EP0378125B1 - Watch case and watch provided with such a case - Google Patents

Watch case and watch provided with such a case Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0378125B1
EP0378125B1 EP90100208A EP90100208A EP0378125B1 EP 0378125 B1 EP0378125 B1 EP 0378125B1 EP 90100208 A EP90100208 A EP 90100208A EP 90100208 A EP90100208 A EP 90100208A EP 0378125 B1 EP0378125 B1 EP 0378125B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dome
watch case
watch
ring
case according
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP90100208A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0378125A1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Müller
Clément Meyrat
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ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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ETA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse SA
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Publication of EP0378125A1 publication Critical patent/EP0378125A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist 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
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/11—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of the back cover of pocket or wrist 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch case of the type comprising a middle and a back. It relates more particularly to boxes in which a cup-shaped part and a stiffening structure together define a bottom and a middle part. In these boxes, the stiffening structure is in excess thickness of the bowl. It has a central projection and stiffening elements radiating from the central projection towards the periphery of the bowl.
  • the box is intended to equip a pocket watch.
  • this type of watch is in principle housed in a pocket, that is to say in a protected place, not very sensitive to mechanical stresses.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide wristwatch boxes in which it is possible to avoid any deformation due to the pulling of the bracelet and to reduce the risk of deformation under the effect of an impact.
  • the boxes according to the invention are characterized in that, comprising horns, some of the stiffening elements terminate at the periphery of the bowl, in areas of attachment of the horns.
  • the box has an opening allowing the replacement of a battery and a removable cover to close the opening.
  • a box despite the thinness of its walls, thus allows an easy change of the battery, even by the wearer.
  • the present invention also relates to a watch provided with a box, defined in claim 9.
  • the characteristics of this watch are such that even when the box is made of gold, it can be waterproof, solid and nevertheless inexpensive.
  • the watch case shown in the drawing has a base 10, a middle part 12 and a bezel 14 all three from one piece. It is formed by a thin bowl 15 and a stiffening structure 16 in excess thickness and integral with the internal face of the bowl 15.
  • the middle 12 carries, welded on its external face, four horns bearing the reference 17.
  • the bottom 10 comprises a circular opening 18 whose periphery is defined by a ring 20 part of the stiffening structure 16.
  • the opening 18 has the function of allowing the replacement of the battery intended to supply a movement of watch likely to be housed in the box.
  • the opening 18 occupies a space between the center of the back and the two horns placed on either side of the south of the watch. In the completed watch, and as will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4, this opening is closed by a cover, fixed to the box by bayonet engagement.
  • the ring 20 more precisely comprises a first part 20a extending from the bottom 10 towards the inside of the box, and a second part 20b, forming a rim and extending radially towards the opening 18 to define it. periphery.
  • the ring 20 has three cells 22 open on the side of the opening 18. They extend over the entire height of the first part 20a. Grooves 24 open into the cells 22, in the extension of the outer surface of the rim 20b ( Figure 6).
  • the stiffening structure 16 further comprises ribs integral with the bowl 15 and adjoining its internal face, one central, the other radials.
  • the central rib bearing the reference 26 ( Figures 1 and 2), is in the form of a segment of a circle, the ends of which are attached to the wall forming the ring 20.
  • Two other radial ribs, referenced 28b extend from the central rib 26 towards the periphery, in the extension of one another and aligned in the axis three o'clock - nine o'clock.
  • two radial ribs, referenced 28c extend from the wall forming the ring 20 in the direction of the horns 17 placed on either side of the south.
  • the part of the case forming the middle 12, integrally formed with the base 10, has a flared shape. It is provided on its inner face with ribs 30a, 30b and 30c respectively extending the radial ribs 28a, 28b and 28c, as well as two ribs 32 ( Figure 3) about which details will be given below.
  • the middle 12 carries, at three o'clock, a tube 34 (Figures 1, 3 and 4) intended to receive a time-setting rod.
  • a tube 34 ( Figures 1, 3 and 4) intended to receive a time-setting rod.
