EP0429974A1 - Water resistant control device for time piece - Google Patents

Water resistant control device for time piece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0429974A1
EP0429974A1 EP90121874A EP90121874A EP0429974A1 EP 0429974 A1 EP0429974 A1 EP 0429974A1 EP 90121874 A EP90121874 A EP 90121874A EP 90121874 A EP90121874 A EP 90121874A EP 0429974 A1 EP0429974 A1 EP 0429974A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
skirt
tube
bandage
annular
presented
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
EP90121874A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0429974B1 (en
Inventor
Alfred Vollert
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.)
Ebel SA
Fabrique Ebel SA
Original Assignee
Ebel SA
Fabrique Ebel SA
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Publication of EP0429974A1 publication Critical patent/EP0429974A1/en
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Publication of EP0429974B1 publication Critical patent/EP0429974B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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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 a sealed control device for a timepiece housed in a housing comprising a crown rotating around a tube projecting from the housing, said crown comprising a head made of a part, of a on the one hand with a cylindrical central part fixed to a rod capable of occupying at least two axial positions, one neutral pushed in, the other active pulled, and on the other hand with a lateral skirt concentric with said central part and spaced from that -outwardly so as to leave an annular housing between said central part and the internal wall presented by the skirt, said internal wall having a cylindrical surface whose diameter is constant over its entire height, said annular housing being shaped to receive the tube and a gasket compressed between said tube and said inner wall.
  • a device for controlling a timepiece uses a crown which can take at least two axial positions and which can also be rotated manually . If the interior of the timepiece must be waterproof to an external environment composed of dust and water, special measures must be taken to ensure the water resistance of this crown in whatever positions it is located, as well as during its rotation.
  • Figure 1 presents a known solution to the problem posed, a construction used for a long time by the applicant of this document.
  • a tube or pendant 4 is driven into a case middle 5.
  • the crown cooperating with this tube comprises a head 1 made in one piece with a cylindrical central part 9 intended to receive a rod (not shown) in the tapped hole 7 and with a skirt 8.
  • the interior wall of this skirt has a first annular housing 2 of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the tube and a second annular housing 3, of larger diameter, intended to receive a seal. 40.
  • the bottom of the second housing 3 is closed by a ring 6, crimped or driven out, which has the function of holding the lining 40 in place when the crown moves axially along the tube.
  • the construction of Figure 1 has at least two significant drawbacks.
  • the first drawback of this construction is the need to have to change the entire crown during repairs requiring only the change of the single lining, because, due to the presence of the ring 6, the replacement of the lining alone is almost impossible. If this crown is made of gold, as is often the case, it will be understood that throwing it away constitutes a significant loss.
  • the second drawback presented by the construction of FIG. 1 resides in the relative complexity of manufacturing the crown and the internal wall of its skirt which has two different diameters 2 and 3, which requires the use of specialized manufacturers.
  • the present invention provides a sealed control device obeying the generic definition given at the beginning of this description and characterized in that the lining has the form of an annular bandage, the internal part of the bandage having at least one annular projection intended to penetrate into an annular groove presented by the tube, and the external part of the bandage being shaped so that, whatever the axial position of the rod, the lower edge presented by the internal wall of the skirt is always in contact with said external part of the bandage.
  • FIG. 1 is a section through a control device according to the prior art discussed above,
  • FIG. 2 is a section through a device for controlling a timepiece according to the invention, shown in a first thrust position of rest,
  • FIG. 3 is a section similar to that shown in FIG. 2, where the device is in a second pulled working position
  • FIG. 4 is a section similar to that shown in FIG. 2, where the device is in a third pulled working position and,
  • FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 4 showing a seal produced differently from that presented in FIGS. 2 to 4.
  • the sealed control device of the timepiece is housed in a housing 20 which may be the middle part of this housing.
  • the device comprises a crown 46 comprising a head 10 made in one piece, on the one hand with a cylindrical central part 23 fixed to a rod 22 and on the other hand with a lateral skirt 12 concentric with said central part 23 and spaced apart the latter towards the outside so as to leave an annular housing 28 between said central part 23 and the internal wall 11 which has the skirt 12.
  • the crown 46 is capable of rotating around a tube 21 projecting from the housing 20 and hunted in the latter.
  • the internal wall 11 of the skirt 12 has a cylindrical surface whose diameter is constant over the entire height of this wall.
  • the annular housing 28 is arranged to receive the tube 21 and a seal 13 compressed between the tube 21 and the wall 11.
  • the lining 13 has the form of an annular bandage, the internal part of this bandage having at least one annular projection 16 which penetrates into a annular groove 15 presented by the tube 21.
  • a no less essential characteristic of the invention consists in shaping the external part 17 of the bandage 13 so that, whatever the axial position of the rod 22, the lower edge 24 presented by the skirt 12 is always in contact with said external part of the bandage.
  • FIG. 2 is the neutral position, depressed, that for which no display correction is possible. If it is a mechanical part, this position could be that of reassembly.
  • Figure 3 is the first position taken from the crown, that for which it is possible to correct the time of the timepiece (or the date according to the caliber and in this case, the crown can be put in a second position pulled).
  • Figure 3 shows that in this position, the lower edge 24 of the skirt is in contact with the outer part 17 of the bandage which is located in the middle thereof.
  • Figure 4 is the second position taken from the crown, that for which it is possible for example to correct the time of the timepiece, this piece also comprising a date display.
  • Figure 4 shows that, in this position, the lower edge 24 of the skirt is in contact with the outer part 17 of the bandage which is located at the top thereof.
  • the lower edge 24 of the skirt is continuously in contact with the lining 13 whatever the axial position of the crown and therefore, it is clear that the internal wall 11 of the skirt remains clean and does not can't be soiled by agents external to the timepiece, which gives the packing a significantly increased service life.
  • a preferred embodiment consists in giving the external part 17 of the bandage 13 the shape of a cylinder whose height is substantially equal to the height of the cylindrical internal wall 11 of the skirt 12.
  • the clearance 14 provides two more marked pressure zones between the lining and the internal wall of the skirt, namely a first pressure zone situated towards the top of the tube and a second pressure zone situated towards the bottom of the tube, the first zone with the primary purpose of the proper seal and the second zone with the primary purpose of keeping the skirt free of all dirt.
  • Figures 2 to 4 also show that a chamfer 27 is formed in an extension 45 of the skirt 12, an extension located beyond the lower edge 24 of the cylindrical wall 11 of the skirt.
  • the purpose of this chamfer is obviously not to damage the lining 13 by an edge which could be sharp.
  • the tube 21 includes a collar 19 which aims to position the tube exactly relative to the housing 20.
  • the diameter of the collar is slightly less than the diameter the cylindrical internal wall 11 of the skirt 12 and that the bandage 13 extends from the upper face of the collar 19 to the upper edge 18 of the tube 21. This arrangement allows better seating of the bandage on the tube.
  • the crown 46 is easy to manufacture, since it has on the inside only a smooth and cylindrical wall.
  • the manufacturing difficulties are reported here on the tube 21, difficulties which in reality are not, since this is a simple external turning commonly encountered in machining mechanics.
  • FIGS. 2 to 5 it can be seen that the annular projection 16 of the lining 13 is located in the middle of this lining, so that said lining has symmetry with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of the figures and passing through the middle of the protrusion.
  • This arrangement is advantageous because it allows the fitting to be mounted on the tube without worrying about the mounting direction.
  • Figures 3, 4 and 5 show that the lining 13 is uncovered when the device is in the pulled position, thus making the seal visible to the wearer of the timepiece.
  • This feature which has always been felt to be a drawback, is used here to indicate to the user that the crown is in an abnormal position where time or date corrections could be made untimely, thus prompting the user to push the crown back to the neutral position.
  • This abnormal position could be made even more visible by coloring the trim with a conspicuous color (red or yellow, for example).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

