Patent Application
20180181068
This application claims priority of European patent application No. EP16206881.1 filed Dec. 23, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
The invention relates to a button or push button of a timepiece or for a timepiece. The invention also relates to a middle device comprising a button of this type. The invention further relates to a watch case comprising a middle device of this type or a button of this type. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a middle device of this type or a button of this type or a watch case of this type. Finally, the invention relates to a process for fitting a button of this type and a process for removal of a button of this type.
A push button is known from document EP0030696 which is provided with a tube driven into a watch case middle. A rod, on which a gasket is fitted, is accommodated in the tube such as to constitute a function corrector, which is displaceable in translation. The rod is simply delimited axially relative to the tube by means of a channel formed in the inner wall of the tube, which channel is designed to receive the gasket, in particular in the event of an impact. This solution for assembly of the rod is not satisfactory in that it can allow untimely removal of the rod from the tube when the watch case is being worn, in particular in the event of a strong impact. In addition, this push button structure can be problematic if an operation of maintenance of the watch case requires the removal of the tube from the middle, or for example if the state of the tube requires it to be replaced. A structure of this type is therefore not satisfactory.
A push button is known from document CH616548, which is provided with a threaded tube designed to be screwed into a watch case middle. A rod, on which a gasket is fitted, is in particular accommodated in the tube, such as to constitute a function corrector, which is displaceable in translation. This rod is delimited axially relative to the tube by means of a button head, one end of which is driven into the barrel of the button head. Thus, if the push button can be unscrewed from the middle by means of a collar formed on the outer periphery of the tube, the functional elements of the push button, such as the rod and its return spring, as well as the gasket, cannot be easily removed from the tube. In particular, there are risks of marking the head of the push button during the drawing-out operation. A structure of this type is therefore not optimal.
A push button is known from document EP0575831, which is provided with a tube welded onto a watch case middle. A rod, on which a gasket is fitted, is in particular accommodated in the tube, such as to constitute a function corrector, which is displaceable in translation. In a first direction of translation of the rod, the rod is delimited axially by means of a portion of rod designed to abut a surface formed at the end of the tube. In a second direction of translation of the rod, the rod is delimited axially by means of a portion of rod which is designed to abut a surface formed at the end of a ring added inside the tube. According to the different variant embodiments described, the ring is either in the form of a threaded ring designed to be screwed into a tapped portion of the tube, or in the complex form of a disc retained axially by an additional resilient ring. This document does not give any indication concerning the implementation of a push button, which can be dismantled entirely from the watch case. In the hypothesis when the tube is connected to the middle in a manner which can be dismantled, a simple connection which can be dismantled must be defined between the stopper and the tube, which connection is easy to actuate, and without detracting from the assembly of the tube in the middle.
The objective of the invention is to provide a timepiece button which makes it possible to eliminate the disadvantages previously mentioned, and to improve the timepiece buttons known in the prior art. In particular the invention proposes a button which can be easily and completely dismantled from the middle of the watch case on which the push button is fitted. The button itself must be possible to dismantle easily and completely.
A button according to the invention is defined by point 1 or by point 2 below.
Different embodiments of the button are defined by points 3 to 11 below.
The button as defined in points 5 and 6, wherein the at least one first lateral stop comprises at least one rim which extends along the longitudinal axis from a first axial stop, or wherein the at least one second lateral stop comprises at least one rim which extends along the longitudinal axis, from a second axial stop.
A middle device according to the invention is defined by point 12 below.
A watch case according to the invention is defined by point 13 below.
A timepiece according to the invention is defined by point 14 below.
A process for assembly of a button according to the invention is defined by point 15 below.
A process for dismantling a button according to the invention is defined by point 16 below.
The appended figures represent by way of example an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention.
An embodiment of a timepiece 120 is described hereinafter with reference to
The watch case 110 comprises an embodiment of a middle device 100.
The middle device 100 comprises a middle 10 itself comprising an embodiment of a button 1 or push button 1. The button permits transmission of an action by a user or a tool to an element inside the middle device or inside the watch case, in particular to the timepiece movement assembled in the watch case. The button makes it possible for example to transmit a command for adjustment or correction or activation or deactivation of a timepiece movement function. In particular, the button can transmit a command for adjustment or correction or activation or deactivation of one or a plurality of timepiece functions. The button can thus for example constitute or form part of a corrector, which permits the adjustment of time indications or time derivatives of a timepiece.
The embodiment of the button 1 is described hereinafter with reference to
The button comprises:
Preferably, the button also comprises a spring 5.