  • the axis 34a of the tube 34 is parallel to one of the radial ribs referenced 28b.
  • This tube 34 passes through a middle rib referenced 30b, which is in the extension of the radial rib 28b.
  • the two ribs 32 ( Figure 3) are placed on either side of the tube 34, and extend substantially parallel to the rib 30b.
  • the tube 34 is welded to the middle part 12, not only at its part defined by the cup 15, but also to the ribs 30b and 32.
  • the tube-middle part connection is therefore considerably reinforced, and the risk of deterioration greatly reduced.
  • the part of the box forming a bezel 14 is also in one piece with the middle part 12 and the bottom 10 (FIGS. 1 and 4). It comprises a first part, of frustoconical shape, the base of which is connected to the most flared part of the middle part 12 and which defines the upper face 36 of the case, as well as a rim 40, of cylindrical shape and which s' extends towards the inside of the box. Its function will be specified later.
  • a box as described above can advantageously be produced by stamping and upsetting, by means of a rotary press, such as that sold by the house of H. Schmid (Rapperswil, Switzerland) under the name T200.
  • a rotary press such as that sold by the house of H. Schmid (Rapperswil, Switzerland) under the name T200.
  • punch and die are not only driven in a translational movement tending to bring them closer to each other, but also in a rotary movement around the translation axis and a tilting movement around an axis perpendicular to the translation axis.
  • the skilled person begins by cutting a pellet from a gold leaf. This pellet is then formed by means of the above rotary press, the latter being successively provided with punch-die pairs which, by their combined movements, deform the material until the box shown in the drawing is obtained. After shaping, the box still undergoes finishing operations, the aim of which is to guarantee an aesthetic surface condition.
  • the bowl 15 has a constant thickness of 0.15 mm, both at level of the base 10, of the middle part 12, that of the bezel 14.
  • the additional thickness due to the stiffening structure 16 is equal to 0.65 mm.
  • FIG. 4 to 8 we can see, in section, a watch assembled and having a box as it has just been described above.
  • This watch further comprises ( Figures 4 and 5) a movement 42, on which is mounted a dial 44 and hands not shown.
  • the movement 42 is positioned in the box by a casing circle 48.
  • a lens 50 is engaged in the opening defined by the rim 40, with the interposition of a seal 52, and in abutment against an interposed flange 54 between the crystal 50 and the dial 44.
  • the opening 18 that comprises the bottom 10 is closed by a cover 56 and a seal 58 ( Figure 5).
  • the casing ring 48 is advantageously made of injected plastic and its shape is such that it matches that of the inside of the middle part 12.
  • the outside of the circle 48 is therefore thus frustoconical, its surface being hollowed out with grooves 60 (FIG. 8) in which the ribs (30a, 30b, 30c of the middle 12) are engaged.
  • the position of the engagement circle 48 is perfectly defined, axially, radially and angularly.
  • the dial 44 and the hands have been mounted on the movement, the latter is engaged on the circle 48, the assembly thus formed is then introduced into the case and positioned by means of the ribs 30a, 30b , 30c engaged in the grooves 60.
  • the flange 54 the diameter of which is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical wall 40, is then driven out, pressing against the dial 44, which ensures the blocking of the assembly in the box.
  • the glass 50 and its seal 52 are finally placed in a conventional manner, to close the box on the upper side.
  • the cover 56 serves to seal the opening 18 intended to allow the battery to be changed.
  • This cover 56 comprises a thin disc 62 (FIG. 5), with a flange 63 facing the inside of the box and from which extend three radially 64, one being visible in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the disc 62 has a diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the first part 20a.
  • Ears 64 protrude from disc 62 and have a shape complementary to that of the cells 22.
  • the central part of the disc 62 is provided with a slot 65 whose function will be explained below.
  • the cover 56 further comprises a tubular portion 66 (FIGS. 5 to 7) welded or coming in one piece with the disc 62 and which extends towards the inside of the movement.
  • This tubular portion 66 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the opening 18, so as to be able to enter it.
  • the portion 66 has a groove 66a in which the seal 58 is housed.
  • the wristwatch thus produced therefore includes a gold box which, although having particularly thin walls, nevertheless remains entirely suitable for solidity.
  • boxes as described could also be made of materials other than gold, without detracting from the mechanical qualities of the box. In this case, however, the savings made on the quantity of material used is much less than in the case where the box is made of gold or other precious metal.
  • the cover could be removed, especially in the case where the watch is provided with a battery-free movement.

