EP0628895B1 - Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit - Google Patents

Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0628895B1
EP0628895B1 EP93810390A EP93810390A EP0628895B1 EP 0628895 B1 EP0628895 B1 EP 0628895B1 EP 93810390 A EP93810390 A EP 93810390A EP 93810390 A EP93810390 A EP 93810390A EP 0628895 B1 EP0628895 B1 EP 0628895B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crystal
bezel
timepiece according
caseband
glass
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
Application number
EP93810390A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0628895A1 (en
Inventor
Renato Scarinzi
Alfred Joss
Hanspeter Grädel
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.)
Walca SA
Original Assignee
Walca SA
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 Walca SA filed Critical Walca SA
Priority to EP93810390A priority Critical patent/EP0628895B1/en
Priority to DE69300119T priority patent/DE69300119T2/en
Priority to US08/315,945 priority patent/US5521889A/en
Publication of EP0628895A1 publication Critical patent/EP0628895A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0628895B1 publication Critical patent/EP0628895B1/en
Priority to HK132096A priority patent/HK132096A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/22—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces
    • G04B19/223—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces with rotary disc, rotary bezel, or rotary dial
    • 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
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G04B39/02—Sealing crystals or glasses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a timepiece with glass or watertight rotary glass-bezel assembly, of simplified construction, using a connection joint disposed between the fixed part and the rotary part.
  • Watches with known waterproof rotating glass have a large number of parts and their construction is complex.
  • Patent CH 681 127 (Werthanor SA) represents a typical example of the type of construction used to obtain an effective seal.
  • a traditional seal is placed between the bezel and the middle part, a casing circle placed inside the middle part makes it possible to fix the assembly.
  • the best known way to simplify a construction of this type and / or to make a thinner watch, is to eliminate the seal, with all the drawbacks that this entails.
  • the document CH 662 922 describes a timepiece with watertight rotating glass-bezel assembly comprising the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1.
  • the present invention makes it possible to obtain a watch with waterproof rotating glass, the construction of which is considerably simplified, since only a connecting joint and possibly a fixing means, arranged at the middle / bezel interface, are sufficient to allow rotation and sealing.
  • a particular embodiment even allows the use of either a glued or welded glass / bezel assembly or even a one-piece glass-bezel, which further simplifies the construction of the watch.
  • the present invention therefore makes it possible to have a glass edge to edge, offering the possibility of mounting from the top, and thus to have a monocoque bottom.
  • a glass of various shapes for example curved or not.
  • edge-to-edge lens with the signs usually arranged on the bezel similar functions are obtained with improved reading characteristics and precision.
  • the edge-to-edge rotating glass offers multiple possibilities for functions such as the diving watch, slide rule, etc.
  • the reading and function signs can be placed directly on the glass, on a plate, dial or flange under the glass, on a decorative bezel, etc.
  • the simplified design and the optimization of the number of parts make it possible to produce thinner cases compared to known waterproof watches.
  • the present invention thanks to the presence of the connection joint, makes it possible to protect the internal parts against corrosion, deterioration or other form of wear, by preventing any liquid or solid contaminant (particles, dust, etc.) from entering the housing.
  • the means for locking the telescope (notches, ratchets or the like) is thus well protected.
  • the watch according to the invention comprises a glass 1 of standard type, such as for example mineral glass, plexiglass, sapphire, or other transparent material, fixed to the bezel 30 by means of a seal 3 disposed between the periphery of the glass and a bearing face 35 of the bezel.
  • a portion 34 of the bezel enters a recess 5 formed on the top of the middle part 4, at the periphery of the latter.
  • this fixing can be of the removable or permanent type.
  • the fastening means 20 is preferably arranged along the internal face 31 of the telescope, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it may prove to be just as advantageous that the latter be disposed along the external face. 32 of the telescope, depending on the space available on one or the other of these faces.
  • connection joint 10 is disposed in a groove 33 formed in the external face 32 of the telescope 30.
  • the joint is shaped so that an active portion 11 is prominent on the external face 32.
  • This joint can be made of different materials , but should preferably be flexible enough to allow good positioning of the active portion 11 and the rotational movement between the bezel 30 and the middle part 4; it must also be rigid enough to offer good support between these two same parts. Conclusive tests have been carried out with connection joints 10 manufactured in "NBR 75". Any other material meeting these criteria, in particular elastomers, can also be used, with different hardness coefficients.
  • the active portion 11 is kept in tight fit by the adjacent wall 2 of the middle part. This adjustment makes it possible to produce a watertight seal between the rotating part and the fixed part of the watch.
  • a recess 12 which can take a multitude of forms, is formed in the adjacent wall 2 to serve as an active female portion.
  • the active male portion 11 of the seal 10 penetrates in whole or in part into said recess, in order to perfect the seal thanks to a larger contact surface while providing more effective support.
  • the connecting joint can take a multitude of forms, be mounted according to a multitude of orientations and be fixed either on the bezel, on the middle part or on the glass.
  • the fixing means can be integrated into the connection joint, further simplifying construction and assembly.
