A wristwatch with a display bezel and control of other functional devices.
The wristwatch design allows reversible operation of the display bezel and internal components through a two-directional control bezel with a one-way drive mechanism and magnetic transmission, ensuring waterproofness and safety in diverse conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing wristwatches, particularly diver's watches, face challenges in ensuring waterproofness while allowing reversible operation of the display bezel and functional devices, as irreversible fastening is necessary for safety but complicates reversible operation.
A wristwatch design featuring a control bezel that rotates in two directions, with a one-way drive mechanism for the display bezel and magnetic transmission means to operate internal components, maintaining waterproofness by using a unidirectional mechanical or non-contact magnetic transmission.
Enables safe and reversible operation of the display bezel and internal components without compromising waterproofness, suitable for use in challenging environments like underwater conditions.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch including an intermediate portion carrying a bidirectional control bezel and a display bezel arranged to be rotatably driven by the control bezel under the action of a rotational movement in a first rotational direction applied to the control bezel by a user only in the first rotational direction with respect to the intermediate portion.
[0002] The present invention relates particularly to a diver's watch.
Background Art
[0003] Many commercially available mechanical wristwatches or smartwatches have functions that can be activated or operated by turning a bezel (particularly a control bezel).
[0004] In a given wristwatch such as a diver's watch, the combination of the position of the display bezel and the rest of the display part informs the user of the remaining time before proceeding with a safety operation. As a result, the display bezel can only rotate in one direction to display either conservative information or accurate information. To ensure safety, an irreversible fastening is not necessarily possible, and there is a need to reconcile a high level of resistance to external stress with a reversible fastening that may be required to maintain the object or change its appearance.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a user of a wristwatch, particularly a diver's watch, to operate a display bezel in a single rotational direction and activate or adjust a functional device inside the wristwatch by rotating a control bezel having magnetic transmission means, without affecting the waterproofness of the wristwatch, although not particularly limited thereto.
[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to a wristwatch including an intermediate section that carries a display bezel and a control bezel coaxial with the display bezel and accessible to the user for operation, wherein the control bezel is rotatable in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and is arranged so that the display bezel can be driven only in the first rotational direction via a one-way drive mechanism of the display bezel under the action of rotational motion in the first rotational direction applied to the control bezel by the user. According to the present invention, the wristwatch further includes other movable members in addition to the display bezel, wherein the control bezel is arranged so as to be driveable under the action of rotational motion in the second rotational direction applied to the control bezel by the user.
[0007] According to the advantageous features, the display bezel is arranged to be rotatable only in the first rotational direction relative to the intermediate portion by a first click mechanism positioned between the intermediate portion and the display bezel.
[0008] According to other advantageous features, the unidirectional drive mechanism for the display bezel is formed by a second click mechanism.
[0009] According to the main embodiment, the movable member is housed within an intermediate section and is sealed and protected by the intermediate section.
[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the control bezel is arranged to drive a movable member by a non-contact transmission means formed by magnetic transmission means, and the control bezel or movable member includes a plurality of magnets arranged to cooperate with the movable member or a plurality of magnets contained in the control bezel or at least one ferromagnetic material, and the movable member is permitted to be driven non-contact by the control bezel through an intermediate portion.
[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the wristwatch is arranged such that the control bezel drives the movable member solely by the rotational motion in the second rotational direction.
[0012] In an embodiment combining the advantageous and preferred embodiments described above, the wristwatch includes a third click mechanism positioned between the movable member and the portion integrated with the intermediate portion, or between the movable member and the intermediate portion, to prevent the movable member from being driven during the rotational movement of the control bezel in the first rotational direction.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the control bezel is arranged to drive a movable member by a one-way mechanical transmission means, which includes either a click mechanism or an upstream disengageable mechanism located upstream of the movable member, and the movable member is permitted to be driven solely by the rotational movement of the control bezel in the second rotational direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0014] The object, advantages, and features of the present invention will be well understood by reading the following detailed description, which is provided with reference to the attached drawings.
