EP0221233A1 - Watch case made of a hard material - Google Patents

Watch case made of a hard material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0221233A1
EP0221233A1 EP86107481A EP86107481A EP0221233A1 EP 0221233 A1 EP0221233 A1 EP 0221233A1 EP 86107481 A EP86107481 A EP 86107481A EP 86107481 A EP86107481 A EP 86107481A EP 0221233 A1 EP0221233 A1 EP 0221233A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
timepiece
timepiece according
veil
inner middle
crystal
Prior art date
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP86107481A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0221233B1 (en
Inventor
Elmar Mock
Georges-Alain Gabus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Original Assignee
ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA, Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG filed Critical ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
Priority to AT86107481T priority Critical patent/ATE32480T1/en
Publication of EP0221233A1 publication Critical patent/EP0221233A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0221233B1 publication Critical patent/EP0221233B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • 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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/10—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems
    • 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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet
    • 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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to timepieces comprising a case made at least partially of a hard natural mineral material such as granite and semiprecious stones, or artificial, such as carbides or nitrides of certain metals such as tungsten or titanium.
  • a timepiece is described, the case of which has a metallic interior middle part to which a crystal and a bottom are assembled and which is surmounted by a protective cap.
  • This is made of a hard material obtained by sintering a powder based on metallic carbide.
  • the inner middle part is glued to this cap essentially to compensate for the variations in the dimensions of the cap, of which it is well known that the dimensions cannot be precisely controlled due to the considerable shrinkage occurring during the sintering operation.
  • Patent CH 583,439 provides a teaching which contributes to perfecting the assembly described in patent CH 517,963 in the sense that it recommends using a part made of a semiprecious machined material comprising a middle part devoid of central opening which is at otherwise left closed by a veil in one piece with the middle and serving as a dial to the timepiece.
  • This relatively simple piece requires the machining of the housing for movement, of the space between the horns and above all of several through holes intended for the passage of fixing feet. It is indeed by these feet that are attached to the middle part a bezel intended for fixing the crystal and a bottom, these feet cooperating with nuts screwed onto the feet and embedded in the thickness of the bottom. Seals are tightened against the two faces of the middle respectively by the bezel and the bottom.
  • the movement is held in its housing by a lateral groove formed in the wall of this housing.
  • This groove also requires a delicate machining operation which must be carried out in the stone.
  • This method of attachment also implies that the movement is pressed elastically against the bottom of the housing (that is to say on the face of the central veil of the part opposite the dial). Consequently, when wearing the timepiece is subjected to shocks, the inertia of the movement acting against this veil risks initiating ruptures at the junction of the veil with the middle part.
  • this assembly has many parts and uses seals working on the faces of the stone, which cannot guarantee a perfect seal due to the nature of the material that is stone.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an improved timepiece whose case is made of one of the materials mentioned above but which is free from the defects and disadvantages inherent in the embodiments described in the two previous documents that the we just analyzed.
  • the invention therefore relates to a timepiece comprising a case comprising an inner middle part of a rigid material, but easily machinable accommodating the movement and secured to a base and an outer middle part surrounding the inner middle part and made of a mineral material natural or artificial hard, the inner middle and the outer middle being joined to each other by gluing, said timepiece being characterized in that said outer middle is in one piece with a veil forming a dial and in what it includes means for positioning and fixing the glass surrounding said veil and formed in the body of the outer middle part.
  • a timepiece is obtained in which the part of the case made of hard mineral material, in one piece, has a simple shape, having a minimum of discontinuities and is devoid of through holes, at the with the exception of the passages of the axes of the needles and of the rod, so that the solidity of the part is improved both during manufacture and during wear.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece in which the problem of sealing is solved in a simple and effective manner.
  • the crystal of the timepiece according to the invention is fixed to the outer middle by gluing.
  • the sealing at the interfaces comprising surfaces made of mineral material is obtained by means of adhesive, while the sealing at the metal-metal interfaces is obtained by means of seals.
  • the mineral material is not subject to any permanent constraint to ensure the attachment of the various parts of the watch to the middle.
  • Another object of the present invention is to produce a timepiece in which all the parts of the box visible when worn, with the exception of the strap fasteners, are made of mineral material.
  • the timepiece thus produced has an aesthetically remarkable character, for optimum protection of the parts liable to wear.
  • the timepiece according to the invention comprises a case 1 comprising a piece 2 made of a hard natural or artificial material such as granite, a semi-precious stone, a metal carbide , a monocrystalline metal oxide or the like.
  • This piece which is in one piece comprises a ring forming an outer middle part 3 of the box and a veil 4 which closes the ring approximately three-quarters of the height thereof. The upper face of this veil forms the dial 5 of the timepiece.
  • the part 2 delimits a circular central housing 6 which is here coaxial with the external shape of the middle part 3.
  • the latter has a semi-toroidal periphery.
  • the shape of the middle part 3 and the location of the housing 6 are not decisive and are only controlled by aesthetics that one wishes to give to the timepiece, the housing 6 being able to be off-center with respect to the general shape of the middle part 3 in stone which, itself, can take on extremely varied external shapes also determined by the aesthetics.
  • the face of the web 4 forming the dial 5 is concave, while it is bordered by a raised peripheral portion 7 of the outer middle part 3.
  • This portion 7 defines, by its shape, means 8 for positioning and fixing of a glass 9.
  • these means comprise an annular step 10 delimiting a shoulder 11 to which the glass 9 can be applied by means of an adhesive joint.
  • the glass 9 is therefore embedded in the height of the outer middle part.
  • the web 4 is pierced in its center with a hole 12 for the passage of the needle axes 13 and 14.
  • its central zone includes a reinforcing portion 15 to increase the rigidity of the web at this location.
  • This reinforcing portion is obtained by extending at the end of machining of the housing 6, the machining operation only on the periphery of the bottom thereof.
  • the reinforcing portion 15 is thus surrounded by an annular clearance.
  • a metal inner middle part 16 is disposed in the housing 6 while resting in the annular clearance.
  • This middle part has an annular ring 17a from which the rim 17b extends inwards and it is glued to the external middle part 2 by adhesive joints interposed between the respective external and internal peripheral walls of the middle parts and also (although this is not essential) between the upper end face of the inner middle part 16 and the inner face of the web 4.
  • the inner middle part 16 is first of all intended to receive the movement 18 of the timepiece via a casing ring 19.
  • the movement 18 is assumed to be of the barrel type , the casing ring 19 thus having no constant radial section over its entire periphery, which can be seen on the left and on the right in the figure.
  • the casing circle has a shoulder 20 cooperating with a flange practiced in a conventional manner around the periphery of the movement.
  • An annular groove 21 is formed in the underside of the inner middle part to receive a seal 22. Furthermore, several tapped holes 23 are provided in the middle to allow its assembly with a bottom 24, by means of screws 25.
  • the bottom 24 is formed by a circular plate whose shape is adapted to the aesthetics of the 'assembly and which adjusts almost entirely in the opening of the housing 6. This plate carries horns 26 at noon and at six o'clock, intended to fix a bracelet not shown in the drawing.
  • the timepiece requires for its sealing only a seal at the bottom acting effectively in contact with the metal, the lining being furthermore trapped on all sides by the rectangular section delimited by the bottom and the groove 21.
  • the inner middle part 16 has an outside diameter d 1 greater than the diameter d 2 of the crystal. This choice is deliberate in order to give the inner middle part 16 the role of supporting the fragile zone located at the junction between the veil 4 and the outer middle part 3. In the event of impact on the wearer, the risks of rupture at this point are thus significantly reduced.
  • the passage for the time-setting rod 27 passes through a radial hole 28 drilled in the outer middle part 3 as well as a radial hole 29 made in the inner middle part 16, the latter being adjusted to the diameter of the rod 27 to allow rotation while ensuring its guidance.
  • the rod 27 itself is provided with a groove 30 which is situated approximately halfway in the radial hole 29 and which is intended to receive a seal 31. It is therefore again an active seal against metal surfaces which here ensures the watertightness towards the outside.
  • a crown 32 made of the same material as the part 2 can cover the outer end of the rod 27 while being retained thereon by gluing, for example.
  • the hole made in the inner middle part 16 for the passage of the rod 27 is almost tangent to the radial plane containing the upper face of the movement 18. This is due to the fact that the rod 27 must have a comparatively large diameter to allow 'arrange the groove 30 therefor for the joint 31. If the underside of the web 4 was flat, it would result in the thickness of material between the hole 29 and the upper face of the inner middle part 16 would be very small, which could lead to the ovalization of the hole 27 which consequently could not guarantee good contact with the seal 31, resulting in a loss sealing.
  • the housing 6 has in the periphery of its bottom, a groove which surrounds the reinforcing portion 15 and which allows the use of a thicker inner middle 16, it is possible to guarantee the water resistance of the watch without, however, increase the thickness.
  • the machining of the part 2 of hard material is preferably carried out using a diamond grinding abrasion process known to specialists.
  • this machining does not require any precision thanks to the presence of the inner middle part which is here the element of the timepiece ensuring all the positioning functions requiring precision, among which may be mentioned positioning the movement, tightening the seals 22 and 31 and positioning the screws 25 relative to the bottom.