  • This joint also offers the advantage of being able to be used with different materials, such as steel, brass, plastics, precious metals, etc. It can be fixed in a housing by clamping, be glued, vulcanized, welded, etc. By varying the shape and more particularly the width of the active portion 11 as well as the tightening rate of the tight fit, it is possible to optimize certain mechanical characteristics such as the friction, and thereby, optimize the force necessary to rotate the glass and / or the bezel.
  • the watch described above is therefore fully waterproof, positively and negatively: an overpressure external to the case caused by a high pressure of air or liquid has no effect on the inside of the latter, the internal and external pressures remaining substantially the same and the environments remaining distinct; similarly, in the event of a vacuum outside the housing, such as at altitude, the internal pressure remains substantially unchanged.
  • the seal is ensured regardless of the angular position of the bezel and / or the glass with respect to the middle part.
  • the presence of the connecting joint 10 allows a substantially vertical movement between the bezel 30 and the middle part 4, with or without rotation of the bezel, these two movements can be entirely independent of each other.
  • the force exerted by the external pressure possibly combined with a slight vertical displacement, gives the active portion 11 an optimal positioning so that the seal increases as the pressure increases.
  • This phenomenon allows a connection joint of the type illustrated in FIG. 2d to reach sealing levels greater than 5 atmospheres.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates various advantageous profiles for the connecting joint 10.
  • a simple active portion from 2e to 2i, two active portions, one of which exerts its effect on the lower wall of the recess 5, making it possible to offer increased protection against any infiltration into the housing.
  • the active portion exerting its effect on the bottom wall of the recess 5 can be used both to absorb the vertical play between the fixed part and the rotating part of the watch while acting on the water-resistance, in particular to prevent decompression of the case when the watch is located in a low pressure environment.
  • Figure 3 illustrates this second embodiment.
  • the elements which are of the same nature and play the same role as corresponding elements of Figure 1 are designated by the same reference signs.
  • the bezel 30 is held by a fastening means 20 disposed on the side of the external face 32 of the penetrating portion 34 of the bezel 30.
  • the fastening means 20 is maintained by a fixing ring 21 disposed in the connecting joint 10.
  • Said means 20 is preferably a wire spring with known types of sides, but may also be different, as shown in FIG. 6, where a rod partially arranged in the seal 10 ensures the maintenance.
  • the fixing means 20 preferably comprises a portion which penetrates into a groove in the adjacent wall, thus ensuring the maintenance in the vertical direction.
  • Different variants allow the fixing means to be integrated into the seal 10.
  • the fixing ring 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 is preferably a steel ring placed in gasket. This ring can obviously be made of another rigid material, such as for example a composite based on carbon fibers, or the like. Thanks to the integration of the holding means in the joint, the construction of the bezel 30, as well as its assembly in the middle part, are simplified.
  • FIG. 3 also shows an example of a seal 10 with two active portions. The tight adjustments, both in the lateral and vertical directions, ensure uniform contact between the joint and the concomitant surface over the entire periphery.
  • the glass 1 / bezel 30 assembly is replaced by a one-piece glass, a portion of which is shaped like a bezel ( Figures 4 and 6), or by a glass s' extending over the entire upper part of the watch with a portion of glass, steel, titanium or other bezel glued or welded under the underside of the glass ( Figures 5 and 7a).
  • the watch according to the invention may comprise a locking means making it possible to maintain the glass and / or the bezel in a pre-established position.
  • These means are known and include, for example mechanisms with notches, toothing, ratchets, etc., arranged for example under the bezel.
  • FIGs 7a and 7b illustrate an example of a watch according to the present invention.
  • Glass 1 includes the inscriptions 1a (numbers, marks, etc.) usually written on the bezel.
  • the inscriptions on the glass can be made by any known means, for example by metallization.
  • the edge-to-edge glass is glued to the bezel 30.
  • the dial 6 includes a raised portion at the edge thereof, on which the index points and other marks selected according to the type of watch are arranged.
  • the glass is easily angularly moved thanks to the lugs 7 arranged around the periphery.
  • the pins can obviously be replaced by a groove made directly in the glass.
  • Figure 8 shows a third embodiment where the glass edge to edge 1 is folded over the outer sides of the middle part 4 so as to form a cover.
  • the seal 10 fixed to the internal wall of the glass, enters an external fixing groove 9 formed on the periphery of the middle part 4, so as to maintain and rotate the glass, as well as the seal of the assembly.
  • Figure 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where the dial 6 rotates with the glass 1 and the bezel 30.
  • the dial 6 is arranged on a flat part of the rotating bezel 30.
  • the closure is made from above , by means of the glass 1, fixed to the bezel 30 by means of an attached bezel 36, arranged in leaktight manner on the bezel 30.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to produce a multitude of combinations where the inscriptions and indexes can be placed on the glass and / or on the dial and / or on the middle part.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie avec verre ou ensemble verre-lunette rotatif étanche, à construction simplifiée, utilisant un joint de liaison disposé entre la partie fixe et la partie rotative.The present invention relates to a timepiece with glass or watertight rotary glass-bezel assembly, of simplified construction, using a connection joint disposed between the fixed part and the rotary part.