[0015] [Figure 1] The figure shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a wristwatch according to the present invention, passing through a radial plane through which the rotation axis of the bezel penetrates. The middle section of the wristwatch is arranged with two external bezels, namely, display bezels that can only be indirectly controlled by a control bezel operated by the user, and inside the wristwatch, in this case, a movable member in the form of an inner ring that cannot be directly accessed from the outside of the wristwatch, which in this alternative embodiment can be indirectly controlled by the control bezel by a transmission means which is a magnetic transmission. In this figure, the two magnetic rings are coaxial, one integrated with the control bezel and the other integrated with the movable member. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the stacked components visible in the watch, excluding the case back. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the inside of the wristwatch, excluding the middle section, display bezel, and control bezel, is shown. [Figure 4]This is an enlarged view of Figure 3, showing the alternating polarities of the magnets contained within the ring of external magnets integrated with the control bezel. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view of the display bezel is shown. This diagram is taken along the plane passing through the rotation axis of the control bezel. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram shows the intermediate section sealing the movable member and a cross-sectional view of the control bezel. The magnetic ring of the control bezel and the magnetic ring of the movable member are coplanar. This diagram is taken along the plane passing through the rotation axis of the control bezel. [Figure 7] An alternative embodiment is shown, similar to Figure 1, where the control bezel and the coaxial magnetic ring of the movable member are in a radial configuration when the control bezel is rotated in a first counterclockwise direction. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a plan view of the wristwatch in the alternative embodiment as seen from the user's perspective, and a perspective cross-sectional view passing through a radial plane through which the rotation axis of the bezel passes. The notch of the control bezel is blocked by the catch of the front click supported by the display bezel, while the first front notch of the display bezel is not obstructed by the front middle click supported by the intermediate portion. [Figure 9] Similar to Figure 8, the same mechanism is shown when the control bezel rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. It can be seen that the notch of the control bezel is not blocked by the catch of the front click of the display bezel, whereas the first front notch of the display bezel is obstructed by the catch of the front middle click supported by the middle section. [Figure 10]A perspective view of an alternative embodiment is shown, where a movable member, shown to include a lower magnet ring and an internally toothed transmission wheel, cooperates with a release mechanism that locks or drives a wheel offset from the common axis of the bezel. This offset wheel is guided between a plate and a bridge. A pinion includes a movable trunnion in the oval aperture of this bridge. The trunnion cooperates with the toothed transmission wheel and is biased to return toward the offset wheel by a strip spring embedded in the plate. This pinion is shown here in a position to engage with the offset wheel and controls other functions within the watch itself. [Figure 11] This is a magnified view from above of the engagement between the pinion and the offset wheel. When the movable member rotates in the second direction, the pinion rotates in the second direction and the offset wheel rotates in the first direction. [Figure 12] The opposite case to that shown in Figure 11 is illustrated in an enlarged view of the state in which the pinion and offset wheel are disengaged. When the movable member rotates in the first direction, the pinion rotates in the first direction and separates from the offset wheel, and the offset wheel remains stationary without being driven. [Figure 13] Similar to Figure 10, another alternative embodiment with a mechanical transmission is shown. The control bezel directly supports an internally toothed transmission wheel and cooperates with a release mechanism similar to that in Figure 10 for locking or driving a wheel offset from the common axis of the bezel. This offset wheel therefore constitutes a movable member or a direct drive member of the movable member. [Figure 14] Figure 10 or Figure 13 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the mechanism taken along two levels. One level, located on the left side of the figure, passes through the axis of rotation of the pinion, while the other level, located on the right side of the figure, passes through the axis of rotation of the offset wheel. [Figure 15]FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show cross-sectional views along the axis of rotation of offset wheels that may also be suitable for the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 10 to 12. The offset wheel includes an upper wheel that is on a plate and can be driven by a pinion. A spindle sealed by at least one seal to a lower wheel housed in the sealed chamber of the watch is connected to the upper wheel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention relates to a timepiece, more particularly to a wristwatch 100, and even more particularly to a diver's watch. This wristwatch 100 includes an intermediate portion 50. This intermediate portion 50 carries a display bezel 10 that is rotatable in at least a single rotational direction S1 counterclockwise with respect to the intermediate portion 50.
