EP0632909B1 - Watch case - Google Patents

Watch case Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0632909B1
EP0632909B1 EP93906617A EP93906617A EP0632909B1 EP 0632909 B1 EP0632909 B1 EP 0632909B1 EP 93906617 A EP93906617 A EP 93906617A EP 93906617 A EP93906617 A EP 93906617A EP 0632909 B1 EP0632909 B1 EP 0632909B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
face
dial
shell
cover glass
casing according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93906617A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0632909A1 (en
Inventor
Elmar Mock
Matthias Hell
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.)
Createc Patent Holding SA
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Createc Patent Holding SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0632909A1 publication Critical patent/EP0632909A1/en
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • 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
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • 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
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • G04B19/14—Fastening the dials to the clock or watch plates
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/14—Suspending devices, supports or stands for time-pieces insofar as they form part of the case
    • G04B37/1486—Arrangements for fixing to a bracelet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a housing for a watch, consisting of a shell, Dial and coverslip, which are all made of plastic, as well as a Method for producing such a housing, according to the Preambles of the independent claims.
  • Watch cases that have such a structure are especially for Wristwatches and pocket watches are provided. More common with such watches
  • the shell has two openings.
  • a first opening serves to make the movement accessible from one side. This first opening is closed by a cover that the Back of the watch forms.
  • a second opening is the display element, For example, facing the dial and is by this also covered.
  • the movement is anchored in the shell and carries usually the dial.
  • a cover slip is attached to the dish. So the shell is essentially outward through the Cover glass and the lid completed.
  • Housings are also known, in which an annular rim is formed on the dial over which the cover slip is attached.
  • the ring-shaped includes Edge the cover slip around its entire circumference.
  • Such a housing is, for example, from the Swiss patents No. 300360 and No. 70650 as well as from DE-U-1 882 484.
  • the cover slip has an annular rim positioned on the dial against lateral displacement and additionally fastened to it via connecting means so that it does not can be lifted off.
  • This means that from the above Fonts of known dials have very complicated shapes, which consist of more or less flat surfaces, which is the real thing Form the dial and stick to the one that stands out Connect ring surfaces.
  • This enables positive positioning and an attachment of the cover slip on such a dial can be achieved.
  • the edge area usually protrudes as a ring upwards out of the surface of the dial.
  • CH-A-659 169 and EP-A-0 131 858 are further housings known in which the cover slip in a recess in a housing part is used as a shell part or as a shell part and Dial is formed at the same time.
  • the cover slip is practical here sunk into this housing part and through a recess positioned. Again, the condition is that the expansion of this Housing or shell part far exceeds that of the cover slip. This means that there are significant restrictions for the two above-mentioned housings to accept in the design of the housing.
  • the invention as characterized in the claims solves the problem of avoiding the disadvantages mentioned and a housing for a watch with extended design options create that easy to manufacture and seal that easily is.
  • the dial which closes the shell in the direction from which the time display is directly attached to the shell and that the cover glass on the other hand directly on the actual dial is moored.
  • the cover slip is facing directly towards it Surface of the dial put on, for time display serves.
  • the positioning of the cover slip on the dial and its attachment is ensured by one and the same means, so that no further surveys protrude from the dial have to, for example, positioning by positive locking to reach.
  • the coverslip directly on the flat or curved but one in glued on the essential continuous surface forming dial or welded on and the dial in turn is directly on the Shell glued or welded on.
  • the dial can certain places or the entire circumference also over the glass or the The shell protrudes outwards.
  • the shell can essentially by the Dial are covered so that it is hardly visible. This allows the visual perception of the watch through the design of the Dial can be determined virtually completely freely.
  • the too shaping surface of the dial can even cover the surface of the cover glass surpass.
  • the areas where decorations can be attached are significantly expanded.
  • the decorations - such as prints - can from the bracelet over the dial and over its Flow the field for the time display without being interrupted by paragraphs or without having to overcome height differences.
