EP0097393B1 - Strap watch case - Google Patents

Strap watch case Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0097393B1
EP0097393B1 EP83200839A EP83200839A EP0097393B1 EP 0097393 B1 EP0097393 B1 EP 0097393B1 EP 83200839 A EP83200839 A EP 83200839A EP 83200839 A EP83200839 A EP 83200839A EP 0097393 B1 EP0097393 B1 EP 0097393B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
glass
watch case
annular
case according
ring
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
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EP83200839A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0097393A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Ratajski
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H FINGER Firma
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H FINGER Firma
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Publication of EP0097393A1 publication Critical patent/EP0097393A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G04B39/004—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses from a material other than glass
    • G04B39/006—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses from a material other than glass out of wear resistant material, e.g. sapphire

Definitions

  • the present invention results from research aimed at perfecting the construction of watch cases from different points of view: reduction of the total height of the box, improvement of aesthetics, increase in safety and in particular impact resistance, simplification of construction.
  • European patent application 00 41 481 discloses a wristwatch case comprising a glass of mineral material, an annular piece of support for the glass, of another material, and means ensuring a tight connection between the glass and the support.
  • Patent CH 499 148 in particular describes an embodiment of this kind.
  • the technique of connecting an elastomer part to a rigid support, in particular metal, is well known.
  • the surfaces of two parts to be joined are coated with dissolved organic binders, suitable for the materials of the two parts. These are placed in a mold at vulcanization temperature.
  • the elastomer brought to the temperature necessary for its flow is then brought under pressure by one or more channels into the space between the two parts to be assembled and vulcanized at the same time as the organic binders at a temperature between 200 and 300 °. C depending on the elastomer used.
  • the vulcanization has the effect of giving the elastomer its final structure, in particular its elasticity, while achieving very effective interface adhesion between the elastomer and the supports.
  • the tensile strength obtained is of the order of 50 to 100 bar.
  • the elastomers which can be used can be, for example, nitrile, butyl, neoprene, polyurethane, etc.
  • the same application can also be envisaged with a plastomer.
  • the thickness of the joint thus adhered must be of the order of 0.30 to 0.50 mm, the polyurethane even allowing thicknesses of the order of 0.10 mm.
  • the watch case according to the invention is characterized in that the said connecting means consist of an intermediate ring made of a material solidified by vulcanization, this ring being fully engaged between the lower face of the glass and the upper face of the support and being permanently connected to these opposite surfaces of the glass and the support so as to maintain these two parts at a predetermined distance from one the other.
  • This mode of connection between the box part comprising the glass and the other part of the box has the effect that the glass is suspended elastically, so that its impact resistance is greatly improved.
  • the stresses, in particular of thermal origin are no longer transmitted to the glass.
  • the latter can be produced in the form of a plate of very thin mineral material. It is thus possible to reduce the thickness of the glass to a value of the order of 0.4 mm without incurring the risks that such fixing methods known up to now offer with such thin glasses.
  • the wristwatch case has a first part formed by an annular case body 1 and a bottom 2 fixed to the case body by a notch formed on the upper edge of its side wall 3.
  • the case body may be steel or gold, or a different metal or any other stable material suitable for making watch cases.
  • the bottom 2 will generally be made of steel. Its peripheral wall 3 is engaged in a notch on the lower rim 4 of the box body 1, which encloses between the two parts a seal 5.
  • the box body 1 is provided with means of attachment to a bracelet. It also includes a transverse passage for engaging a control means. However, these means are not visible in FIG. 1.
  • the box body 1 has an annular flat face 6 whose width is of the order of 2.5 mm to 3 mm.
