Patent Grant
11126142
This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 17208774.4 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The invention relates to the field of horology. It more specifically relates to a watch case with a rotating bezel, as well as to a watch equipped with such a case.
Watch cases with a rotating bezel are commonly intended to equip diving watches. However, they are suitable for numerous other activities, particularly sporting activities, that require timing.
The bezel, which generally rotates in one direction (most often anti-clockwise) is provided with a graduation, typically in tens or in quarters, and with a zero index (ordinarily in the form of a triangle, an apex of which points towards the centre of the watch).
In order to measure the elapsed time during a diving session (or any activity, particularly a sporting activity), the wearer rotates the bezel at the start of the session in order to align the index with the minute hand. As it runs, this then indicates, on a level with the graduation of the bezel, the time that has elapsed during the session.
Some models, which have become classic models, are well known to divers and enthusiasts: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Omega Seamaster, Certina Action Diver can be cited in particular. In order to provide unidirectional rotation of the bezel, watchmakers most often use a pawl mechanism.
It can be beneficial for a wearer to be able to easily replace the rotating bezel. Various reasons can be cited to this end: personalization of the watch, temporary adaptation of the watch for certain activities, particularly sporting activities (for example, scuba diving).
A watch case with an interchangeable rotating bezel has already been designed, see Swiss patent CH 703400, for example, which proposes a mechanism comprising, in addition to the rotating bezel and a knurled ring that is integral therewith, a spring washer, a toothed indexing ring, a retention ring provided with notches and undercuts and pawls in the form of radial pins that resiliently engage with the teeth of the toothed ring. During normal operation, the pins jump from one tooth to the next while being axially blocked by the notches of the retention ring, which thus form a bayonet for fastening the bezel. In order to disconnect the bezel, it must be positioned in an unstable angular position, in which the pins are each located at the apex of a tooth, then the undercuts of the retention ring need to be brought level with the teeth in order to axially release them.
This mechanism has a complex architecture and is delicate to use. The positioning of the bezel in its unstable angular position must be performed in an extremely precise manner, otherwise the pins tend to return to their normal operating position, in which they prevent the removal of the bezel. For a regular user, replacing the bezel themselves proves to be a difficult undertaking, especially in the middle of sporting activities. For this reason, it seems that this operation can only be successfully undertaken in a workshop. Furthermore, when the bezel is disassembled, the toothed indexing ring is no longer held on the middle and care must be taken to prevent it from being dropped or even lost.
Consequently, there is still a requirement for proposing a watch case with a detachable rotating bezel, the replacement of which is simple and quick, whilst allowing reliable assembly and locking of the rotating bezel, and this is a first aim of the present invention.
A second aim is, whilst meeting the first aim, to minimize the number of parts for retaining the bezel.
A third aim of the invention is to form a complete interchangeable block (integrating the bezel), the parts of which remain secured during disassembly. In particular, the invention proposes providing a solution in which no individual part, after disassembly of the bezel, is connected to the bezel or to the middle of the watch case, so as to prevent any loss or damage to such an individual part by a user of the relevant watch or a positioning error when reassembling a bezel on the middle.
In order to achieve all or some of the aforementioned aims, according to a first aim, a watch case is proposed comprising:
In its deployed position, the bezel is capable of rotating in order to be placed in any one of the positions of the plurality of stable angular positions. To disassemble the bezel, it must be placed in an angular position that allows it to be pressed in, then it needs to be pressed towards its retracted position so as to place the coupling system in the coupling configuration and, finally, the bezel needs to be rotated (which entrains the band) in order to disengage each fin from its respective bayonet. Consequently, the sub-assembly comprising the bezel and the fastening structure, assembled therewith, can be removed from the middle and replaced with another sub-assembly comprising a different bezel, with the fastening structure being able to be assembled with the replacement bezel or each bezel has its own fastening structure.
This procedure is particularly simple and can be undertaken by the wearer themselves, including in the field (rather than in a workshop). The watch case further comprises a limited number of parts, which simplifies its manufacture and enhances its reliability.
Various additional features can be provided, individually or in combination. Thus, for example:
According to a second aim, a watch is proposed that is equipped with a watch case as described above.
Further aims and advantages of the invention will become apparent in light of the description of embodiments, which description is provided hereafter with reference to the drawings.
