EP0221311A1 - Watch case at least partially made of a hard material - Google Patents

Watch case at least partially made of a hard material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0221311A1
EP0221311A1 EP86113004A EP86113004A EP0221311A1 EP 0221311 A1 EP0221311 A1 EP 0221311A1 EP 86113004 A EP86113004 A EP 86113004A EP 86113004 A EP86113004 A EP 86113004A EP 0221311 A1 EP0221311 A1 EP 0221311A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hole
outer middle
hard material
watch
rod
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
EP86113004A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0221311B1 (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 SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
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Application filed by Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Priority to AT86113004T priority Critical patent/ATE48042T1/en
Publication of EP0221311A1 publication Critical patent/EP0221311A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0221311B1 publication Critical patent/EP0221311B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to timepieces comprising a case made at least partially of a hard natural mineral material such as granite and semi-precious stones, or artificial, such as carbides or nitrides of certain metals such as tungsten or titanium.
  • the time-setting rod which comprises a tube driven radially in leaktight manner in the plate of the movement and crossed by the time-setting rod.
  • the latter receives at its outer end the crown which, in turn, is sealed on the end of the tube by a sealing gasket trapped between an annular rim of the crown and the outer surface of the rod.
  • the box is made at least partially of a hard material, that is to say most often comprises an outer middle part made of this material (in order to make the box resistant to wear)
  • provision must be made, at the point of crossing the tube through this middle part, a clearance opening downwards and extending to the top of the tube. This clearance is necessary to allow the establishment of the movement fitted with its tube.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a watch fitted with a mounting device of the type described above, but which is free from these drawbacks.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a watch the case of which is at least partially made of a hard material, this case being of the type comprising an outer middle made from hard material and an inner middle made of a rigid material, but easily machinable, said inner middle part comprising a radial hole for passage of the rod in which the latter is engaged in a leaktight manner using a gasket housed in a peripheral groove of the rod and applied against the wall of the hole, characterized in that the outer middle part has a radial hole aligned with the hole in the inner middle part and through which the time-setting rod passes outwards.
  • the device according to the invention has the advantage of making the crown perfectly accessible, since it can be mounted at the end of the stem, outside the middle part of a hard material, and this retaining the advantage of the very good seal obtained from the fact that the lining acts between two metal faces.
  • the outer middle part of hard material has a radial hole which, admittedly, weakens the middle part at this point, but to a much lesser extent than if a clearance opening downwards was practiced.
  • the middle designed according to the invention there remains material all around the passage of the rod, which leads to less brittleness both during manufacture (fewer discarded parts) than during wear (better resistance shock).
  • This advantage is particularly significant when the outer middle part is machined from a block of hard material, such as natural stone or a monocrystalline oxide.
  • the seal being placed on the stem it is possible to produce a crown entirely made of the same material as the outer middle part.
  • the timepiece according to the invention comprises a box 1 comprising a piece 2 made of a natural or artificial hard 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 its height, this veil forming the dial 5 of the piece of watchmaking on its upper side.
  • 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 the aesthetics that one wishes to give to the timepiece, the housing 6 being able to be off-center. compared to the general shape of the middle part 3 in stone which, itself, can take extremely varied external forms also determined by esthetics.
  • 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 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 veil 4 is pierced in its center with a hole 12 for the passage of the needles axes 13 and 14.
  • its central zone includes a stiffening portion 15 to stiffen the veil at this location. This stiffening 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.
  • a metal inner middle part 16 is disposed in the housing 6.
  • This middle part has an annular ring 17a from which the flange 17b extends inwards and it is glued to the outer middle part 2 by adhesive joints interposed between the walls. respective outer and inner peripherals of the middle and also (although this is not essential) between the upper end face of the inner middle 16 and the corresponding lower surface portion 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 gasket 22. Furthermore, several tapped holes 23 are provided in the middle part to allow its assembly with a bottom 24, by means of screw 25.
  • the bottom 24 is formed by a plate circular whose shape is adapted to the aesthetics of the assembly and which adjusts almost entirely in the opening of the housing 6. This plate has 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 an impact on the wearer, the risks of rupture at this point are thus notably 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 that the thickness of material between the hole 29 and the upper face of the inner middle part 16 would be very small, which could drive to the ovalization of the hole 27 which consequently could not guarantee good contact with the seal 31, resulting in a loss of tightness.
  • the housing 6 has in the periphery of its bottom, a groove which surrounds the stiffening 15 and which allows the use of a thicker inner middle 16, it is possible to guarantee the water resistance of the watch without increasing it 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 with respect to the bottom.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)