[0017] The wristwatch 100 includes a control bezel 20. The control bezel 20 is arranged coaxially with the display bezel 10 and is accessible for user operation. This control bezel 20 is movable in a first rotational direction S1 and a second rotational direction S2 opposite to the first rotational direction S1, and under the action of a rotational movement in the first rotational direction S1 imparted to the control bezel 20 by the user, it is arranged to drive the display bezel 10 only in the first rotational direction via a one-way drive mechanism of the display bezel 10. The wristwatch 100 further includes another movable member 30 in addition to the display bezel 10, and the control bezel 20 is arranged to be able to drive this movable member 30 under the action of a rotational movement in the second rotational direction S2 imparted to the control bezel 20 by the user.
[0018] Advantageously, the display bezel 10 is arranged to be rotatable only in the first rotational direction S1 with respect to the intermediate portion 50 by a first click mechanism arranged between this intermediate portion 50 and the display bezel. The display bezel is held in a predetermined axial position by a circular spring 509.
[0019] According to another advantageous feature, the one-way drive mechanism of the display bezel 10 is formed by a second click mechanism arranged between the control bezel and the display bezel.
[0020] Preferably, the movable member 30 is housed inside the intermediate portion 50 and is airtightly protected by the intermediate portion 50.
[0021] More specifically, the watch 100 includes a movable member 30 coaxial with the control bezel 20 and the display bezel 10, located inside the intermediate section 50 and thus sealed and protected by the intermediate section 50. The movable member 30 is movable via a unidirectional rotational motion in a second rotational direction. Furthermore, the control bezel 20 is positioned to drive the movable member 30 in the second rotational direction. More specifically, in the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 1, the movable member 30 is an inner ring coaxial with the control bezel 20 and the display bezel 10.
[0022] More specifically, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 7 through 9, the control bezel 20 is located coaxially with the display bezel 10 from the outside and is positioned to protect the display bezel 10 from the side.
[0023] The control bezel 20 is arranged to drive the movable member 30 via a transmission means, which is either a mechanical transmission means or a non-contact transmission means.
[0024] More specifically, as seen in Figures 1 and 6 through 9, the control bezel 20 is arranged to drive the movable member 30 by a non-contact transmission means formed by magnetic transmission means. The control bezel 20 or the movable member 30 includes a plurality of magnets arranged to cooperate with a plurality of magnets contained in the control bezel 20 or at least one ferromagnetic material, and the movable member 30 is driven non-contact by the control bezel 20 via the intermediate portion 50. These magnetic transmission means are advantageous in ensuring the water resistance of the watch.
[0025] More specifically, the movable member 30 includes an internal magnet 38 separated by the intermediate portion 50 from at least one external ferromagnetic material or a plurality of external magnets 28 included in the control bezel 20.
[0026] More specifically, the control bezel 20 is positioned to drive the movable member 30 in at least a second rotational direction under the influence of the magnetic cooperation between the movable member 30 and the control bezel 20, and more specifically, under the influence of the magnetic cooperation between the internal magnet 38 and the external magnet 28 when both the movable member 30 and the control bezel 20 include magnets, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 7 to 12. That is, the wristwatch 100 includes a control bezel 20 with a magnetic transmission for the internal movable member and a double-click system for the unidirectional movement of the display bezel and its driving in a first rotational direction.
[0027] In other words, the present invention is based in this embodiment on the concept of a watch control bezel 20 that allows motion to be transmitted within the watch 100 by magnetism, particularly in both rotational directions or in only one direction. This does not disturb the display of the display bezel 10 when the user operates the control bezel 20 in a clockwise direction (second rotational direction).
[0028] In a particular embodiment shown in the figures, as seen in Figure 1, if the user wants to adjust the display bezel 10 which carries or includes a first click 15, the user operates the control bezel 20 in a first counterclockwise direction S1. The control bezel 20, or external bezel 20, carries or includes a second notch 21 which allows the rotation of the control bezel 20 to be transmitted to the display bezel 10.
[0029] In this specification, “includes” or “equipped with” should be understood to mean an integrated component such as a bezel with a specific external shape, such as teeth, and “carrying” should be understood to mean a component that carries other components, such as a bezel that carries a mounted toothed ring.