The water-resistant control device for a timepiece is housed in a case (20) and comprises a crown (46) rotating about a tube (21). The crown comprises a head (10), a central part (23) and a lateral skirt (12) which are made in a single piece. The inner wall (11) of the skirt has a cylindrical surface over its entire height. …<??>A gasket (13) having the form of an annular band surrounding the tube has, on its inner part, an annular projection (16) interacting with an annular slot (15) made in the tube. The outer part of the said band is shaped so that, regardless of the axial position of the crown (46), the lower edge (24) presented by the inner wall of the skirt is always in contact with the said outer part of the band. …<??>The device makes it possible to correct the data displayed by the timepiece, while offering excellent reliability with respect to the water resistance it provides.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un dispositif de commande étanche d'une pièce d'horlogerie logé dans un boîtier comportant une couronne tournant autour d'un tube faisant saillie du boîtier, ladite couronne comprenant une tête faite d'une pièce, d'une part avec une partie centrale cylindrique fixée à une tige susceptible d'occuper au moins deux positions axiales, l'une neutre enfoncée, l'autre active tirée, et d'autre part avec une jupe latérale concentrique à ladite partie centrale et espacée de celle-ci vers l'extérieur de manière à laisser un logement annulaire entre ladite partie centrale et la paroi interne que présente la jupe, ladite paroi interne présentant une surface cylindrique dont le diamètre est constant sur toute sa hauteur, ledit logement annulaire étant conformé pour recevoir le tube et une garniture d'étanchéité comprimée entre ledit tube et ladite paroi interne.The present invention relates to a sealed control device for a timepiece housed in a housing comprising a crown rotating around a tube projecting from the housing, said crown comprising a head made of a part, of a on the one hand with a cylindrical central part fixed to a rod capable of occupying at least two axial positions, one neutral pushed in, the other active pulled, and on the other hand with a lateral skirt concentric with said central part and spaced from that -outwardly so as to leave an annular housing between said central part and the internal wall presented by the skirt, said internal wall having a cylindrical surface whose diameter is constant over its entire height, said annular housing being shaped to receive the tube and a gasket compressed between said tube and said inner wall.

