Watch case or watch bezel assembly

Abstract

To provide a timepiece component for a timepiece case or for a timepiece to which decorative elements can be easily assembled.SOLUTION: A timepiece component 10 for a timepiece case 100, or a wristwatch 200 is provided, including: a first ring 1; at least one decorative and / or display elements 4 and 5; a second ring 2; and an elastic element that is supported on the first ring 1, and is attached so as to urge at least the decorative and / or the display elements 4 and 5 toward the second ring 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch part for a watch case or for a watch. The invention also relates to a watch case comprising such a part. The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a part or such a case. Finally, the invention relates to a method for mounting a watch or such a part or such a case. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art contains many references to bezels for small timepieces. For example, such bezels include a bezel ring into which at least one decorative element, such as a decorative and / or display disc, is hammered, e.g., made of ceramic. Such bezel designs are entirely satisfactory. However, they have the drawback of requiring hammering operations for each decorative element in a bezel case provided with multiple decorative elements. For this reason, assembling such bezels can be particularly time-consuming. Furthermore, the retention of hammered decorative elements and the quality of the bezel's assembly depend on the size of the decorative elements and, in particular, the contact area between the decorative elements and the bezel ring. For this reason, the size and / or number of decorative elements are at least partially determined by the bezel design.

[0003] A bezel design in which the display disc is hammered into the bezel ring and rests on a disassembly ring is known from US Pat. No. 5,623,999.

[0004] Patent document 2 relates to a design that makes it possible to maximize the retention of a ceramic decorative element, in particular in a bezel ring. For this purpose, an intermediate element in the form of a seal is placed at the interface between the bezel ring and the decorative element, and the surface of the decorative element that is intended to cooperate with the intermediate element is textured to increase its roughness. More specifically, the intermediate element is placed radially between the bezel ring and the decorative element.

[0005] The patent document 3 per se relates to a solution for assembling decorative elements, in particular into a bezel ring, as an alternative to the conventional hammering in. To this end, the patent document 3 proposes the use of a resin, for example, to hold the decorative element in a cavity formed in the bezel ring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2624076 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2615507 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2019 / 158499 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose a watch part for a watch case or for a watch, which makes it possible to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to improve the watch parts known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a watch part that is easy to implement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For the watch case according to the present invention Or watch bezel assembly is defined in claim 1.

[0009] Various assembly Embodiments of the present invention are defined in claims 2 to 11.

[0010] A watch case according to the invention is defined in claim 12.

[0011] The timepiece according to the invention is defined in claim 13.

[0012] The method for mounting an assembly or a watch case or a watch is as defined in claim 1. 4 be defined.

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate three embodiments of the timepiece according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a timepiece. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the component of the first embodiment along the first face II. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the part along the second face II-II. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the part taken along the second face II-II. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the first embodiment of the timepiece. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the components of a second embodiment of the timepiece. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the components of a third embodiment of the timepiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A first embodiment of a watch 200 is described below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] The timepiece is, for example, a small timepiece, in particular a wristwatch.

[0017] The watch preferably includes a watch case 100. The watch further includes a watch movement, which is intended to be mounted within a small watch case for protection from the external environment.

[0018] The watch movement may be an electronic or mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

[0019] The miniature watch case 100 preferably includes a case body 6 and a bezel-type component 10. The miniature watch case 100 also preferably includes a case cover attached to the case body and a crystal fitted to the case body.

[0020] The bezel may be fixedly attached to the case body 6. Alternatively, the bezel may be a rotating bezel, i.e., movably attached to the case body 6 so as to rotate about an axis A1. The axis A1 may be the axis of the bezel. The axis A1 may be the axis of rotation of the bezel or substantially the axis of rotation of the bezel. The axis A1 may also be the spin axis of the bezel. Preferably, the axis A1 is an axis common to the bezel and the case body 6.

[0021] Bezel 10 is - the first ring 1, - at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5, - a second ring 2; - an elastically deformable intermediate means 3 supported on the first ring 1 and configured to bias at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 towards the second ring 2; Includes.

[0022] In other words, the bezel comprises at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 arranged at the interface between the first and second rings 1, 2. The elastically deformable intervening means 3 or elastic element 3 enables the at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 to be held between the first and second rings 1, 2 with minimal play.

[0023] In the assembled state of the bezel, the elastic element is elastically deformed by compression in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to axis A1. As a result, the elastic element exerts opposing forces parallel or substantially parallel to axis A1 on the first and second rings. These forces tend to separate or move the rings apart. One of these forces is exerted indirectly by the elastically deformable element on one of the first and second rings via at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5. As a result, the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is pressed or biased against that ring. This ring is the second ring in the first embodiment. Therefore, the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 is attached between the first and second rings with minimal play.