[0030] The intermediate section 50 supports or includes an intermediate click 55. The intermediate click 55 is positioned to cooperate with a first notch 11 supported or included in the display bezel 10. This intermediate click 55 is reversed relative to the first click 15 and slides relative to the intermediate section 50, allowing the display bezel 10 to rotate in a first rotational direction. The control bezel 20 is integrated with a magnet, allowing magnetic transmission with the movable member 30 and enabling the operation of the internal functions of the watch 100 without affecting the water resistance of the watch 100.
[0031] If the user wants to activate a function, especially underwater, without adjusting the display bezel 10, the user can rotate the control bezel 20 clockwise, causing the first click 15 to slide and allowing the control bezel 20 to continue rotating. The intermediate click 55 (mounted in the opposite direction to the first click 15) blocks the rotation of the display bezel 10 relative to the intermediate part 50, thereby preventing the display from becoming distorted while the control bezel 20 is rotated clockwise (second rotation direction). This operation can be used, for example, to trigger a light function, start a repeater, or trigger other functions included in the watch.
[0032] Various configurations can be used for multiple magnetic materials.
[0033] In the first configuration visible in Figures 6 and 7, the movable member 30 is posable, with an internal magnet 38 on one side and an external magnet 28 or at least one external ferromagnetic material on the other, arranged in two rings that are substantially coplanar and concentric with respect to a common axis of rotation D on which the control bezel 20 and the movable member 30 can rotate.
[0034] That is, on one side, an internal magnet 38, and on the other side, an external magnet 28 or at least one external ferromagnetic material, are arranged in two substantially coplanar rings that are coaxial with respect to a common axis of rotation D of the control bezel 20 and the display bezel 10. In the specific non-limiting cases of Figures 6 and 7, axis D is also the axis of rotation of the movable member 30. This radial configuration, in which the magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the axis of rotation D of the bezel, is advantageous because friction is compensated for by the magnets located on opposite sides of the outer circumference of the internal and external bezels. Figure 2 shows a subassembly 300, which is formed by a movable member 30 with a lower magnet 38, a magnetic field closing plate 40, and a notched ring 32 in which an internal click 31 cooperates.
[0035] In the second configuration visible in Figures 1, 8, and 9, the movable member 30 is rotatably arranged, with an internal magnet 38 on one side and an external magnet 28 or at least one external ferromagnetic material on the other, arranged in two rings stacked parallel to the direction of a common axis of rotation D from which the control bezel 20 and the movable member 30 can rotate. In the specific and non-limiting cases of Figures 1, 8, and 9, axis D is also the axis of rotation of the movable member 30.
[0036] The external magnet 28 of the control bezel 20 may be located on the internal magnet 38 of the movable member 30, in which case the magnetic field lines are parallel to the rotation axis D of the bezel. However, the friction between the movable member 30 and the intermediate part 50, and between the control bezel 20 and the intermediate part 50, increases with the number of magnets, and the frictional force can be made to the same order as the magnetic force.
[0037] In particular, as can be seen in Figure 4, in the same magnetic ring (in this case, the ring supporting the external magnet 28), these magnets alternate between polarities 28A and 28B. Therefore, it goes without saying that the internal magnet 38 has a similar arrangement. This results in a magnetic notch.
[0038] For example, in the case of a diver's watch, by using 28 magnets (1.3 mm in diameter, 0.85 mm in height) per bezel with an air gap of 0.45 mm over a diameter of approximately 38 mm, and magnetic field closure plates 40 and 41 made of AFK sheet metal with a thickness of 0.2 mm, it is permissible to transmit a torque of 32 mNm between the control bezel 20 and the movable member 30. This is sufficient to trigger the watch function completely safely.
[0039] In a particular case where the control bezel 20 or the movable member 30 includes at least one ferromagnetic material, an advantageous arrangement not shown relates to a movable member including at least one ferromagnetic material in the form of a toothed ring. The number of teeth of the toothed ring is equal to, or an integer multiple of, the number of magnetic pitches included in the movable member 30 or the control bezel 20, respectively.