Un dispositif de commande d'une pièce d'horlogerie, que ce soit pour son remontage et/ou simplement pour sa mise à l'heure, utilise très fréquemment une couronne pouvant prendre au moins deux positions axiales et pouvant également être entraînée en rotation manuellement. Si l'intérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie doit être étanche à un environnement extérieur composé de poussières et d'eau, des mesures particulières doivent être prises pour assurer l 'étanchéité de cette couronne dans quelques positions qu'elle se trouve, ainsi que pendant sa rotation.A device for controlling a timepiece, whether for winding and / or simply for setting the time, very frequently uses a crown which can take at least two axial positions and which can also be rotated manually . If the interior of the timepiece must be waterproof to an external environment composed of dust and water, special measures must be taken to ensure the water resistance of this crown in whatever positions it is located, as well as during its rotation.

La figure 1 présente une solution connue au problème posé, construction utilisée de longue date par le déposant du présent document. Dans cette figure, un tube ou pendant 4 est chassé dans une carrure de boîte 5. La couronne coopérant avec ce tube comporte une tête 1 faite d'une pièce avec une partie centrale cylindrique 9 destinée à recevoir une tige (non représentée) dans le trou taraudé 7 et avec une jupe 8. La paroi intérieure de cette jupe comporte un premier logement annulaire 2 de diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre extérieur du tube et un second logement annulaire 3, de plus grand diamètre, destiné à recevoir une garniture d'étanchéité 40. Le bas du second logement 3 est obturé par une bague 6, sertie ou chassée,qui a pour fonction de maintenir en place la garniture 40 quand la couronne se déplace axialement le long du tube.Figure 1 presents a known solution to the problem posed, a construction used for a long time by the applicant of this document. In this figure, a tube or pendant 4 is driven into a case middle 5. The crown cooperating with this tube comprises a head 1 made in one piece with a cylindrical central part 9 intended to receive a rod (not shown) in the tapped hole 7 and with a skirt 8. The interior wall of this skirt has a first annular housing 2 of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the tube and a second annular housing 3, of larger diameter, intended to receive a seal. 40. The bottom of the second housing 3 is closed by a ring 6, crimped or driven out, which has the function of holding the lining 40 in place when the crown moves axially along the tube.

La construction de la figure 1 présente au moins deux inconvénients importants. Le premier inconvénient de cette construction est la nécessité de devoir changer toute la couronne lors de réparations ne nécessitant que le changement de la seule garniture, car, du fait de la présence de la bague 6, le remplacement de la garniture seule est quasi impossible. Si cette couronne est en or, comme cela est souvent le cas, on comprendra que la jeter constitue une perte sensible. Le second inconvénient présenté par la construction de la figure 1 réside dans la relative complexité de fabrication de la couronne et de la paroi interne de sa jupe qui présente deux diamètres 2 et 3 différents, ce qui oblige de faire appel à des fabricants spécialisés.The construction of Figure 1 has at least two significant drawbacks. The first drawback of this construction is the need to have to change the entire crown during repairs requiring only the change of the single lining, because, due to the presence of the ring 6, the replacement of the lining alone is almost impossible. If this crown is made of gold, as is often the case, it will be understood that throwing it away constitutes a significant loss. The second drawback presented by the construction of FIG. 1 resides in the relative complexity of manufacturing the crown and the internal wall of its skirt which has two different diameters 2 and 3, which requires the use of specialized manufacturers.

On a déjà tenté de remédier aux inconvénients cités ci-dessus. Le document CH-A-610 467 montre en effet une figure où la jupe de la couronne présente une paroi interne dont le diamètre est constant sur toute sa hauteur, ce qui permet de simplifier la fabrication de la couronne, et où une garniture est placée dans un logement pratiqué dans le tube, ce qui permet l'échange relativement aisé de cette garniture. Cependant ce document présente un inconvénient dû au fait que la jupe peut se salir et user ainsi prématurément la garniture. En effet, par l'interstice qui sépare la jupe du tube, des matières indésirables (poussières, saletés, liquides) peuvent souiller toute la partie de la jupe se situant en-dessous de la garniture de sorte, lorsque la couronne revient à sa position de repos, la garniture entre en contact avec ces matières indésirables déposées sur la jupe. Comme ces matières sont souvent abrasives, le joint s'abîme en râclant la jupe et perd assez rapidement sa fonction première qui est d'assurer l'étanchéité de la couronne.We have already tried to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above. Document CH-A-610 467 indeed shows a figure where the skirt of the crown has an internal wall whose diameter is constant over its entire height, which simplifies the manufacture of the crown, and where a trim is placed in a housing made in the tube, which allows relatively easy exchange of this seal. However, this document has a drawback due to the fact that the skirt can get dirty and thus prematurely wear the lining. Indeed, through the gap which separates the skirt from the tube, undesirable materials (dust, dirt, liquids) can soil the entire part of the skirt located below the lining so, when the crown returns to its position rest, the lining comes into contact with these undesirable materials deposited on the skirt. As these materials are often abrasive, the seal is damaged by scraping the skirt and fairly quickly loses its primary function which is to seal the crown.