Abstract

Wrist-watch case whose middle part (12) carries horns (17) and whose back (10) is equipped with a central rib (26) and with radial ribs (28a, 28b, 28c). <??>The peripheral end of a radial rib (28a, 28c) is located in the extension of each horn (17). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne une boîte de montre du type comportant une carrure et un fond. Elle se rapporte plus particulièrement aux boîtes dans lesquelles une partie en forme de cuvette et une structure de raidissement définissent ensemble un fond et une carrure. Dans ces boîtes, la structure de raidissement est en surépaisseur de la cuvette. Elle comporte une saillie centrale et des éléments de raidissement rayonnant de la saillie centrale vers la périphérie de la cuvette.The present invention relates to a watch case of the type comprising a middle and a back. It relates more particularly to boxes in which a cup-shaped part and a stiffening structure together define a bottom and a middle part. In these boxes, the stiffening structure is in excess thickness of the bowl. It has a central projection and stiffening elements radiating from the central projection towards the periphery of the bowl.

Une boîte de ce type est décrite dans le brevet CH 11396. Cette montre, avantageusement en or, est munie d'un fond qui comporte une telle structure de raidissement. Celle-ci permet de réaliser un fond mince et néanmoins rigide. De la sorte, il est possible de réduire le poids de la boîte au minimum, et par là de réaliser une montre en or dont le prix reste modéré.A box of this type is described in patent CH 11396. This watch, advantageously made of gold, is provided with a back which includes such a stiffening structure. This makes it possible to produce a thin and nevertheless rigid bottom. In this way, it is possible to reduce the weight of the box to the minimum, and thereby make a gold watch whose price remains moderate.

Dans le brevet mentionné ci-dessus, la boîte est destinée à équiper une montre de poche. Comme son nom l'indique, ce type de montres est par principe logé dans une poche, c'est-à-dire dans un lieu protégé, peu sensible à des contraintes mécaniques.In the patent mentioned above, the box is intended to equip a pocket watch. As its name suggests, this type of watch is in principle housed in a pocket, that is to say in a protected place, not very sensitive to mechanical stresses.

Dans le cas de montres-bracelets au contraire, la boîte est soumise à de nombreuses contraintes, engendrées par exemple par une traction sur le bracelet ou un choc latéral. De tels chocs sont généralement appliqués au voisinage de la position correspondant au midi de la montre.In the case of wristwatches, on the contrary, the case is subjected to numerous constraints, generated for example by traction on the bracelet or a side impact. Such shocks are generally applied in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the south of the watch.

Un but de la présente invention est de fournir des boîtes de montre-bracelet dans lesquelles il est possible d'éviter toute déformation due à la traction du bracelet et de réduire le risque de déformation sous l'effet d'un choc.An object of the present invention is to provide wristwatch boxes in which it is possible to avoid any deformation due to the pulling of the bracelet and to reduce the risk of deformation under the effect of an impact.

A cet effet, les boîtes selon l'invention sont caractérisées en ce que, comprenant des cornes, certains des éléments de raidissement aboutissent à la périphérie de la cuvette, dans des zones de rattachement des cornes.To this end, the boxes according to the invention are characterized in that, comprising horns, some of the stiffening elements terminate at the periphery of the bowl, in areas of attachment of the horns.

Selon un mode préféré de réalisation défini à la revendication 2, la boîte comporte une ouverture permettant le remplacement d'une pile et un couvercle amovible pour obturer l'ouverture. Une telle boîte, malgré la finesse de ses parois, permet ainsi un changement facile de la pile, même par le porteur.According to a preferred embodiment defined in claim 2, the box has an opening allowing the replacement of a battery and a removable cover to close the opening. Such a box, despite the thinness of its walls, thus allows an easy change of the battery, even by the wearer.

Selon un autre mode particulier de réalisation, défini à la revendication 4, il est possible de réaliser un passage de tige solide et étanche, malgré la faible épaisseur des parois de la boîte.According to another particular embodiment, defined in claim 4, it is possible to produce a solid and sealed rod passage, despite the small thickness of the walls of the box.