Abstract

1. A watch the case (1) of which is at least partially formed from a hard material, such case being of the type including an outer caseband (3) formed of hard material and an inner caseband (16) formed of rigid but easily machinable material, said inner caseband (16) including a radial hole (29) for accomodating a setting stem (27) said stem being engaged therein in a fluid tight manner by means of a packing (31) lodged in a peripheral groove (30) on the stem so as to be applied against the wall of the hole (29), characterized in that the outer caseband (3) is fashioned integrally with a central hub portion (4) serving as a dial (5) and includes a radial hole (28) aligned with the hole (29) in the inner caseband (16) and through which freely passes the setting stem (27) towards the exterior, the diameter of such radial hole (28) being greater than that of the stem (27) in the portion of the latter corresponding to such hole.

Description

La présente invention est relative aux pièces d'horlogerie comportant une boite réalisée au moins partiellement en un matériau minéral dur naturel tel que le granit et les pierres semi- précieuses, 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 semi-precious stones, or artificial, such as carbides or nitrides of certain metals such as tungsten or titanium.

L'une des difficultés que l'on rencontre lorsque l'on veut réaliser une pièce d'horlogerie de ce genre consiste à assurer l'étanchéité de la pièce au niveau de la traversée de la tige de mise à l'heure. En effet, on sait que l'étanchéité sur la surface d'un matériau dur tel que la pierre ne peut être que médiocre.One of the difficulties encountered when it is desired to produce a timepiece of this kind consists in ensuring the watertightness of the piece at the level of the crossing of the time-setting rod. Indeed, we know that the waterproofing on the surface of a hard material such as stone can only be poor.

C'est pourquoi on a déjà proposé un dispositif de montage pour la tige de mise à l'heure qui comporte un tube chassé radialement de façon étanche dans la platine du mouvement et traversé par la tige de mise à l'heure. Celle-ci reçoit à son extrémité extérieure la couronne qui, à son tour, est rendue étanche sur l'extrémité du tube par une garniture d'étanchéité emprisonnée entre un rebord annulaire de la couronne et la surface extérieure de la tige.This is why a mounting device has already been proposed for the time-setting rod which comprises a tube driven radially in leaktight manner in the plate of the movement and crossed by the time-setting rod. The latter receives at its outer end the crown which, in turn, is sealed on the end of the tube by a sealing gasket trapped between an annular rim of the crown and the outer surface of the rod.

Cette disposition s'est avérée peu satisfaisante pour plusieurs raisons.This provision has proven unsatisfactory for several reasons.

Tout d'abord, elle nécessite la présence du tube qu'il faut fabriquer et monter, ce qui augmente le prix de revient de la montre.First of all, it requires the presence of the tube which must be manufactured and assembled, which increases the cost price of the watch.

Cependant, si la boite est réalisée au moins partiellement en un matériau dur, c'est-à-dire comporte le plus souvent une carrure extérieure faite de ce matériau (afin de rendre la boîte résistante à l'usure), il faut prévoir, à l'endroit de la traversée du tube à travers cette carrure, un dégagement s'ouvrant vers le bas et s'étendant jusqu'au-dessus du tube. Ce dégagement est nécessaire pour permettre la mise en place du mouvement muni de son tube.However, if the box is made at least partially of a hard material, that is to say most often comprises an outer middle part made of this material (in order to make the box resistant to wear), provision must be made, at the point of crossing the tube through this middle part, a clearance opening downwards and extending to the top of the tube. This clearance is necessary to allow the establishment of the movement fitted with its tube.