Firstly, the case 1 comprises a middle 2. The middle 2 can be made of metal (for example, of steel, preferably stainless steel), or of a synthetic material (for example, a composite material comprising a polymer matrix loaded with fibres, typically carbon). As can be seen in
According to an embodiment shown in
The term “axial” denotes a general direction parallel to the central axis X. The term “transversal” or “horizontal” denotes a general orientation in a plane perpendicular to the central axis X. The term “radial” denotes a general direction along an axis perpendicular to and coincident with the central axis X. The term “tangential” denotes a general direction following a circle about the central axis X. The terms “top” and “bottom” are used according to their conventional definition, in a case 1 position in which it is placed flat, with the horns at the bottom.
The middle 2 defines a peripheral track 4. This track has a circular profile about the central axis X and extends in a transversal plane. The track is internally bordered by a socket 5 that extends axially by projecting from the track 4, and is externally bordered by a rim 6 that also extends axially by projecting from the track. The height of the rim 6, measured from the track, is below that of the socket 5 (also measured from the track).
Bayonets are formed in the middle 2. At least two bayonets are provided, diametrically opposed, for example. In the example shown, three bayonets 7 are provided (in this case distributed at 120° intervals about the central axis X). According to a preferred embodiment, each bayonet 7 comprises a groove 8 provided in the rim 6, and a hollow 9, in which the groove 8 tangentially emerges.
The groove 8 radially emerges inwardly, facing the socket 5. The groove 8 is delimited:
Each hollow 9 is, in the embodiment shown, in the form of a cut in the rim 6, which tangentially interrupts the upper face 11 of the groove 8.
The bayonet 7 terminates with a blind end 13. This blind end is located tangentially opposite the hollow 9 and closes the groove 8.
Secondly, the watch case 1 comprises a rotating bezel 14 detachably mounted on the middle 1. The bezel is in the form of an annular part. The bezel has an upper face 15, on which a graduation 16 is affixed or formed. In the example shown, the graduation comprises indexes, some of which are representational and are in the form of numerals (preferably Arabic numerals). One of the indexes, called zero index 17, is in the form of a triangle pointing towards the inside of the bezel 14, in order to form a home reference, from which the user measures, in minutes, the elapsed time from an initial predetermined instant corresponding to a precise angular position of the bezel relative to the middle 2.
The bezel 14 also has an opposite lower face 18, which extends facing the middle 2 and, more specifically, facing the track 4. As shown in
Thirdly, the watch case 1 comprises a toothed crown 20. This toothed crown, which as will be seen is used for angular indexing of the bezel 14 relative to the middle 2, comprises a peripheral series of teeth 21, in this case sixty teeth. As shown in
As can be clearly seen in
Fourthly, the case 1 comprises a structure SF for detachably fastening the bezel 14 on the middle 2. In the examples shown, the fastening structure SF firstly comprises a ring 25. This ring is provided with an annular collar 26. The collar 26 transversely extends level with the track 4.
In the embodiments shown, see
The ring 25 comprises at least one hook 28 (in this case in the form of a notched resilient tab) for fastening to the bezel 14. Preferably, the ring 25 comprises a peripheral series of hooks 28, evenly (or otherwise) distributed over the periphery of the ring 25. The (or each) hook axially projects. In the examples shown (
As can be particularly seen in
The collar 26 has an external diameter that it is smaller than the internal diameter of the rim 6 of the middle 2, measured level with the socket 5. In this way, the collar can be freely engaged on the middle 2 or can be freely removed therefrom.
As will be seen hereafter, in the normal operating position, the collar 26 is not necessarily in contact with the track 4, but is slightly separated therefrom.
The ring 25 preferably is made of a metal material (for example, of steel). However, it can be made of a plastic material (advantageously an extremely hard material, for example, polyoxymethylene or POM).
In the examples shown, the fastening structure SF secondly comprises a lock ring 30 interposed between the bezel 14 and the ring 25. This lock ring is rotationally integral with the ring.
The lock ring 30 comprises a band 31. This band transversely extends in a circular manner about the axis X and in line with the collar 26 of the ring 25. The band 31 has an upper face 32, facing the lower face 18 of the bezel, and has an opposite lower face 33, facing the collar 26 of the ring. The band 31 has fins 34 that radially project (towards the outside), each of which is capable of detachably engaging in a bayonet 7.
The overall diameter of the lock ring 30, measured at the fins 34, is greater than the internal diameter of the rim 6 of the middle 2, measured level with the bayonet 7.
In the examples shown, the lock ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25 by being engaged on the skirt 27. To this end, the internal diameter of the lock ring 30 is greater than the external diameter of the skirt 27. In order to allow the lock ring to be engaged despite the presence of the hooks 28, the notches 29 of which form radial projections, the internal edge of the band 31 can be splined level with the hooks.