La présente invention a également pour objet une montre munie d'une boîte, définie à la revendication 9. Les caractéristiques de cette montre sont telles que même lorsque la boîte est en or, elle peut être étanche, solide et néanmoins peu coûteuse.The present invention also relates to a watch provided with a box, defined in claim 9. The characteristics of this watch are such that even when the box is made of gold, it can be waterproof, solid and nevertheless inexpensive.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, d'un exemple de réalisation, fait-en référence au dessin, dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avec arrachés, d'une boîte selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en plan de dessous d'une partie de la boîte de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'un détail agrandi de la boîte de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 représente une coupe passant par le tube de tige d'une montre munie d'une boîte telle que représentée aux figures 1 à 3 ;
  • les figures 5 à 7 sont des coupes passant en différents endroits de l'ouverture de pile de cette montre, passant respectivement par les lignes V-V, VI-VI et VII-VII de la figure 2 ; et
  • la figure 8 est une coupe partielle de la montre passant par la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 5.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, of an exemplary embodiment, made with reference to the drawing, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view with cutaway, of a box according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of part of the box of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of an enlarged detail of the box of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 shows a section through the stem tube of a watch fitted with a box as shown in Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figures 5 to 7 are sections passing through different places of the battery opening of this watch, passing respectively through the lines VV, VI-VI and VII-VII of Figure 2; and
  • FIG. 8 is a partial section of the watch passing through the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 5.

La boîte de montre représentée au dessin comporte un fond 10, une carrure 12 et une lunette 14 tous trois venus d'une pièce. Elle est formée d'une cuvette mince 15 et d'une structure de raidissement 16 en surépaisseur et solidaire de la face interne de la cuvette 15. La carrure 12 porte, soudées sur sa face extérieure, quatre cornes portant la référence 17. Le fond 10 comporte une ouverture circulaire 18 dont le pourtour est défini par une bague 20 partie de la structure de raidissement 16. L'ouverture 18 a pour fonction de permettre le remplacement de la pile destinée à alimenter un mouvement de montre susceptible d'être logé dans la boîte. L'ouverture 18 occupe une place comprise entre le centre du fond et les deux cornes placées de part et d'autre du midi de la montre. Dans la montre terminée, et comme cela sera expliqué plus en détail en référence à la figure 4, cette ouverture est obturée par un couvercle, fixé à la boîte par enclenchement à baïonnette.The watch case shown in the drawing has a base 10, a middle part 12 and a bezel 14 all three from one piece. It is formed by a thin bowl 15 and a stiffening structure 16 in excess thickness and integral with the internal face of the bowl 15. The middle 12 carries, welded on its external face, four horns bearing the reference 17. The bottom 10 comprises a circular opening 18 whose periphery is defined by a ring 20 part of the stiffening structure 16. The opening 18 has the function of allowing the replacement of the battery intended to supply a movement of watch likely to be housed in the box. The opening 18 occupies a space between the center of the back and the two horns placed on either side of the south of the watch. In the completed watch, and as will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 4, this opening is closed by a cover, fixed to the box by bayonet engagement.

Pour permettre cet enclenchement, la bague 20 comprend plus précisément une première partie 20a s'étendant du fond 10 vers l'intérieur de la boîte, et une seconde partie 20b, formant rebord et s'étendant radialement vers l'ouverture 18 pour en définir le pourtour.To allow this engagement, the ring 20 more precisely comprises a first part 20a extending from the bottom 10 towards the inside of the box, and a second part 20b, forming a rim and extending radially towards the opening 18 to define it. periphery.

Ainsi qu'on peut le voir sur la figure 2, la bague 20 comporte trois alvéoles 22 ouvertes du côté de l'ouverture 18. Elles s'étendent sur toute la hauteur de la première partie 20a. Des gorges 24 débouchent dans les alvéoles 22, dans le prolongement de la surface extérieure du rebord 20b (figure 6).As can be seen in Figure 2, the ring 20 has three cells 22 open on the side of the opening 18. They extend over the entire height of the first part 20a. Grooves 24 open into the cells 22, in the extension of the outer surface of the rim 20b (Figure 6).