Or, on sait que l'usinage des matériaux durs pose des problèmes ardus car les risques de rupture de la pièce en cours d'usinage sont très élevés. Le dégagement en question affaiblit considérablement la pièce à l'endroit où il doit être prévu de sorte que lesdits risques s'accroissent encore davantage. Par ailleurs, au porter, le dégagement peut constituer une amorce de rupture en cas de choc.However, it is known that the machining of hard materials poses difficult problems because the risks of rupture of the part during machining are very high. The release in question significantly weakens the room in the place where it should be planned so that said risks increase even more. Furthermore, when worn, the release may constitute a starting point for breaking in the event of an impact.

Il a, par ailleurs, été proposé (EP-A-0 150 746), dans une boite de montre comportant une carrure extérieure en un matériau dur et une carrure intérieure en un matériau rigide mais facilement usinable, de prévoir dans la carrure intérieure un dégagement pour la couronne, dégagement qui est fermé du côté extérieur par la portion correspondante de la carrure extérieure, mais qui s'ouvre vers le bas pour rendre la couronne accessible. La tige fixée à la couronne traverse alors un trou radial pratiqué dans la carrure intérieure dans lequel elle assure l'étanchéité à l'aide d'une garniture annulaire placée dans une gorge usinée dans la tige. Cette garniture est pressée contre la paroi du trou radial.It has, moreover, been proposed (EP-A-0 150 746), in a watch case comprising an outer middle part made of a hard material and an inner middle part made of a rigid material but easily machinable, to provide in the inner middle part a clearance for the crown, clearance which is closed on the outside by the corresponding portion of the outer middle part, but which opens downwards to make the crown accessible. The rod fixed to the crown then passes through a radial hole made in the inner middle part in which it seals using an annular packing placed in a groove machined in the rod. This gasket is pressed against the wall of the radial hole.

Cette disposition garantit naturellement une étanchéité très satisfaisante car la garniture agit sur des surfaces métalliques, mais elle conduit à une maniabilité tout-à-fait médiocre de la couronne puisque celle-ci doit être actionnée par la face arrière de la montre.This arrangement naturally guarantees a very satisfactory seal since the lining acts on metal surfaces, but it leads to quite poor maneuverability of the crown since the latter must be actuated by the rear face of the watch.

L'invention a pour but de fournir une montre équipée d'un dispositif de montage du genre décrit ci-dessus, mais qui soit dépourvu de ces inconvénients.The object of the invention is to provide a watch fitted with a mounting device of the type described above, but which is free from these drawbacks.

L'invention a donc pour objet une montre dont la boite est au moins partiellement en un matériau dur, cette boite étant du type comportant une carrure extérieure réalisée à partir du matériau dur et une carrure intérieure en un matériau rigide, mais facilement usinable, ladite carrure intérieure comportant un trou radial de passage de la tige dans lequel celle-ci est engagée de façon étanche à l'aide d'une garniture d'étanchéité logée dans une gorge périphérique de la tige et appliquée contre la paroi du trou, caractérisée en ce que la carrure extérieure comporte un trou radial aligné sur le trou de la carrure intérieure et à travers lequel passe la tige de mise à l'heure vers l'extérieur.The subject of the invention is therefore a watch the case of which is at least partially made of a hard material, this case being of the type comprising an outer middle made from hard material and an inner middle made of a rigid material, but easily machinable, said inner middle part comprising a radial hole for passage of the rod in which the latter is engaged in a leaktight manner using a gasket housed in a peripheral groove of the rod and applied against the wall of the hole, characterized in that the outer middle part has a radial hole aligned with the hole in the inner middle part and through which the time-setting rod passes outwards.

Le dispositif selon l'invention présente l'avantage de rendre la couronne parfaitement accessible, puisqu'elle peut être montée en bout de tige, à l'extérieur de la carrure en un matériau dur, et ce en conservant l'avantage de la très bonne étanchéité obtenue du fait que la garniture agit entre deux faces métalliques.The device according to the invention has the advantage of making the crown perfectly accessible, since it can be mounted at the end of the stem, outside the middle part of a hard material, and this retaining the advantage of the very good seal obtained from the fact that the lining acts between two metal faces.