Les montres avec verre rotatif étanche connues comportent un nombre important de pièces et leur construction est complexe.Watches with known waterproof rotating glass have a large number of parts and their construction is complex.

Le brevet CH 681 127 (Werthanor SA) représente un exemple typique du type de construction utilisé pour obtenir une étanchéité efficace. Un joint d'étanchéité traditionnel est disposé entre la lunette et la carrure, un cercle d'encageage disposé à l'intérieur de la carrure permet de réaliser la fixation de l'ensemble. La meilleure façon connue permettant de simplifier une construction de ce type et/ou de réaliser une montre plus mince, consiste à éliminer l'étanchéité, avec tous les inconvénients que cela entraîne.Patent CH 681 127 (Werthanor SA) represents a typical example of the type of construction used to obtain an effective seal. A traditional seal is placed between the bezel and the middle part, a casing circle placed inside the middle part makes it possible to fix the assembly. The best known way to simplify a construction of this type and / or to make a thinner watch, is to eliminate the seal, with all the drawbacks that this entails.

D'autre part, les montres avec lunette tournante (externe) de type connu subissent fréquemment des détériorations prématurées à cause de la présence de contaminants (liquides ou solides) pénétrant entre la partie fixe et la partie tournante. La rotation devient ainsi difficile, parfois même impossible.On the other hand, watches with a rotating (external) bezel of a known type frequently suffer premature deterioration due to the presence of contaminants (liquids or solids) penetrating between the fixed part and the rotating part. Rotation thus becomes difficult, sometimes even impossible.

Le document CH 662 922 décrit une pièce d'horlogerie avec ensemble verre-lunette rotatif étanche comportant les caractéristiques du préambule de la revendication 1.The document CH 662 922 describes a timepiece with watertight rotating glass-bezel assembly comprising the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1.

C'est donc dans le but de réaliser une pièce d'horlogerie avec verre rotatif étanche dont la construction est simplifiée que la présente invention est avantageuse. Cette pièce d'horlogerie comporte les caractéristiques décrites dans les revendications 1 à 15.It is therefore with the aim of producing a timepiece with watertight rotating glass whose construction is simplified that the present invention is advantageous. This timepiece has the features described in claims 1 to 15.

La présente invention permet d'obtenir une montre avec verre rotatif étanche dont la construction est considérablement simplifiée, puisque seul un joint de liaison et éventuellement un moyen de fixation, disposés au niveau de l'interface carrure/lunette, suffisent pour permettre la rotation et l'étanchéité. De plus, un mode d'éxécution particulier permet même d'utiliser soit un ensemble verre/lunette collé ou soudé ou encore un verre-lunette monopièce, ce qui simplifie davantage la construction de la montre.The present invention makes it possible to obtain a watch with waterproof rotating glass, the construction of which is considerably simplified, since only a connecting joint and possibly a fixing means, arranged at the middle / bezel interface, are sufficient to allow rotation and sealing. In addition, a particular embodiment even allows the use of either a glued or welded glass / bezel assembly or even a one-piece glass-bezel, which further simplifies the construction of the watch.

La présente invention permet donc d'avoir un verre bord à bord, offrant la possibilité d'un montage par le haut, et ainsi d'avoir un fond monocoque. On peut utiliser un verre de diverses formes, par exemple galbé ou non. Avec un verre bord à bord comportant les signes habituellement disposés sur la lunette, on obtient des fonctions similaires avec des caractéristiques de lecture et une précision améliorées. Le verre tournant bord à bord offre de multiples possibilités de fonctions telles la montre- plongeur, la règle à calcul, etc. Les signes de lecture et de fonctions peuvent être disposés directement sur le verre, sur une plaque, cadran ou réhaut sous le verre, sur une lunette décorative, etc. De plus, la conception simplifiée et l'optimisation du nombre de pièces permettent de réaliser des boîtiers plus minces par rapport aux montres étanches connues.The present invention therefore makes it possible to have a glass edge to edge, offering the possibility of mounting from the top, and thus to have a monocoque bottom. One can use a glass of various shapes, for example curved or not. With an edge-to-edge lens with the signs usually arranged on the bezel, similar functions are obtained with improved reading characteristics and precision. The edge-to-edge rotating glass offers multiple possibilities for functions such as the diving watch, slide rule, etc. The reading and function signs can be placed directly on the glass, on a plate, dial or flange under the glass, on a decorative bezel, etc. In addition, the simplified design and the optimization of the number of parts make it possible to produce thinner cases compared to known waterproof watches.

La présente invention, grâce à la présence du joint de liaison, permet de protéger les pièces internes contre la corrosion, la détérioration ou autre forme d'usure, en empêchant tout contaminant liquide ou solide (particules, poussières, etc) de pénétrer dans le boîtier. Le moyen de blocage de la lunette (à crans, à cliquets ou autre) est ainsi bien protégé.The present invention, thanks to the presence of the connection joint, makes it possible to protect the internal parts against corrosion, deterioration or other form of wear, by preventing any liquid or solid contaminant (particles, dust, etc.) from entering the housing. The means for locking the telescope (notches, ratchets or the like) is thus well protected.

