EP0321900A1 - Watch case centre made from an extruded strip - Google Patents

Watch case centre made from an extruded strip Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0321900A1
EP0321900A1 EP88121214A EP88121214A EP0321900A1 EP 0321900 A1 EP0321900 A1 EP 0321900A1 EP 88121214 A EP88121214 A EP 88121214A EP 88121214 A EP88121214 A EP 88121214A EP 0321900 A1 EP0321900 A1 EP 0321900A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strip
watch case
case according
longitudinal direction
profile
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
EP88121214A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0321900B1 (en
Inventor
Paul Gogniat
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
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 Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Publication of EP0321900A1 publication Critical patent/EP0321900A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0321900B1 publication Critical patent/EP0321900B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G04B47/04—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached ornaments or amusement apparatus
    • G04B47/042—Fastening of jewels and the like
    • 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
    • G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches
    • G04B37/0058—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches for shaped watches
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
    • G04D3/0002—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe
    • G04D3/0061—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components for protecting the mechanism against external influences
    • G04D3/0064—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components for protecting the mechanism against external influences for cases
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49579—Watch or clock making
    • Y10T29/49584—Watch or clock making having case, cover, or back

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wristwatch case comprising a middle part emerging from a strip profile portion.
  • the watch case thus produced has several drawbacks. First of all to present a mediocre appearance since the case and particularly the bezel that surrounds the glass comes from a flat strip offering no decor. The disadvantage then of requiring costly recovery operations if only for fixing the crystal and / or the back, if such a removable bottom is considered essential for accessing the watch mechanism. Finally, that of requiring the use of bars for attaching the bracelet, at least in the proposed embodiment.
  • Document FR-A-2 329 002 for its part describes a watch case comprising a bezel made of folded sheet metal comprising two hooking edges by means of which a glass and a container bottom are assembled. There is no relief structure there which would have come from a strip profile as is the case in the present invention.
  • the middle part according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a relief structure coming from the strip and elongated in the longitudinal direction of said strip.
  • the invention also extends to a strip profile for the manufacture of watch case middle parts, as well as to the method for the mass production of such middle parts.
  • one of the objects of the invention is to propose a middle part for a watch case which is taken out of a portion of a strip profile having a relief structure used as decoration for said middle part.
  • Another object of the invention is to use said relief structure to serve as a means of fixing to the middle part of elements forming part of the watch such as, for example, the crystal and / or the back.
  • Another object of the invention is to use said relief structure to serve as an attachment to a bracelet.
  • the middle part 1 presented in FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the invention.
  • This middle part is produced from a strip profile shown, on a reduced scale, in FIG. 2.
  • the middle part has a relief structure which came from the strip 2 and which is elongated in the direction longitudinal of said strip.
  • relief is meant here the shape of a surface which includes projections and / or depressions.
  • the projections 3 define slides 6 facing each other and into which is introduced a glass (not shown).
  • the projections 4 are elongated beads which each serve to attach to a half-bracelet (not shown).
  • FIG. 1 there are also recesses referenced 5 and 6, the recesses 5 being arranged for example to allow a winding stem to pass and the recesses 6 forming the slides of which we have just spoken.
  • These projections and recesses are already part of the band 2 from which the middle part 1 is extracted, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. To remove the middle part 1 from the band 2, it suffices to make the opening 7 (intended to receive the movement) and to cut the strip.
  • Figures 1 and 2 also show that the middle part 1 is output from a strip section portion 2 having a camber substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip.
  • the camber is already existing in the profile itself. It is clear, of course, that this camber might not exist and that at that time the build would be flat. Without it being necessary to illustrate it, the strip 2 could also be bent mechanically parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip. Likewise, the band could present both of the two camber in question, which would give the middle part a cap shape. Finally, one or the other of the camberings, or both, could be made after the middle part has been separated from the band.
  • Figure 3 shows a middle of shape very similar to that described in Figure 1.
  • the glass is introduced between two slides 8 each of which has parallel faces 9 and 10.
  • the manner of fixing the glass thereon is described for example in document CH-A-643 425.
  • the slides 8 come from the projecting structures 3.
  • Figures 1 and 3 show that the axis 3 a.m. - 9 a.m. of the watch coincides with the longitudinal direction of the profile.
  • Figure 4 which is another variant of the middle, shows that it is the axis from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. of the watch which coincides with the longitudinal direction of the profile, the strap 12 emerging from the middle in the direction of this profile.
  • Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention. It is a watch in which the movement and the glass are mounted.
  • the middle part 1 is also taken out of a portion of a strip profile in which the relief structure, coming from the strip, includes projections 13 defining slides 14 facing each other, slides in which the bottom 15 is inserted.
  • the strands of the bracelet are attached to the middle in the same way as that described with reference to FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 also shows relief structures 16 in hollow which define purely decorative patterns.
  • Figures 6, 7 and 8 show a middle part of a watch case according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the profile is structured to receive inserts.
  • FIG. 6 shows a watch case comprising a middle part emerging from a portion of a strip profile, said middle part comprising a relief structure comprising recesses 20 into which are inserted inserts 21 which serve as means of fixing a lens (not shown) in the middle 1.
  • the glass is pinched between the middle 1 and the inserts 21. It is obvious that the inserts themselves could also have come out of a strip profile.
  • FIG. 7 shows a middle part 1, the recesses 23 of which come from the strip profile serve as means of attachment to rounded rods 24.
  • the bracelet fixing means are horns 25 produced after the fact by milling.
  • Decorative strips 24 can be made in gold.
  • Figure 8 differs from Figure 7 in that the recesses 26 in which are threaded the decorative strips 27 have a triangular shape.
  • Figure 9 finally shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in its simplest sense.
  • the middle part 1 is taken out from a strip profile, the relief structure of which is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the strip consists in giving the upper face 30 of the middle part a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the face lower 31 of this middle part.
  • the underside could be flat.
  • FIG. 9 also shows that the middle part is provided with a hollow relief structure 32 which defines an indication of source.
  • the groove 32 as presented, cannot be produced other than in a strip profile and that its presence attests that the middle part was manufactured according to the present invention.
  • strip profile is linked to the concept of manufacturing this strip which is obtained for example by extrusion, drawing or rolling.
  • a band can be made in the most diverse materials ranging from plastic to ceramic, passing for example through aluminum, brass, steel and precious metals.
  • FIG. 10 briefly shows the steps for manufacturing the middle part according to the invention.
  • a strip profile 2 is provided as shown in perspective in FIG. 1.
  • the strip 2 in FIG. 10 is a top view, on the glass side of the watch. Are apparent the fastening means 4 of the bracelet and the projections 3 in which the ice will pinch.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Transducers For Audible Bands (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
  • Testing Of Coins (AREA)