[0024] The first ring is, for example, the lower bezel ring.

[0025] The second ring is, for example, the upper bezel ring.

[0026] The upper bezel ring is, for example, oriented towards the outside of the small watch case, while at least a portion of the lower bezel ring is, for example, oriented towards the inside of the small watch case, and the lower bezel ring is in particular closer to the annular seat of the case body than the upper bezel ring.

[0027] The at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 may include at least first elements 4 of a first type and / or at least second elements 5 of a second type. The first and second elements are distinguished from each other, for example, by their shape, their material, their color, or their surface treatment. By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates a bezel 10 including 12 identical elements 4 and 12 identical elements 5. The first elements 4 are, for example, in the shape of a portion of a disc or a portion of a grooved truncated cone. The second elements 5 are, for example, in the shape of a smooth disc or a portion of a truncated cone.

[0028] These elements may or may not be evenly distributed around the rotation axis and / or spin axis A1 of the bezel 10. These decorative and / or display elements may be arranged so as to form a device for displaying a numerical display of the time or to derive the time of the watch. These elements thus constitute display elements. Alternatively or additionally, these elements may be distributed so as to form decorative elements of the watch. These elements thus constitute decorative elements.

[0029] Optionally, a first angular positioning element, e.g., a pin, may be provided on either the first or second ring for angularly positioning the at least one decorative and / or display element relative to the axis A1. The angular positioning element may advantageously cooperate with a second angular positioning element, e.g., a hole provided in the at least one decorative and / or display element. For example, the pin is intended to be received in the hole. These elements thus cooperate to angularly position the one or more decorative and / or display elements about the axis A1 relative to the first ring and / or the second ring.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bezel 10 of FIG. 1 taken along a first plane II passing through the axis A1 and intersecting the first decorative and / or display element 4 of the first type. The first ring has an L-shaped or substantially L-shaped cross-section (along plane II). A surface 4a of the decorative and / or display element 4 rests against a bearing surface 1a of a first portion 11 of the first ring 1. The first portion is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A1. The first portion, as a whole, has a cylindrical shape. The surfaces 1a and 4a are advantageously perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10. The surface 4a is advantageously located at a first end 41 of the element 4, in particular at a first end radial to the axis A1. The surface 1a also advantageously constitutes the wall of a first receiving groove 110 formed in the first ring and into which the end 41 of the element 4 is received. The second surface 4b is intended to rest against a resilient element 3 previously placed in a housing 120 for receiving the resilient element 3, in particular in a shoulder or a second groove. The housing is formed in the second part 12 of the first ring 1. The second part is oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1. The second part 12 is of planar or generally planar shape.

[0031] The elastic element 3 may be, for example, a seal, in particular an O-ring, made of, for example, an elastomeric material. Advantageously, the surface 4b is arranged at the second end 42 of the element 4, in particular at the second end radial to the axis A1. Said surface 4b is advantageously perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-section of the bezel 10 of FIG. 1 along a second plane II-II passing through the axis A1 and intersecting a second decorative and / or display element 5 of a second type. This second element 5, like the first element 4, is arranged in the first ring 1. Thus, a surface 5a of the decorative and / or display element 5 rests against a bearing surface 1a of the first part 11 of the first ring 1. This surface 5a is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10. Advantageously, the surface 5a is arranged at a first end 51 of the element 5, in particular at a first end radially relative to the axis A1. Advantageously, the end 51 of the element 5 is intended to be received in a first groove 110. The shape of the first groove 110 may differ from the shape intended to receive the end of the element 4, particularly in the location where the end of the element 5 is intended, in order to allow indexing of the element. The second surface 5b is provided to rest against the elastic element 3. Advantageously, the surface 5b is arranged at the second end 52 of the element 5, in particular at the second end radial to the axis A1. Said surface 5b is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis A1 of the bezel 10.

[0033] Both the first and second elements 4 , 5 are held within the first ring 1 by the second ring 2 .

[0034] The second ring has an annular or substantially annular shape. The second ring comprises a bearing surface 2a intended to cooperate with one of the surfaces 4c, 5c of the elements 4, 5 to hold the elements 4, 5. Preferably, the surfaces 2a, 4c, 5c are frustoconical in shape or part of a frustocone that forms an angle α or substantially an angle α with the axis A1. The angle α is a half angle at the apex of the cone. The angle α is between 15° and 45°, in particular the angle α is around 30°.