  • the box body 1 can be circular or of another shape.
  • the face 6 extends from the outer edge to the inner edge.
  • the diameter of which is around 30 mm the area of the upper face 6 thus reaches 2 to 3 cm 2 .
  • the box has a second part which, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, consists exclusively of a thin flat plate 7, of a transparent mineral material such as glass or of a crystal such as sapphire.
  • This glass 7 therefore has a flat lower face 8 which covers the movement 9, the dial 10, the referral barrels 11 and 12.
  • the periphery of this face 8 receives a thin layer of an opaque coating 13 made of a metal adhering to glass.
  • the deposition of this coating can be carried out for example by vacuum metallization. It will be noted that, as a variant, the periphery of the lower face of the glass 8 could also be frosted.
  • the connection between the glass 7 and the box body 1 is provided by an intermediate ring 14 made of a vulcanizable material, for example an elastomer which is bonded by adhesion, on the one hand, by its underside to the upper face 6 of the body of box 1 and, on the other hand, by its upper face to the metallized coating 13 or to the frosted peripheral part of the surface 8.
  • the ring 14 has a thickness of the order of 0.3 to 0.5 mm. Its section, obtained thanks to the shape of the molds which contain the parts 1 and 7 when the connection is made, is rectangular, the external surface extending in the extension of the external lateral surface of the body 1.
  • the opaque metallized layer 13 has the effect of masking the ring 14 and that the glass 7 extends through this embodiment to the periphery of the box where it is visible over its entire thickness and its entire periphery.
  • the movement 9 is fixed inside the body 1 by a casing ring 15 which supports both the dial 10 and the platinum thread of the movement 9.
  • the glass 7 which is also preferably made of sapphire and which extends to the periphery of the case.
  • the box body is here an annular part 16, the upper part of which has a projecting rim 17 which forms the flange of the box. Externally, this rim 17 is surrounded by a shoulder 18 which is planar and which extends to the lateral surface 19 of the box body 16.
  • a control rod (not shown) arranged radially and allowing to act on elements of a movement 20 fixed by the casing ring 21 inside the box body 16.
  • a housing 22 is formed in the wall of the body 16 from the upper shoulder 18.
  • the bottom of this housing can have a U-shape.
  • a bore 23 passes through the wall of the body 16 right through, its axis coinciding with that of the semi-circular bottom of the housing 22.
  • the molds intended to contain the masses of elastomer forming the ring 14 or the ring 24 must, as it is said, have clearances in order to allow the expansions of the elastomer and its degassing during the vulcanization treatment.
  • the variant of fig. 3 shows a configuration of the housing intended to receive the intermediate connecting ring which simplifies the production of the molds.
  • the box body 27 here has an inner protruding rim 28 and an outer protruding rim 29 between which extends a shoulder 30 which forms a connection surface to the intermediate ring. In this shoulder are drilled various holes 31 extending in the axial direction, so that during the positioning of the intermediate ring 32, the excess material 33 can engage in the holes 31.
  • the glass 34 is therefore linked to the box body 27 by the periphery of its lower face 35 which can be metallized or frosted and which is in contact with the upper face of the ring 32, while this ring is concealed upwards as well by the metallized coating 36 only laterally outside and inside by the projecting edges 28 and 29.
  • the intermediate ring designated here by 37 linked to a box body 38 is linked by its upper face to a thin piece 39 which can be either a transparent plate covering the whole box, or an annular piece, the upper constituent of the ice being produced by a plate 40 made of mineral glass or in sapphire glued to the part 39.
  • This upper plate 40 can itself carry the metallized coating 41 if the part 39 is transparent and if it is vulcanized directly on the ring 37 without metallized coating.
  • the part comprising the glass is linked to the main part, in particular to the part comprising the means of connection to the bracelet, by a vulcanized intermediate ring.
  • the intermediate ring is vulcanized on a box body, it could also be vulcanized on a bezel. The rim of this one could also surround the glass.
  • connection means that constitute the vulcanized ring would be very advantageously applicable to curved glasses in the case, for example, where it is desired to produce boxes matching the shape of the wrist.