L'invention est exposée ci-après de façon plus détaillée, à l'aide du dessin annexé comprenant les figures suivantes:

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une première forme d'exécution de la présente invention, où le joint de liaison ne comprend qu'une seule portion active;
  • la figure 2 (2a à 2j) illustre des exemples de profils de différentes conformations possibles pour le joint de liaison utilisé dans le cadre de la présente invention;
  • la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une deuxième forme d'exécution de la présente invention, où le joint de liaison comprend plus d'une portion active;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une variante de la première forme d'exécution de la présente invention, avec verre bord à bord et où l'ensemble verre-lunette forme une seule pièce;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une autre variante de la première forme d'exécution de la présente invention, avec verre bord à bord et lunette;
  • la figure 6 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une variante de la deuxième forme d'exécution de la présente invention, avec verre bord à bord et où l'ensemble verre-lunette forme une seule pièce;
  • la figure 7 représente un exemple d'une montre munie d'un verre selon la présente invention: vue en coupe partielle en 7a; vue de dessus en 7b;
  • la figure 8 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une troisième forme d'exécution de la présente invention, où le verre se prolonge sur le côté de la carrure;
  • la figure 9 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre munie d'un verre rotatif étanche selon une quatrième forme d'exécution de la présente invention, où le cadran tourne avec le verre et la lunette.
The invention is set out below in more detail, using the attached drawing comprising the following figures:
  • Figure 1 shows a partial sectional view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotating glass according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where the connecting joint comprises only a single active portion;
  • FIG. 2 (2a to 2j) illustrates examples of profiles of different possible conformations for the connection joint used in the context of the present invention;
  • Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotating glass according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the connecting joint comprises more than one active portion;
  • 4 shows a partial sectional view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotating glass according to a variant of the first embodiment of the present invention, with glass edge to edge and where the glass-bezel assembly forms a single piece;
  • 5 shows a partial sectional view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotary glass according to another variant of the first embodiment of the present invention, with glass edge to edge and bezel;
  • 6 shows a partial sectional view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotating glass according to a variant of the second embodiment of the present invention, with glass edge to edge and where the glass-bezel assembly forms a single piece;
  • FIG. 7 represents an example of a watch fitted with a glass according to the present invention: view in partial section at 7a; top view in 7b;
  • FIG. 8 represents a partial section view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotary glass according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where the glass extends on the side of the middle part;
  • Figure 9 shows a partial sectional view of a watch provided with a waterproof rotating glass according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where the dial rotates with the glass and the bezel.

Selon une première forme d'exécution illustrée à la figure 1, la montre selon l'invention comprend un verre 1 de type standard, comme par exemple en verre minéral, en plexiglas, en saphir, ou autre matériau transparent, fixé à la lunette 30 par l'entremise d'un joint 3 disposé entre le pourtour du verre et une face d'appui 35 de la lunette. Une portion 34 de la lunette pénètre dans une creusure 5 pratiquée sur le dessus de la carrure 4, à la périphérie de celle-ci. Un moyen de fixation 20, comme par exemple un ressort-fil à pans de type connu, permet de fixer la lunette 30 à la carrure 4. Tout comme dans les montres connues, cette fixation peut être de type amovible ou permanent. Le moyen de fixation 20 est de manière préférentielle disposé le long de la face interne 31 de la lunette, comme représenté à la figure 1. Cependant, il peut s'avérer tout aussi avantageux que celui-ci soit disposé le long de la face externe 32 de la lunette, en fonction de l'espace disponible sur l'une ou l'autre de ces faces.According to a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the watch according to the invention comprises a glass 1 of standard type, such as for example mineral glass, plexiglass, sapphire, or other transparent material, fixed to the bezel 30 by means of a seal 3 disposed between the periphery of the glass and a bearing face 35 of the bezel. A portion 34 of the bezel enters a recess 5 formed on the top of the middle part 4, at the periphery of the latter. A fixing means 20, such as for example a known-type wire spring, makes it possible to fix the bezel 30 to the middle part 4. Just as in known watches, this fixing can be of the removable or permanent type. The fastening means 20 is preferably arranged along the internal face 31 of the telescope, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it may prove to be just as advantageous that the latter be disposed along the external face. 32 of the telescope, depending on the space available on one or the other of these faces.

Un joint de liaison 10 est disposé dans une rainure 33 pratiquée dans la face externe 32 de la lunette 30. Le joint est conformé de sorte qu'une portion active 11 soit proéminente à la face externe 32. Ce joint peut être fabriqué en différentes matières, mais doit de préférence être suffisamment souple pour permettre un bon positionnement de la portion active 11 et le mouvement de rotation entre la lunette 30 et la carrure 4; il doit également être suffisamment rigide pour offrir un bon maintien entre ces deux mêmes parties. Des essais concluants ont été réalisés avec des joints de liaison 10 fabriqués en "NBR 75". Tout autre matériau rencontrant ces critères, en particulier les élastomères, peuvent également être utilisés, avec différents coefficients de dureté.A connection joint 10 is disposed in a groove 33 formed in the external face 32 of the telescope 30. The joint is shaped so that an active portion 11 is prominent on the external face 32. This joint can be made of different materials , but should preferably be flexible enough to allow good positioning of the active portion 11 and the rotational movement between the bezel 30 and the middle part 4; it must also be rigid enough to offer good support between these two same parts. Conclusive tests have been carried out with connection joints 10 manufactured in "NBR 75". Any other material meeting these criteria, in particular elastomers, can also be used, with different hardness coefficients.