Abstract

Cette pièce d'horlogerie comporte une carrure extérieure (3) et une carrure intérieure (16) en métal. La carrure extérieure est d'un seul tenant avec une pièce (2) en un matériau dur qui comporte également un voile (4) formant le cadran de la pièce d'horlogerie. Autour du voile (4) sont prévus des moyens (8) de positionnement et de fixation par collage d'une glace (9). Cette disposition confère à la pièce en matériau dur la rigidité nécessaire pour résister aux sollicitations qui lui sont imposées tant pendant la fabrication qu'au porter.This timepiece comprises an outer middle part (3) and an inner middle part (16) made of metal. The outer middle part is in one piece with a piece (2) of a hard material which also includes a veil (4) forming the dial of the timepiece. Around the veil (4) are provided means (8) for positioning and fixing by gluing a lens (9). This arrangement gives the hard material part the rigidity necessary to withstand the stresses imposed on it both during manufacture and during wear.

Description

La présente invention est relative aux pièces d'horlogerie comportant une boîte réalisée au moins partiellement en un maté­riau minéral dur naturel tel que le granit et les pierres semi­précieuses, ou artificiel, tels que les carbures ou les nitrures de certains métaux comme le tungstène ou le titane.The present invention relates to timepieces comprising a case made at least partially of a hard natural mineral material such as granite and semiprecious stones, or artificial, such as carbides or nitrides of certain metals such as tungsten or titanium.