Description

La présente invention résulte de recherches ayant pour but de perfectionner la construction des boîtes de montre à différents points de vue: réduction de la hauteur totale de la boîte, amélioration de l'esthétique, augmentation de la sécurité et notamment de la résistance aux chocs, simplification de la construction.The present invention results from research aimed at perfecting the construction of watch cases from different points of view: reduction of the total height of the box, improvement of aesthetics, increase in safety and in particular impact resistance, simplification of construction.

La tendance à la réduction de l'épaisseur totale des montres pousse actuellement les constructeurs à utiliser des verres en matière minérale plats et à réduire autant que possible leur épaisseur. Les limitations dans ce sens dépendent de la résistance du verre aux chocs et aux contraintes thermiques.The trend towards reducing the total thickness of watches currently pushes manufacturers to use flat mineral glasses and to reduce their thickness as much as possible. The limitations in this sense depend on the resistance of the glass to impact and thermal stress.

D'autre part, les recherches dans le sens de l'amélioration de l'esthétique sont orientées vers la réalisation de verres en matière minérale dure qui s'étendent jusqu'à la périphérie de la boîte, de sorte que leur tranche est visible sur toute sa hauteur. Ceci pose le problème de la liaison de la matière minérale avec la pièce annulaire destinée à la supporter, lunette ou corps de boîte. Cette dernière pièce peut être, soit en métal, soit en une autre matière relativement dure et généralement opaque.On the other hand, research in the direction of improving aesthetics is directed towards the production of glasses of hard mineral material which extend to the periphery of the box, so that their edges are visible on all its height. This poses the problem of the connection of the mineral material with the annular part intended to support it, bezel or box body. This latter part may be either of metal or of another relatively hard and generally opaque material.

Ainsi le fascicule de demande de brevet européen 00 41 481 divulgue une boîte de montre-bracelet comportant un verre en matière minérale, une pièce annulaire de support du verre, d'un autre matériau, et des moyens aussurant une liaison étanche entre le verre et le support.Thus, the specification of European patent application 00 41 481 discloses a wristwatch case comprising a glass of mineral material, an annular piece of support for the glass, of another material, and means ensuring a tight connection between the glass and the support.

On a déjà prévu dans la construction horlogère des éléments amortisseurs de chocs utilisant des anneaux en un élastomère vulcanisable mis en place entre deux bagues métalliques et liés à ces deux bagues par vulcanisation de l'anneau en place entre les deux bagues. Le brevet CH 499 148 notamment, décrit une réalisation de ce genre. La technique de liaison d'une pièce en élastomère sur un support rigide, notamment en métal, est bien connue. Les surfaces de deux pièces à assembler sont enduites de liants organiques en dissolution, appropriés aux matières des deux pièces. Celles-ci sont placées dans un moule à la température de vulcanisation. L'élastomère porté à la température nécessaire à son écoulement est ensuite amené sous pression par un ou plusieurs canaux dans l'espace compris entre les deux pièces à assembler et vulcanisé en même temps que les liant organiques à une température comprise entre 200 et 300°C selon l'élastomère utilisé. La vulcanisation a pour effet de donner à l'élastomère sa structure définitive, notamment son élasticité, tout en réalisant une adhérence interface très efficace entre l'élastomère et les supports.Provision has already been made in watchmaking for shock absorbing elements using rings made of a vulcanizable elastomer placed between two metal rings and connected to these two rings by vulcanization of the ring in place between the two rings. Patent CH 499 148 in particular describes an embodiment of this kind. The technique of connecting an elastomer part to a rigid support, in particular metal, is well known. The surfaces of two parts to be joined are coated with dissolved organic binders, suitable for the materials of the two parts. These are placed in a mold at vulcanization temperature. The elastomer brought to the temperature necessary for its flow is then brought under pressure by one or more channels into the space between the two parts to be assembled and vulcanized at the same time as the organic binders at a temperature between 200 and 300 °. C depending on the elastomer used. The vulcanization has the effect of giving the elastomer its final structure, in particular its elasticity, while achieving very effective interface adhesion between the elastomer and the supports.

La résistance en traction obtenue est de l'ordre de 50 à 100 bar. Les élastomères utilisables peuvent être, par exemple, le nitrile, le butyl, le néoprène, le polyuréthane, etc.The tensile strength obtained is of the order of 50 to 100 bar. The elastomers which can be used can be, for example, nitrile, butyl, neoprene, polyurethane, etc.

La même application peut également être envisagée avec un plastomère. L'épaisseur du joint ainsi adhérisé doit être de l'ordre de 0,30 à 0,50 mm, le polyuréthane permettant même des épaisseurs de l'ordre de 0,10 mm.The same application can also be envisaged with a plastomer. The thickness of the joint thus adhered must be of the order of 0.30 to 0.50 mm, the polyurethane even allowing thicknesses of the order of 0.10 mm.

Dans le domaine des boîtes de montre, la vulcanisation d'éléments en élastomères sur des supports métalliques est également connue. Selon la demande de brevet anglais GB-2 039 099, on sait lier des garnitures d'étanchéité sur des épaulement des pièces qui les supportent, par cette technique, et la demande de brevet français FR-2 463 437 décrit un procédé consistant à revêtir l'intérieur de la carrure d'une boîte de montre par un joint adhérant à la carrure par vulcanisation.In the field of watch cases, the vulcanization of elastomeric elements on metal supports is also known. According to the British patent application GB-2 039 099, it is known to bind seals on the shoulders of the parts which support them, by this technique, and the French patent application FR-2 463 437 describes a process consisting in coating the inside of the middle part of a watch case by a seal adhering to the middle part by vulcanization.

