Patent Application
20230418229
The invention relates to a rotating bezel for a timepiece case. The invention relates also to a timepiece case comprising such a rotating bezel. The invention finally relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece case or such a rotating bezel.
The document EP2624076 discloses a bezel design in which the annular section is minimized so as to be arranged on an annular seat of a middle, the surface extent of which is also minimized. Such a bezel comprises indexing means and guiding and/or braking means disposed on one and the same radius centered on the axis of said bezel. That is made possible by the insertion of a ring which is disposed at the interface of helical return springs (disposed on the annular seat of the middle) and of the bottom face of the bezel, an indexing ratchet passing through said ring so as to cooperate with an indexing toothing disposed on said bottom face of the bezel on said bezel radius. Even though this solution is perfectly efficient, it can be further enhanced.
The aim of the invention is to provide a rotating bezel for a timepiece case that makes it possible to enhance the systems known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a rotating bezel that is simple and reliable and whose radial bulk is minimized.
A rotating bezel according to the invention is defined by point 1 below.
The attached drawings represent, by way of examples, two embodiments of a timepiece.
A first embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described hereinbelow with reference to
The timepiece 200 is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch.
The timepiece 200 comprises a horological movement intended to be mounted in a timepiece case 100 in order to protect it from the outside environment.
The horological movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, notably an automatic movement.
The timepiece case 100 comprises:
The bezel is a rotating bezel, that is to say a bezel that is movable in rotation about an axis A10 relative to the rest of the timepiece case, notably relative to the middle 3 on which it is mounted.
The middle 3 is provided with an annular seat 3a, more particularly visible in
The rotating bezel 10 for a case 100 of a timepiece 200 comprises:
Preferably, the bezel has a form of revolution or substantially of revolution about the axis A10.
In the first embodiment, the bezel 10 comprises for example:
The ring 1 comprises:
Preferably, the frustoconical surface 1a forms an angle α (half-angle at the vertex of the frustoconical surface) of between 30° and 80° with a vector z arranged along the direction of the axis A10 or with the axis A10. By convention, this vector z is oriented from the bottom of the case 100 toward the glass of the case 100. In the first embodiment as illustrated, the frustoconical surface 1a is oriented in such a way that it approaches the axis A10 in the direction defined by the vector z. In other words, the single frustoconical surface 1a has a vertex oriented toward the top of the bezel. The top of the bezel corresponds here to the top face of the bezel, namely the visible face of the bezel when the latter is mounted on the middle. In other words, the vertex of the conical surface in extension of the single frustoconical surface is located above the visible face of the bezel.
The shaft 4 is for example disposed on a third circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a third radius R3. More particularly, the third circle passes through the axis A4 of the shaft 4.
For example, these elements 1b take the form of pins or studs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, as illustrated in
In the first embodiment, the first radius R1 is smaller than the second radius R2. Preferentially, the ratio of the radii R2/R1 is less than 1.2, even less than 1.1.
In the first embodiment of the bezel 10 which is illustrated, the pins 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are distributed over an angular segment S1 of the bottom face of the bezel. Obviously, these pins could be distributed, in particular evenly distributed, over the entire revolution of the bezel. These pins can be made of a piece with the ring 1 of the bezel 10. Alternatively, these pins can be driven or riveted or brazed or welded in the bezel ring or in the bezel.
The guiding and/or the braking of the bezel 10 is applied through the frustoconical surface 1a which cooperates with the pressing elements 51, 52, 53, each mounted on its helical spring 61, 62, 63. The pressing elements press on the frustoconical surface. The arrangement of the frustoconical surface 1a and of the pressing elements generates mechanical forces from the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface 1a, which have radial components relative to the axis A10 and which are oriented toward the outside of the case. Such a configuration makes it possible to produce a good rotational guidance of the bezel about the axis A10 relative to the middle.
The angular indexing of the bezel 10 according to the axis A10 is, for its part, applied by hollows 11a (more particularly visible in
For its part, the bezel 10 is maintained vertical by a ring 7 added onto the middle 3 via a case sealing packing 91, 92 at the glass 8. The packing is for example composed of a seal 91 and a ring 92. More particularly, the bezel 10, notably the ring 1, comprises a groove 1c in which at least a portion of ring 7 is planned to be housed.
A second embodiment of a timepiece 200′ is described hereinbelow with reference to
The timepiece 200′ is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch.
The timepiece 200′ comprises a horological movement intended to be mounted in a timepiece case 100′ in order to protect it from the outside environment.
The horological movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, notably an automatic movement.