Preferably, the mechanical connection between the ring and the tube is of a bayonet type, and/or the mechanical connection comprises a spring 5.
Preferably, the tube has a form which is at least substantially cylindrical of revolution with a longitudinal axis A.
The tube is designed to be attached to the middle. The tube has for example at one of its outer ends an outer thread 2f which is designed to allow it to be screwed into the middle 10. For this purpose, the middle 10 has a bore 10b provided with tapping 10a which is designed to cooperate with the outer thread 2f.
At the other one of its outer ends, the tube has a bearing surface 2k which is designed to be supported against the middle 10, in particular against a countersink provided in the middle, when the tube is screwed down completely into the middle.
Between its outer ends, the tube has an annular groove 2h for accommodation of a gasket 7. The gasket 7 is designed to be supported against the bore 10b in order to provide sealing at the tube-middle interface. The gasket is of the annular type. The gasket can be an O-ring seal and/or an elastomer gasket.
At one of its inner ends, the tube has a bearing surface 2m which is designed to constitute a stop for displacement of the rod.
At the other one of its inner ends, the tube has connection elements 2a, 2b, 2c of the bayonet connection type, which are described hereinafter, in particular with reference to
The tube makes it possible to guide the rod in translation along the longitudinal axis A. For this purpose, the tube has a bore 2n for guiding of the rod.
The tube advantageously comprises a shape 2i, in particular a cut-out with a non-circular cross-section, in particular which is polygonal or has a splined cross-section or toothed cross-section, designed to allow the tube to be rotated by means of a tool with a shape which is at least substantially complementary to the shape 2i. This shape is preferably a cut-out which can be provided at the end which is in the vicinity of the outer surface of the middle, as in the embodiment represented.
Alternatively, the shape can be provided at the end of the tube which is mounted in the middle, and/or the shape can be arranged on the outer periphery of the tube.
The tube also comprises at least one first guide surface 2j, in particular a bore, which is designed to cooperate with a second guide surface 3j, in particular a cylindrical surface. The first and second guide surfaces cooperate in order to guide the ring in the tube in sliding pivot connection.
The ring 3 has a substantially annular form.
The ring 3 makes it possible mainly to provide a support for the spring 5. For this purpose, the ring comprises a bearing surface 3e, in particular a bearing surface 3e in a bore.
The ring 3 also preferably comprises a bore 3i for guiding of the rod 4.
Finally, the ring comprises connection elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of a bayonet type, which are described hereinafter, in particular with reference to
In addition, the ring advantageously comprises a face, in particular a face which can be seen from the inside of the watch case, provided with at least one indentation 3f designed to receive a tool for displacement of the ring relative to the tube. The at least one indentation and the tool are formed such that a timepiece can exert mechanical actions on the ring. In particular, the at least one indentation and the tool are formed such that a timepiece can push the ring along the longitudinal axis A, and such that it can rotate the ring around the longitudinal axis A. Thus, the mechanical actions are such as to permit the displacement of the ring relative to the tube in translation along the axis A, and/or the displacement of the ring relative to the tube in rotation around the axis A.
The ring preferably comprises two, three or four indentations 3f. Advantageously, the at least one indentation 3f is a hollow indentation. In the embodiment represented, four hollow indentations or notches 3f are provided, as represented in
The rod 4 represents globally a cylindrical geometry of revolution around the longitudinal axis A.
The rod has a first bearing surface 4n which is designed to constitute a support surface for the spring 5, in particular an end 5b of the spring 5.
The rod has a second bearing surface 4m which is designed to cooperate with the bearing surface 2m, provided on the tube, in order to stop the rod in translation along the longitudinal axis A. When the two bearing surfaces are in contact, as in
Between the first and second bearing surfaces, the rod comprises an annular groove 4h for accommodation of a gasket 6. The gasket 6 is designed to be supported against the bore 2n, in order to provide sealing at the tube-rod interface. The gasket is of the annular type. The gasket can be an O-ring gasket and/or an elastomer gasket.
In addition, the rod 4 comprises a first end 4a which is designed to interact with the user of the push button directly, or by means of a tool. The first end 4a can extend from the tube, so that the user can act directly on this end. Alternatively, the first end can be flush with the end of the tube, or it can also be slightly recessed from the end of the tube as represented. In this case, the first end 4a can have a concave cut-out, such as to facilitate the action of a tool. This form is used for example to act on a corrector.
The rod 4 comprises a second end 4b which is designed to come into contact with the movement, in particular with a component of the movement, and to act on the latter when the rod is displaced in translation along the longitudinal axis A.