Toutefois, ces applications connues ne représentaient une amélioration ni au point de vue de la réduction de l'épaisseur de la boîte ni au point de vue de l'esthétique ni au point de vue de la simplification. Or, on s'est aperçu que la vulcanisation permettait de réaliser des liaisons fiables sur des verres métallisés et que les résistances obtenues étaient compatibles avec les exigences posées aux boîtes de montres.However, these known applications did not represent an improvement either from the point of view of reducing the thickness of the box, from the point of view of aesthetics or from the point of view of simplification. However, it has been found that vulcanization makes it possible to produce reliable connections on metallized glasses and that the resistances obtained are compatible with the requirements placed on watch cases.

Dans le but d'atteindre les améliorations et les perfectionnements mentionnés au début, la boîte de montre selon l'invention, du genre défini plus haut, est caractérisé,en ce que les dits moyens de liaison sont constitués par un anneau intercalaire en une matière solidifiée par vulcanisation, cet anneau étant entièrement engagée entre la face inférieure du verre et la face supérieure du support et étant lié à demeure à ces surfaces opposées du verre et du support de manière à maintenir ces deux pièces à une distance prédéterminée l'une de l'autre.In order to achieve the improvements and improvements mentioned at the beginning, the watch case according to the invention, of the kind defined above, is characterized in that the said connecting means consist of an intermediate ring made of a material solidified by vulcanization, this ring being fully engaged between the lower face of the glass and the upper face of the support and being permanently connected to these opposite surfaces of the glass and the support so as to maintain these two parts at a predetermined distance from one the other.

Ce mode de liaison entre la partie de boîte comportant le verre et l'autre partie de la boîte a pour effet que le verre est suspendu élastiquement, de sorte que sa résistance aux chocs est grandement améliorée. De plus, les contraintes, notamment d'origine thermique, ne se transmettent plus au verre. Ce dernier peut être réalisé sous forme d'une plaque de matière minérale très mince. On peut ainsi réduire l'épaisseur du verre jusqu'à une valeur de l'ordre de 0,4 mm sans encourir les risques qu'offrent avec des verres aussi minces les modes de fixation connus jusqu'à maintenant.This mode of connection between the box part comprising the glass and the other part of the box has the effect that the glass is suspended elastically, so that its impact resistance is greatly improved. In addition, the stresses, in particular of thermal origin, are no longer transmitted to the glass. The latter can be produced in the form of a plate of very thin mineral material. It is thus possible to reduce the thickness of the glass to a value of the order of 0.4 mm without incurring the risks that such fixing methods known up to now offer with such thin glasses.

On va décrire ci-après, à titre d'exemple, différentes formes de réalisation possibles de l'objet de l'invention en se référant au dessin annexé, dont:

  • les fig. 1 et 2 sont des vues en coupe axiale partielle de deux formes de réalisation de la boîte de montre selon l'invention, et
  • les fig. 3 et 4 des vues en coupe fragmentaires de variantes d'exécution.
A description will be given below, by way of example, of various possible embodiments of the subject of the invention with reference to the appended drawing, including:
  • fig. 1 and 2 are views in partial axial section of two embodiments of the watch case according to the invention, and
  • fig. 3 and 4 fragmentary sectional views of alternative embodiments.

A la fig. 1, la boîte de montre-bracelet comporte une première partie formée d'une corps de boîte annulaire 1 et d'un fond 2 fixé au corps de boîte par un cran ménagé sur le bord supérieur de sa paroi latérale 3. Le corps de boîte peut être en acier ou en or, ou encore en un métal différent ou toute autre matière stable propre à la réalisation des boîtes de montres. Le fond 2 sera en règle générale en acier. Sa paroi périphérique 3 est engagée à cran sur le rebord inférieur 4 du corps de boîte 1, ce qui enferme entre les deux pièces une garniture d'étanchéité 5. Le corps de boîte 1 est muni de moyens de fixation à un bracelet. Il comporte également un passage transversal pour l'engagement d'un moyen de commande. Toutefois, ces moyens ne sont pas visibles à la Fig. 1.In fig. 1, the wristwatch case has a first part formed by an annular case body 1 and a bottom 2 fixed to the case body by a notch formed on the upper edge of its side wall 3. The case body may be steel or gold, or a different metal or any other stable material suitable for making watch cases. The bottom 2 will generally be made of steel. Its peripheral wall 3 is engaged in a notch on the lower rim 4 of the box body 1, which encloses between the two parts a seal 5. The box body 1 is provided with means of attachment to a bracelet. It also includes a transverse passage for engaging a control means. However, these means are not visible in FIG. 1.

