the elastic casing ring (200) when the casing tool (400) is in a suitable position on the elastic casing ring (200), so as to enable the elastic casing ring (200) to be unlocked and for disassembling the elastic casing ring (200); A casing tool (400) comprising:

16. The casing tool (400) of claim 15, characterized in that the casing tool (400) includes a plurality of protruding elements (460), each having a shape that is received in a corresponding one of a plurality of recesses (260) in the elastic casing ring (200), and the protruding elements (460) and the unlocking pin (470) rotate the elastic casing ring (200) when the casing tool (400) is rotated, thereby locking or unlocking the elastic casing ring (200).

17. A casing tool (400) as described in claim 15, characterized in that the unlocking pin (470) is configured to press the elastic locking finger (230) to elastically deform it, thereby releasing the elastic locking finger (230) from the locking member (220) or removing the elastic locking finger (230) from the orbit of the locking member (220), thereby allowing the elastic casing ring (200) to rotate in the unlocking direction.

18. 10. A method for housing a watch movement (10) having a central axis (Z) in a watch case (100) including an intermediate portion (110) using an elastic casing ring (200) according to claim 1, comprising: - inserting said clock movement (10) into said intermediate part (110); - inserting said elastic casing ring (200) onto said timepiece movement along said central axis (Z); a step of fastening the timepiece movement (10) to the intermediate part (110), during which the elastic casing ring (200) is engaged rotatably about the central axis (Z), and the fastening tabs engage in a plurality of bayonet grooves (113) of the intermediate part (110) during rotation of the elastic casing ring (200) until the elastic casing ring (200) reaches the locked position; A method comprising:

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