Dans le brevet CH 517 963, on décrit une pièce d'horlogerie dont la boîte comporte une carrure intérieure métallique à laquelle sont assemblés une glace et un fond et qui est surmontée d'une coiffe de protection. Celle-ci est réalisée en un matériau dur obtenu par frittage d'une poudre à base de carbure métallique. La carrure intérieure est collée à cette coiffe essentiellement pour compenser les variations des cotes de la coiffe dont il est bien connu que les dimensions ne peuvent être maîtrisées avec précision en raison du retrait considérable se produisant au cours de l'opéra­tion de frittage.In patent CH 517 963, a timepiece is described, the case of which has a metallic interior middle part to which a crystal and a bottom are assembled and which is surmounted by a protective cap. This is made of a hard material obtained by sintering a powder based on metallic carbide. The inner middle part is glued to this cap essentially to compensate for the variations in the dimensions of the cap, of which it is well known that the dimensions cannot be precisely controlled due to the considerable shrinkage occurring during the sintering operation.

A supposer que l'on veuille remplacer dans cette disposition de boîte la coiffe en matériau fritté par une coiffe en pierre dure, il faut usiner dans celle-ci l'ouverture centrale permettant le montage de la glace dans la carrure intérieure métallique et évidemment aussi l'observation du cadran qui à son tour est également fixé sur cette carrure intérieure. Ceci rend le remplacement précité extrê­mement problématique car l'usinage de la pierre dure se fait par meulage qui est une opération d'usinage au cours de laquelle on ne peut comparativement enlever que très peu de matière par unité de temps. A cela s'ajoute que l'ouverture centrale affaiblit nota­blement la coiffe, d'où il résulte de grands risques de rupture lors des manipulations d'usinage et de montage de la pièce d'horlogerie. Si on envisageait donc ce remplacement, on se verrait confronté à un taux élevé de rebut avec comme conséquence un prix de revient relativement élevé.Supposing that we want to replace in this box arrangement the cap in sintered material with a hard stone cap, it is necessary to machine in it the central opening allowing the mounting of the glass in the inner metal case and obviously also the observation of the dial which in turn is also fixed on this inner middle. This makes the aforementioned replacement extremely problematic because the machining of hard stone is done by grinding which is a machining operation during which one can only comparatively remove very little material per unit of time. In addition, the central opening significantly weakens the cap, resulting in great risks of breakage during the machining and assembly manipulations of the timepiece. If we therefore considered this replacement, we would be confronted with a high rate of scrap with as a consequence a relatively high cost price.

En revanche, du fait de la présence de la bague métallique formant la carrure intérieure, on obtient en définitive une pièce d'horlogerie d'une rigidité élevée avec une protection efficace contre l'usure de la boîte du fait de la présence de la coiffe.On the other hand, due to the presence of the metal ring forming the inner middle part, a timepiece of high rigidity is finally obtained with effective protection against wear of the case due to the presence of the cap. .

En résumé de cette analyse du brevet CH 517 963, on peut donc constater que la boîte qui y est décrite est médiocre quant à sa rigidité au cours de sa fabrication, alors que cette rigidité est satisfaisante au porter de la pièce d'horlogerie.In summary from this analysis of patent CH 517 963, it can therefore be seen that the case described therein is poor in terms of its rigidity during its manufacture, whereas this rigidity is satisfactory when worn by the timepiece.

Il est à noter, enfin, que la faiblesse de la coiffe se ferait sentir à la fabrication qu'elle soit réalisée en un matériau fritté ou en une pierre usinée.It should be noted, finally, that the weakness of the cap would be felt in the manufacturing whether it is made of a sintered material or a machined stone.

Le brevet CH 583 439 apporte un enseignement qui contribue à perfectionner l'assemblage décrit dans le brevet CH 517 963 en ce sens qu'il préconise d'utiliser une pièce en un matériau semi­précieux usiné comportant une carrure dépourvue d'ouverture centrale qui est au contraire laissée obturée par un voile d'un seul tenant avec la carrure et servant de cadran à la pièce d'horlogerie. Cette pièce, de forme relativement simple, nécessite pourtant l'usinage du logement pour le mouvement, de l'espace entre les cornes et surtout de plusieurs trous traversants destinés au passage de pieds de fixation. C'est en effet par ces pieds que sont rapportés sur la carrure une lunette destinée à la fixation de la glace et un fond, ces pieds coopérant avec des écrous vissés sur les pieds et noyés dans l'épaisseur du fond. Des garnitures d'étanchéité sont serrées contre les deux faces de la carrure respectivement par la lunette et le fond.Patent CH 583,439 provides a teaching which contributes to perfecting the assembly described in patent CH 517,963 in the sense that it recommends using a part made of a semiprecious machined material comprising a middle part devoid of central opening which is at otherwise left closed by a veil in one piece with the middle and serving as a dial to the timepiece. This relatively simple piece, however, requires the machining of the housing for movement, of the space between the horns and above all of several through holes intended for the passage of fixing feet. It is indeed by these feet that are attached to the middle part a bezel intended for fixing the crystal and a bottom, these feet cooperating with nuts screwed onto the feet and embedded in the thickness of the bottom. Seals are tightened against the two faces of the middle respectively by the bezel and the bottom.