[0040] More specifically, the control bezel 20 includes at least one ferromagnetic material in the form of a toothed ring, the number of which is equal to the number of magnetic pitches included in the movable member 30, or an integer multiple of the number of such pitches.
[0041] Advantageously, the wristwatch 100 is arranged so that the control bezel 20 drives the movable member 30 by rotational motion in a second rotational direction only.
[0042] More specifically, in an alternative embodiment in which the control bezel 20 is arranged to drive the movable member 30 via a non-contact transmission means formed by magnetic transmission means, and the watch 100 is arranged so that the control bezel 20 can drive the movable member 30 only by rotational movement in a second rotational direction (clockwise), the watch 100 includes a third click mechanism located between the movable member 30 and the portion integrated with the intermediate portion 50, or between the movable member 30 and the intermediate portion 50. This prevents the movable member 30 from being driven during rotational movement of the control bezel 20 in the first rotational direction.
[0043] More specifically, the movable member 30 is movable in a single rotational direction, i.e., a second rotational direction, and includes notches or clicks arranged to cooperate with clicks or clicks supported or included by the middle section 50 or plate 60 of the watch 100, respectively. These notches and clicks constitute this third click mechanism. More specifically, the movable member 30 includes notches arranged to cooperate with internal clicks 31 supported or included by the middle section 50 or plate 60 of the watch 100.
[0044] In particular, regardless of the nature of the transmission means between the control bezel 20 and the movable member 30, the control bezel 20 is arranged to drive the movable member 30 by a unidirectional mechanical transmission means. This mechanical transmission means includes either a click mechanism or an upstream disengagement mechanism 70 located upstream of the movable member 30, and the movable member 30 is permitted to be driven only by the rotational movement of the control bezel 20 in a second rotational direction S2. More specifically, as shown in Figure 13, the control bezel 20, which rotates around the rotation axis D, includes a toothed transmission wheel 29 coaxially. The toothed transmission wheel 29 is arranged to drive the movable member 30 by an upstream disengagement mechanism 70 located for the purpose of unidirectional driving of the offset wheel 72. The offset wheel 72 constitutes or drives the movable member 30 and is offset relative to the rotation axis D under the action of the pinion 73, which is also offset relative to the rotation axis D, and permanently engages with the internally toothed transmission wheel 29 and is held in a state guided by an oval groove 76 made in the fixed bridge 71. This oval groove is coaxial with the rotation axis D between its outermost stop positions 76A and 76B. The pinion 73 is positioned to engage with the offset wheel 72 when the control bezel 20 rotates in a second rotational direction, and to disengage from the offset wheel 72 when the control bezel 20 rotates in a first rotational direction. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate details of this alternative embodiment, which has a particular embodiment in which the offset wheel 72 with mechanical transmission is housed in the upper space between the crystal of the watch and the flat surface of the intermediate section 50 or plate 60 included in the watch 100. The offset wheel 72 is positioned to drive the lower wheel 39 located beneath this flat section on the opposite side of the offset wheel 72. The offset wheel 72 is positioned to pivot on the intermediate section 50 or plate 60 and is drivable by a pinion 73.The offset wheel 72 is connected to the lower wheel 39, which is housed in the sealed chamber of the watch, coaxially along the rotation axis D2 of the offset wheel 72 by a spindle 35 sealed by at least one seal 58. This assembly is manufactured by a square 36.
[0045] In particular, in the various alternative embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6 through 12, the movable member 30 is an inner ring of the intermediate section 50, and this ring is coaxial with the control bezel 20 and the display bezel 10.
[0046] If the display bezel 10 is arranged to be rotatable only in a first rotational direction S1 relative to the intermediate portion 50 via a first click mechanism positioned between the intermediate portion 50 and the display bezel 10, then, advantageously, the display bezel 10 includes notches or clicks arranged to cooperate with each of the clicks or notches supported or included by the intermediate portion 50. These notches or clicks constitute the first click mechanism and are arranged together in combination to prevent rotation of the display bezel 10 in a second rotational direction. More specifically, as seen in Figures 1, 7, 8, and 9, the display bezel 10 includes a first front notch 11. The front notch 11 is arranged to cooperate with a front intermediate click 55 supported or included by the intermediate portion 50.