As previously stated, the button comprises a spring 5. The spring 5 is advantageously a helical spring. The first end 5a of the spring is supported against the bearing surface 3e of the ring on the one hand, and the second end 5b of the spring is supported against the bearing surface 4n of the rod on the other hand. Thus, the spring 5 is supported on the ring 3 and on the rod 4, such as to return the rod to its position of rest represented in
The rod can thus be displaced, under the action of the user, in translation along the longitudinal axis A, against the spring 5, such that the end 4b of the rod can interact for example with a component of the movement of the timepiece. The rod returns to position in a conventional manner under the effect of the return of the return spring 5.
Globally, the ring 3 is fitted in the tube 2, such that the ring and the tube encapsulate the functional elements of the button, in particular the rod 4, the return spring 5 of the rod 4, and the gasket 6.
“Mechanical connection of a bayonet type” preferably means a connection which permits assembly of a first part on a second part, and/or dismantling of the first part from the second part in accordance with the following sequence of steps:
During the dismantling, the step “pushing the first part relative to the second part, in particular against the action of a spring” can be optional.
According to a first variant, the mechanical connection comprises at least one, preferably two, three or four protuberances 2c on the tube. The protuberances extend radially, in particular radially towards the inside of the tube, relative to the longitudinal axis A. The mechanical connection comprises at least one, preferably two, three or four housings 3d in the ring. Each housing is designed to receive a protuberance. In the embodiment represented, the tube 2 has three protuberances 2c which extend radially towards the inside of the tube, relative to the longitudinal axis A, and the ring 3 has three housings 3d.
According to a second variant, the mechanical connection comprises at least one, preferably two, three or four protuberances on the tube. The protuberances extend radially, in particular radially towards the outside of the tube, relative to the longitudinal axis. The mechanical connection comprises at least one, preferably two, three or four housings in the tube, the housings each being designed to receive a protuberance.
As an alternative to these two variants, the at least one protuberance can be provided on the ring, and can cooperate with the at least one housing provided in the tube.
The mechanical connection comprises at least one first axial stop 2a, provided on the tube, and at least one second axial stop 3a, provided on the ring. The first and second axial stops are designed to cooperate in the form of an obstacle in order to stop the ring in axial translation along the longitudinal axis A relative to the tube. The spring 5 places the first axial stops and the second axial stops against one another.
In the embodiment represented, three first stops 3a are constituted by surfaces of the housings 3d. In particular, these surfaces can be portions, in particular annular portions, of planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, in particular annular portions of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Three second stops 2a are constituted by surfaces of the protuberances 2c. In particular, these surfaces can be portions, in particular annular portions, of planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, in particular annular portions of a plane P1′ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.
As a variant, the at least one first axial stop 2a and the at least one second axial stop 3a need not be flat. They are preferably complementary. The at least one first axial stop 2a and the at least one second axial stop 3a can have helical surfaces.
The mechanical connection comprises the spring 5. The spring makes it possible to return the at least one first axial stop 2a against the at least one second axial stop 3a. When the ring 3 is assembled inside the tube 2, the surfaces 3a of the ring 3 are thus supported against surfaces 2a of the tube 2 under the effect of the presser force of the spring 5.
According to an embodiment not represented, the spring could be supported against the surface 3e and against a bearing surface in the bore in the tube. In this case, the spring is not supported against the rod. Thus, the spring has only a function of assembly of the ring on the tube, and in particular the function of returning the at least one first axial stop 2a against the at least one second axial stop 3a. In this embodiment, the rod is returned to its position of rest by another spring. This other spring can be provided in the button or in the timepiece movement.
The three first axial stops 2a preferably each extend over an angular sector of between 30° and 50° around the longitudinal axis A, and the three second axial stops 3a each extend over an angular sector of between 30° and 50° around the longitudinal axis A.
The first axial stops 2a are advantageously distributed angularly regularly around the longitudinal axis A. Similarly, the second axial stops 3a are advantageously distributed angularly regularly around the longitudinal axis A.
The mechanical connection comprises at least one first lateral stop 2b, preferably at least two first lateral stops 2b, provided on the tube, and at least one second lateral stop 3b, preferably at least two second lateral stops 3b, provided on the ring. The first and second lateral stops are designed to cooperate in the form of an obstacle in order to stop the ring in rotation around the longitudinal axis A, relative to the tube, in at least one direction of rotation, preferably in both directions of rotation. Thus, the swinging in rotation of the ring 3 inside the tube 2 is delimited.