Bien que cette disposition apporte certains avantages quant à la fabrication de la pièce formant une combinaison d'un seul tenant de la carrure et du cadran, il n'en reste pas moins qu'il faut exécuter une opération d'usinage délicate sur la pierre, à savoir le perçage des trous de passage des pieds de fixation. La présence de ces trous peut d'ailleurs également donner naissance à des amorces de rupture de la pierre, soit pendant l'usinage soit au porter lorsque la pièce subit des chocs. Cette difficulté peut évidemment être contournée, mais seulement au prix d'une augmentation de l'épaisseur de la pièce en pierre, ce qui augmente à son tour la hauteur totale de la pièce d'horlogerie.Although this arrangement brings certain advantages as regards the manufacture of the piece forming a combination in one piece of the middle and the dial, the fact remains that a delicate machining operation must be carried out on the stone , namely the drilling of the holes for the fixing feet. The presence of these holes can moreover also give rise to incipient fractures of the stone, either during machining or during wear when the part is subjected to impacts. This difficulty can obviously be overcome, but only at the cost of an increase in the thickness of the stone piece, which in turn increases the total height of the timepiece.

De plus, dans l'agencement de ce brevet, le mouvement est tenu dans son logement par une gorge latérale pratiquée dans la paroi de ce logement. Cette gorge nécessite également une opération délicate d'usinage qu'il faut exécuter dans la pierre. Ce mode de fixation implique également que le mouvement soit appuyé élastiquement contre le fond du logement (c'est-à-dire sur la face du voile central de la pièce opposée au cadran). Par conséquent, lorsqu'au porter la pièce d'horlogerie subit des chocs, l'inertie du mouvement agissant contre ce voile risque d'amorcer des ruptures au niveau de la jonction du voile avec la carrure.In addition, in the arrangement of this patent, the movement is held in its housing by a lateral groove formed in the wall of this housing. This groove also requires a delicate machining operation which must be carried out in the stone. This method of attachment also implies that the movement is pressed elastically against the bottom of the housing (that is to say on the face of the central veil of the part opposite the dial). Consequently, when wearing the timepiece is subjected to shocks, the inertia of the movement acting against this veil risks initiating ruptures at the junction of the veil with the middle part.

Enfin, il convient de signaler que ce montage comporte de nombreuses pièces et utilise des garnitures d'étanchéité travaillant sur les faces de la pierre, ce qui ne peut garantir une parfaite étanchéité du fait de la nature du matériau qu'est la pierre.Finally, it should be noted that this assembly has many parts and uses seals working on the faces of the stone, which cannot guarantee a perfect seal due to the nature of the material that is stone.

Un but de la présente invention est de fournir une pièce d'hor­logerie perfectionnée dont la boîte est réalisée en l'un des maté­riaux cités ci-dessus mais qui est exempte des défauts et incon­vénients inhérents aux réalisations décrites dans les deux documents antérieurs que l'on vient d'analyser.An object of the present invention is to provide an improved timepiece whose case is made of one of the materials mentioned above but which is free from the defects and disadvantages inherent in the embodiments described in the two previous documents that the we just analyzed.

L'invention a donc pour objet une pièce d'horlogerie comportant une boîte comprenant une carrure intérieure en un matériau rigide, mais facilement usinable logeant le mouvement et solidaire d'un fond et une carrure extérieure entourant la carrure intérieure et réali­sée en un matériau minéral dur naturel ou artificiel, la carrure intérieure et la carrure extérieure étant assemblées l'une à l'autre par collage, ladite pièce d'horlogerie étant caractérisée en ce que ladite carrure extérieure est d'un seul tenant avec un voile formant cadran et en ce qu'elle comporte des moyens de positionnement et de fixation de la glace ceinturant ledit voile et ménagés dans le corps de la carrure extérieure.The invention therefore relates to a timepiece comprising a case comprising an inner middle part of a rigid material, but easily machinable accommodating the movement and secured to a base and an outer middle part surrounding the inner middle part and made of a mineral material natural or artificial hard, the inner middle and the outer middle being joined to each other by gluing, said timepiece being characterized in that said outer middle is in one piece with a veil forming a dial and in what it includes means for positioning and fixing the glass surrounding said veil and formed in the body of the outer middle part.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, on obtient une pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle la partie de la boîte réalisée en matériau minéral dur, d'un seul tenant, a une forme simple, présentant un minimum de discontinuités et est dépourvue de trous traversants, à l'exception des passages des axes des aiguilles et de la tige, de sorte que la solidité de la pièce est améliorée tant durant la fabrication qu'au porter.Thanks to these characteristics, a timepiece is obtained in which the part of the case made of hard mineral material, in one piece, has a simple shape, having a minimum of discontinuities and is devoid of through holes, at the with the exception of the passages of the axes of the needles and of the rod, so that the solidity of the part is improved both during manufacture and during wear.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de fournir une pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle le problème de l'étanchéité est résolu de manière simple et efficace.Another object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece in which the problem of sealing is solved in a simple and effective manner.

A cet effet, la glace de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'inven­tion est fixée à la carrure extérieure par collage.To this end, the crystal of the timepiece according to the invention is fixed to the outer middle by gluing.

De la sorte, l'étanchéité aux interfaces comportant des sur­faces en matériau minéral est obtenue au moyen de colle, tandis que l'étanchéité aux interfaces métal-métal est obtenue au moyen de joints d'étanchéité. Il en résulte que le matériau minéral n'est soumis à aucune contrainte permanente pour assurer la fixation des différentes parties de la montre à la carrure.In this way, the sealing at the interfaces comprising surfaces made of mineral material is obtained by means of adhesive, while the sealing at the metal-metal interfaces is obtained by means of seals. As a result, the mineral material is not subject to any permanent constraint to ensure the attachment of the various parts of the watch to the middle.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de réaliser une pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle toutes les parties de la boîte visibles au porter, à l'exception des attaches de bracelet, sont réalisées dans le matériau minéral.Another object of the present invention is to produce a timepiece in which all the parts of the box visible when worn, with the exception of the strap fasteners, are made of mineral material.