The lock ring 30 further comprises at least one pawl spring 35, which projects from the upper face 32 of the band 31 to form an angular indexing member of the bezel 14. The pawl spring 35 resiliently engages with the toothed crown 20 in order to define a plurality of stable angular positions (as many positions as there are teeth 21, accordingly sixty in this case) of the bezel 14 relative to the middle 2. Advantageously, at least two pawl springs are provided. In the embodiments shown, the lock ring 30 comprises three pawl springs 35. In this case, the springs are distributed so as to balance the forces, typically at 120° intervals about the axis X.
Each spring 35 is preferably integrally formed (i.e. a single part) with the band 31. Thus, in the embodiments of
The lock ring 30 preferably is entirely manufactured from spring steel, and is shaped by stamping, for example.
The lock ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25. As shown in
As shown in
Preferably, the lock ring 30 comprises, in order to distribute the forces, a plurality of claws 36 (three in the embodiment of
When the lock ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25, each claw 36 is housed in the corresponding cut 37. This results in the rotational securing of the lock ring and the ring.
The lock ring 30 ensures axial blocking of the ring 25 (and therefore of the bezel 14 that is hooked thereto) relative to the middle 2, by means of a bayonet system comprising:
The lock ring 30 is fastened on the middle 2 by a combined movement comprising an axial translation movement, during which the fins 34 are introduced into the hollows 9, followed by a rotation movement about the axis X, during which each fin 34 is tangentially introduced into a groove 8. Once this combined movement is complete, the ring 25 is held captive between the lock ring and the middle 2. More specifically, even though the skirt 27 of the ring 25 is engaged on the socket 5 of the middle, its collar 26 is axially held captive between the lock ring 30 and the track 4.
The blind end 13 of at least one of the grooves 8 forms an angular travel limit stop for the rotation of the lock ring 30.
The watch case 1 advantageously comprises a mechanism 38 for locking the lock ring 30 relative to the middle 2, at the end of angular travel position of the lock ring during its assembly.
According to a first embodiment shown in
In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 38 comprises at least one catch 41 formed so as to project on the lock ring 30, adjacent to a fin 34, and capable of snap-fitting in a recess of the middle 2 at the blind end 13 of the bayonet 7. It is to be noted that each catch and the recess associated therewith can be provided at other locations, for example, each catch is placed along a respective fin and the recess is arranged in the middle of the corresponding groove of the relevant bayonet. In order to facilitate the assembly of the bezel, it is understood that it is preferable for each fin and for each corresponding bayonet to be provided with the same locking mechanism, so that a specific fin is not dedicated to a single given bayonet.
As shown in
The rotation about the axis X brings the chamfered front edge 42 of the catch 41 against an edge 44 limiting the upper face 11 of the groove 8, on the side of the hollow 9. As the rotation force of the lock ring 30 continues, the chamfered front edge 42 slides on the edge, which compresses the leaf springs 39 and forces the fin 34 to pass under the upper face 11 of the groove 8, while allowing the rotation of the lock ring 30 to continue up to the angular travel limit stop.
In the example shown in
Simultaneously, the pawl springs 35 exert an axial force on the crown 20 (and therefore on the bezel 14) that tends to separate the bezel 14 from the middle 2. As the ring 25 is hooked on the bezel, the ring is axially stressed until it is urged against the lower face 33 of the band 31, which explains the configuration shown in
According to a second embodiment shown in
In the example shown, the resilient boss 46 is in the form of a ball mounted on a resilient support (for example, a slide axially translationally mounted on a hole 48 provided in the track 4, with interposing of a return spring).
In this second embodiment, the ring 25 advantageously is provided, in addition to the notch 47, which is wedged on the ball 46 in the locked position (
The recess 49 is angularly offset from the notch 47 by an angle substantially corresponding to the angular extension of a bayonet 7.
By way of a variation, or of an addition, the locking mechanism 38 can comprise pawl springs, provided to radially project on a peripheral edge of the lock ring 30 (and, more specifically, of the band 31), and capable of engaging by snap-fitting with hollow indentations radially formed in the middle.
Fifthly, the watch case 1 comprises, a system SC for coupling the bezel 14 to the fastening structure SF. This coupling system SC comprises a male part 50 and a female part 51:
This coupling system SC is arranged to adopt two configurations:
The bezel 14 is, for its part, mounted on the fastening structure SF with the possibility of axial clearance between:
In the examples shown, the male part 50 of the coupling system SC is integral with the bezel, whereas the female part 51 is integral with the fastening structure SF.