Abstract

The centre part (1) of the watch case is made from an extruded strip (2) which comprises a relief structure running in the longitudinal direction of the strip. This structure can serve a purely decorative aim, but may also have a functional purpose, for example that of serving as means for fastening a glass to the centre part. In this case, the relief structure comprises projections (3) which define opposing slides (6) in which the glass can be inserted. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne une boîte de montre-bracelet comportant une carrure sortie d'une portion de profilé en bande.The present invention relates to a wristwatch case comprising a middle part emerging from a strip profile portion.

On a déjà proposé une carrure de boîte de montre-bracelet fabriquée à partir d'un profilé en bande. Le document CH-A-492 244 décrit un procédé de fabrication en série de boîtes de montre obtenues à partir d'une bande de section rectangulaire. Dans ce procédé, on commence par percer des trous pilotes dans la bande, ces trous constituant des moyens d'entraînement et de centrage pour toutes les opérations subséquentes. On forme ensuite par emboutissage à froid une calotte au moyen d'une matrice et d'un poinçon, cette calotte formant la boîte de montre proprement dite. On dégage les cornes par découpage, on usine le cran de glace par tournage, on procède au cintrage des cornes, puis on perce les trous nécessaires à recevoir la tige de remontoir et les barrettes d'attache du bracelet, enfin on sépare la boîte de la bande. Le tout est réalisé par une installation permettant l'avance pas à pas de la bande et son positionnement à chaque poste de travail.We have already proposed a case middle of a wristwatch made from a strip profile. The document CH-A-492 244 describes a process for the mass production of watch cases obtained from a band of rectangular section. In this method, one begins by drilling pilot holes in the strip, these holes constituting drive and centering means for all subsequent operations. A cap is then formed by cold stamping by means of a die and a punch, this cap forming the watch case itself. The horns are released by cutting, the ice notch is machined by turning, the horns are bent, then the holes necessary to receive the winding stem and the strap attachment bars are drilled, finally the box is separated. the band. The whole is achieved by an installation allowing the step-by-step advance of the strip and its positioning at each work station.