Ce but est atteint grâce au fait que la tranche extérieure de la carrure intérieure est entièrement recouverte par la carrure extérieure.This object is achieved thanks to the fact that the outer edge of the inner middle part is entirely covered by the outer middle part.

La pièce d'horlogerie ainsi réalisée présente un caractère esthétiquement remarquable, pour une protection optimum des parties susceptibles de s'user.The timepiece thus produced has an aesthetically remarkable character, for optimum protection of the parts liable to wear.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un exemple de réalisation, description qui est faite en référence au dessin annexé sur lequel la figure unique montre une vue en coupe diamétrale brisée d'une pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'invention.The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, description which is made with reference to the attached drawing in which the single figure shows a view in broken diametral section of a timepiece according to the invention.

Suivant l'example de réalisation représenté sur la figure unique, la pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'invention comporte une boîte 1 comportant une pièce 2 réalisée en un matériau dur naturel ou artificiel comme le granit, une pierre semi-précieuse, un carbure métallique, un oxyde métallique monocristallin ou analogue. Cette pièce qui est d'un seul tenant comporte une bague formant une carrure extérieure 3 de la boîte et un voile 4 qui obture la bague à peu près à trois-quarts de la hauteur de celle-ci. La face supé­rieure de ce voile forme le cadran 5 de la pièce d'horlogerie.According to the embodiment shown in the single figure, the timepiece according to the invention comprises a case 1 comprising a piece 2 made of a hard natural or artificial material such as granite, a semi-precious stone, a metal carbide , a monocrystalline metal oxide or the like. This piece which is in one piece comprises a ring forming an outer middle part 3 of the box and a veil 4 which closes the ring approximately three-quarters of the height thereof. The upper face of this veil forms the dial 5 of the timepiece.

C'est ainsi que la pièce 2 délimite un logement central circu­laire 6 qui est ici coaxial à la forme extérieure de la carrure 3. Celle-ci présente une périphérie semi-toroïdale. Cependant, il est à noter que la forme de la carrure 3 et la localisation du logement 6 ne sont pas déterminantes et ne sont commandées que par l'esthétique qu'on souhaite donner à la pièce d'horlogerie, le logement 6 pouvant être décentré par rapport à la forme générale de la carrure 3 en pierre qui, elle-même, peut revêtir des formes extérieures extrême­ment variées déterminées également par l'esthétique.Thus the part 2 delimits a circular central housing 6 which is here coaxial with the external shape of the middle part 3. The latter has a semi-toroidal periphery. However, it should be noted that the shape of the middle part 3 and the location of the housing 6 are not decisive and are only controlled by aesthetics that one wishes to give to the timepiece, the housing 6 being able to be off-center with respect to the general shape of the middle part 3 in stone which, itself, can take on extremely varied external shapes also determined by the aesthetics.

La face du voile 4 formant le cadran 5 est concave, tandis qu'elle est bordée par une portion périphérique rehaussée 7 de la carrure extérieure 3. Cette portion 7 définit, de par sa forme, des moyens 8 de positionnement et de fixation d'une glace 9. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, ces moyens comprennent une marche annulaire 10 délimitant un épaulement 11 sur lequel peut être appliquée la glace 9 par l'intermédiaire d'un joint de colle. La glace 9 est donc noyée dans la hauteur de la carrure extérieure.The face of the web 4 forming the dial 5 is concave, while it is bordered by a raised peripheral portion 7 of the outer middle part 3. This portion 7 defines, by its shape, means 8 for positioning and fixing of a glass 9. In the embodiment shown, these means comprise an annular step 10 delimiting a shoulder 11 to which the glass 9 can be applied by means of an adhesive joint. The glass 9 is therefore embedded in the height of the outer middle part.

Le voile 4 est percé en son centre d'un trou 12 pour le passage des axes d'aiguilles 13 et 14. En outre, sa zone centrale comporte une portion de renforcement 15 pour augmenter la rigidité du voile à cet endroit. Cette portion de renforcement est obtenue en prolon­geant en fin d'usinage du logement 6, l'opération d'usinage seule­ment sur le pourtour du fond de celui-ci. La portion de renforcement 15 est ainsi entourée d'un dégagement annulaire.The web 4 is pierced in its center with a hole 12 for the passage of the needle axes 13 and 14. In addition, its central zone includes a reinforcing portion 15 to increase the rigidity of the web at this location. This reinforcing portion is obtained by extending at the end of machining of the housing 6, the machining operation only on the periphery of the bottom thereof. The reinforcing portion 15 is thus surrounded by an annular clearance.

Une carrure intérieure métallique 16 est disposée dans le loge­ment 6 en prenant appui dans le dégagement annulaire. Cette carrure comporte une bague annulaire 17a d'où s'étend vers l'intérieur le rebord 17b et elle est collée à la carrure extérieure 2 par des joints de colle interposés entre les parois périphériques extérieure et intérieure respectives des carrures et également (bien que cela ne soit pas indispensable) entre la face d'extrémité supérieure de la carrure intérieure 16 et la face interne du voile 4.A metal inner middle part 16 is disposed in the housing 6 while resting in the annular clearance. This middle part has an annular ring 17a from which the rim 17b extends inwards and it is glued to the external middle part 2 by adhesive joints interposed between the respective external and internal peripheral walls of the middle parts and also (although this is not essential) between the upper end face of the inner middle part 16 and the inner face of the web 4.