More specifically, in the examples shown, the male part 50 is in the form of a pin that projects from the lower face 18 of the bezel 14.
Advantageously, the pin 50 is an added part. In this case, the pin is press-fitted into a hole 52 provided in the bezel 14 and emerging on the side of its lower face 18 (see the detailed view on the top left-hand side of
A single pin 50 can be provided, as in the example shown in
As shown in the detailed insets on the top left-hand side of
When the coupling system SC comprises a plurality of pins 50, then, correspondingly, it comprises a plurality of openings 51 provided in the lock ring 30.
In the deployed position of the bezel 14 (shown in
In one or more predetermined angular position(s) of the bezel 14 relative to the middle 2, where the (or each) pin 50 is in line with a corresponding opening 51, the bezel can be moved from its retracted position by axially pressing against the pawl spring(s) 35 and, optionally, in the first embodiment of
The opening 51 preferably has an angular extension that is equal to or is slightly greater than the diameter of the pin 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the opening 51 is in the form of an oblong hole, which allows a slight angular clearance in the bezel 14 when the pin 50 is housed in the opening, which promotes ease of use. In general, the recess forming the female part of the coupling system advantageously has an angular clearance when the male part is positioned inside this recess.
The ring 25 also, for its part, can be provided, in line with the opening 51 in the lock ring, with a secondary opening 53 capable of receiving an end of the pin 50 (see the detailed insets on the centre-left of
However, it is preferable for the axial clearance of the bezel 14 to be limited, to avoid any excessive deformation of the pawl springs 35 that could possibly damage them. It is for this reason, in a preferred embodiment, that the case 1 comprises one or more stop(s) 54 for limiting the axial travel of the bezel 14. This stop(s) is/are, for example, borne by the bezel 14. Thus, in the example shown in
In the retracted position of the bezel 14, the (or each) stop 54 comes into abutment against the upper face 32 of the band 31 (
The bezel 14 is mounted on the middle 2 preferably by proceeding as described hereafter.
Firstly, the bezel 14 and the fastening structure SF are assembled. To this end, in the architecture shown, the lock ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25 by threading it on the skirt 27. The hooks 28 pass into the internal opening of the band 31 without difficulty, even less so if it is internally splined level with the hooks. The band 31 comes to rest on the collar 26.
The bezel 14 is then snap-fitted on the ring 25, with the hooks 28 resiliently bending before hooking on the annular rib 19. The lock ring 30 is then sandwiched between the bezel and the ring, the pawl springs 35 engage with the teeth 21 of the crown 20 and exert an axial return force that tends to separate the bezel 14 from the ring 25 and thus keep the notches 29 of the hooks in abutment against the rib 19. In these conditions, the collar 26 is applied against the lower face 33 of the band 31.
The length of the pin 50, and its axial positioning in its hole 52, are such that, even when it is not aligned with the opening 51, it nevertheless allows sufficient axial clearance of the bezel 14 to allow it to be snap-fitted on the ring 25.
Once the bezel 14 and the fastening structure SF are assembled, the sub-assembly that is thus formed can be mounted on the middle 2, by fastening the ring 25 using the aforementioned combined movement: positioning the fins 34 level with the hollows 9, axially translationally moving the sub-assembly (downwards) until the fins are brought into the vicinity of the grooves 8, then rotating the sub-assembly to the angular end of travel position of the lock ring 30, determined:
As can be seen in
Advantageously, the bezel 14 is unidirectional. Given the orientation of the pawl springs 35, the bezel in this case is compelled to rotate (relative to the lock ring 30 and to the ring 25, which remain rotationally secured relative to the middle 2) anti-clockwise. As the ring and the lock ring cannot be seen by the wearer, they only see the rotation of the bezel 14 relative to the middle 2.
An activity (for example, a scuba diving session) is timed as follows. The wearer pivots the bezel 14 until the zero index 17 is brought in line with the minute hand. It is to be noted that, with the pin 50 being separated from the upper face 32 of the lock ring 30, it by no means hinders the rotation of the bezel.
When the wearer releases the bezel 14, the bezel is kept in this position (which is a stable balanced position as long as no rotation movement is communicated thereto) by the pawl springs 35, each of which is then snap-fitted between two successive teeth 21 of the crown 20.