Pour remédier à cet inconvénient, la présente invention propose un dispositif de commande étanche obéissant à la définition générique donnée au début de la présente description et caractérisé par le fait que la garniture présente la forme d'un bandage annulaire, la partie interne du bandage présentant au moins une saillie annulaire destinée à pénétrer dans une saignée annulaire que présente le tube, et la partie externe du bandage êtant conformée de telle façon que, quelle que soit la position axiale de la tige, le bord inférieur présenté par la paroi interne de la jupe soit toujours en contact avec ladite partie externe du bandage.To remedy this drawback, the present invention provides a sealed control device obeying the generic definition given at the beginning of this description and characterized in that the lining has the form of an annular bandage, the internal part of the bandage having at least one annular projection intended to penetrate into an annular groove presented by the tube, and the external part of the bandage being shaped so that, whatever the axial position of the rod, the lower edge presented by the internal wall of the skirt is always in contact with said external part of the bandage.

L'invention sera comprise maintenant à l'aide de la description qui suit, donnée à titre d'exemple et illustrée au moyen du dessin dans lequel :The invention will now be understood with the aid of the description which follows, given by way of example and illustrated by means of the drawing in which:

- la figure 1 est une coupe d'un dispositif de commande selon l'art antérieur discuté ci-dessus,FIG. 1 is a section through a control device according to the prior art discussed above,

- la figure 2 est une coupe d'un dispositif de commande d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, représenté dans une première position poussée de repos,FIG. 2 is a section through a device for controlling a timepiece according to the invention, shown in a first thrust position of rest,

- la figure 3 est une coupe semblable à celle montrée en figure 2, où le dispositif se trouve dans une deuxième position tirée de travail,FIG. 3 is a section similar to that shown in FIG. 2, where the device is in a second pulled working position,

- la figure 4 est une coupe semblable à celle montrée en figure 2, où le dispositif se trouve dans une troisième position tirée de travail et,FIG. 4 is a section similar to that shown in FIG. 2, where the device is in a third pulled working position and,

- la figure 5 est un agrandissement d'une portion de la figure 4 montrant une garniture d'étanchéité réalisée de façon différente de celle présentée aux figures 2 à 4.FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 4 showing a seal produced differently from that presented in FIGS. 2 to 4.

Comme on le voit sur les figures 2, 3 et 4, le dispositif de commande étanche de la pièce d'horlogerie est logé dans un boîtier 20 qui peut être la carrure de ce boîtier. Le dispositif comporte une couronne 46 comprenant une tête 10 faite d'une pièce, d'une part avec une partie centrale cylindrique 23 fixée à une tige 22 et d'autre part avec une jupe latérale 12 concentrique à ladite partie centrale 23 et espacée de celle-ci vers l'extérieur de manière à laisser un logement annulaire 28 entre ladite partie centrale 23 et la paroi interne 11 que présente la jupe 12. La couronne 46 est susceptible de tourner autour d'un tube 21 faisant saillie du boîtier 20 et chassé dans ce dernier. La paroi interne 11 de la jupe 12 présente une surface cylindrique dont le diamètre est constant sur toute la hauteur de cette paroi. Le logement annulaire 28 est arrangé pour recevoir le tube 21 et une garniture d'étanchéité 13 comprimée entre le tube 21 et la paroi 11.As seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the sealed control device of the timepiece is housed in a housing 20 which may be the middle part of this housing. The device comprises a crown 46 comprising a head 10 made in one piece, on the one hand with a cylindrical central part 23 fixed to a rod 22 and on the other hand with a lateral skirt 12 concentric with said central part 23 and spaced apart the latter towards the outside so as to leave an annular housing 28 between said central part 23 and the internal wall 11 which has the skirt 12. The crown 46 is capable of rotating around a tube 21 projecting from the housing 20 and hunted in the latter. The internal wall 11 of the skirt 12 has a cylindrical surface whose diameter is constant over the entire height of this wall. The annular housing 28 is arranged to receive the tube 21 and a seal 13 compressed between the tube 21 and the wall 11.