The timepiece case 100′ comprises:
The bezel is a rotating bezel, that is to say a bezel that is movable in rotation about an axis A10′ relative to the rest of the timepiece case, notably relative to the middle 3′ on which it is mounted.
The middle 3′ is provided with an annular seat 3a′ which comprises different housings 31′, 32′, 33′ in which are arranged pressing elements 51′, 52′, 53′, such as balls, each mounted on a helical spring 61′, 62′, 63′. This seat 3a′ also comprises a housing 34′ in which is housed a shaft 4′ on an axis A4′ parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A10′ of rotation of the bezel 10′. This shaft 4′ is movable in translation on the axis A4′.
The rotating bezel 10′ for a case 100′ of a timepiece 200′ comprises:
Preferably, the bezel has a form of revolution or substantially of revolution about the axis A10′.
In the second embodiment, the bezel 10′ comprises, for example:
For example, the second bezel ring 99′ is held against the first bezel ring 1′ by the action of the at least one decorative element 2′. For example, the decorative element 2′ is snap-fitted onto the first ring 1′, and the second ring 99′ is housed and held between the first ring 1′ and the decorative element 2′.
The first ring 1′ comprises:
Preferably, the frustoconical surface 1a′ forms an angle α′ (half-angle at the vertex of the frustoconical surface) of between 30° and 80° with a vector z′ arranged along the direction of the axis A10′ or with the axis A10′. By convention, this vector z′ is oriented from the bottom of the case 100′ toward the glass 8′ of the case 100′. In the second embodiment as illustrated, the frustoconical surface 1a′ is oriented in such a way that it approaches the axis A10′ in the direction defined by the vector z′. In other words, the single frustoconical surface 1a′ has a vertex oriented toward the top of the bezel.
The shaft 4′ housed in the opening 34′ of the annular seat 3a′ of the middle 3′, is provided to cooperate with a rim toothing 1b′ formed on the bottom face 10a′ of the bezel 10′ as illustrated in
The shaft 4′ is for example disposed on a third circle centered on the first axis A10′ and having a third radius R3′. More particularly, the third circle passes through the axis A4′ of the shaft 4′.
In the second embodiment more particularly illustrated in
The toothing 1b′ can be symmetrical or not. The tooth 4b′ can be symmetrical or not. Moreover, the toothing is disposed at a second radius R2′ of a second circle centered on the axis A10′ of rotation of the bezel 10′.
The guiding and/or the braking of the bezel 10′ is applied through the frustoconical surface 1a′ which cooperates with the pressing elements 51′, 52′, 53′, each mounted on its helical spring 61′, 62′, 63′. The pressing elements press on the frustoconical surface 1a′. The arrangement of the frustoconical surface 1a′ and of the pressing elements generates mechanical forces from the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface 1a′, which have radial components relative to the axis A10′ and which are oriented outward. Such a configuration makes it possible to produce a good rotational guidance of the bezel about the axis A10′ relative to the middle.
Such a design makes it possible to arrange the surface 1a′ and the elements 1b′, and therefore the balls 51′, 52′, 53′ and the shaft 4′, on, respectively, radii R1′ and R2′ which are close, even very close.
In the second embodiment, the first radius R1′ is greater than the second radius R2′. Preferentially, the ratio of the radii R1′/R2′ is less than 1.2, even less than 1.1.
As for the first embodiment, the axial hold of the bezel 10′ is, for its part, defined by a ring 7′ added onto the middle 3′ via a case sealing packing at the glass 8′. The sealing packing is composed of a seal 91′ and a ring 92′. More particularly, the first and second rings 1′ and 99′ form a groove 1c′ in which provision is made to house at least one portion of ring 7′.
A variant of the second embodiment of a timepiece 200′ is described hereinbelow with reference to
For example, the second bezel ring 99′ is held against the first bezel ring 1′ by the action of the at least one decorative element 2′. For example, the decorative element 2′ is snap fitted onto the first ring 1′, and the second ring 99′ is housed and held between the first ring 1′ and the decorative element 2′. In this case, the first ring can complementarily or alternatively be seen as a bottom ring and the second ring can be seen as a top ring, because the second ring is introduced into the first ring from the top side of the first ring and the rings are in abutment against one another on a surface of the second ring oriented downward and a surface of the first ring oriented upward (in the direction defined by the vector z′).