La boîte de montre ainsi réalisée présente plusieurs inconvénients. Celui d'abord de présenter un aspect médiocre puisque la boîte et particulièrement la lunette qui entoure la glace proviennent d'une bande plate n'offrant aucun décor. L'inconvénient ensuite de nécessiter des opérations de reprise coûteuses ne serait-ce que pour la fixation de la glace et/ou du fond, si un tel fond, amovible, est jugé indispensable pour accéder au mécanisme de la montre. Celui enfin d'obliger l'utilisation de barrettes pour l'attache du bracelet, du moins dans le mode de réalisation proposé.The watch case thus produced has several drawbacks. First of all to present a mediocre appearance since the case and particularly the bezel that surrounds the glass comes from a flat strip offering no decor. The disadvantage then of requiring costly recovery operations if only for fixing the crystal and / or the back, if such a removable bottom is considered essential for accessing the watch mechanism. Finally, that of requiring the use of bars for attaching the bracelet, at least in the proposed embodiment.

On a aussi proposé de fabriquer en série une carrure de boîte de montre à partir d'un profilé extrudé en forme de tube. Le document GB-A-887 130 montre une telle réalisation où, après avoir rapporté par soudure des pattes le long du tube, on coupe ce dernier en tranches pour obtenir la carrure désirée. Ce système est relativement cher à mettre en oeuvre et surtout ne permet pas d'obtenir, directement du profilé, une structure en relief alongée dans le sens dans lequel le profilé est étiré, puisque le profilé du document cité est un tube et non une bande comme dans la présente invention.It has also been proposed to mass produce a watch case middle from an extruded tube-shaped profile. Document GB-A-887,130 shows such an embodiment where, after having brought the legs together by welding along the tube, the latter is cut into slices to obtain the desired build. This system is relatively expensive to implement and above all does not make it possible to obtain, directly from the profile, an elongated relief structure in the direction in which the profile is stretched, since the profile of the cited document is a tube and not a strip as in the present invention.

Le document FR-A-2 329 002 décrit pour sa part une boîte de montre comportant une lunette faite en tôle repliée comportant deux arêtes d'accrochage grâce auxquelles sont assemblés une glace et un fond-container. On ne trouve là aucune structure en relief qui serait venue d'un profilé en bande comme c'est le cas dans la présente invention.Document FR-A-2 329 002 for its part describes a watch case comprising a bezel made of folded sheet metal comprising two hooking edges by means of which a glass and a container bottom are assembled. There is no relief structure there which would have come from a strip profile as is the case in the present invention.

Ainsi, pour remédier aux inconvénients cités, la carrure selon la présente invention est caractérisée par le fait qu'elle présente une structure en relief venue de la bande et allongée dans la direction longitudinale de ladite bande. L'invention s'étend également à un profilé en bande pour la fabrication de carrures de boîtes de montres, ainsi qu'au procédé pour la fabrication en série de telles carrures.Thus, to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, the middle part according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a relief structure coming from the strip and elongated in the longitudinal direction of said strip. The invention also extends to a strip profile for the manufacture of watch case middle parts, as well as to the method for the mass production of such middle parts.

Ainsi, un des buts de l'invention est de proposer une carrure pour boîte de montres qui soit sortie d'une portion de profilé en bande possédant une structure en relief utilisée comme décor pour ladite carrure.Thus, one of the objects of the invention is to propose a middle part for a watch case which is taken out of a portion of a strip profile having a relief structure used as decoration for said middle part.

Un autre but de l'invention est d'utiliser ladite structure en relief pour servir de moyen de fixation à la carrure d'éléments faisant partie de la montre comme, par exemple, la glace et/ou le fond.Another object of the invention is to use said relief structure to serve as a means of fixing to the middle part of elements forming part of the watch such as, for example, the crystal and / or the back.

Un autre but de l'invention est d'utiliser ladite structure en relief pour servir d'attache à un bracelet.Another object of the invention is to use said relief structure to serve as an attachment to a bracelet.

Un autre but de l'invention est d'utiliser ladite structure en relief pour servir de moyens de fixation à la carrure d'inserts décoratifs et/ou fonctionnels, ces derniers permettant par exemple de fixer la glace à la carrure.Another object of the invention is to use said relief structure to serve as means of attachment to the middle of decorative and / or functional inserts, the latter making it possible, for example, to attach the crystal to the middle.