The at least one second lateral stop 3b can comprise or be constituted by at least one rim 3b which extends along the longitudinal axis A from a second axial stop 3a. Preferably, each second lateral stop 3b comprises a rim 3b which extends along the longitudinal axis A, from a second axial stop 3a. Also preferably, the second lateral stops 3b comprise or are constituted by two rims 3b which extend along the longitudinal axis A from each second axial stop 3a as represented in
Alternatively, the at least one first lateral stop 2b comprises at least one rim which extends along the longitudinal axis from a first axial stop 2a.
“Rim” preferably means a shape in the form of a relief or bump formed on an axial stop surface or from an axial stop surface.
As a variant, at least one first axial stop 2a can have a concave surface, and at least one second axial stop 3a can have a convex surface. The concave and convex surfaces are preferably complementary or substantially complementary.
As a variant, the at least one first axial stop 2a can have a convex surface, and the at least one second axial stop 3a can have a concave surface. The concave and convex surfaces are preferably complementary or substantially complementary.
In the case of these two variants, the lateral stops can be omitted. In fact, when the first and second axial stops are in contact, torque opposes the rotation of the ring relative to the tube, since this rotation involves compression of the spring which ensures the return of the first and second axial stops against one another.
The part 2 or 3 comprising the housings can have guide channels for the protuberances of the other part 3 or 2, these channels being arranged such as to guide the protuberances between the housings and an end of the part comprising the housings.
Preferably, the protuberances and/or the housings are obtained by removal of material.
An embodiment of a process for fitting or assembly of a button is described hereinafter.
The process comprises the following steps:
In the third assembly step, the ring 3 is arranged opposite the tube 2, such that the housings 3d are situated between two protuberances 2c. It is thus possible to insert the ring 3 inside the tube 2 against the spring 5. The ring is displaced relative to the tube by a distance which is at least equal to the height 20c of the protuberances 2c (measured along the longitudinal axis A). In the fifth assembly step, the ring 3 is turned by an angle of approximately 60°, such as to allow the surfaces 2a and 3a to be positioned opposite one another. It is thus possible in the sixth assembly step (
An embodiment of a process for dismantling or removing a button is described hereinafter.
The process comprises the following steps:
The dismantling of the ring 3 inside the tube 2 is thus carried out in a similar manner, by inverting the relative movements of the ring in relation to the tube. It should however be noticed that the step of “applying an axial force F on the ring” is optional, in particular with a button which does not comprise a lateral stop.
In order to facilitate the fitting and/or dismantling, the ring and the tube have visual references or locating units. These references can comprise cut-outs 2g and 3g. These references make it possible to provide an indication of the angular position of the ring relative to the tube around the longitudinal axis A. For example, in the assembled configuration, these references 2g and 3g can coincide or be situated opposite one another, as represented in
The button can be fitted on the middle in an assembled manner according to the aforementioned process for fitting or assembling the button, i.e. after having assembled the button according to the aforementioned process for fitting or assembly. Alternatively, only the tube can previously be fitted on the middle, in order then to proceed with assembly of the push button according to the aforementioned process for fitting or assembling the button.
The button as a whole can be dismantled from the middle before implementing the aforementioned process for dismantling or removing the button. Alternatively, only the tube can be dismantled from the middle, having previously proceeded with the dismantling of the push button according to the aforementioned process for dismantling or removing the button.
A solution of this type for assembling or dismantling the button, in particular a solution of this type for assembling or dismantling the ring 3 inside the tube 2, is particularly advantageous, in that the torque for retention in an angular position of the ring 3 is limited to a value which is substantially proportional to the presser force induced by the return spring 5. Thus, a solution of this type is particularly suitable for the implementation of a tube 2, which is connected to the middle 10 by means of a connection which can be dismantled. The torque for retention in an angular position of the ring 3 inside the tube 2 is in fact substantially less than the torque for unscrewing the tube. Thus, it is possible to dismantle the elements of the push button which are accommodated inside the tube without a risk of detracting from the connection between the tube and the middle, whilst proposing a tube 2, and thus a complete push button, which can be dismantled from the middle of the watch case.
Thanks to the button structure previously described, it is possible to remove easily the components ring 3, rod 4 and spring 5 from the tube 2 from the inside of the middle, within the context of an after-sales service operation. This makes it possible in particular to introduce a dismantling cone into the toothing 2i of the tube 2, in the case when the toothing is damaged, and/or can no longer receive the tool designed to actuate it conventionally.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16206881.1 | Dec 2016 | EP | regional |