La portion active 11 est maintenue en ajustement serré par la paroi adjacente 2 de la carrure. Cet ajustement permet de réaliser un joint étanche entre la partie tournante et la partie fixe de la montre. Selon une variante d'éxécution, un renfoncement 12, pouvant prendre une multitude de formes, est pratiqué dans la paroi adjacente 2 pour servir de portion active femelle. La portion active mâle 11 du joint 10 pénètre en totalité ou en partie dans ledit renfoncement, afin de parfaire l'étanchéité grâce à une plus grande surface de contact tout en procurant un maintien plus efficace.The active portion 11 is kept in tight fit by the adjacent wall 2 of the middle part. This adjustment makes it possible to produce a watertight seal between the rotating part and the fixed part of the watch. According to an alternative embodiment, a recess 12, which can take a multitude of forms, is formed in the adjacent wall 2 to serve as an active female portion. The active male portion 11 of the seal 10 penetrates in whole or in part into said recess, in order to perfect the seal thanks to a larger contact surface while providing more effective support.

Le joint de liaison peut prendre une multitude de formes, être monté selon une multitude d'orientations et être fixé soit sur la lunette, sur la carrure ou sur le verre. De plus, le moyen de fixation peut être intégré au joint de liaison, simplifiant davantage la construction et le montage. Ce joint offre également l'avantage de pouvoir être utilisé avec différents matériaux, tels l'acier, le laiton, les matériaux plastiques, les métaux précieux, etc. Il peut être fixé dans un logement par serrage, être collé, vulcanisé, soudé, etc. En faisant varier la forme et plus particulièrement la largeur de la portion active 11 ainsi que le taux de serrage de l'ajustement serré, on peut optimiser certaines caractéristiques mécaniques telles le frottement, et par le fait même, optimiser la force nécessaire pour faire tourner le verre et/ou la lunette.The connecting joint can take a multitude of forms, be mounted according to a multitude of orientations and be fixed either on the bezel, on the middle part or on the glass. In addition, the fixing means can be integrated into the connection joint, further simplifying construction and assembly. This joint also offers the advantage of being able to be used with different materials, such as steel, brass, plastics, precious metals, etc. It can be fixed in a housing by clamping, be glued, vulcanized, welded, etc. By varying the shape and more particularly the width of the active portion 11 as well as the tightening rate of the tight fit, it is possible to optimize certain mechanical characteristics such as the friction, and thereby, optimize the force necessary to rotate the glass and / or the bezel.

La montre décrite ci-haut est donc entièrement étanche positivement et négativement: une surpression externe au boitier causée par une pression élevée d'air ou de liquide n'a aucun effet sur l'intérieur de celui-ci, les pressions interne et externe restant sensiblement les mêmes et les milieux restant distincts; de façon similaire, en cas de dépression à l'extérieure du boîtier, comme par exemple en altitude, la pression interne demeure sensiblement inchangée. L'étanchéité est assurée quelle que soit la position angulaire de la lunette et/ou du verre par rapport à la carrure. De plus, la présence du joint de liaison 10 permet de réaliser un mouvement sensiblement vertical entre la lunette 30 et la carrure 4, avec ou sans rotation de la lunette, ces deux mouvements pouvant être entièrement indépendants l'un de l'autre. Selon la configuration adoptée, la force exercée par la pression extérieure, éventuellement combinée à un léger déplacement vertical, confère à la portion active 11 un positionnement optimal faisant que l'étanchéité augmente à mesure que la pression augmente. On obtient ainsi des niveaux d'étanchéité plus importants que pour les montres étanches de type connu. Ce phénomène permet à un joint de liaison du type de celui illustré à la figure 2d, d'atteindre des niveaux d'étanchéité supérieurs à 5 atmosphères.The watch described above is therefore fully waterproof, positively and negatively: an overpressure external to the case caused by a high pressure of air or liquid has no effect on the inside of the latter, the internal and external pressures remaining substantially the same and the environments remaining distinct; similarly, in the event of a vacuum outside the housing, such as at altitude, the internal pressure remains substantially unchanged. The seal is ensured regardless of the angular position of the bezel and / or the glass with respect to the middle part. In addition, the presence of the connecting joint 10 allows a substantially vertical movement between the bezel 30 and the middle part 4, with or without rotation of the bezel, these two movements can be entirely independent of each other. According to the configuration adopted, the force exerted by the external pressure, possibly combined with a slight vertical displacement, gives the active portion 11 an optimal positioning so that the seal increases as the pressure increases. This gives higher levels of tightness than for waterproof watches of known type. This phenomenon allows a connection joint of the type illustrated in FIG. 2d to reach sealing levels greater than 5 atmospheres.