Par ailleurs, la carrure extérieure en matériau dur comporte un trou radial qui, certes, affaiblit la carrure à cet endroit, mais dans une bien moindre mesure que si on pratiquait un dégagement s'ouvrant vers le bas. En effet, dans la carrure conçue suivant l'invention, il reste de la matière tout autour du passage de la tige, ce qui conduit à une moindre fragilité tant pendant la fabrication (moins de pièces au rebut) que pendant le porter (meilleure résistance aux chocs). Cet avantage est particulièrement sensible lorsque la carrure extérieure est usinée dans un bloc de matériau dur, comme de la pierre naturelle ou un oxyde monocristallin. Il faut en outre noter que le joint étant placé sur la tige, on peut réaliser une couronne entièrement faite dans le même matériau que la carrure extérieure.Furthermore, the outer middle part of hard material has a radial hole which, admittedly, weakens the middle part at this point, but to a much lesser extent than if a clearance opening downwards was practiced. In fact, in the middle designed according to the invention, there remains material all around the passage of the rod, which leads to less brittleness both during manufacture (fewer discarded parts) than during wear (better resistance shock). This advantage is particularly significant when the outer middle part is machined from a block of hard material, such as natural stone or a monocrystalline oxide. It should also be noted that the seal being placed on the stem, it is possible to produce a crown entirely made of the same material as the outer middle part.

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'exemple de réalisation représenté sur la figure unique, la pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'invention comporte une boite 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 boite et un voile 4 qui obture la bague à peu près à trois-quarts de sa hauteur, ce voile formant le cadran 5 de la pièce d'horlogerie à sa face supérieure.According to the embodiment shown in the single figure, the timepiece according to the invention comprises a box 1 comprising a piece 2 made of a natural or artificial hard 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 its height, this veil forming the dial 5 of the piece of watchmaking on its upper side.

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-toroidale. 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 the aesthetics that one wishes to give to the timepiece, the housing 6 being able to be off-center. compared to the general shape of the middle part 3 in stone which, itself, can take extremely varied external forms also determined by esthetics.

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 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 raidissement 15 pour rigidifier le voile à cet endroit. Cette portion de raidissement est obtenue en prolongeant en fin d'usinage du logement 6, l'opération d'usinage seulement sur le pourtour du fond de celui-ci.The veil 4 is pierced in its center with a hole 12 for the passage of the needles axes 13 and 14. In addition, its central zone includes a stiffening portion 15 to stiffen the veil at this location. This stiffening 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.

Une carrure intérieure métallique 16 est disposée dans le logement 6. 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 portion de surface inférieure correspondante du voile 4.A metal inner middle part 16 is disposed in the housing 6. This middle part has an annular ring 17a from which the flange 17b extends inwards and it is glued to the outer middle part 2 by adhesive joints interposed between the walls. respective outer and inner peripherals of the middle and also (although this is not essential) between the upper end face of the inner middle 16 and the corresponding lower surface portion 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 la 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 gasket 22. Furthermore, several tapped holes 23 are provided in the middle part to allow its assembly with a bottom 24, by means of screw 25. The bottom 24 is formed by a plate circular whose shape is adapted to the aesthetics of the assembly and which adjusts almost entirely in the opening of the housing 6. This plate has 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.

On signale 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 is also reported 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 an impact on the wearer, the risks of rupture at this point are thus notably 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 that the thickness of material between the hole 29 and the upper face of the inner middle part 16 would be very small, which could drive to the ovalization of the hole 27 which consequently could not guarantee good contact with the seal 31, resulting in a loss of tightness.

Grâce au fait que le logement 6 comporte dans le pourtour de son fond, une gorge qui entoure le raidissement 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 stiffening 15 and which allows the use of a thicker inner middle 16, it is possible to guarantee the water resistance of the watch without increasing it 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 vis-à-vis du 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 with respect to the bottom.