Comme on le voit sur les figures 2 à 4, et selon une caractéristique essentielle à l'invention, la garniture 13 présente la forme d'un bandage annulaire, la partie interne de ce bandage présentant au moins une saillie annulaire 16 qui pénètre dans une saignée annulaire 15 présentée par le tube 21. Ainsi, on comprend que la garniture 13 est maintenue en place, quels que soient les mouvements axiaux de la couronne, par la coopération de ces saillie et saignée. Une caractéristique non moins essentielle de l'invention consiste à conformer la partie externe 17 du bandage 13 de telle façon que, quelle que soit la position axiale de la tige 22, le bord inférieur 24 présenté par le jupe 12 soit toujours en contact avec ladite partie externe du bandage.As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, and according to an essential characteristic of the invention, the lining 13 has the form of an annular bandage, the internal part of this bandage having at least one annular projection 16 which penetrates into a annular groove 15 presented by the tube 21. Thus, it is understood that the lining 13 is held in place, whatever the axial movements of the crown, by the cooperation of these projections and grooves. A no less essential characteristic of the invention consists in shaping the external part 17 of the bandage 13 so that, whatever the axial position of the rod 22, the lower edge 24 presented by the skirt 12 is always in contact with said external part of the bandage.

Ces caractéristiques sont bien visibles dans les trois positions axiales que peut prendre la couronne, positions représentées respectivement en figures 2, 3 et 4. La figure 2 est la position neutre, enfoncée, celle pour laquelle aucune correction d'affichage n'est possible. S'il s'agit d'une pièce mécanique, cette position pourrait être celle du remontage. Ici, on voit que le bord inférieur 24 de la jupe est en contact avec la partie externe 17 du bandage qui se trouve au bas de celui-ci. La figure 3 est la première position tirée de la couronne, celle pour laquelle il est possible de corriger l'heure de la pièce d'horlogerie (ou la date selon le calibre et dans ce cas, la couronne pourra être mise dans une seconde position tirée). La figure 3 montre que dans cette position, le bord inférieur 24 de la jupe est en contact avec la partie externe 17 du bandage qui se trouve au milieu de celui-ci. La figure 4 est la seconde position tirée de la couronne, celle pour laquelle il est possible par exemple de corriger l'heure de la pièce d'horlogerie, cette pièce comportant également un affichage de la date. La figure 4 montre que, dans cette position, le bord inférieur 24 de la jupe est en contact avec la partie externe 17 du bandage qui se trouve au haut de celui-ci.These characteristics are clearly visible in the three axial positions that the crown can take, positions represented respectively in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG. 2 is the neutral position, depressed, that for which no display correction is possible. If it is a mechanical part, this position could be that of reassembly. Here, it can be seen that the lower edge 24 of the skirt is in contact with the external part 17 of the bandage which is located at the bottom thereof. Figure 3 is the first position taken from the crown, that for which it is possible to correct the time of the timepiece (or the date according to the caliber and in this case, the crown can be put in a second position pulled). Figure 3 shows that in this position, the lower edge 24 of the skirt is in contact with the outer part 17 of the bandage which is located in the middle thereof. Figure 4 is the second position taken from the crown, that for which it is possible for example to correct the time of the timepiece, this piece also comprising a date display. Figure 4 shows that, in this position, the lower edge 24 of the skirt is in contact with the outer part 17 of the bandage which is located at the top thereof.

Ainsi des explications qui précèdent, le bord inférieur 24 de la jupe est continuellement en contact avec la garniture 13 quelle que soit la position axiale de la couronne et de ce fait, il est clair que la paroi interne 11 de la jupe reste propre et ne peut pas être salie par des agents extérieurs à la pièce d'horlogerie, ce qui confère à la garniture une durée de vie nettement augmentée.Thus, from the foregoing explanations, the lower edge 24 of the skirt is continuously in contact with the lining 13 whatever the axial position of the crown and therefore, it is clear that the internal wall 11 of the skirt remains clean and does not can't be soiled by agents external to the timepiece, which gives the packing a significantly increased service life.

Comme cela apparaît au dessin, un mode de réalisation préférentiel consiste à donner à la partie externe 17 du bandage 13 la forme d'un cylindre dont la hauteur est sensiblement égale à la hauteur de la paroi interne cylindrique 11 de la jupe 12. Dans ce cas, on préférera également ménager un jeu 14 entre la saillie 16 présentée par la garniture et le fond de la saignée annulaire 15 pratiquée sur le tube 21, ce jeu donnant à la garniture plus de souplesse et lui permettant en quelque sorte de "respirer".As shown in the drawing, a preferred embodiment consists in giving the external part 17 of the bandage 13 the shape of a cylinder whose height is substantially equal to the height of the cylindrical internal wall 11 of the skirt 12. In this in this case, it is also preferable to provide a clearance 14 between the projection 16 presented by the lining and the bottom of the annular groove 15 formed on the tube 21, this clearance giving the lining more flexibility and allowing it in a way to "breathe" .