La carrure intérieure 16 est tout d'abord destinée à recevoir le mouvement 18 de la pièce d'horlogerie par l'intermédiaire d'un cercle d'encageage 19. Dans l'exemple représenté, le mouvement 18 est supposé être du type à tonneau, le cercle d'encageage 19 ne pré­sentant ainsi pas de section radiale constante sur tout son pour­tour, ce qui se voit à gauche et à droite sur la figure. Le cercle d'encageage comporte un épaulement 20 coopérant avec une collerette pratiquée de façon classique sur le pourtour du mouvement.The inner middle part 16 is first of all intended to receive the movement 18 of the timepiece via a casing ring 19. In the example shown, the movement 18 is assumed to be of the barrel type , the casing ring 19 thus having no constant radial section over its entire periphery, which can be seen on the left and on the right in the figure. The casing circle has a shoulder 20 cooperating with a flange practiced in a conventional manner around the periphery of the movement.

Une rainure annulaire 21 est ménagée dans la face inférieure de le carrure intérieure pour recevoir une garniture d'étanchéité 22. Par ailleurs, plusieurs trous taraudés 23 sont prévus dans la carrure afin de permettre son assemblage avec un fond 24, par l'intermédiaire de vis 25. Le fond 24 est formé par une plaquette circulaire dont la forme est adaptée à l'esthétique de l'ensemble et qui s'ajuste pratiquement entièrement dans l'ouverture du logement 6. Cette plaquette porte des cornes 26 à midi et à six heures, destinées à fixer un bracelet non représenté au dessin.An annular groove 21 is formed in the underside of the inner middle part to receive a seal 22. Furthermore, several tapped holes 23 are provided in the middle to allow its assembly with a bottom 24, by means of screws 25. The bottom 24 is formed by a circular plate whose shape is adapted to the aesthetics of the 'assembly and which adjusts almost entirely in the opening of the housing 6. This plate carries horns 26 at noon and at six o'clock, intended to fix a bracelet not shown in the drawing.

On peut ainsi constater que la pièce d'horlogerie ne nécessite pour son étanchéité qu'un joint au niveau du fond agissant effica­cement par contact avec le métal, la garniture étant en outre emprisonnée de toutes parts par la section rectangulaire délimitée par le fond et la rainure 21.It can thus be seen that the timepiece requires for its sealing only a seal at the bottom acting effectively in contact with the metal, the lining being furthermore trapped on all sides by the rectangular section delimited by the bottom and the groove 21.

Il faut noter également que la carrure intérieure 16 présente un diamètre extérieur d₁ supérieur au diamètre d₂ de la glace. Ce choix est délibéré afin de conférer à la carrure intérieure 16 le rôle de soutien de la zone fragile située à la jonction entre le voile 4 et la carrure extérieure 3. En cas de choc au porter, les risques de rupture à cet endroit sont ainsi notablement réduits.It should also be noted that the inner middle part 16 has an outside diameter d ₁ greater than the diameter d ₂ of the crystal. This choice is deliberate in order to give the inner middle part 16 the role of supporting the fragile zone located at the junction between the veil 4 and the outer middle part 3. In the event of impact on the wearer, the risks of rupture at this point are thus significantly reduced.

On va maintenant décrire en détail comment est réalisé le passage pour la tige de mise à l'heure 27. Celle-ci traverse un trou radial 28 percé dans la carrure extérieure 3 ainsi qu'un trou radial 29 pratiqué dans la carrure intérieure 16, ce dernier étant ajusté au diamètre de la tige 27 pour en permettre la rotation tout en assurant son guidage. La tige 27 elle-même est pourvue d'une gorge 30 qui est située à peu près à mi-chemin dans le trou radial 29 et qui est destinée à recevoir une garniture d'étanchéité 31. C'est donc de nouveau un joint agissant contre des surfaces métalliques qui assure ici l'étanchéité vis-à-vis de l'extérieur. Une couronne 32 réalisée en le même matériau que la pièce 2 peut coiffer l'extré­mité extérieure de la tige 27 en étant retenue sur celle-ci par collage, par exemple.We will now describe in detail how the passage for the time-setting rod 27 is made. It passes through a radial hole 28 drilled in the outer middle part 3 as well as a radial hole 29 made in the inner middle part 16, the latter being adjusted to the diameter of the rod 27 to allow rotation while ensuring its guidance. The rod 27 itself is provided with a groove 30 which is situated approximately halfway in the radial hole 29 and which is intended to receive a seal 31. It is therefore again an active seal against metal surfaces which here ensures the watertightness towards the outside. A crown 32 made of the same material as the part 2 can cover the outer end of the rod 27 while being retained thereon by gluing, for example.