Claims (7)

1. Montre dont la boite (1) est au moins partiellement en un matériau dur, cette boite étant du type comportant une carrure extérieure (3) réalisée à partir du matériau dur et une carrure intérieure (16) en un matériau rigide, mais facilement usinable, ladite carrure intérieure (16) comportant un trou radial (29) de passage de la tige (27) dans lequel celle-ci est engagée de façon étanche à l'aide d'une garniture d'étanchéité (31) logée dans une gorge périphérique (30) de la tige et appliquée contre la paroi du trou (29), caractérisée en ce que la carrure extérieure (3) comporte un trou radial (28) aligné sur le trou (29) de la carrure intérieure (16) et à travers lequel passe la tige de mise à l'heure (27) vers l'extérieur.1. Watch whose box (1) is at least partially made of a hard material, this box being of the type comprising an outer middle part (3) made from the hard material and an inner middle part (16) made of a rigid material, but easily machinable, said inner middle part (16) comprising a radial hole (29) for the passage of the rod (27) in which the latter is engaged in a leaktight manner using a seal (31) housed in a peripheral groove (30) of the rod and applied against the wall of the hole (29), characterized in that the outer middle part (3) has a radial hole (28) aligned with the hole (29) in the inner middle part (16) and through which the time setting rod (27) passes outward. 2. Montre suivant la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'à l'extérieur de la carrure extérieure (3), la tige de mise à l'heure (27) est coiffée d'une couronne (32) réalisée en le même matériau que cette carrure extérieure.2. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that outside the outer middle part (3), the time-setting rod (27) is capped with a crown (32) made of the same material than this outer build. 3. Montre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisée en ce que ladite carrure extérieure (3) est réalisée d'un seul tenant avec un voile central (4) faisant office de cadran (5).3. Watch according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said outer middle part (3) is made in one piece with a central veil (4) acting as a dial (5). 4. Montre suivant la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que le logement (6) délimité par la carrure extérieure (3) et le voile central (4) et destiné à loger le mouvement (18) de la montre, comporte un fond annulaire entourant une portion de raidissement (15) prévue dans la partie centrale du voile (4), fond contre lequel est appliquée la carrure intérieure (16), la largeur dans le sens radial de ce fond annulaire correspondant à peu près à la longueur du trou de passage (29) prévu dans la carrure intérieure (16).4. Watch according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (6) delimited by the outer middle part (3) and the central veil (4) and intended to house the movement (18) of the watch, has an annular bottom surrounding a stiffening portion (15) provided in the central part of the web (4), bottom against which the inner middle part (16) is applied, the width in the radial direction of this annular bottom corresponding approximately to the length of the passage (29) provided in the inner middle part (16). 5. Montre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 3 et 4, caractérisée en ce que ledit voile (4) est entouré de moyens (8) de positionnement et de fixation d'une glace (9) usinés dans le corps de la carrure extérieure (3).5. Watch according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said veil (4) is surrounded by means (8) for positioning and fixing a crystal (9) machined in the body of the outer middle part (3). 6. Montre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite carrure extérieure est en pierre naturelle.6. Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said outer middle part is made of natural stone. 7. Montre suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite carrure extérieure est en oxyde monocristallin.7. Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said outer middle part is made of monocrystalline oxide.
EP86113004A 1985-10-07 1986-09-20 Watch case at least partially made of a hard material Expired EP0221311B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86113004T ATE48042T1 (en) 1985-10-07 1986-09-20 WATCH CASE MADE OF AT LEAST PARTIALLY HARD MATERIAL.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH433085A CH659166GA3 (en) 1985-10-07 1985-10-07
CH4330/85 1985-10-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0221311A1 true EP0221311A1 (en) 1987-05-13
EP0221311B1 EP0221311B1 (en) 1989-11-15

Family

ID=4274072

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86113004A Expired EP0221311B1 (en) 1985-10-07 1986-09-20 Watch case at least partially made of a hard material