L'invention sera comprise maintenant à la lecture de la description de plusieurs modes de réalisation, modes donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et illustrés par le dessin dans lequel:

  • - la figure 1 montre, à échelle réduite, une carrure de boîte de montre selon un premier mode d'exécution de l'invention dans lequel le profilé est structuré pour recevoir une glace ainsi qu'un système d'attache d'un bracelet;
  • - la figure 2 montre un profilé en bande duquel est sortie la carrure de la figure 1;
  • - les figures 3 et 4 présentent des variantes de carrures dérivées du mode d'exécution montré à la figure 1;
  • la figure 5 montre une carrure de boîte de montre selon un deuxième mode d'exécution de l'invention dans lequel le profilé est structuré pour recevoir à la fois un fond, un bracelet ainsi que des motifs décoratifs;
  • - les figures 6, 7 et 8 montrent chacune une carrure de boîte de montre selon un troisième mode d'exécution de l'invention dans lequel le profilé est structuré pour recevoir des inserts;
  • - la figure 9 montre une carrure de boîte de montre selon un quatrième mode d'exécution dans lequel le profilé est structuré simplement par le fait que les faces supérieure et inférieure de la carrure ne sont pas parallèles; et
  • - la figure 10 montre un procédé de fabrication de la carrure de la figure 1 à partir d'un profilé en bande.
The invention will now be understood on reading the description of several embodiments, modes given by way of nonlimiting examples and illustrated by the drawing in which:
  • - Figure 1 shows, on a reduced scale, a middle part of a watch case according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the profile is structured to receive a crystal as well as a system for attaching a bracelet;
  • - Figure 2 shows a strip profile from which the middle of Figure 1;
  • - Figures 3 and 4 show variations of middle parts derived from the embodiment shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 5 shows a watch case middle according to a second embodiment of the invention in which the profile is structured to receive both a background, a bracelet and decorative patterns;
  • - Figures 6, 7 and 8 each show a watch case middle according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the profile is structured to receive inserts;
  • - Figure 9 shows a watch case middle according to a fourth embodiment in which the profile is structured simply by the fact that the upper and lower faces of the middle are not parallel; and
  • - Figure 10 shows a method of manufacturing the middle part of Figure 1 from a strip profile.

La carrure 1 présentée en figure 1 montre un premier mode d'exécution selon l'invention. Cette carrure est réalisée à partir d'un profilé en bande représenté, à échelle réduite, en figure 2. Essentiellement et selon l'invention, la carrure comporte une structure en relief qui est venue de la bande 2 et qui est allongée dans la direction longitudinale de ladite bande. Par relief on entend ici la forme d'une surface qui comporte des saillies et/ou des creux. Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, on trouve des saillies aux parties référencées 3 et 4 qui servent de moyens de fixation à la carrure d'éléments faisant partie de la montre. Ici les saillies 3 définissent des glissières 6 se faisant face et dans lesquelles est introduite une glace (non représentée). De même, les saillies 4 sont des bourrelets allongés qui servent chacun d'attache à un demi-bracelet (non représenté). A la figure 1, on trouve aussi des creux référencés 5 et 6, les creux 5 étant ménagés par exemple pour laisser passer une tige de remontoir et les creux 6 formant les glissières dont on vient de parler. Ces saillies et creux font déjà partie de la bande 2 dont la carrure 1 est extraite, comme on le voit bien sur les figures 1 et 2. Pour sortir la carrure 1 de la bande 2, il suffit de pratiquer l'ouverture 7 (destinée à recevoir le mouvement) et de tronçonner la bande.The middle part 1 presented in FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the invention. This middle part is produced from a strip profile shown, on a reduced scale, in FIG. 2. Basically and according to the invention, the middle part has a relief structure which came from the strip 2 and which is elongated in the direction longitudinal of said strip. By relief is meant here the shape of a surface which includes projections and / or depressions. In the example of FIG. 1, there are projections at the parts referenced 3 and 4 which serve as means of attachment to the middle part of elements forming part of the watch. Here the projections 3 define slides 6 facing each other and into which is introduced a glass (not shown). Similarly, the projections 4 are elongated beads which each serve to attach to a half-bracelet (not shown). In FIG. 1, there are also recesses referenced 5 and 6, the recesses 5 being arranged for example to allow a winding stem to pass and the recesses 6 forming the slides of which we have just spoken. These projections and recesses are already part of the band 2 from which the middle part 1 is extracted, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. To remove the middle part 1 from the band 2, it suffices to make the opening 7 (intended to receive the movement) and to cut the strip.