On remarquera que le trou pratiqué dans la carrure intérieure 16 pour le passage de la tige 27 est presque tangent au plan radial contenant la face supérieure du mouvement 18. Ceci est dû au fait que la tige 27 doit avoir un diamètre comparativement important pour permettre d'y ménager la gorge 30 destinée au joint 31. Si la face inférieure du voile 4 était plate, il en résulterait que l'épaisseur de matière entre le trou 29 et la face supérieure de la carrure intérieure 16 serait très faible, ce qui pourrait conduire à l'ova­lisation du trou 27 qui en conséquence ne pourrait pas garantir un bon contact avec le joint 31, d'où une perte d'étanchéité.It will be noted that the hole made in the inner middle part 16 for the passage of the rod 27 is almost tangent to the radial plane containing the upper face of the movement 18. This is due to the fact that the rod 27 must have a comparatively large diameter to allow 'arrange the groove 30 therefor for the joint 31. If the underside of the web 4 was flat, it would result in the thickness of material between the hole 29 and the upper face of the inner middle part 16 would be very small, which could lead to the ovalization of the hole 27 which consequently could not guarantee good contact with the seal 31, resulting in a loss sealing.

Grâce au fait que le logement 6 comporte dans le pourtour de son fond, une gorge qui entoure la portion de renforcement 15 et qui permet d'utiliser une carrure intérieure 16 plus épaisse, on peut garantir l'étanchéité de la montre sans pour autant en augmenter l'épaisseur.Thanks to the fact that the housing 6 has in the periphery of its bottom, a groove which surrounds the reinforcing portion 15 and which allows the use of a thicker inner middle 16, it is possible to guarantee the water resistance of the watch without, however, increase the thickness.

Cette solution particulière a été rendue possible grâce au fait que la face du voile 4 formant cadran 5 est concave et que le logement est usiné dans un premier temps sur toute sa surface et dans un deuxième temps sur la seule surface de la gorge. De la sorte, la section du voile au niveau de la marche 10 reste suf­fisante pour supporter la pression qui doit être appliquée lors des opérations d'usinage.This particular solution has been made possible by the fact that the face of the web 4 forming a dial 5 is concave and that the housing is machined first over its entire surface and secondly on the surface of the groove only. In this way, the section of the web at step 10 remains sufficient to withstand the pressure which must be applied during the machining operations.

L'usinage de la pièce 2 en matériau dur est réalisé de préfé­rence à l'aide d'un procédé d'abrasion à la meule diamantée connu des spécialistes. Dans le cadre de l'invention, cet usinage ne requiert aucune précision grâce à la présence de la carrure inté­rieure qui est ici l'élément de la pièce d'horlogerie assurant toutes les fonctions de positionnement nécessitant de la précision, parmi lesquelles on peut citer le positionnement du mouvement, le serrage des garnitures d'étanchéité 22 et 31 et le positionnement des vis 25 par rapport au fond.The machining of the part 2 of hard material is preferably carried out using a diamond grinding abrasion process known to specialists. In the context of the invention, this machining does not require any precision thanks to the presence of the inner middle part which is here the element of the timepiece ensuring all the positioning functions requiring precision, among which may be mentioned positioning the movement, tightening the seals 22 and 31 and positioning the screws 25 relative to the bottom.

Claims (10)

1. Pièce d'horlogerie comportant une boîte (1) comprenant une carrure intérieure (16) en un matériau rigide, mais facilement usinable logeant le mouvement (18) et solidaire d'un fond (24) et une carrure extérieure (3) entourant la carrure intérieure et réalisée en un matériau minéral dur naturel ou artificiel, la carrure intérieure (16) et la carrure extérieure (3) étant assem­blées l'une à l'autre par collage, ladite pièce d'horlogerie étant caractérisée en ce que ladite carrure extérieure (3) est d'un seul tenant avec un voile (4) formant cadran (5) et en ce qu'elle com­porte des moyens (8) de positionnement et de fixation de la glace (9) ceinturant ledit voile et ménagés dans le corps de la carrure extérieure (3).1. Timepiece comprising a box (1) comprising an inner middle part (16) of a rigid material, but easily machinable housing the movement (18) and integral with a base (24) and an outer middle part (3) surrounding the inner middle part and made of a natural or artificial hard mineral material, the inner middle part (16) and the outer middle part (3) being joined to each other by bonding, said timepiece being characterized in that said outer middle part (3) is in one piece with a veil (4) forming a dial (5) and in that it comprises means (8) for positioning and fixing the crystal (9) surrounding said veil and arranged in the body of the outer middle part (3). 2. Pièce d'horlogerie suivant la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les moyens (8) de positionnement et de fixation de la glace (9) comprennent une marche annulaire (10) ménagée dans le corps de la carrure extérieure (3) autour dudit voile (4) côté cadran, cette marche (10) définissant un épaulement radial (11) contre lequel est fixée la glace.2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (8) for positioning and fixing the crystal (9) comprise an annular step (10) formed in the body of the outer middle part (3) around said veil (4) on the dial side, this step (10) defining a radial shoulder (11) against which the crystal is fixed. 3. Pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que la glace (9) est fixée à la carrure extérieure (3) par collage.3. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the crystal (9) is fixed to the outer middle part (3) by bonding. 4. Pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que le voile (4) est concave côté cadran.4. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the veil (4) is concave on the dial side. 5. Piéce d'horlogerie suivant l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 4 caractérisée en ce que la face interne du voile (4) présente dans sa partie centrale une portion de renforcement (15) et à sa périphérie un dégagement annulaire entourant ladite portion et servant d'appui à ladite carrure intérieure (16).5. timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the internal face of the web (4) has in its central part a reinforcing portion (15) and at its periphery an annular clearance surrounding said portion and serving as a support for said interior middle part (16). 6. Pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que la carrure intérieure (16) présente un diamètre extérieur (d₁) supérieur au diamètre extérieur (d₂) de la glace (9).6. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inner middle part (16) has an outer diameter (d₁) greater than the outer diameter (d₂) of the crystal (9). 7. Pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'une quelconque des revendica­tions précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la carrure intérieure (16) comprend un rebord radial (17b) prenant place dans le dégagement annulaire de la face interne du voile (4).7. Timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner middle part (16) comprises a radial rim (17b) taking place in the annular clearance of the internal face of the web (4). 8. Pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'une quelconque des revendica­tions précédentes, caractérisée en ce que pour le montage de la tige de mise à l'heure (27), les carrures extérieure (3) et intérieure (16) sont percées de trous alignés radiaux (28, 29) respectifs et en ce que la tige (27) comporte une gorge (30) à peu près à mi-chemin de sa portion qui est insérée dans le trou (29) de la carrure intérieure (16), et en ce qu'une garniture d'étanchéité (31) assu­rant l'étanchéité de la pièce d'horlogerie par coopération avec la carrure intérieure (16) est placée dans ladite gorge (30).8. Timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the mounting of the time-setting rod (27), the outer (3) and inner (16) shoulders are pierced with holes radial aligned (28, 29) respective and in that the rod (27) has a groove (30) approximately halfway between its portion which is inserted in the hole (29) of the inner middle part (16), and in that a seal (31) ensuring the sealing of the timepiece by cooperation with the inner middle part (16) is placed in said groove (30). 9. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 8, du type comportant un bracelet, caractérisée en ce que ledit fond comporte des moyens de fixation (26) du bracelet à ladite boîte.9. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8, of the type comprising a bracelet, characterized in that said base comprises means for fixing (26) the bracelet to said box. 10. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendica­tions 1 à 9, caractérisée en ce qu la tranche de la carrure inté­rieure (16) est entièrement recouverte par la carrure extérieure (3).10. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the edge of the inner middle part (16) is completely covered by the outer middle part (3).
EP86107481A 1985-10-07 1986-06-02 Watch case made of a hard material Expired EP0221233B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86107481T ATE32480T1 (en) 1985-10-07 1986-06-02 WATCH CASE MADE OF HARD MATERIAL.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH432985A CH659169GA3 (en) 1985-10-07 1985-10-07
CH4329/85 1985-10-07