La figure 2 illustre différents profils avantageux pour le joint de liaison 10. On remarque de 2a à 2d et en 2j, une portion active simple; de 2e à 2i, deux portions actives, dont une exerçe son effet sur la paroi inférieure de la creusure 5, permettant d'offrir une protection accrue contre toute infiltration dans le boitier. La portion active exerçant son effet sur la paroi inférieure de la creusure 5 peut servir à la fois pour amortir le jeu vertical entre la partie fixe et la partie rotative de la montre tout en agissant au niveau de l'étanchéité, en particulier pour empêcher la décompression du boîtier lorsque la montre se trouve dans un environnment à basse pression.FIG. 2 illustrates various advantageous profiles for the connecting joint 10. We note from 2a to 2d and in 2j, a simple active portion; from 2e to 2i, two active portions, one of which exerts its effect on the lower wall of the recess 5, making it possible to offer increased protection against any infiltration into the housing. The active portion exerting its effect on the bottom wall of the recess 5 can be used both to absorb the vertical play between the fixed part and the rotating part of the watch while acting on the water-resistance, in particular to prevent decompression of the case when the watch is located in a low pressure environment.

Une multitude d'autres formes peuvent être utilisées, avec une, deux, trois ou plus portions actives, disposées selon une infinité de possibilités. De plus, tel que décrit ci-après, selon une deuxième forme d'exécution de la présente invention, ces différents types de joint peuvent être utilisés conjointement avec le moyen de fixation, celui-ci étant intégré au joint ou formé à même le joint.A multitude of other forms can be used, with one, two, three or more active portions, arranged in an infinite number of possibilities. In addition, as described below, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, these different types of seal can be used in conjunction with the fixing means, the latter being integrated into the seal or formed directly on the seal. .

La figure 3 illustre cette deuxième forme d'exécution. Dans cette figure, les éléments qui sont de même nature et jouent le même rôle que des éléments correspondants de la figure 1 sont désignés par les mêmes signes de référence. Selon cette forme d'exécution, la lunette 30 est maintenue par un moyen de fixation 20 disposé du côté de la face externe 32 de la portion pénétrante 34 de la lunette 30. A la figure 3, le moyen de fixation 20 est maintenu par un anneau de fixation 21 disposé dans le joint de liaison 10. Le dit moyen 20 est de manière préférentielle un ressort-fil à pans de type connu, mais peut également être différent, tel que montré à la figure 6, où une tige disposée partiellement dans le joint 10 assure le maintien. Dans l'une ou l'autre de ces variantes, le moyen de fixation 20 comporte de préférence une portion qui pénètre dans une rainure de la paroi adjacente, assurant ainsi le maintien dans le sens vertical. Différentes variantes permettent d'intégrer le moyen de fixation au joint 10. L'anneau de fixation 20 illustré à la figure 3 est de manière préférentielle un anneau d'acier disposé dans le joint. Cet anneau peut évidemment être fabriqué en un autre matériau rigide, comme par exemple un composite à base de fibres de carbone, ou autre. Grâce à l'intégration du moyen de maintien dans le joint, la construction de la lunette 30, ainsi que son assemblage dans la carrure sont simplifiés. La figure 3 montre également un exemple de joint 10 avec deux portions actives. Les ajustements serrés, tant dans le sens latéral que vertical, assurent un contact uniforme entre le joint et la surface concomitante sur toute la périphérie.Figure 3 illustrates this second embodiment. In this figure, the elements which are of the same nature and play the same role as corresponding elements of Figure 1 are designated by the same reference signs. According to this embodiment, the bezel 30 is held by a fastening means 20 disposed on the side of the external face 32 of the penetrating portion 34 of the bezel 30. In Figure 3, the fastening means 20 is maintained by a fixing ring 21 disposed in the connecting joint 10. Said means 20 is preferably a wire spring with known types of sides, but may also be different, as shown in FIG. 6, where a rod partially arranged in the seal 10 ensures the maintenance. In one or other of these variants, the fixing means 20 preferably comprises a portion which penetrates into a groove in the adjacent wall, thus ensuring the maintenance in the vertical direction. Different variants allow the fixing means to be integrated into the seal 10. The fixing ring 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 is preferably a steel ring placed in gasket. This ring can obviously be made of another rigid material, such as for example a composite based on carbon fibers, or the like. Thanks to the integration of the holding means in the joint, the construction of the bezel 30, as well as its assembly in the middle part, are simplified. FIG. 3 also shows an example of a seal 10 with two active portions. The tight adjustments, both in the lateral and vertical directions, ensure uniform contact between the joint and the concomitant surface over the entire periphery.