La structure de raidissement 16 comporte en outre des nervures solidaires de la cuvette 15 et attenantes à sa face interne, l'une centrale, les autres radiales. La nervure centrale, portant la référence 26 (figures 1 et 2), est en forme de segment de cercle, dont les extrémités sont accolées à la paroi formant la bague 20. Deux nervures radiales, portant les références 28a, s'étendent de la nervure centrale 26 en direction des cornes 17 placées de part et d'autre de six heures. Deux autres nervures radiales, référencées 28b, s'étendent de la nervure centrale 26 vers la périphérie, dans le prolongement l'une de l'autre et alignées dans l'axe trois heures - neuf heures. Enfin, deux nervures radiales, référencées 28c, s'étendent de la paroi formant la bague 20 en direction des cornes 17 placées de part et d'autre du midi.The stiffening structure 16 further comprises ribs integral with the bowl 15 and adjoining its internal face, one central, the other radials. The central rib, bearing the reference 26 (Figures 1 and 2), is in the form of a segment of a circle, the ends of which are attached to the wall forming the ring 20. Two radial ribs, bearing the references 28a, extend from the central rib 26 in the direction of the horns 17 placed on either side of six o'clock. Two other radial ribs, referenced 28b, extend from the central rib 26 towards the periphery, in the extension of one another and aligned in the axis three o'clock - nine o'clock. Finally, two radial ribs, referenced 28c, extend from the wall forming the ring 20 in the direction of the horns 17 placed on either side of the south.

La partie de la boîte formant carrure 12, venue de matière avec le fond 10, présente une forme évasée. Elle est munie sur sa face intérieure de nervures 30a, 30b et 30c prolongeant respectivement les nervures radiales 28a, 28b et 28c, ainsi que de deux nervures 32 (figure 3) à propos desquelles des précisions seront apportées ci-après.The part of the case forming the middle 12, integrally formed with the base 10, has a flared shape. It is provided on its inner face with ribs 30a, 30b and 30c respectively extending the radial ribs 28a, 28b and 28c, as well as two ribs 32 (Figure 3) about which details will be given below.

La carrure 12 porte, à trois heures, un tube 34 (figures 1, 3 et 4) destiné à recevoir une tige de mise à l'heure. On peut voir sur la figure 3 que l'axe 34a du tube 34 est parallèle à l'une des nervures radiales référencées 28b. Ce tube 34 traverse une nervure de carrure référencée 30b, qui se trouve dans le prolongement de la nervure radiale 28b. En outre, les deux nervures 32 (figure 3) sont placées de part et d'autre du tube 34, et s'étendent sensiblement parallèlement à la nervure 30b.The middle 12 carries, at three o'clock, a tube 34 (Figures 1, 3 and 4) intended to receive a time-setting rod. We can see on Figure 3 that the axis 34a of the tube 34 is parallel to one of the radial ribs referenced 28b. This tube 34 passes through a middle rib referenced 30b, which is in the extension of the radial rib 28b. In addition, the two ribs 32 (Figure 3) are placed on either side of the tube 34, and extend substantially parallel to the rib 30b.

Le tube 34 est soudé à la carrure 12, non seulement à sa partie définie par la cuvette 15, mais encore aux nervures 30b et 32. La liaison tube-carrure est donc ainsi considérablement renforcée, et le risque de détérioration fortement réduit.The tube 34 is welded to the middle part 12, not only at its part defined by the cup 15, but also to the ribs 30b and 32. The tube-middle part connection is therefore considerably reinforced, and the risk of deterioration greatly reduced.

La partie de la boîte formant lunette 14 est également d'une pièce avec la carrure 12 et le fond 10 (figures 1 et 4). Elle comprend une première partie, de forme tronconique, dont la base est reliée à la partie la plus évasée de la carrure 12 et qui définit la face supérieure 36 de la boîte, ainsi qu'un rebord 40, de forme cylindrique et qui s'étend vers l'intérieur de la boîte. Sa fonction sera précisée ultérieurement.The part of the box forming a bezel 14 is also in one piece with the middle part 12 and the bottom 10 (FIGS. 1 and 4). It comprises a first part, of frustoconical shape, the base of which is connected to the most flared part of the middle part 12 and which defines the upper face 36 of the case, as well as a rim 40, of cylindrical shape and which s' extends towards the inside of the box. Its function will be specified later.