En fait, le jeu 14 assure deux zones de pression plus marquées entre la garniture et la paroi interne de la jupe, soit une première zone de pression située vers le haut du tube et une seconde zone de pression située vers le bas du tube, la première zone ayant pour but premier l'étanchéité proprement dite et la seconde zone ayant pour but premier de maintenir la jupe exempte de toutes salissures.In fact, the clearance 14 provides two more marked pressure zones between the lining and the internal wall of the skirt, namely a first pressure zone situated towards the top of the tube and a second pressure zone situated towards the bottom of the tube, the first zone with the primary purpose of the proper seal and the second zone with the primary purpose of keeping the skirt free of all dirt.

Le jeu dont il a été question au paragraphe ci-dessus pourrait être supprimé, si l'on adopte le mode d'exécution particulier montré en figure 5. Cette figure, qui est un agrandissement d'une partie de la figure 4, montre que le bandage 13, (s'il présente toujours une partie externe ayant la forme générale d'un cylindre dont la hauteur est sensiblement également à la hauteur de la paroi cylindrique de la jupe) présente une gorge 31, de faible profondeur, située sensiblement en regard de la saillie annulaire 16. On retrouve donc, ici aussi, les deux zones de pression dont il été question ci-dessus.The game referred to in the above paragraph could be deleted, if we adopt the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5. This figure, which is an enlargement of part of Figure 4, shows that the bandage 13, (if it still has an external part having the general shape of a cylinder whose height is substantially also at the height of the cylindrical wall of the skirt) has a groove 31, of shallow depth, located substantially in look of the annular projection 16. So here, too, we find the two pressure zones discussed above.

Qu'on choisisse l'une ou l'autre solution (jeu 14 ou gorge 31), on comprendra qu'entre les deux zones de pression existe une zone de relâchement qui contribue à éviter que la garniture ne colle trop fortement contre la paroi interne de la jupe.Whether one or the other solution is chosen (clearance 14 or groove 31), it will be understood that between the two pressure zones there is a relaxation zone which contributes to preventing the lining from sticking too strongly against the internal wall. of the skirt.

Les figures 2 à 4 montrent encore qu'un chanfrein 27 est pratiqué dans un prolongement 45 de la jupe 12, prolongement situé au-delà du bord inférieur 24 de la paroi cylindrique 11 de la jupe. Ce chanfrein a évidemment pour le but de ne pas abîmer la garniture 13 par une arête qui pourrait être coupante.Figures 2 to 4 also show that a chamfer 27 is formed in an extension 45 of the skirt 12, an extension located beyond the lower edge 24 of the cylindrical wall 11 of the skirt. The purpose of this chamfer is obviously not to damage the lining 13 by an edge which could be sharp.

Le tube 21 comporte un collet 19 qui a pour but de positionner exactement le tube par rapport au boîtier 20. Dans les figures, on voit que le diamètre du collet est légèrement inférieur au diamètre la paroi interne cylindrique 11 de la jupe 12 et que le bandage 13 s'étend de la face supérieure du collet 19 au bord supérieur 18 du tube 21. Cette disposition permet une meilleure assise du bandage sur le tube.The tube 21 includes a collar 19 which aims to position the tube exactly relative to the housing 20. In the figures, it can be seen that the diameter of the collar is slightly less than the diameter the cylindrical internal wall 11 of the skirt 12 and that the bandage 13 extends from the upper face of the collar 19 to the upper edge 18 of the tube 21. This arrangement allows better seating of the bandage on the tube.

Dans la construction qui vient d'être décrite, on s'aperçoit que la couronne 46 est facile à fabriquer, car elle ne présente à l'intérieur qu'une paroi lisse et cylindrique. Les difficultés de fabrication sont ici reportées sur le tube 21, difficultés qui en réalité ne le sont pas, puisqu'il s'agit là d'un simple décolletage extérieur rencontré couramment en mécanique d'usinage.In the construction which has just been described, it can be seen that the crown 46 is easy to manufacture, since it has on the inside only a smooth and cylindrical wall. The manufacturing difficulties are reported here on the tube 21, difficulties which in reality are not, since this is a simple external turning commonly encountered in machining mechanics.

Selon les figures 2 à 5, on voit que la saillie annulaire 16 de la garniture 13 se trouve au milieu de cette garniture, de sorte que ladite garniture présente une symétrie par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire au plan des figures et passant au milieu de la saillie. Cette disposition est avantageuse car celle permet de monter la garniture sur le tube sans se soucier du sens de montage.According to FIGS. 2 to 5, it can be seen that the annular projection 16 of the lining 13 is located in the middle of this lining, so that said lining has symmetry with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of the figures and passing through the middle of the protrusion. This arrangement is advantageous because it allows the fitting to be mounted on the tube without worrying about the mounting direction.