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EP0221233A1 true EP0221233A1 (en) 1987-05-13
EP0221233B1 EP0221233B1 (en) 1988-02-10

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US (2) US4692033A (en)
EP (1) EP0221233B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6288985A (en)
KR (1) KR900004288B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE32480T1 (en)
BR (1) BR8604859A (en)
CA (1) CA1260276A (en)
CH (1) CH659169GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3660023D1 (en)
HK (1) HK104488A (en)
MX (1) MX168492B (en)

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EP0297600A2 (en) * 1987-07-03 1989-01-04 Hartmut Gunter Gericke Watch provided with a dial and method for manufacturing such a dial
EP0383179B1 (en) * 1989-02-14 1992-11-04 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case provided with a cap made of a hard material
EP0541001A1 (en) * 1991-11-04 1993-05-12 Compagnie des Montres Longines, Francillon S.A. Watch-case with a removable back cover
WO1993019403A1 (en) * 1992-03-26 1993-09-30 Createc Patent Holding Wristwatch
WO1994002888A1 (en) * 1992-07-24 1994-02-03 Createc Patent Holding Societe Anonyme Watch dial
CH684453GA3 (en) * 1993-03-18 1994-09-30 Boninchi Sa Crown or button for watch fitted with a transparent jewel
EP0738942A1 (en) * 1995-04-21 1996-10-23 SMH Management Services AG Watch case with a threaded back oven

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EP0297600A2 (en) * 1987-07-03 1989-01-04 Hartmut Gunter Gericke Watch provided with a dial and method for manufacturing such a dial
EP0297600A3 (en) * 1987-07-03 1989-07-05 Hartmut Gunter Gericke Watch provided with a dial and method for manufacturing such a dial
EP0383179B1 (en) * 1989-02-14 1992-11-04 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case provided with a cap made of a hard material
EP0541001A1 (en) * 1991-11-04 1993-05-12 Compagnie des Montres Longines, Francillon S.A. Watch-case with a removable back cover
CH684236GA3 (en) * 1991-11-04 1994-08-15 Longines Montres Comp D Watch box with a separable bottom.
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WO1994002888A1 (en) * 1992-07-24 1994-02-03 Createc Patent Holding Societe Anonyme Watch dial
CH684453GA3 (en) * 1993-03-18 1994-09-30 Boninchi Sa Crown or button for watch fitted with a transparent jewel
EP0738942A1 (en) * 1995-04-21 1996-10-23 SMH Management Services AG Watch case with a threaded back oven

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE32480T1 (en) 1988-02-15
KR900004288B1 (en) 1990-06-20
JPH0520715B2 (en) 1993-03-22
US4692033A (en) 1987-09-08
BR8604859A (en) 1987-07-07
EP0221233B1 (en) 1988-02-10
HK104488A (en) 1988-12-30
CA1260276A (en) 1989-09-26
MX168492B (en) 1993-05-27
JPS6288985A (en) 1987-04-23
CH659169GA3 (en) 1987-01-15
DE3660023D1 (en) 1988-03-17
KR870004343A (en) 1987-05-09
US4853910A (en) 1989-08-01

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