A sa partie supérieure le corps de boîte 1 présente une face plane annulaire 6 dont la largeur est de l'ordre de 2,5 mm à 3 mm. Le corps de boîte 1 peut être circulaire ou d'une autre forme. Dans l'exécution de la fig. 1, la face 6 s'étend du bord extérieur au bord intérieur. Dans le cas d'une réalisation pour montre d'homme dont le diamètre est de l'ordre de 30 mm, l'aire de la face supérieure 6 atteint ainsi 2 à 3 cm2.At its upper part, the box body 1 has an annular flat face 6 whose width is of the order of 2.5 mm to 3 mm. The box body 1 can be circular or of another shape. In the execution of fig. 1, the face 6 extends from the outer edge to the inner edge. In the case of an embodiment for a men's watch, the diameter of which is around 30 mm, the area of the upper face 6 thus reaches 2 to 3 cm 2 .

La boîte comporte une seconde partie qui, dans la forme d'exécution de la fig. 1, est constituée exclusivement par une plaque plane mince 7, d'une matière minérale transparente comme le verre ou d'un cristal tel que le saphir. Ce verre 7 présente donc une face inférieure plane 8 qui recouvre le mouvement 9, le cadran 10, les canons d'aiguillage 11 et 12. La périphérie de cette face 8 reçoit une couche mince d'un revêtement opaque 13 constitué d'un métal adhérant au verre. Le dépôt de ce revêtement peut être réalisé par exemple par métallisation sous vide. On notera qu'en variante, la périphérie de la face inférieure du verre 8 pourrait également être dépolie.The box has a second part which, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, consists exclusively of a thin flat plate 7, of a transparent mineral material such as glass or of a crystal such as sapphire. This glass 7 therefore has a flat lower face 8 which covers the movement 9, the dial 10, the referral barrels 11 and 12. The periphery of this face 8 receives a thin layer of an opaque coating 13 made of a metal adhering to glass. The deposition of this coating can be carried out for example by vacuum metallization. It will be noted that, as a variant, the periphery of the lower face of the glass 8 could also be frosted.

La liaison entre le verre 7 et le corps de boîte 1 est assurée par un anneau intercalaire 14 en une matière vulcanisable, par exemple un élastomère qui est lié par adhérence, d'une part, par sa face inférieure à la face supérieure 6 du corps de boîte 1 et, d'autre part, par sa face supérieure au revêtement métallisé 13 ou à la partie périphérique dépolie de la surface 8. L'anneau 14 a une épaisseur de l'ordre de 0,3 à 0,5 mm. Sa section, obtenue grâce à la forme des moules qui contiennent les parties 1 et 7 lors de la réalisation de la liaison, est rectangulaire, la surface extérieure s'étendant dans le prolongement de la surface latérale externe du corps 1. On a rappelé au début comment l'opération de vulcanisation en place est réalisée et il n'est pas nécessaire de revenir ici sur cette opération. On voit que la couche métallisée opaque 13 a pour effet de masquer l'anneau 14 et que le verre 7 s'étend grâce à cette réalisation jusqu'à la périphérie de la boîte où il est visible sur toute son épaisseur et tout son pourtour.The connection between the glass 7 and the box body 1 is provided by an intermediate ring 14 made of a vulcanizable material, for example an elastomer which is bonded by adhesion, on the one hand, by its underside to the upper face 6 of the body of box 1 and, on the other hand, by its upper face to the metallized coating 13 or to the frosted peripheral part of the surface 8. The ring 14 has a thickness of the order of 0.3 to 0.5 mm. Its section, obtained thanks to the shape of the molds which contain the parts 1 and 7 when the connection is made, is rectangular, the external surface extending in the extension of the external lateral surface of the body 1. We recalled at beginning how the vulcanization operation in place is carried out and it is not necessary to return here to this operation. We see that the opaque metallized layer 13 has the effect of masking the ring 14 and that the glass 7 extends through this embodiment to the periphery of the box where it is visible over its entire thickness and its entire periphery.