Les figures 3, 4 et 5 montrent que la garniture 13 est découverte quand le dispositif est en position tirée rendant ainsi le joint visible au porteur de la pièce d'horlogerie. Cette particularité, qui a toujours été ressentie comme un inconvénient, est mise à profit ici pour indiquer à l'utilisateur que la couronne se trouve dans une position anormale où des corrections d'heure ou de date pourraient être réalisées intempestivement, incitant ainsi l'utilisateur à repousser la couronne en position neutre. Cette position anormale pourrait être rendue plus visible encore en colorant la garniture d'une couleur voyante (rouge ou jaune, par exemple).Figures 3, 4 and 5 show that the lining 13 is uncovered when the device is in the pulled position, thus making the seal visible to the wearer of the timepiece. This feature, which has always been felt to be a drawback, is used here to indicate to the user that the crown is in an abnormal position where time or date corrections could be made untimely, thus prompting the user to push the crown back to the neutral position. This abnormal position could be made even more visible by coloring the trim with a conspicuous color (red or yellow, for example).

Claims (8)

Dispositif de commande étanche d'une pièce d'horlogerie logé dans un boîtier (20) comportant une couronne (46) tournant autour d'un tube (21) faisant saillie du boîtier, ladite couronne comprenant une tête (10) faite d'une pièce, d'une part avec une partie centrale cylindrique (23) fixée à une tige (22) susceptible d'occuper au moins deux positions axiales, l'une neutre enfoncée, l'autre active tirée, et d'autre part, avec une jupe latérale (12) concentrique à ladite partie centrale et espacée de celle-ci vers l'extérieur de manière à laisser un logement annulaire (28) entre ladite partie centrale et la paroi interne (11) que présente la jupe, ladite paroi interne présentant une surface cylindrique dont le diamètre est constant sur toute sa hauteur, ledit logement annulaire étant conformé pour recevoir le tube et une garniture d'étanchéité (13) comprimée entre ledit tube et ladite paroi interne, caractérisé par le fait que la garniture présente la forme d'un bandage annulaire, la partie interne du bandage présentant au moins une saillie annulaire (16) destiné à pénétrer dans une saignée annulaire (15) que présente le tube, et la partie externe (17) du bandage étant conformée de telle façon que, quelle que soit la position axiale de la tige, le bord inférieur (24) présenté par la paroi interne de la jupe soit toujours en contact avec ladite partie externe du bandage.Sealed control device for a timepiece housed in a case (20) comprising a crown (46) rotating around a tube (21) projecting from the case, said crown comprising a head (10) made of a part, on the one hand with a cylindrical central part (23) fixed to a rod (22) capable of occupying at least two axial positions, one neutral pushed in, the other active pulled, and on the other hand, with a side skirt (12) concentric with said central part and spaced from the latter towards the outside so as to leave an annular housing (28) between said central part and the internal wall (11) which the skirt has, said internal wall having a cylindrical surface whose diameter is constant over its entire height, said annular housing being shaped to receive the tube and a gasket (13) compressed between said tube and said internal wall, characterized in that the gasket has the u shape n annular bandage, the internal part of the bandage having at least one annular projection (16) intended to penetrate into an annular groove (15) which the tube has, and the external part (17) of the bandage being shaped so that, whatever that is the axial position of the rod, the lower edge (24) presented by the internal wall of the skirt is always in contact with said external part of the tire. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait qu'un chanfrein (27) est pratiqué dans un prolongement (45) de la jupe situé au-delà du bord inférieur de sa paroi interne cylindrique.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a chamfer (27) is formed in an extension (45) of the skirt situated beyond the lower edge of its cylindrical internal wall. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la partie externe (17) du bandage (13) présente la forme d'un cylindre dont la hauteur est sensiblement égale à la hauteur de la paroi interne cylindrique (11) de la jupe (12).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the external part (17) of the bandage (13) has the shape of a cylinder whose height is substantially equal to the height of the internal cylindrical wall (11) of the skirt ( 12). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait qu'un jeu (14) est ménagé entre la saillie (16) présentée par la partie interne du bandage et le fond de la saignée (15) annulaire présentée par le tube (21).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a clearance (14) is formed between the projection (16) presented by the internal part of the bandage and the bottom of the annular groove (15) presented by the tube (21). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la partie externe (17) du bandage (13) présente la forme générale d'un cylindre dont la hauteur est sensiblement égale à la hauteur de la paroi interne cylindrique (11) de la jupe (12), une gorge annulaire (31) de faible profondeur étant pratiquée dans ce cylindre sensiblement en regard de la saillie annulaire (16) présentée par la partie interne du bandage.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the external part (17) of the bandage (13) has the general shape of a cylinder whose height is substantially equal to the height of the cylindrical internal wall (11) of the skirt (12), an annular groove (31) of shallow depth being formed in this cylinder substantially opposite the annular projection (16) presented by the internal part of the tire. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que le tube (21) comporte un collet (19) pour positionner ledit tube par rapport au boîtier (20), ledit collet présentant un diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre de la paroi interne cylindrique (11) de la jupe (12) et que le bandage (13) s'étend de la face supérieure présentée par ledit collet au bord supérieur (18) présenté par ledit tube.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube (21) has a collar (19) for positioning said tube relative to the housing (20), said collar having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the cylindrical internal wall (11 ) of the skirt (12) and that the bandage (13) extends from the upper face presented by said collar to the upper edge (18) presented by said tube. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la garniture d'étanchéité (13) est symétrique par rapport à un plan passant par le milieu de la saillie annulaire (16).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the seal (13) is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the middle of the annular projection (16). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la garniture d'étanchéité (13) est visible quand la tige se trouve dans la position active tirée.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the seal (13) is visible when the rod is in the active pulled position.
EP90121874A 1989-11-27 1990-11-15 Water resistant control device for time piece Expired - Lifetime EP0429974B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8915690 1989-11-27
FR8915690A FR2655166B1 (en) 1989-11-27 1989-11-27 WATERPROOFING DEVICE FOR A WATCHMAKING PIECE.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0429974A1 true EP0429974A1 (en) 1991-06-05
EP0429974B1 EP0429974B1 (en) 1993-05-19