Selon une autre variante de la première forme d'exécution, on remplace l'assemblage verre 1/lunette 30 par un verre monobloc, dont une portion est conformée en forme de lunette (figures 4 et 6), ou encore par un verre s'étendant sur toute la partie supérieure de la montre avec une portion de lunette en verre, en acier, titane ou autre collée ou soudée sous la face inférieure du verre (figures 5 et 7a).According to another variant of the first embodiment, the glass 1 / bezel 30 assembly is replaced by a one-piece glass, a portion of which is shaped like a bezel (Figures 4 and 6), or by a glass s' extending over the entire upper part of the watch with a portion of glass, steel, titanium or other bezel glued or welded under the underside of the glass (Figures 5 and 7a).

La montre selon l'invention peut comprendre un moyen de blocage permettant de maintenir le verre et/ou la lunette dans une position pré-établie. Ces moyens sont connus et comprennent par exemple des mécanismes à crans, à denture, à cliquets, etc, disposés par exemple sous la lunette.The watch according to the invention may comprise a locking means making it possible to maintain the glass and / or the bezel in a pre-established position. These means are known and include, for example mechanisms with notches, toothing, ratchets, etc., arranged for example under the bezel.

Les figures 7a et 7b illustrent un exemple d'une montre selon la présente invention. Le verre 1 comprend les inscriptions 1a (chiffres, repères, etc) habituellement inscrites sur la lunette. Les inscriptions sur le verre peuvent être réalisées par tout moyen connu, par exemple par métallisation. Le verre bord à bord est collé sur la lunette 30. Le cadran 6 comprend une portion surélevée en bordure de celui-ci, sur laquelle les points d'index et autres repères sélectionnés en fonction du type de montre sont disposés. Le verre est aisément déplacé angulairement grâce aux ergots 7 disposés sur le pourtour. Les ergots peuvent évidemment être remplacés par un cannelage réalisé directement dans le verre. On remarque grâce aux vues 7a et 7b que la superposition des indications du verre 1 et du cadran 6 est facilement obtenue, ce qui confère des caractéristiques d'utilisation très diverses: lecture facilitée, précision améliorée, grande aisance pour réaliser certaines fonctions comme par exemple celles d'une règle à calcul, etc.Figures 7a and 7b illustrate an example of a watch according to the present invention. Glass 1 includes the inscriptions 1a (numbers, marks, etc.) usually written on the bezel. The inscriptions on the glass can be made by any known means, for example by metallization. The edge-to-edge glass is glued to the bezel 30. The dial 6 includes a raised portion at the edge thereof, on which the index points and other marks selected according to the type of watch are arranged. The glass is easily angularly moved thanks to the lugs 7 arranged around the periphery. The pins can obviously be replaced by a groove made directly in the glass. It is noted from the views 7a and 7b that the superposition of the indications of the glass 1 and of the dial 6 is easily obtained, which gives very diverse characteristics of use: easier reading, improved precision, great ease for performing certain functions such as for example those of a slide rule, etc.

La figure 8 montre une troisième forme d'exécution où le verre bord à bord 1 est replié sur les côtés extérieurs de la carrure 4 de façon à former un couvercle. Le joint 10, fixé à la paroi interne du verre pénètre dans une rainure de fixation externe 9 pratiquée sur le pourtour de la carrure 4, de façon à assurer le maintien et la rotation du verre, ainsi que l'étanchéité de l'assemblage.Figure 8 shows a third embodiment where the glass edge to edge 1 is folded over the outer sides of the middle part 4 so as to form a cover. The seal 10, fixed to the internal wall of the glass, enters an external fixing groove 9 formed on the periphery of the middle part 4, so as to maintain and rotate the glass, as well as the seal of the assembly.

La figure 9 représente une quatrième forme d'exécution de la présente invention, où le cadran 6 tourne avec le verre 1 et la lunette 30. Le cadran 6 est disposé sur un méplat de la lunette rotative 30. La fermeture est réalisée par le dessus, au moyen du verre 1, fixé à la lunette 30 par l'entremise d'une lunette rapportée 36, disposée de façon étanche sur la lunette 30. Cette forme d'exécution est particulièrement avantageuse puisqu'elle permet de réaliser une multitude de combinaisons où les inscriptions et index peuvent être disposés sur le verre et/ou sur le cadran et/ou sur la carrure 4. Il est ainsi possible de réaliser, par exemple, une montre "fuseau horaire" où les repères indiquant l'heure, disposés de manière préférentielle sur le cadran, peuvent être déplacés par simple rotation de l'ensemble verre- lunette-cadran, afin de les faire correspondre à des indications de fuseau horaire disposées sur la carrure 4. On arrive ainsi à pouvoir lire l'heure de n'importe quel fuseau horaire, sans changer la position des aiguilles. La manipulation est ainsi simple et rapide.Figure 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where the dial 6 rotates with the glass 1 and the bezel 30. The dial 6 is arranged on a flat part of the rotating bezel 30. The closure is made from above , by means of the glass 1, fixed to the bezel 30 by means of an attached bezel 36, arranged in leaktight manner on the bezel 30. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to produce a multitude of combinations where the inscriptions and indexes can be placed on the glass and / or on the dial and / or on the middle part. It is thus possible to produce, for example, a "time zone" watch where the marks indicating the time, arranged preferably on the dial, can be moved by simple rotation of the glass-bezel-dial assembly, in order to make them correspond to time zone indications arranged on the middle part 4. It is thus possible to be able to read the time from any time zone, without changing the position of the hands. The handling is thus simple and fast.