Le mouvement 9 est fixé à l'intérieur du corps 1 par un cercle d'encageage 15 qui soutient à la fois le cadran 10 et le filet de platine du mouvement 9.The movement 9 is fixed inside the body 1 by a casing ring 15 which supports both the dial 10 and the platinum thread of the movement 9.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée à la fig. 2, on retrouve le verre 7 qui est également de préférence en saphir et qui s'étend jusqu'à la périphérie de la boîte. Le corps de boîte est ici une pièce annulaire 16 dont la partie supérieure présente un rebord saillant 17 qui forme le réhaut de la boîte. Extérieurement, ce rebord 17 est entouré par un épaulement 18 qui est plan et qui s'étend jusqu'à la surface latérale 19 du corps de boîte 16. Comme la coupe représentée à la fig. 2 est orientée sur 3 h, on voit la constitution du passage de tige dans lequel est engagée un tige de commande (non représentée) disposée radialement et permettant d'agir sur des élément d'un mouvement 20 fixé par le cercle d'encageage 21 à l'intérieur du corps de boîte 16. Sur l'orientation de 3 h, un logement 22 est ménagé dans la paroi du corps 16 depuis l'épaulement supérieure 18. Le fond de ce logement peut avoir une allure en U. D'autre part, une forure 23 traverse la paroi du corps 16 de part en part, son axe coïncidant avec celui du fond semi-circulaire du logement 22.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, we find the glass 7 which is also preferably made of sapphire and which extends to the periphery of the case. The box body is here an annular part 16, the upper part of which has a projecting rim 17 which forms the flange of the box. Externally, this rim 17 is surrounded by a shoulder 18 which is planar and which extends to the lateral surface 19 of the box body 16. As the section shown in FIG. 2 is oriented over 3 h, we see the constitution of the rod passage in which is engaged a control rod (not shown) arranged radially and allowing to act on elements of a movement 20 fixed by the casing ring 21 inside the box body 16. On the 3 o'clock orientation, a housing 22 is formed in the wall of the body 16 from the upper shoulder 18. The bottom of this housing can have a U-shape. on the other hand, a bore 23 passes through the wall of the body 16 right through, its axis coinciding with that of the semi-circular bottom of the housing 22.

La liaison entre le verre 7 et le corps de boîte 16 étant réalisée dans cette forme d'exécution par un anneau intercalaire 24 en un élastomère vulcanisable, on voit que cet anneau peut être rendu solidaire d'un remplissage 25 formé de la même matière et jouant le rôle d'une garniture d'étanchéité assurant le passage de la tige de commande. Lors de la mise en place de l'anneau 24, on engage également de la matière non vulcanisée dans le logement 22 en prenant soin au préalable de placer dans la forure 23 une tige présentant une gorge en regard du logement 22 afin que le remplissage 25 forme, après vulcanisation, un bourrelet en saillie dans le passage 22. Comme dans la première forme d'exécution, la périphérie de la face inférieure 26 du verre 7 peut être métallisée ou dépolie. Elle peut aussi, le cas échéant, être maintenue dans son état lisse naturel. A sa partie inférieure, la boîte décrite est fermée par un fond 2 qui peut avoir la même constitution que dans la première forme d'exécution, la garniture 5 étant logée au même endroit.The connection between the glass 7 and the box body 16 being produced in this embodiment by an intermediate ring 24 made of a vulcanizable elastomer, it can be seen that this ring can be made integral with a filling 25 formed of the same material and playing the role of a seal ensuring the passage of the control rod. When the ring 24 is put in place, unvulcanized material is also engaged in the housing 22, taking care beforehand to place in the borehole 23 a rod having a groove opposite the housing 22 so that the filling 25 form, after vulcanization, a bead projecting in the passage 22. As in the first embodiment, the periphery of the lower face 26 of the glass 7 can be metallized or frosted. It can also, if necessary, be maintained in its natural smooth state. At its lower part, the box described is closed by a bottom 2 which can have the same constitution as in the first embodiment, the lining 5 being housed in the same place.