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4956830A (en)
EP (1) EP0221311B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6287882A (en)
AT (1) ATE48042T1 (en)
CH (1) CH659166GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3666985D1 (en)
HK (1) HK87092A (en)
SG (1) SG71392G (en)

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US5214625A (en) * 1989-06-19 1993-05-25 Seiko Epson Corporation Setting mechanism for an analog timepiece
US20040111108A1 (en) 2001-11-09 2004-06-10 Farnan Robert C. Balloon catheter with non-deployable stent
DE60231733D1 (en) 2001-11-09 2009-05-07 Angioscore Inc
US8080026B2 (en) 2003-01-21 2011-12-20 Angioscore, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treating hardened vascular lesions
US10076641B2 (en) 2005-05-11 2018-09-18 The Spectranetics Corporation Methods and systems for delivering substances into luminal walls
ITRM20060130U1 (en) * 2006-07-07 2008-01-08 Promopharma Srl WRISTWATCH PROVIDED WITH A CASE SUITABLE FOR ACCOMMODATION IN THE LOWER PART OF STONES THAT COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE SKIN
FR2926374B1 (en) * 2008-01-11 2010-03-26 Atto Holding S Ar L WATCH COMPRISING A CARRIDE FACTORY IN A BLOCK OF EXTRA-DURABLE MATERIAL
US8009521B2 (en) * 2008-08-13 2011-08-30 Kun-Chi Wu Wristwatch with concave glass lens and dial
EP2380604A1 (en) 2010-04-19 2011-10-26 InnoRa Gmbh Improved coating formulations for scoring or cutting balloon catheters
US8632559B2 (en) 2010-09-21 2014-01-21 Angioscore, Inc. Method and system for treating valve stenosis
US10117668B2 (en) 2013-10-08 2018-11-06 The Spectranetics Corporation Balloon catheter with non-deployable stent having improved stability
EP4066067B1 (en) * 2019-11-25 2023-08-30 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Lateral lubrication of coaxial pipes-wheels

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US3861990A (en) * 1972-03-27 1975-01-21 Suwa Seikosha Kk Exterior parts for a timepiece
DE2730930B1 (en) * 1977-07-08 1978-01-05 Junghans Gmbh Geb Waterproof wrist watch with sealed winder aperture - has back and watch glass frame clipped to support frame including sealing rings
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EP0098795A2 (en) * 1982-07-09 1984-01-18 Montres Rado S.A. Time piece and method of manufacturing the same
EP0129274A1 (en) * 1983-06-03 1984-12-27 Guillod Gunther S.A. Water-tight watch case
EP0150746B1 (en) * 1984-01-26 1989-10-04 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case

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CH379407A (en) * 1961-09-29 1964-03-13 Schlup & Cie S A Process for manufacturing a watch case comprising a synthetic stone glass and case obtained by applying this process
US3861990A (en) * 1972-03-27 1975-01-21 Suwa Seikosha Kk Exterior parts for a timepiece
DE2730930B1 (en) * 1977-07-08 1978-01-05 Junghans Gmbh Geb Waterproof wrist watch with sealed winder aperture - has back and watch glass frame clipped to support frame including sealing rings
FR2397668A1 (en) * 1977-07-15 1979-02-09 Klingenberg Hans WATCH BOX
FR2437024A1 (en) * 1978-09-21 1980-04-18 Ebauches Sa EXTRA-FLAT ELECTROMECHANICAL WATCH
EP0098795A2 (en) * 1982-07-09 1984-01-18 Montres Rado S.A. Time piece and method of manufacturing the same
EP0129274A1 (en) * 1983-06-03 1984-12-27 Guillod Gunther S.A. Water-tight watch case
EP0150746B1 (en) * 1984-01-26 1989-10-04 Montres Rado S.A. Watch case

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0221311B1 (en) 1989-11-15
JPS6287882A (en) 1987-04-22
CH659166GA3 (en) 1987-01-15
HK87092A (en) 1992-11-13
DE3666985D1 (en) 1989-12-21
SG71392G (en) 1992-09-04
US4956830A (en) 1990-09-11
ATE48042T1 (en) 1989-12-15

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