Les explications qui viennent d'être données montrent avec quelle facilité on produit une carrure de forme et de section relativement compliquées puisqu'on part d'un matériau en bande possédant déjà les formes et sections souhaitées. Ce genre de profilé en bande est bien connu, par exemple en technique de construction architecturale, et s'obtient au mètre à des prix très intéressants. Il n'a cependant jamais été proposé pour la fabrication de boîte de montre.On peut réaliser ainsi des carrures très bon marché puisqu'on évite une foule d'opérations d'usinage ou de reprise subséquentes. On remarquera aussi que la carrure ainsi réalisée est faite d'une seule pièce, ce qui évite des pièces rapportées qui doivent inévitablement être fixées à la carrure proprement dite par des moyens de fixation tels que des vis. La carrure en une seule pièce permet également de proposer un produit rigide qui ne risque pas de se disloquer.The explanations which have just been given show how easily a middle part of relatively complicated shape and section is produced since one starts from a strip material already having the desired shapes and sections. This kind of strip profile is well known, for example in architectural construction technique, and is obtained by the meter at very attractive prices. However, it has never been proposed for the manufacture of a watch case, making it possible to produce very inexpensive cases since a host of subsequent machining or recovery operations is avoided. It will also be noted that the middle part thus produced is made in one piece, which avoids added parts which must inevitably be fixed to the middle part proper by fixing means such as screws. The middle part in one piece also makes it possible to offer a rigid product which is not likely to fall apart.

On n'a pas l'intention ici de décrire dans le détail comment sont fixés la glace et le fond à la carrure proposée.A ce sujet, on renvoie le lecteur au document CH-A-632 886 qui explique comment la glace peut être montée étanche entre deux glissières se faisant face. De même la fixation des brins du bracelet n'a pas été décrite, car connue en soi. Chacun des brins comporte une glissière qui vient enfilée dans les bourrelets 4 présentés à la figure 1.We do not intend here to describe in detail how the glass and the bottom are attached to the proposed middle part. On this subject, we refer the reader to document CH-A-632 886 which explains how the glass can be sealed mounting between two opposite slides. Likewise, the attachment of the strands of the bracelet has not been described, since it is known per se. Each of the strands comprises a slide which comes threaded in the beads 4 presented in FIG. 1.

Les figures 1 et 2 montrent encore que la carrure 1 est sortie d'une portion de profilé en bande 2 présentant une cambrure sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la bande. Dans ce cas la cambrure est déjà existante dans le profilé lui-même. Il est clair naturellement que cette cambrure pourrait ne pas exister et qu'à ce moment la carrure serait plate. Sans qu'il soit nécessaire de l'illustrer, la bande 2 pourrait aussi être cambrée mécaniquement parallèlement à la direction longitudinale de la bande. De même la bande pourrait présenter à la fois les deux cambrures en question ce qui conférerait à la carrure une forme en calotte. Enfin l'une ou l'autre des cambrures, ou les deux, pourraient être faites après que la carrure ait été séparée de la bande.Figures 1 and 2 also show that the middle part 1 is output from a strip section portion 2 having a camber substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip. In this case, the camber is already existing in the profile itself. It is clear, of course, that this camber might not exist and that at that time the build would be flat. Without it being necessary to illustrate it, the strip 2 could also be bent mechanically parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip. Likewise, the band could present both of the two camber in question, which would give the middle part a cap shape. Finally, one or the other of the camberings, or both, could be made after the middle part has been separated from the band.

La figure 3 montre une carrure de forme très semblable à celle décrite à la figure 1. Ici cependant la glace est introduite entre deux glissières 8 dont chacune possède des faces parallèles 9 et 10. La manière d'y fixer la glace est décrite par exemple dans le document CH-A-643 425. Comme pour la figure 1, les glissières 8 sont issues des structures en saillie 3. Il en va de même des creux allongés 11 qui servent de moyens d'attache à des brins d'un bracelet, l'extrémité de chacun de ces brins présentant alors des bourrelets qui viennent s'enfiler dans les creux 11.Figure 3 shows a middle of shape very similar to that described in Figure 1. Here however the glass is introduced between two slides 8 each of which has parallel faces 9 and 10. The manner of fixing the glass thereon is described for example in document CH-A-643 425. As for FIG. 1, the slides 8 come from the projecting structures 3. The same applies to the elongated hollows 11 which serve as means of attachment to the strands of a bracelet, the end of each of these strands then having beads which thread into the hollows 11.