Une boîte telle que décrite ci-dessus peut avantageusement être réalisée par emboutissage et refoulage, au moyen d'une presse rotative, telle que celle vendue par la maison H. Schmid (Rapperswil, Suisse) sous l'appellation T200. Dans ce type de presse, poinçon et matrice sont non seulement animés d'un mouvement de translation tendant à les rapprocher l'un de l'autre, mais encore d'un mouvement de rotation autour de l'axe de translation et d'un mouvement de basculement autour d'un axe perpendiculaire à l'axe de translation.A box as described above can advantageously be produced by stamping and upsetting, by means of a rotary press, such as that sold by the house of H. Schmid (Rapperswil, Switzerland) under the name T200. In this type of press, punch and die are not only driven in a translational movement tending to bring them closer to each other, but also in a rotary movement around the translation axis and a tilting movement around an axis perpendicular to the translation axis.

Pour réaliser une telle boîte, l'homme de métier commence par découper une pastille dans une feuille d'or. Cette pastille est ensuite formée au moyen de la presse rotative ci-dessus, celle-ci étant successivement munie de paires poinçon-matrice qui, par leurs mouvements combinés, déforment la matière jusqu'à obtenir la boîte représentée au dessin. Après façonnage, la boîte subit encore des opérations de finition, dont le but est de garantir un état de surface esthétique.To make such a box, the skilled person begins by cutting a pellet from a gold leaf. This pellet is then formed by means of the above rotary press, the latter being successively provided with punch-die pairs which, by their combined movements, deform the material until the box shown in the drawing is obtained. After shaping, the box still undergoes finishing operations, the aim of which is to guarantee an aesthetic surface condition.

En procédant ainsi, il est possible de réaliser une boîte dans laquelle la cuvette 15 a une épaisseur constante de 0,15 mm, tant au niveau du fond 10, de la carrure 12, que de la lunette 14. La surépaisseur due à la structure de raidissement 16 est égale à 0,65 mm.By doing so, it is possible to produce a box in which the bowl 15 has a constant thickness of 0.15 mm, both at level of the base 10, of the middle part 12, that of the bezel 14. The additional thickness due to the stiffening structure 16 is equal to 0.65 mm.

Sur les figures 4 à 8, on peut voir, en coupe, une montre assemblée et comportant une boîte telle qu'elle vient d'être décrite ci-dessus. Cette montre comporte en outre (figures 4 et 5) un mouvement 42, sur lequel est monté un cadran 44 et des aiguilles non représentées. Le mouvement 42 est positionné dans la boîte par un cercle d'encageage 48. Une glace 50 est engagée dans l'ouverture définie par le rebord 40, avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité 52, et en appui contre un réhaut 54 interposé entre la glace 50 et le cadran 44.In Figures 4 to 8, we can see, in section, a watch assembled and having a box as it has just been described above. This watch further comprises (Figures 4 and 5) a movement 42, on which is mounted a dial 44 and hands not shown. The movement 42 is positioned in the box by a casing circle 48. A lens 50 is engaged in the opening defined by the rim 40, with the interposition of a seal 52, and in abutment against an interposed flange 54 between the crystal 50 and the dial 44.

L'ouverture 18 que comporte le fond 10 est obturée par un couvercle 56 et un joint d'étanchéité 58 (figure 5).The opening 18 that comprises the bottom 10 is closed by a cover 56 and a seal 58 (Figure 5).

Dans cette montre, le cercle d'encageage 48 est avantageusement en plastique injecté et sa forme est telle qu'elle épouse celle de l'intérieur de la carrure 12. L'extérieur du cercle 48 est donc ainsi tronconique, sa surface étant creusée de rainures 60 (figure 8) dans lesquelles sont engagées les nervures (30a, 30b, 30c de la carrure 12. De la sorte, la position du cercle d'engageage 48 est parfaitement définie, axialement, radialement et angulairement. L'emboîtage d'une telle montre est particulièrement simple. Après que le cadran 44 et les aiguilles ont été montés sur le mouvement, ce dernier est engagé sur le cercle 48, l'ensemble ainsi formé étant ensuite introduit dans la boîte et positionné grâce aux nervures 30a, 30b, 30c engagées dans les rainures 60. Le réhaut 54, dont le diamètre est légèrement supérieur au diamètre de la paroi cylindrique 40, est ensuite chassé, en appui contre le cadran 44, ce qui assure le blocage de l'ensemble dans la boîte. La glace 50 et son joint 52 sont enfin mis en place de façon classique, pour fermer la boîte du côté supérieur.In this watch, the casing ring 48 is advantageously made of injected plastic and its shape is such that it matches that of the inside of the middle part 12. The outside of the circle 48 is therefore thus frustoconical, its surface being hollowed out with grooves 60 (FIG. 8) in which the ribs (30a, 30b, 30c of the middle 12) are engaged. In this way, the position of the engagement circle 48 is perfectly defined, axially, radially and angularly. such a watch is particularly simple. After the dial 44 and the hands have been mounted on the movement, the latter is engaged on the circle 48, the assembly thus formed is then introduced into the case and positioned by means of the ribs 30a, 30b , 30c engaged in the grooves 60. The flange 54, the diameter of which is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical wall 40, is then driven out, pressing against the dial 44, which ensures the blocking of the assembly in the box.The glass 50 and its seal 52 are finally placed in a conventional manner, to close the box on the upper side.