[0035] The second ring 2 comprises a surface 2b shaped to be clipped or hammered onto the peripheral surface 1b of the first ring 1. To this end, the second ring 2 comprises a surface 2b comprising a first boss 21b intended to cooperate with a cavity 11b in the peripheral surface 1b of the ring 1.

[0036] Said surface 2b rests on a portion 21 of the ring 2, which is intended to deform elastically and radially along the axis A1, for example during the operation of driving or clipping the ring 2 onto the ring 1. In particular, during the operation carried out by translating at least one ring along the axis A1 relative to the other ring, the first boss 21b tends to deform the portion 21 under the influence of cooperation with the second boss 12b of the first ring 1. Once the boss 21b has passed the boss 12b, the ring 2 is held axially under the influence of cooperation between the boss 21b and the cavity 11b, which are pressed against each other under the action of the elastic element 3, which acts as an elastic return means or elastic biasing means.

[0037] The elastic element 3 has the advantage of avoiding any risk of indetermination of the second ring 2, in particular when the second ring is driven into abutment against the first ring 1. This is the case in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, where the surface 2c of the second ring 2 abuts against the surface 1c of the first ring 1 when the driving or clipping operation of the second ring onto the first ring is completed.

[0038] Alternatively, surface 1b may be threaded, for example with an external thread, and surface 2b may be threaded, for example with an internal thread, so that second ring 2 may be screwed onto first ring 1 about axis A1.

[0039] The role of element 3 is twofold: to allow a reliable and long-lasting assembly of ring 2 to ring 1, while avoiding the risk of static indetermination for elements 4, 5.

[0040] Depending in particular on the shape of surfaces 1b and 2b, the second ring 2 may or may not be detachable from the first ring 1. Additionally or alternatively, a joining, soldering or brazing operation of the second ring to the first ring may be performed. More particularly, a joining, soldering or brazing operation may be performed between surfaces 1b and 2b.

[0041] The bezel 10 may be fixed to the case body 6 of the miniature watch case 100. For example, the inner surface 1d of the portion 11 of the first ring 1 may be driven into the case body 6, in particular into a seal of the case body (not shown).

[0042] As an alternative, the bezel 10 may be rotatable about the axis A1 around the case body 6, as in the variant of the first embodiment of the timepiece partially shown in Figure 5. To this end, the portion 11 may include a third groove 130 intended to receive an axial retention seal 7 intended to press the portion 12 of the ring 1 against the annular seat of the case body. Optionally, the portion 12 may include an angular indexing means and / or notch 140 intended to cooperate with the angular indexing means and / or notch 8 of the case body 6.

[0043] The first and / or second rings 1, 2 are - metal alloys such as aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, palladium alloys, steel or precious gold or platinum based alloys, - ceramics consisting mainly of zirconia, - ceramics consisting mainly of alumina, - ceramics consisting essentially of silicon nitride, - ceramics consisting essentially of boron carbide or aluminum nitride, composites, in particular alumina-zirconia composites (ZTA / ATZ) or cermets, It may also be made of

[0044] At least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 or part of the decorative and / or display element 4, 5 or all of the decorative and / or display elements 4, 5, respectively - metal alloys such as aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, palladium alloys, steel or precious gold or platinum based alloys, - ceramics consisting mainly of zirconia, - ceramics consisting mainly of alumina, - ceramics consisting essentially of silicon nitride, - ceramics consisting essentially of boron carbide or aluminum nitride, composites, in particular alumina-zirconia composites (ZTA / ATZ) or cermets, - Stones, especially precious or semi-precious stones, - Glass, It may also be made of

[0045] At least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 may have at least substantially a disc-ring or frusto-conical shape.

[0046] To this end, the first decorative and / or display element 4 and / or the second decorative and / or display element 5 may take the form of a disc-ring portion or of a frusto-conical portion. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the elements 4, 5 each take the form of a portion of a frusto-conical portion extending along an angle of 15° or substantially 15° about the axis A1. Of course, the elements 4, 5 may also take the form of a disc-ring or a portion of a frusto-conical portion extending along other angles about the axis A1.

[0047] A second embodiment of the timepiece will now be described with reference to Figure 6, in which only the bezel 10 is shown. In this second embodiment, the timepiece differs from the first embodiment, for example, only in that the bezel includes two decorative and / or display elements 4, 5 each extending along an angle of 180° around the axis A1.