Les figures 1 et 3 montrent que l'axe 3 h.-9 h. de la montre coincide avec la direction longitudinale du profilé. La figure 4, qui est une autre variante de carrure, montre que c'est l'axe 12 h.-­6 h. de la montre qui coincide avec la direction longitudinale du profilé, le bracelet 12 émergeant de la carrure dans le sens de ce profilé.Figures 1 and 3 show that the axis 3 a.m. - 9 a.m. of the watch coincides with the longitudinal direction of the profile. Figure 4, which is another variant of the middle, shows that it is the axis from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. of the watch which coincides with the longitudinal direction of the profile, the strap 12 emerging from the middle in the direction of this profile.

La figure 5 présente une deuxième forme d'exécution de l'invention. Il s'agit d'une montre dans laquelle est montée le mouvement et la glace. La carrure 1 est également sortie d'une portion de profilé en bande où la structure en relief, venue de la bande, comporte des saillies 13 définissant des glissières 14 se faisant face, glissières dans lesquelles est introduit le fond 15. Les brins du bracelet, non représentés, sont attachés à la carrure de la même façon que celle décrite à propos de la figure 3. La figure 5 montre de surcroît des structures en relief 16 en creux qui définissent des motifs purement décoratifs.Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention. It is a watch in which the movement and the glass are mounted. The middle part 1 is also taken out of a portion of a strip profile in which the relief structure, coming from the strip, includes projections 13 defining slides 14 facing each other, slides in which the bottom 15 is inserted. The strands of the bracelet , not shown, are attached to the middle in the same way as that described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 5 also shows relief structures 16 in hollow which define purely decorative patterns.

Les figures 6, 7 et 8 présentent une carrure de boîte de montre selon un troisième mode d'exécution de l'invention dans lequel le profilé est structuré pour recevoir des inserts.Figures 6, 7 and 8 show a middle part of a watch case according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the profile is structured to receive inserts.

La figure 6 présente une boîte de montre comportant une carrure sortie d'une portion de profilé en bande, ladite carrure comprenant une structure en relief comportant des creux 20 dans lesquels sont introduits des inserts 21 qui servent de moyens de fixation d'une glace (non représentée) à la carrure 1. On voit que dans cette construction la glace est pincée entre la carrure 1 et les inserts 21. Il est évident que les inserts eux-mêmes pourraient être sortis également d'un profilé en bande.FIG. 6 shows a watch case comprising a middle part emerging from a portion of a strip profile, said middle part comprising a relief structure comprising recesses 20 into which are inserted inserts 21 which serve as means of fixing a lens ( not shown) in the middle 1. We see that in this construction the glass is pinched between the middle 1 and the inserts 21. It is obvious that the inserts themselves could also have come out of a strip profile.

Les figures 7 et 8 montrent chacune une carrure 1 pourvue d'inserts purement décoratifs. La figure 7 présente une carrure 1 dont les creux 23, venus du profilé en bande, servent de moyens de fixation à des baguettes arrondies 24. On remarquera que dans cette variante, les moyens de fixation du bracelet sont des cornes 25 réalisées après coup par fraisage. Les baguettes décoratives 24 peuvent être faites en or.Figures 7 and 8 each show a middle part 1 provided with purely decorative inserts. FIG. 7 shows a middle part 1, the recesses 23 of which come from the strip profile serve as means of attachment to rounded rods 24. It will be noted that in this variant, the bracelet fixing means are horns 25 produced after the fact by milling. Decorative strips 24 can be made in gold.

La figure 8 se distingue de la figure 7 par le fait que les creux 26 dans lesquels sont enfilées les baguettes décoratives 27 ont une forme triangulaire.Figure 8 differs from Figure 7 in that the recesses 26 in which are threaded the decorative strips 27 have a triangular shape.

La figure 9 montre enfin un quatrième mode d'exécution de l'invention dans son acception la plus simple. Ici la carrure 1 est sortie d'un profilé en bande dont la structure en relief allongée dans la direction longitudinale de la bande consiste à conférer à la face supérieure 30 de la carrure un rayon de courbure plus petit que le rayon de courbure de la face inférieure 31 de cette carrure. En variante la face inférieure pourrait être plane. La figure 9 montre aussi que la carrure est pourvue d'une structure en relief en creux 32 qui définit une indication de provenance. A ce sujet on remarquera que la rainure 32, telle qu'elle est présentée, ne peut pas être réalisée autrement que dans un profilé en bande et que sa présence atteste que la carrure a été fabriquée selon la présente invention.Figure 9 finally shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in its simplest sense. Here the middle part 1 is taken out from a strip profile, the relief structure of which is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the strip consists in giving the upper face 30 of the middle part a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the face lower 31 of this middle part. Alternatively the underside could be flat. FIG. 9 also shows that the middle part is provided with a hollow relief structure 32 which defines an indication of source. In this regard, it will be noted that the groove 32, as presented, cannot be produced other than in a strip profile and that its presence attests that the middle part was manufactured according to the present invention.