[0047] If the unidirectional drive mechanism of the display bezel 10 is formed by a second click mechanism, advantageously, the control bezel 20 includes notches or clicks arranged to cooperate with each of the clicks or notches included in the display bezel 10. These notches and clicks constitute the second click mechanism and are arranged together in combination to impose a single drive direction on the display bezel 10 by the control bezel 20. More specifically, the control bezel 20 includes a second notch 21. The second notch 21 is arranged to cooperate with a first front click 15 supported or included by the display bezel 10. The first front click 15 includes a catch 150. More specifically, the second notch 21 is arranged to cooperate with the first click 15 in the opposite direction to the intermediate click 55 of the first click mechanism. The intermediate click 55 includes a catch 550.
[0048] In other alternative embodiments, regardless of the nature of the transmission means between the control bezel 20 and the movable member 30, the control bezel 20 is arranged to drive the movable member 30 via a bidirectional mechanical transmission means. Furthermore, the movable member 30, which is rotatably positioned around the axis of rotation D, is positioned to operate and / or control downstream mechanical devices located downstream of the movable member 30 in the wristwatch 100 via a downstream disconnectable mechanism 700 or a downstream click mechanism. The downstream disconnectable mechanism 700 or downstream click mechanism is positioned so that the movable member 30 operates and / or controls the downstream mechanical devices solely by a rotational movement in a second rotational direction applied to the control bezel 20 by the user.
[0049] In yet another alternative embodiment, in the case of a non-contact transmission means between the control bezel 20 and the movable member 30, the movable member 30, which is rotatably arranged around a rotation axis D, is positioned so that a downstream mechanical device located downstream of the movable member 30 in the wristwatch 100 can be operated and / or controlled via a downstream disconnectable mechanism 700 or a downstream click mechanism. The downstream disconnectable mechanism 700 or downstream click mechanism is positioned so that the movable member can operate and / or control this downstream mechanical device solely by rotational motion in a second rotational direction applied to the control bezel 20 by the user.
[0050] In either of these two alternative embodiments, in which the movable member 30 is arranged to operate and / or control a downstream mechanical device via a downstream disengagement mechanism 700 or a downstream click mechanism, advantageously, the downstream mechanical device is arranged to be operated and / or controlled by the movable member 30, which includes an internally toothed transmission wheel 29, via a downstream disengagement mechanism 700, which both include an offset wheel 72 and a pinion 73 offset with respect to the rotation axis D. The movable pinion 73 of the rotation axis D3 permanently engages with the internally toothed transmission wheel 29 and is guided and held in an oval groove 76 included in a fixed bridge 71. This oval groove is coaxial with the rotation axis D between its outermost stop positions 76A and 76B. The pinion 73 is arranged to engage with the offset wheel 72, which is rotatable around the fixed rotation axis D2, when the control bezel 20 rotates in a second rotational direction, and to disengage from the offset wheel 72 when the control bezel 20 rotates in a first rotational direction. Figures 10 to 12 illustrate such alternative embodiments. A movable member 30, shown to include a ring of the lower magnet 38 and an internally toothed transmission wheel 29, cooperates with a downstream decoupling mechanism 700 that blocks or drives an offset wheel 72 offset along axis D2 with respect to a common axis of rotation D of the control bezel 20 and the display bezel 10. This offset wheel 72 is guided between a plate 60 and a bridge 71 fastened to this plate 60. The pinion 73 includes at least one trunnion 75. This trunnion 75 is movable between the outermost stop positions 76A and 76B in the oval aperture 76 of the bridge 71. This pinion 73 cooperates with the toothed transmission wheel 29 and is biased to return toward the offset wheel by a strip spring 74 embedded in a setting 77 of the plate 60. The spring 74 includes fingers that cooperate with the pinion 73 to hold the pinion 73 in an angular position around its axis of rotation D3. Its position is movable along the arc of a circle. The pinion 73 is shown in Figures 10 and 11.The trunnion 75 is in contact with the end 76A of the oval groove 76 and is in a position to engage with the offset wheel 72, and it controls other functions inside the watch itself. Figure 12 shows the trunnion 75 of the pinion 73 in contact with the other end 76B of the oval groove 76 in a position disengaged from the offset wheel 72.