Alternatively or complementarily, the ring 99′ can be secured to the ring 1′ by any other means. For example, by driving, riveting, welding or brazing. In order to guarantee the securing of the first ring 1′ in rotation with the ring 99′, the latter can comprise angular abutment elements. For example, the ring 1′ can comprise lobes 1c′ protruding toward the axis A10′, which are provided to cooperate with openings 99c′ formed at the outer periphery of the ring 99′, as can be seen in
Preferably, throughout this document, “annular seat” is understood to mean a reception surface for a bezel. Preferentially, this surface forms an integral part of the middle. Preferentially, this surface is overall disposed at right angles to the axis of rotation of the bezel, notably apart from the frustoconical surface which has a specific orientation according to the invention.
Preferably, throughout this document, “radial section” is understood to mean a section on a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the bezel. In other words, the axis of rotation of the bezel is contained in such a plane.
Preferably, throughout this document, “guiding and/or braking surface” is understood to mean a surface provided to cooperate with guiding and/or braking elements. These elements can, for example, take the form of balls returned elastically by one or more springs.
Preferably, throughout this document, “radius” is understood preferably to mean a median radius. More particularly, the first radius R1, R1′ through which the frustoconical surface 1a, 1a′ passes corresponds to the radius splitting the frustoconical surface 1a, 1a′ into two portions whose areas are equal or substantially equal. Moreover, the second radius R2 through which the elements 1b pass passes more particularly through the center of the pins or studs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Moreover, the second radius R2′ through which the elements 1b pass corresponds to the radius splitting the rim toothing 1b′ into two portions whose areas are equal or substantially equal.
Throughout this document, “angular indexing” or “indexing of the bezel” is understood to mean the definition of different stable angular positions of the bezel relative to the middle. These stable positions can be separated by a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions or two indexed positions or two indexing positions, the bezel passes transiently through a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. The bezel can leave a stable position only if a torque greater than a threshold torque is exerted on the bezel, whereas the bezel can leave an unstable position when a torque less than this threshold torque is exerted on the bezel.
Throughout this document, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” in the expressions “first radius”, “second radius”, and “third radius” have a distinctive meaning and not a temporal meaning or a position-related meaning.
In the two embodiments described, the pressing elements are balls. However, the pressing elements or certain pressing elements can also be studs or shafts, notably studs or shafts that have a hemispherical or substantially hemispherical end.
In the two embodiments described, three pressing elements are implemented. However, the watch case can have more than three pressing elements, notably four, five or six pressing elements acting on the bezel.
Whatever the variants and embodiments, the different pressing elements are preferably evenly distributed about the axis A10; A10′, that is to say that the pressing elements are disposed symmetrically relative to one or more planes passing through the axis A10; A10′ or according to a symmetry of rotation about the axis A10; A10′.
In the two embodiments described, the single frustoconical surface has a vertex oriented toward the top of the bezel. However, the single frustoconical surface could alternatively have a vertex oriented toward the underside of the bezel. The underside of the bezel corresponds here to the bottom face of the bezel, namely the face of the bezel that is not visible when the latter is mounted on the middle. In other words, the vertex of the conical surface in extension of the single frustoconical surface is located below the bottom face of the bezel. In such an embodiment, the arrangement of the frustoconical surface and of the pressing elements creates mechanical forces from the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface which have radial components relative to the axis A10; A10′ and which are oriented toward the interior of the case.
Whatever the variants and embodiments, the bezel can present hour or time-derivative information. Such information can be borne by a decorative element of the bezel.
In the two embodiments described, the mechanical actions exerted by the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface are contact actions.
However, the actions could alternatively be actions at a distance, such as magnetic forces.
Whatever the variants and embodiments, the rotating bezel comprises a single frustoconical surface 1a centered on the first axis A10; A10′ and intended to be acted upon by at least one pressing element. That excludes the rotating bezel from comprising two frustoconical surfaces centered on the first axis and each intended to be acted upon by a pressing element. This excludes in particular two frustoconical surfaces centered on the first axis and forming a radial bezel section having a V-shaped form in which one or more pressing elements could press simultaneously on the two flanks of the V. As seen previously, the single frustoconical surface can be composed of several portions of a same conical surface. By virtue of such a geometry, the radial bulk necessary to the implementation of the guiding means and of the indexing means of the bezel can be limited. In particular, this makes it possible to have the frustoconical surface cohabit with bezel indexing elements and/or actuation elements, notably for a bezel whose bottom face has a small surface extent, while offering performance levels in terms of guidance and/or braking that are at least equivalent to those of the solutions known from the prior art. The annular section of the bezels according to the invention can therefore be minimized. Such a design is particularly advantageous for the definition of a rotating bezel arranged in a case of small diameter provided with a middle comprising an annular seat whose section is minimized and/or for the definition of a set rotating bezel.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01445/20 | Nov 2020 | CH | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/081258 | 11/10/2021 | WO |