Il va de soi que la notion du profilé en bande est liée à la notion de fabrication de cette bande qui est obtenue par exemple par extrusion, étirage ou laminage. Une telle bande peut être faite dans les matériaux les plus divers allant de la matière plastique à la céramique, en passant par exemple par l'aluminium, le laiton, l'acier et les métaux précieux.It goes without saying that the concept of strip profile is linked to the concept of manufacturing this strip which is obtained for example by extrusion, drawing or rolling. Such a band can be made in the most diverse materials ranging from plastic to ceramic, passing for example through aluminum, brass, steel and precious metals.

La figure 10 montre succinctement les étapes de fabrication de la carrure selon l'invention. On fournit un profilé en bande 2 tel qu'il se présente en perspective à la figure 1. La bande 2 de la figure 10 est une vue de dessus, côté glace de la montre. Sont apparents les moyens de fixation 4 du bracelet et les saillies 3 dans lesquelles viendra pincée la glace.FIG. 10 briefly shows the steps for manufacturing the middle part according to the invention. A strip profile 2 is provided as shown in perspective in FIG. 1. The strip 2 in FIG. 10 is a top view, on the glass side of the watch. Are apparent the fastening means 4 of the bracelet and the projections 3 in which the ice will pinch.

On commence par percer des trous pilotes 35 utilisés pour le transport et le guidage de la bande. On pratique ensuite une ouverture 36 dans laquelle viendra loger le mouvement, puis des trous 37 qui serviront à la fixation du fond. D'autres opérations peuvent encore être exécutées à ce stade comme des chanfreins, des portées, des logements, etc, toutes ces opérations d'usinage étant réalisées avant de séparer la carrure de la bande. On détache ensuite la carrure de la bande par une opération de tronçonnage figurée au dessin par le trait 38. On termine, le cas échéant, l'usinage de la carrure.We start by drilling pilot holes 35 used for transporting and guiding the strip. There is then made an opening 36 in which the movement will be housed, then holes 37 which will be used to fix the bottom. Other operations can still be performed at this stage such as chamfers, bearing surfaces, housings, etc., all of these machining operations being carried out before separating the middle part from the band. Then detaching the middle of the band by a cutting operation shown in the drawing by the line 38. We finish, if necessary, the machining of the middle.

Claims (19)