[0051] As shown in Figure 11, when the movable member 30 rotates in the second direction S2, the pinion 73 rotates in the direction S4 corresponding to the second direction, and the offset wheel driven by this rotates in the direction S3 corresponding to the first direction. Figure 12 shows the opposite case to Figure 11, where the pinion 73 and the offset wheel 72 are disengaged. When the movable member 30 rotates in the first direction S1, the pinion 73 rotates in the direction S5 corresponding to the first direction and moves away from the offset wheel via motion A, so the undriven offset wheel 72 remains stationary.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment, water resistance may be compensated by at least one external seal 59 positioned between the intermediate portion 50 and the control bezel 20.
[0053] More specifically, in the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 12, the movable member 30 is an inner ring that is coaxially positioned with the control bezel 20 and the display bezel 10 along the rotation axis D.
[0054] More specifically, the first direction of rotation is counterclockwise with respect to the intermediate section 50, as viewed by the user from the display side.
[0055] In particular, the Watch 100 is a diver's watch.
[0056] In other words, the present invention makes it possible to control the display bezel on the one hand and at least one internal component of a watch located in a waterproof compartment on the other hand, while avoiding water resistance problems that are difficult to overcome with push buttons or a control crown. Furthermore, operation via the control bezel allows the watch to be used completely safely even in difficult conditions such as underwater environments, or when the user must wear gloves or a special suit to work in a protected or hazardous environment.
Claims
1. A wristwatch (100) including an intermediate section (50) that supports a display bezel (10) and a control bezel (20) coaxial with the display bezel (10) and accessible to the user for operation, The control bezel (20) is rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and is arranged so that the display bezel (10) can be driven only in the first rotational direction via a one-way drive mechanism for the display bezel under the action of rotational motion in the first rotational direction applied to the control bezel (20) by the user. The wristwatch (100) further includes, in addition to the display bezel (10), another movable member (30), the movable member (30) being housed inside the intermediate portion (50), and the control bezel (20) being arranged to drive the movable member (30) under the action of a rotational movement in the second rotational direction applied to the control bezel (20) by the user, the wristwatch (100).
2. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the display bezel (10) is arranged to be rotatable only in the first rotational direction relative to the intermediate portion (50) by a first click mechanism disposed between the intermediate portion (50) and the display bezel (10).
3. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the unidirectional drive mechanism of the display bezel (10) is formed by a second click mechanism.
4. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member (30) is sealed and protected by the intermediate portion (50).
5. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 4, wherein the control bezel (20) is arranged to drive the movable member (30) by a non-contact transmission means formed by a magnetic transmission means, and the control bezel (20) or the movable member (30) includes a plurality of magnets arranged to cooperate with the movable member or a plurality of magnets included in the control bezel (20) or at least one ferromagnetic material, and the movable member is permitted to be driven non-contact by the control bezel (20) via the intermediate portion (50).
6. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the movable member (30) includes a plurality of internal magnets (38) separated by the intermediate portion (50) from at least one external ferromagnetic material or a plurality of external magnets (28) included in the control bezel (20).
7. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the movable member (30) is rotatably arranged, and on one side the internal magnet (38) and on the other side the external magnet (28) or the at least one external ferromagnetic material are arranged in two rings that are substantially coplanar and concentric with respect to a common axis of rotation (D) from which the control bezel (20) and the movable member (30) can rotate.
8. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the movable member (30) is rotatably arranged, and the internal magnet (38) on one side and the external magnet (28) or the at least one external ferromagnetic material on the other side are arranged in two rings stacked parallel to the direction of a common axis of rotation (D) on which the control bezel (20) and the movable member (30) can rotate.
9. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the control bezel (20) includes at least one ferromagnetic material in the form of a toothed ring, and the number of teeth of the toothed ring is equal to the number of magnetic pitches included in the movable member (30), or an integer multiple of the number of magnetic pitches.
10. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the control bezel (20) is arranged so that the movable member (30) is driven only by rotational movement in the second rotational direction.
11. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 10, wherein the wristwatch (100) includes a third click mechanism disposed between the movable member and the portion integral with the intermediate portion (50), or between the movable member and the intermediate portion (50), to prevent the movable member (30) from being driven during the rotational movement of the control bezel (20) in the first rotational direction.
12. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control bezel (20) is arranged to drive the movable member (30) by a one-way mechanical transmission means, and the one-way mechanical transmission means includes either a click mechanism or an upstream disconnection mechanism (70) located upstream of the movable member (30) such that the movable member is driven only by the rotational movement of the control bezel (20) in the second rotational direction.
13. The control bezel (20), which rotates around the rotation axis (D), includes coaxially mounted internally toothed transmission wheel (29) which is arranged to drive the movable member (30) by an upstream disconnectable mechanism (70) positioned for the purpose of unidirectional drive of the offset wheel (72), the offset wheel (72) constitutes or drives the movable member (30) and is offset relative to the rotation axis (D) under the operation of a pinion (73), the pinion (73) is also offset relative to the rotation axis (D), and the internally toothed transmission wheel A wristwatch (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pinion (73) is permanently engaged with the eel (29) and held in a state guided by an oval groove (76) made in a fixed bridge (71), the oval groove being coaxial with the rotation axis (D) between the outermost stop positions (76A; 76B), and the pinion (73) being arranged to engage with the offset wheel (72) when the control bezel (20) rotates in the second rotation direction and to disengage from the offset wheel (72) when the control bezel (20) rotates in the first rotation direction.
14. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the movable member (30) is a ring located in the intermediate portion (50) and coaxial with the control bezel (20) and the display bezel (10).
15. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the display bezel (10) includes notches or clicks arranged to cooperate with each of the clicks or notches supported or included by the intermediate portion (50), the notches and clicks being arranged together in combination to constitute the first click mechanism and to prevent the display bezel (10) from rotating in the second rotational direction.
16. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control bezel (20) includes notches or clicks arranged to cooperate with each of the clicks or notches included in the display bezel (10), and the notches and clicks constitute the second click mechanism and are arranged together by the control bezel (20) to impose a single driving direction on the display bezel (10).
17. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control bezel (20) is arranged to drive the movable member (30) by bidirectional mechanical transmission means, and the movable member (30), which is rotatable about a rotation axis (D), is arranged so as to be able to operate and / or control a downstream mechanical device located downstream of the movable member (30) in the wristwatch (100) via a downstream disconnection mechanism (700) or a downstream click mechanism, and the downstream disconnection mechanism (700) or downstream click mechanism is arranged so that the movable member is able to operate and / or control the downstream mechanical device solely by rotational motion in the second rotational direction applied to the control bezel (20) by the user.
18. The wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the movable member (30), which is rotatably arranged around a rotation axis (D), is arranged so as to be able to operate and / or control a downstream mechanical device located downstream of the movable member (30) in the wristwatch (100) via a downstream disconnection mechanism (700) or a downstream click mechanism, and the downstream disconnection mechanism (700) or downstream click mechanism is arranged so as to be able to operate and / or control the downstream mechanical device solely by rotational motion in the second rotational direction applied by the user to the control bezel (20).
19. The wristwatch (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that the downstream mechanical device is arranged to be operated and / or controlled by the movable member (30) including an internal gear transmission wheel (29) via the downstream disengageable mechanism (700) including a wheel (72) and a pinion (73), both of which are offset with respect to the rotation axis (D), the pinion permanently engages with the internal gear transmission wheel and is guided and held in an oval groove (76) included in a fixed bridge (71), the oval groove being coaxial with the rotation axis (D) between its outermost stop positions (76A; 76B), and the pinion (73) is arranged to engage with the wheel (72) when the control bezel (20) rotates in the second rotation direction and to disengage from the wheel (72) when the control bezel (20) rotates in the first rotation direction.
20. A wristwatch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control bezel (20) is externally coaxial with the display bezel (10) and is arranged to laterally protect the display bezel (10).