Avec les deux formes d'exécution décrites ci- dessus, les moules destinés à contenir les masses d'élastomère formant l'anneau 14 ou l'anneau 24 doivent, comme on l'adit, présenter des dégagements afin de permettre les dilatations de l'élasto- mere et son dégazage au cours du traitement de vulcanisation. La variante de la fig. 3 montre une conformation du logement destiné à recevoir l'anneau intercalaire de liaison qui permet de simplifier la réalisation des moules. Le corps de boîte 27 présente ici un rebord saillant intérieur 28 et un rebord saillant extérieur 29 entre lesquels s'étend un épaulement 30 qui forme une surface de liaison à l'anneau intercalaire. Dans cet épaulement sont percées diverses forures 31 s'étendant dans le sens axial, de sorte que lors de la mise en place de l'anneau intercalaire 32, le surplus de matière 33 peut s'engager dans les forures 31. Le verre 34, visible à la fig. 3, est donc lié au corps de boîte 27 par la périphérie de sa face inférieure 35 qui peut être métallisée ou dépolie et qui est en contact avec la face supérieure de l'anneau 32, alors que cet anneau est masqué aussi bien vers le haut par le revêtement métallisé 36 que latéralement à l'extérieur et à l'intérieur par les rebords saillants 28 et 29.With the two embodiments described above, the molds intended to contain the masses of elastomer forming the ring 14 or the ring 24 must, as it is said, have clearances in order to allow the expansions of the elastomer and its degassing during the vulcanization treatment. The variant of fig. 3 shows a configuration of the housing intended to receive the intermediate connecting ring which simplifies the production of the molds. The box body 27 here has an inner protruding rim 28 and an outer protruding rim 29 between which extends a shoulder 30 which forms a connection surface to the intermediate ring. In this shoulder are drilled various holes 31 extending in the axial direction, so that during the positioning of the intermediate ring 32, the excess material 33 can engage in the holes 31. The glass 34, visible in fig. 3, is therefore linked to the box body 27 by the periphery of its lower face 35 which can be metallized or frosted and which is in contact with the upper face of the ring 32, while this ring is concealed upwards as well by the metallized coating 36 only laterally outside and inside by the projecting edges 28 and 29.

Dans une variante comme celle de la fig. 4, l'anneau intercalaire désigné ici par 37 lié à un corps de boîte 38, comme dans le cas de la première forme d'exécution, est lié par sa face supérieure à une pièce mince 39 qui peut être, soit une plaque transparente couvrant toute la boîte, soit une pièce annulaire, le constituant supérieur de la glace étant réalisé par une plaque 40 en verre minéral ou en saphir collée sur la pièce 39. Cette plaque supérieure 40 peut, elle, porter le revêtement métallisé 41 si la pièce 39 est transparente et si elle est vulcanisée directement sur l'anneau 37 sans revêtement métallisé.In a variant like that of FIG. 4, the intermediate ring designated here by 37 linked to a box body 38, as in the case of the first embodiment, is linked by its upper face to a thin piece 39 which can be either a transparent plate covering the whole box, or an annular piece, the upper constituent of the ice being produced by a plate 40 made of mineral glass or in sapphire glued to the part 39. This upper plate 40 can itself carry the metallized coating 41 if the part 39 is transparent and if it is vulcanized directly on the ring 37 without metallized coating.

On peut imaginer encore d'autres formes de réalisation d'une boîte de montre dans laquelle la partie comportant le verre est liée à la partie principale, notamment à la partie comportant les moyens de liaison au bracelet, par un anneau intercalaire vulcanisé. Alors que dans les formes d'exécution décrites, l'anneau intercalaire est vulcanisé sur un corps de boîte, il pourrait aussi être vulcanisé sur une lunette. Le rebord de celle-ci pourrait aussi entourer le verre.One can still imagine other embodiments of a watch case in which the part comprising the glass is linked to the main part, in particular to the part comprising the means of connection to the bracelet, by a vulcanized intermediate ring. While in the embodiments described, the intermediate ring is vulcanized on a box body, it could also be vulcanized on a bezel. The rim of this one could also surround the glass.

Dans une forme d'exécution comme celle de la fig. 2, on pourrait prévoir plusieurs passages transversaux, par exemple pour plusieurs poussoirs dans le cas d'une montre digitale, en vulcanisant en place la matière des bagues d'étanchéité comme représenté à cette figure.In an embodiment like that of FIG. 2, one could provide several transverse passages, for example for several pushers in the case of a digital watch, by vulcanizing in place the material of the sealing rings as shown in this figure.

D'autre part, on a décrit des verres plats, mais, bien entendu, le moyen de liaison que constitute l'anneau vulcanisé serait applicable très avanta- gusement à des verres cintrés dans le cas, par exemple, où l'on désire réaliser des boîtes épousant la forme du poignet.On the other hand, flat glasses have been described, but, of course, the connection means that constitute the vulcanized ring would be very advantageously applicable to curved glasses in the case, for example, where it is desired to produce boxes matching the shape of the wrist.