1. Boîte de montre-bracelet comportant une carrure (1) sortie d'une portion de profilé en bande (2), caractérisée par le fait que la carrure présente une structure en relief venue de la bande et allongée dans la direction longitudinale de ladite bande.1. Wrist watch case comprising a middle part (1) emerging from a portion of a strip profile (2), characterized in that the middle part has a relief structure coming from the strip and elongated in the longitudinal direction of said bandaged. 2. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que la carrure présente une cambrure sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la bande.2. Wrist watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the middle part has a camber substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band. 3. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que la carrure présente une cambrure sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la bande.3. Wrist watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the middle has a camber substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band. 4. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1,caractérisée par le fait que la carrure présente des cambrures à la fois perpendiculaire et parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la bande.4. Wrist watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the middle has camber both perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the band. 5. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que la structure en relief définit une indication de provenance (32).5. Wrist watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the relief structure defines an indication of source (32). 6. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que la structure en relief définit des motifs décoratifs (16).6. Wrist watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the relief structure defines decorative patterns (16). 7. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que la structure en relief comporte des saillies (3, 4, 13) servant de moyens de fixation à la carrure d'au moins un élément faisant partie de la montre.7. wristwatch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the relief structure includes protrusions (3, 4, 13) serving as means for fixing to the middle part of at least one element forming part of the watch . 8. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 7, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte une glace et que les saillies (3) définissent des glissières (6, 8) se faisant face et dans lesquelles est introduite ladite glace.8. Wrist watch case according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a crystal and that the projections (3) define slides (6, 8) facing each other and into which said crystal is introduced. 9. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 7, caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comporte un fond (15) et que les saillies (13) définissent des glissières (14) se faisant face et dans lesquelles est introduit ledit fond.9. wristwatch case according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a bottom (15) and that the projections (13) define slides (14) facing each other and into which said bottom is inserted. 10. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 7, caractérisée par le fait que sa carrure comporte deux saillies (4) servant chacune d'attache à un demi-bracelet.10. Wrist watch case according to claim 7, characterized in that its middle has two protrusions (4) each serving for attachment to a half bracelet. 11. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que la structure en relief comporte des creux (20, 23, 26) dans lesquels sont introduits des inserts (21, 24, 27).11. Wristwatch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the relief structure comprises recesses (20, 23, 26) into which are inserted inserts (21, 24, 27). 12. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 11, caractérisée par le fait que les inserts sont des motifs décoratifs.12. Wrist watch case according to claim 11, characterized in that the inserts are decorative patterns. 13. Boîte de montre-bracelet selon la revendication 11, caractérisée par le fait que les inserts servent de moyens de fixation à la carrure d'au moins un élément faisant partie de la montre.13. Wrist watch case according to claim 11, characterized in that the inserts serve as means of fixing to the middle part of at least one element forming part of the watch. 14. Profilé en bande (2) pour la fabrication de carrures (1) de boîtes de montre-bracelet, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte une structure en relief venue de la bande et allongée dans la direction longitudinale de ladite bande.14. Strip profile (2) for the manufacture of middle parts (1) of wristwatch boxes, characterized in that it comprises a relief structure coming from the strip and elongated in the longitudinal direction of said strip. 15. Profilé selon la revendication 14, caractérisé par le fait qu'il présente une cambrure sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la bande.15. Profile according to claim 14, characterized in that it has a camber substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip. 16. Profilé selon la revendication 14, caractérisé par le fait qu'il présente une cambrure sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la bande.16. Profile according to claim 14, characterized in that it has a camber substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip. 17. Profilé selon la revendication 14, caractérisé par le fait qu'il présente des cambrures à la fois perpendiculaire et parallèle à la direction longitudinale de la bande.17. Profile according to claim 14, characterized in that it has camber both perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip. 18. Procédé de fabrication en série de carrures (1) de boîte de montre bracelet, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte la succession des étapes suivantes:
- on fournit un profilé en bande (2) présentant une structure en relief venue de la bande et allongée dans la direction longitudinale de la bande,
- on réalise au moins une partie des opérations d'usinage de la carrure avant qu'elle ne soit séparée de la bande,
- on détache la carrure de la bande et
- on termine, le cas échéant, l'usinage de ladite carrure.18. A method of mass production of middle parts (1) of a wristwatch case, characterized in that it comprises the following stages:
- a strip profile (2) is provided having a relief structure coming from the strip and elongated in the longitudinal direction of the strip,
at least part of the operations for machining the middle part is carried out before it is separated from the band,
- we detach the middle of the band and
- We finish, if necessary, the machining of said middle. 19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, caractérisé par le fait que le profilé en bande est obtenu par extrusion, étirage ou laminage.19. The method of claim 18, characterized in that the strip profile is obtained by extrusion, drawing or rolling.
EP88121214A 1987-12-23 1988-12-19 Watch case centre made from an extruded strip Expired - Lifetime EP0321900B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH5010/87A CH672225B5 (en) 1987-12-23 1987-12-23
CH5010/87 1987-12-23

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EP0321900A1 true EP0321900A1 (en) 1989-06-28
EP0321900B1 EP0321900B1 (en) 1991-09-18

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US (1) US5077710A (en)
EP (1) EP0321900B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH01207689A (en)
CN (1) CN1012921B (en)
CH (1) CH672225B5 (en)
DE (1) DE3864996D1 (en)
HK (1) HK178596A (en)

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JPH08153386A (en) * 1994-11-28 1996-06-11 Minebea Co Ltd Production of base for hard disk driver
DE29714637U1 (en) * 1997-06-16 1998-02-26 Timehouse Handelsgesellschaft mbH, 20259 Hamburg Clocks
DE602007003946D1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2010-02-04 Tissot Sa Clock with polygonal bezel
US8279716B1 (en) 2011-10-26 2012-10-02 Google Inc. Smart-watch including flip up display
US8467270B2 (en) * 2011-10-26 2013-06-18 Google Inc. Smart-watch with user interface features
EP2667265A1 (en) * 2012-05-22 2013-11-27 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Brazed bi-metal timepiece external component
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH672225GA3 (en) 1989-11-15
CN1012921B (en) 1991-06-19
JPH01207689A (en) 1989-08-21
CH672225B5 (en) 1990-05-15
US5077710A (en) 1991-12-31
EP0321900B1 (en) 1991-09-18
HK178596A (en) 1996-10-04
DE3864996D1 (en) 1991-10-24
CN1033888A (en) 1989-07-12

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