Claims (15)

  1. Timepiece comprising a crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) permitting dismantling of this unit (1, 30) from above and capable of being moved rotatingly relative to the caseband (4), a joining gasket (10) being disposed between the said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) and the said caseband (4) in a manner in which the assembly formed by the crystal-bezel unit (1, 30), the joining gasket (10) and the caseband (4) is fluid-tight, the said joining gasket (10) being fixed to one of the fixed (4) or rotating parts (1, 30) characterized in that the said joining gasket (10) includes at least one active portion (11) formed by an extension of pointed cross-section oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the main body forming the joining gasket (10), and in that the said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) can be displaced axially relative to the caseband (4), particularly with a view to executing the said dismantling from above.
  2. Timepiece according to claim 1 wherein the active portion (11) of the gasket (10) cooperates with an adjacent wall of the caseband (4) in order to obtain a snug fit.
  3. Timepiece according to one of the claims 1 or 2 whose said active portion (11) is oriented substantially radially.
  4. Timepiece according to one of the claims 1 or 2 whose said active portion (11) is oriented substantially axially.
  5. Timepiece according to claim 4 wherein an axial displacement of said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) in a manner whereby the crystal moves closer to the dial (6) brings about an increase in the axial force on the said active portion (11) oriented substantially axially.
  6. Timepiece according to claim 4 wherein an axial displacement of the crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) is a function of the force exerted by the ambient pressure to which the timepiece is subjected.
  7. Timepiece according to one of the claims 1 to 6 wherein the crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) is fixed to the caseband (4) by a fixing means (20).
  8. Timepiece according to one of the claims 1 to 6 wherein the crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) is fixed to the caseband (4) via the joining gasket (10).
  9. Timepiece according to claim 7, wherein the said fixing means (20) is disposed along the inner face (31) of the bezel (30).
  10. Timepiece according to one of the claims 7 or 9, wherein the said fixing means (20) is integrated in the said joining gasket (10).
  11. Timepiece according to one of the claims 7 or 9, wherein the said joining gasket (10) is disposed in a groove (33) made in the outer face (32) of the bezel (30).
  12. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims wherein the lower face of the said crystal (1) is fixed to the upper part of the said bezel (30).
  13. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims wherein the dial (6) is fixed to the crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) in a manner to enable turning simultaneously with the said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30).
  14. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims wherein the said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) is made in one piece.
  15. Timepiece according to claim 14, wherein the said crystal (1) is extended on the outside along a portion of the rim of the caseband (4), and wherein a joining gasket (10) is disposed between the extension of the crystal (1) and the rim of the caseband (4).
EP93810390A 1993-05-28 1993-05-28 Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit Expired - Lifetime EP0628895B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP93810390A EP0628895B1 (en) 1993-05-28 1993-05-28 Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit
DE69300119T DE69300119T2 (en) 1993-05-28 1993-05-28 Watch with waterproof rotating glass or waterproof rotating glass hoop unit.
US08/315,945 US5521889A (en) 1993-05-28 1994-09-30 Watch having a fluid-tight rotary crystal or crystal-bezel unit
HK132096A HK132096A (en) 1993-05-28 1996-07-18 Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP93810390A EP0628895B1 (en) 1993-05-28 1993-05-28 Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit
US08/315,945 US5521889A (en) 1993-05-28 1994-09-30 Watch having a fluid-tight rotary crystal or crystal-bezel unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0628895A1 EP0628895A1 (en) 1994-12-14
EP0628895B1 true EP0628895B1 (en) 1995-04-19

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EP93810390A Expired - Lifetime EP0628895B1 (en) 1993-05-28 1993-05-28 Watch with a rotating water-resistant glass or glass-bezel unit

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EP (1) EP0628895B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69300119T2 (en)

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JP2002341056A (en) * 2001-05-11 2002-11-27 Seiko Instruments Inc Jumper structural body and timepiece provided with it
EP1420307A1 (en) * 2002-11-18 2004-05-19 Eterna SA Watch case
DE60305266T2 (en) 2003-09-03 2007-03-08 Rolex Sa Connecting device between a bezel and a watch case
EP1906268A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-04-02 Omega SA Watch case with a composite middle
JP5155904B2 (en) * 2009-02-17 2013-03-06 セイコーインスツル株式会社 clock
JP6720737B2 (en) * 2016-07-07 2020-07-08 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Portable electronic devices
EP3644132B1 (en) * 2018-10-26 2022-06-08 Blancpain SA Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane
EP3839663A1 (en) * 2019-12-20 2021-06-23 Rolex Sa Timepiece member for a timepiece part case or for a timepiece part

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Also Published As

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DE69300119T2 (en) 1995-10-19
EP0628895A1 (en) 1994-12-14
US5521889A (en) 1996-05-28
DE69300119D1 (en) 1995-05-24

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