Ainsi que cela a été dit, le couvercle 56 sert à fermer de façon étanche l'ouverture 18 destinée à permettre le changement de la pile. Ce couvercle 56 comporte un disque mince 62 (figure 5), avec un rebord 63 tourné vers l'intérieur de la boîte et duquel s'étendent radialement trois oreilles 64, l'une étant visible aux figures 5 et 6. Le disque 62 a un diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre intérieur de la première partie 20a. Les oreilles 64 dépassent du disque 62 et présentent une forme complémentaire à celle des alvéoles 22. La partie centrale du disque 62 est munie d'une fente 65 dont la fonction sera précisée ci-après.As has been said, the cover 56 serves to seal the opening 18 intended to allow the battery to be changed. This cover 56 comprises a thin disc 62 (FIG. 5), with a flange 63 facing the inside of the box and from which extend three radially 64, one being visible in FIGS. 5 and 6. The disc 62 has a diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the first part 20a. Ears 64 protrude from disc 62 and have a shape complementary to that of the cells 22. The central part of the disc 62 is provided with a slot 65 whose function will be explained below.

Le couvercle 56 comporte en outre une portion tubulaire 66 (figures 5 à 7) soudée ou venue d'une pièce avec le disque 62 et qui s'étend vers l'intérieur du mouvement. Cette portion tubulaire 66 a un diamètre légèrement inférieur à celui de l'ouverture 18, de manière à pouvoir y pénétrer. La portion 66 comporte une gorge 66a dans laquelle est logé le joint 58.The cover 56 further comprises a tubular portion 66 (FIGS. 5 to 7) welded or coming in one piece with the disc 62 and which extends towards the inside of the movement. This tubular portion 66 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the opening 18, so as to be able to enter it. The portion 66 has a groove 66a in which the seal 58 is housed.

Pour fixer le couvercle 56 dans la boîte, il suffit de le poser de manière que les oreilles 64 s'engagent dans les alvéoles 22, de presser sur le couvercle 56 jusqu'à ce que les oreilles 64 appuient sur la partie formant rebord 20b de la bague 20, ce qui compresse le joint 58, et enfin de tourner le couvercle 56, par exemple au moyen d'une pièce de monnaie glissée dans la fente 65. Les oreilles pénétrent alors chacune dans l'une des gorges 24. De la sorte, le couvercle est soumis à une pression axiale, due à la déformation du joint 58, pression qui garanti la tenue en place du couvercle 56.To fix the cover 56 in the box, it is enough to place it so that the ears 64 engage in the cells 22, to press on the cover 56 until the ears 64 press on the flange part 20b of the ring 20, which compresses the seal 58, and finally to turn the cover 56, for example by means of a coin slipped into the slot 65. The ears then each enter one of the grooves 24. From the so, the cover is subjected to an axial pressure, due to the deformation of the seal 58, pressure which guarantees the holding in place of the cover 56.

La montre-bracelet ainsi réalisée comporte donc une boîte en or qui, bien que comportant des parois particulièrement minces reste néanmoins d'une solidité tout à fait convenable.The wristwatch thus produced therefore includes a gold box which, although having particularly thin walls, nevertheless remains entirely suitable for solidity.

Il est bien entendu que des boîtes telles que décrites pourraient également être fabriquées en d'autres matériaux que l'or, sans rien enlever aux qualités mécaniques de la boîte. Dans ce cas toutefois, l'économie faite sur la quantité de matière utilisée est beaucoup moins importante que dans le cas où la boîte est en or ou autre métal précieux.It is understood that boxes as described could also be made of materials other than gold, without detracting from the mechanical qualities of the box. In this case, however, the savings made on the quantity of material used is much less than in the case where the box is made of gold or other precious metal.