The passage of time causes the minute hand to cover an angular sector on the bezel 14, which allows the wearer to measure the elapsed time on the graduation (for example, ten or fifteen minutes) from the instant at which the positioning of the zero index 17 was performed.
In order to disassemble the bezel 14, it should be rotated (anti-clockwise, as allowed by the pawl springs 35) until the pin 50 is in line with the opening 51, as shown by the arc of a circle arrow on the top left-hand side of
The angular position of the bezel 14 corresponding to the alignment of the pin with the opening 51 can be determined by aligning visual indicators (for example, lines or dots) respectively formed on the bezel and on the middle 2.
Then the bezel 14 should be axially pressed so that it can be forced towards the middle 2 by causing it to transition from its deployed position to its retracted position (as shown by the vertical arrow on the left-hand side of
More specifically, in the examples shown, the bezel 14 is axially pressed in order to introduce the pin 50 into the opening 51. As long as the bezel remains pressed, the pin is tangentially retained in the opening, which keeps the bezel, the ring 25 and the lock ring 30 rotationally secured.
It is to be noted that, in the first embodiment, axially pressing on the bezel 14 allows the catch 41 to be disengaged from the indentation 45 and thus allows the lock ring 30 to be unlocked so that it can be rotationally released relative to the middle 2 and thus allow the bezel to be disassembled.
The bezel 14 then should be pivoted in the opposite direction to that of the rotation completed during the combined movement of fastening the lock ring 30 on the middle 2. In the embodiments shown, where the assembly rotation is performed clockwise, the disassembly rotation is completed anti-clockwise. This is simple and practical since, apart from during assembly, the wearer always rotates the bezel in the same direction:
The sub-assembly that is thus withdrawn then can be set aside and replaced by another sub-assembly comprising a bezel 14 with a different shape and/or colour, depending on the previously described assembly procedure.
Various variations can be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the structure SF for fastening the bezel can be in the form of a one-piece part. More specifically, it can be contemplated for the ring 25 and the lock ring 30 to be formed from the same part as a single piece. By contrast, the fastening structure SF can comprise a greater number of parts.
Thus, even though it has been seen, in the first embodiment shown in
Similarly, if, in the examples shown, the skirt 27 is integrated in the ring 25, it can be contemplated, in a variation, for it to be in the form of a distinct part, which would form a ring axially securing the bezel 14 to the collar 26. Such securing can be implemented by providing, in the internal machining of the bezel, a groove, in which the hooks 28 are inserted with limited clearance. In particular, in an advantageous variation, the springs 39 can be secured not to the lock ring 30, but to the collar 26, for example, they can be integral with this collar and produced by a cut in said collar. In such a case, the pins 54 forming stops for transmitting an axial force applied on the bezel when it is disassembled, can be omitted without any risk of damaging the pawl springs 35 and the teeth of the toothed crown 20, since this axial force is then directly transmitted from the bezel to the collar bearing the springs 39.
Furthermore, if, in the examples shown, the pawl springs 35 and the fins 34 are formed by the lock ring 30, it can be contemplated, in a variation, for them to be formed by two parts that are separate but are rotationally secured inside the fastening structure SF.
It is to be noted that these latter three variations are not mutually exclusive but can be at least partly combined.
Finally, it is to be noted that the system for detachably fastening a rotating bezel on a middle according to the invention has a particular advantage due to the fact that the bayonets provided in an internal wall of the middle lend themselves not only to receiving a unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel, but also a non-rotating bezel provided with fastening fins integral with such a bezel. Therefore, it can be understood that the present invention allows an extensive choice to be provided for a set of bezels capable of being alternatively associated with the middle of the watch case in order to vary its appearance and, when necessary, its functionality.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17208774 | Dec 2017 | EP | regional |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2989838 | Guggi | Jun 1961 | A |
| 3386239 | Shiffman | Jun 1968 | A |
| 5319617 | Sonoda | Jun 1994 | A |
| 5490123 | Biver | Feb 1996 | A |
| 6821014 | Hiranuma | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 20030123332 | Hiranuma | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20060114753 | Gerber | Jun 2006 | A1 |
| 20150185702 | Silvant | Jul 2015 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 0 621 518 | Oct 1994 | EP |
| 1 662 342 | May 2006 | EP |
| WO 2007105043 | Sep 2007 | WO |
| WO 2013182487 | Dec 2013 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| European Search Report dated Jun. 5, 2018 in European application 17208774.4, filed on Dec. 20, 2017(with English Translation of Categories Cited). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190187619 A1 | Jun 2019 | US |