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ID=9387903

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90121874A Expired - Lifetime EP0429974B1 (en) 1989-11-27 1990-11-15 Water resistant control device for time piece

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5184334A (en)
EP (1) EP0429974B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3072562B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69001665T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2655166B1 (en)
HK (1) HK1000525A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2786574A1 (en) 1998-11-30 2000-06-02 Ebel Sa WATERPROOFING GASKET AND WATERPROOFING DEVICE FOR A WATCHMAKING PART
EP3321749A1 (en) * 2016-11-10 2018-05-16 Patek Philippe SA Genève Seal for timepieces

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CH705218B1 (en) * 1999-12-02 2013-01-15 Ks 22 S A method of mounting a crown screwed on a watch case.
JP2003222688A (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-08-08 Seiko Instruments Inc Portable watch
EP1411401A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2004-04-21 Ks 22 Sa Threaded crown for timepiece
EP2385432A2 (en) * 2010-05-04 2011-11-09 Rolex Sa Watch-case
US10961122B2 (en) 2012-02-06 2021-03-30 Helbio S.A. Heat integrated reformer with catalytic combustion for hydrogen production
US11607657B2 (en) 2012-02-06 2023-03-21 Helbio S.A. Heat integrated reformer with catalytic combustion for hydrogen production
CA3137624C (en) 2012-03-08 2023-06-20 Helbio Societe Anonyme Hydrogen And Energy Production Systems Catalytically heated fuel processor with replaceable structured supports bearing catalyst for fuel cell
JP6394563B2 (en) * 2015-10-21 2018-09-26 カシオ計算機株式会社 Switch device and clock

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CH324258A (en) * 1955-01-13 1957-09-15 Soguel Rene Waterproof winding device for watch
EP0149970A1 (en) * 1983-10-24 1985-07-31 Tubular Holdings Limited Waterproof watch crown

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CH140469A (en) * 1929-06-29 1930-06-15 Wachter Frank Clock.
CH213466A (en) * 1939-07-17 1941-02-15 Colomb Henri Waterproof winder.
CH324258A (en) * 1955-01-13 1957-09-15 Soguel Rene Waterproof winding device for watch
EP0149970A1 (en) * 1983-10-24 1985-07-31 Tubular Holdings Limited Waterproof watch crown

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2786574A1 (en) 1998-11-30 2000-06-02 Ebel Sa WATERPROOFING GASKET AND WATERPROOFING DEVICE FOR A WATCHMAKING PART
WO2000033144A1 (en) 1998-11-30 2000-06-08 Ebel Sa Sealing joint and sealed control device for a timepiece component
EP3321749A1 (en) * 2016-11-10 2018-05-16 Patek Philippe SA Genève Seal for timepieces

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5184334A (en) 1993-02-02
DE69001665T2 (en) 1993-11-25
FR2655166B1 (en) 1992-02-28
JP3072562B2 (en) 2000-07-31
EP0429974B1 (en) 1993-05-19
HK1000525A1 (en) 1998-04-03
FR2655166A1 (en) 1991-05-31
JPH03181880A (en) 1991-08-07
DE69001665D1 (en) 1993-06-24

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