[0048] A third embodiment of the timepiece will now be described with reference to Figure 7, in which only the bezel 10 is shown. In this third embodiment, the timepiece differs from the first embodiment in that the bezel comprises a single decorative and / or display element 4 in the form of a disc ring or a frustum of a cone. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of a bezel 10 in which the second ring 2 can be detached from the first ring 1, since it allows the disc ring 4 or the frustum of the cone to be easily removed without the risk of breaking it, if the latter is made of a brittle material such as ceramic.

[0049] In the embodiment described and shown, the part is a bezel 10. However, the invention also applies to any external element such as a flange, a crown, a dial or part of a dial.

[0050] In the described and illustrated embodiment, the elastic element is attached between the first ring (lower ring) and the at least one decorative and / or display element, however, as a variant, the elastic element may be attached between the second ring (upper ring) and the at least one decorative and / or display element.

[0051] One embodiment of a method for attaching the component 10 or watch 200 to the case 100 or watch 200 is described below.

[0052] In a first variant, the method comprises the following steps: - placing the elastic element 3 onto the first ring 1, - arranging at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 on the elastic element 3 and on the first ring 1; - The second ring 2 is mounted onto the first ring 1, in particular by clipping or hammering or screwing.

[0053] In a second variant, the method comprises the following steps: - arranging at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 onto the first ring 1, - arranging the elastic element 3 on at least one decorative and / or display element 4, 5 or on the second ring 2, - The second ring 2 is mounted onto the first ring 1, in particular by clipping or hammering or screwing.

[0054] The invention also relates to a case 100 or a watch 200 for a component 10 or a watch 200 obtained by implementing the above-described mounting method.

[0055] The above-described bezel solution allows for an increased number of decorative and / or display elements without adversely affecting their retention within the bezel or requiring adhesives to attach each decorative and / or display element. Such a design also allows for a particularly advantageous bezel assembly method in terms of ease and time of implementation, especially in the case of bezels including at least two decorative and / or display elements. Such a design also allows for new aesthetic bezel variations, for example, combining stones with metal or ceramic disc sections. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. First Ring 2. Second Ring 3 Elastic Elements 4 Decorative and / or display elements 5. Decorative and / or display elements 10 parts 11b Cavity 21b Boss 100 cases 110 First groove 120 Housing 200 watches

Claims

1. A bezel assembly (10) for a watch (200) case (100) or for a watch (200), comprising: A first ring (1), at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5); A second ring (2); an intervening elastic element (3) supported by the first ring and adapted to bias the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) towards the second ring; 12. An assembly comprising:

2. the assembly is a rotating bezel; The assembly of claim 1 .

3. the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) comprises at least first elements (4) of a first type and at least second elements (5) of a second type, the first and second elements being distinguished by their shape and / or their material and / or their color and / or their surface treatment; 3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) having at least substantially a ring-shaped or frusto-conical shape; 4. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the assembly comprises a plurality of decorative and / or display elements (4, 5), said decorative and / or display elements taking the form of ring segments or of frustoconical segments; 4. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. At least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) or part of the decorative and / or display elements (4, 5) or all of said decorative and / or display elements (4, 5), respectively: Metal alloys such as aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, palladium alloys, steel, and precious gold or platinum-based alloys; ceramics consisting primarily of zirconia; ceramics consisting primarily of alumina, ceramics consisting primarily of silicon nitride; ceramics consisting essentially of boron carbide or aluminum nitride; composite, cermet, stone, Glass, Made from any of the following materials:

6. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second ring (2) is joined to the first ring (1) by hammering, clipping or screwing.

7. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the second ring (2) includes a boss (21b) or a cavity, respectively, and the first ring includes a cavity (11b) or a boss, respectively, the boss (21b) cooperating by contact with the cavity (11b) to hold the second ring in position on the first ring; 8. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The elastic element (3) is an O-ring.

9. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first ring comprises a first groove (110) for receiving the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5), and / or the first ring comprises a housing (120) for receiving the elastic element (3); 10. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the second ring comprises a frustoconical surface which cooperates in contact with one or more frustoconical surfaces provided on the at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5); 11. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A watch (200) case (100) comprising an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A watch (200) comprising a case according to claim 12 or an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A method for mounting an assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a case (100) of a watch (200) according to claim 12, or a watch (200) according to claim 13, comprising: placing the elastic element (3) onto the first ring; arranging said at least one decorative and / or display element (4, 5) on said elastic element and on said first ring; Mounting the second ring onto the first ring; A method comprising the steps of:

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