Il faut enfin relever que le couvercle pourrait être supprimé, notamment dans le cas où la montre serait munie d'un mouvement sans pile.Finally, it should be noted that the cover could be removed, especially in the case where the watch is provided with a battery-free movement.

Claims (10)

1. Watch case comprising a portion in the form of a dome (15) and a stiffening structure (16) obtained from said dome (15) material together defining a back cover (10) and a caseband (12), said structure including, as additional dome thickness, a central projection (26) and stiffening elements (28a, 28b, 28c, 30a, 30b, 30c) extending radially from said projection towards the dome periphery, characterized in that the case comprising lugs (17), certain of the stiffening elements (28a, 28b) terminate at the periphery of the dome (15) in attachment zones of the lugs (17) to the dome (15).
2. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the back cover (10) includes an off-center opening (18) for permitting passage of a power cell, said opening defined by a ring (20) forming part of said structure (16), in that the central projection (26) takes the form of a curve segment the ends of which are in contact with said ring (20) and in that said case further comprises a cover (56) intended to block said opening (18), at least partially engaged in said opening (18) and fastened to said back cover (10) by a bayonet catch.
3. Watch case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that stiffening elements (30a, 30b, 30c) also extend over a portion of the dome (15) belonging to the caseband (12) and elongate the stiffening elements (28a, 28b, 28c) integral with the portion of the dome (15) forming the back cover (10).
4. Watch case according to claim 3, characterized in that the caseband (12) bears a tube (34) intended to accommodate a control stem, such tube (34) having an axis (34a) parallel to one of said elements borne by the back cover (28b), in that the tube (34) passes through the element (30b) borne by the caseband (12) as elongation of said cover element (28b) and in that the caseband (12) further bears two elements (32) located on either side of said tube (34).
5. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dome (15) is extended in its upper portion by a cantilevered flange (36), itself extended by a wall (40) projecting towards the back cover (10) and defining a cylindrical surface, the flange (36) and the wall (40) forming a bezel (14).
6. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the thicknesses of the dome (15) in the portions thereof defining the back cover (10) and the caseband (12) are equal.
7. Watch case according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the thicknesses of the flange (36) and the wall (40) are equal to that of the dome (15).
8. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is formed from a gold-based alloy.
9. Watch provided with a watch case according to claim 5, characterized in that it further includes a casing ring (48), a movement (42) mounted in the casing ring (48) and bearing a dial (44), a ring forming a flange (54), a crystal (50) and a sealing gasket (52), and in that :
the casing ring (48) includes grooves (60) in which said stiffening elements (28a, 28b, 28c) are engaged in order to position this ring; the ring (54) is clamped in the opening formed by said wall (40) and supported on the dial (44); and the crystal (50) closes said opening, being fastened to the wall (40) with interposition of said sealing gasket (52) and axially positioned by the flange (54) and bearing theron.
EP90100208A 1989-01-13 1990-01-05 Watch case and watch provided with such a case Expired - Lifetime EP0378125B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH96/89A CH675517B5 (en) 1989-01-13 1989-01-13
CH96/89 1989-01-13

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EP0378125A1 EP0378125A1 (en) 1990-07-18
EP0378125B1 true EP0378125B1 (en) 1992-03-25

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ID=4179159

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EP90100208A Expired - Lifetime EP0378125B1 (en) 1989-01-13 1990-01-05 Watch case and watch provided with such a case

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US4995023A (en)
EP (1) EP0378125B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2969523B2 (en)
CH (1) CH675517B5 (en)
DE (1) DE69000037D1 (en)
HK (1) HK158296A (en)
SG (1) SG41976G (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SG41976G (en) 1995-09-01
HK158296A (en) 1996-08-30
CH675517B5 (en) 1991-04-15
US4995023A (en) 1991-02-19
CH675517GA3 (en) 1990-10-15
DE69000037D1 (en) 1992-04-30
JP2969523B2 (en) 1999-11-02
JPH02227695A (en) 1990-09-10
EP0378125A1 (en) 1990-07-18

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