Claims (11)

1. Wrist watch case comprising a glass (7) of mineral material, an annular glass-support part (1) of another material, and means ensuring a fluid-tight bond between the glass and the support, characterized in that the said binding means consist of an interposed ring (14) of a material solidified by vulcanization, this ring being entirely engaged between the lower face of the glass and the upper face of the support and being permanently bound to these opposed surfaces (6, 13) of the glass and of the support so as to keep these two parts at a predetermined distance from one another.
2. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the said opposed surfaces (6, 13) of the glass (7) and of the support (1) are formed by an annular zone of the lower face of the glass and by the annular upper face of the support, the interposed ring (14) having a constant thickness from its outside edge 'to its inside edge, and its outside edge being visible on the circumference of the case.
3. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that said support part (1) is formed of a case body intended to bear the movement (9), this case body having an annular upper face (6) which constitutes the binding surface of the case body to the interposed ring (14).
4. Watch case in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the glass (7) has at the periphery of its lower face a metallized zone arranged in such a way as to mask the interposed ring (14).
5. Watch case according to claim 4, characterized in that the interposed ring (14) is bound by vulcanization directly to said metallized zone of the glass.
6. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that said interposed ring (14) is bound by vulcanization to a frosted annular surface of the glass.
7. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that said interposed ring (14) is bound by vulcanization directly on a polished surface of the glass.
8. Watch case according to claim 3, characterized in that the case body (16) comprises an annular wall which surrounds the movement (20), which has in its thickness one or more beds (22) through which there pass radial holes (23) intended for the passage of a control stem, and in that the interposed ring (24) of vulcanizable material is integral with a filling (25) of the same material which occupies the said bed or beds (22) so as to constitute a gasket in contact with the stem.
9. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the interposed ring (32) extends between two projecting rims (29, 28) made in one piece on the outside and on the inside with a case body (27), and in that the latter has passages (31) making possible the bringing-in. of the vulcanizable material, the degassing thereof, and its expansion at the time of the accomplishment of the fixing of the glass.
10. Watch case according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said annular support part is a bezel.
11. Watch case according to any one of the claims 1, 2 or 10, characterized in that said annular glass-support part is of metal.
EP83200839A 1982-06-21 1983-06-09 Strap watch case Expired EP0097393B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH380582 1982-06-21
CH3805/82 1982-06-21

Publications (2)

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EP0097393A1 EP0097393A1 (en) 1984-01-04
EP0097393B1 true EP0097393B1 (en) 1987-04-01

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EP83200839A Expired EP0097393B1 (en) 1982-06-21 1983-06-09 Strap watch case

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US (1) US4497584A (en)
EP (1) EP0097393B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0638110B2 (en)
DE (1) DE3370701D1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH650634GA3 (en) * 1982-12-14 1985-08-15
GB2178561A (en) * 1985-07-26 1987-02-11 Peter Kwok Kuen Yu Improvements in or relating to a watch and a watch battery cover
CH666981GA3 (en) * 1987-01-22 1988-09-15
CH677576B5 (en) * 1989-11-30 1991-12-13 Tissot Sa
JP5824969B2 (en) * 2011-08-29 2015-12-02 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Cover glass and watch
EP2565733A3 (en) * 2011-08-31 2013-12-04 Seiko Epson Corporation Timepiece
EP3293587B1 (en) * 2016-09-09 2020-02-19 Montres Tudor S.A. Watch glass
CN110442009B (en) * 2019-09-02 2021-01-05 深圳天成真空技术有限公司 Coating equipment

Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0041481A1 (en) * 1980-05-31 1981-12-09 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH499148A (en) * 1968-04-05 1970-05-29 Centrale S A Fab Device for the elastic suspension of a watch movement inside a case
FR2017168B1 (en) * 1968-08-19 1974-05-03 Bley Roland
JPS5443353U (en) * 1977-09-01 1979-03-24
JPS5492356A (en) * 1977-12-29 1979-07-21 Seiko Epson Corp Fixing structure of glass for wristwatch
GB2039099B (en) * 1978-12-27 1982-10-27 Timex Corp Sealed watch case and method of making
CH632890B (en) * 1979-08-08 Gen Watch Co Ltd METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A WATCH BOX AND WATCH BOX OBTAINED BY THIS PROCESS.

Patent Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0041481A1 (en) * 1980-05-31 1981-12-09 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS597282A (en) 1984-01-14
EP0097393A1 (en) 1984-01-04
DE3370701D1 (en) 1987-05-07
JPH0638110B2 (en) 1994-05-18
US4497584A (en) 1985-02-05

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