  • the dial is also visible from the side, i.e. in profile become. With this, this profile can also be designed and the clock can optically stand out from other watches. Another advantage is that only two and not more than one part at a time a connection are to be connected together so that the seal between the two parts is simpler and more reliable, i.e. seals longer.
  • the construction of a watch case according to the invention results also the ability to give the dial not just decorative features assign.
  • the dial now represents the connection between the cover slip and the shell and therefore also has a supporting function. That means at However, the design according to the invention does not mean that the dial accordingly must have great strength or rigidity.
  • the dial can now even be made from a thin film or from the shell a layer of a material that is applied to the shell. Likewise, it doesn't matter whether the dial has numbers, lines or has no elements at all that allow the position of the hands to determine exactly.
  • a dial Element that is mainly visible from the direction from which the Watch is viewed to read the time.
  • forces that act laterally on the cover slip and are caused by pious Fasteners are excluded, causing tension in the Coverslip avoids.
  • In the idle state only forces act on the dial and Cover glass caused by gravity. These are at level Position of the clock essentially perpendicular to the greatest extent of the dial directed.
  • the housing 1 shows part of a housing 1 for a wristwatch in section shown.
  • the housing 1 consists of a shell 2 whose shape in Inside is shown here in a highly simplified manner and a room 3 for a clockwork provides that is not used here.
  • a dial extends over it 4.
  • a curved cover glass 5 is arranged above the dial 4, the Above the dial 4, a space 6 is kept free, in a manner known per se and therefore pointers are not shown here.
  • the Shell 2 optionally has a small groove 8 on its upper edge 7 which extends over the entire circumference.
  • the dial 4 points to his lower boundary surface 9 also optionally a small extension 10, which engages in the groove 8.
  • the extension 10 forms together with the groove 8 a connection or attachment between these two parts.
  • the dial 4 has on its surface 11 a groove 12 into which a Extension 13 of the cover slip 5 engages. This results in the connection or attachment between the cover slip 5 and the dial 4.
  • the dial 4 has a substantially continuous surface 20, for example in a flat area 20a and a sloping area Area 20b can be divided. So surface 20 essentially has one Form curved outwards towards the cover slip.
  • the groove 12 is here for one Welded connection provided or takes for example with an adhesive connection the glue on.
  • the groove 12 is dimensioned very small in comparison.
  • a fastener 14 known per se can also be seen a bracelet, not shown here, on two opposite areas the shell 2 is arranged.
  • the dial 4 protrudes with a part 16 in the areas this fastener 14 over the actual shell 2 and over the cover slip 5 outwards in front.
  • the shell essentially has a cylindrical outer boundary, which is formed by a surface that appears here as line 15, so in this example the cover glass 5 even protrudes beyond the dish 2, without also surrounding the bowl 2 laterally.
  • the extensions 10 and 13 by welding, fixed in the grooves 8 and 12, whereby at the same time a seal is created.
  • a welding process is in particular Ultrasonic welding is advantageous because the shell,
  • the dial and cover glass are made of plastic.
  • the extensions mentioned can also be glued into the groove, so that in addition to welding, adhesive connections are preferably provided. Such connections are permanent and do not require any mechanical connection elements.
  • Figure 2 shows a housing for a clock according to Figure 1 in supervision.
  • the dial 4 that of the transparent and therefore cover glass that is not visible in this illustration is covered.
  • the fastening means 14 for a bracelet of which both halves here 17 and 18 can be seen.
  • Half 17 is already attached to the shell, however, half 18 not yet.
  • An elevator crown 19 is also provided in this housing.
  • FIG. 3 shows two halves 21 and 22 of a further embodiment of a Housing without the cover slip.
  • Half 21 only shows the profile of the Housing as it turns out if you place the housing approximately between the center 26 and a zone that intersects around 9 o'clock on the dial lies. It can be seen that the shell 24 and the dial 25, for example have a common cylindrical outer surface 23.
  • Half of 22 who are approximately as a cut between the center of the clock and 6 o'clock on the dial reveals a view of a Uhnverk 27 and an electric battery 28.
  • the clockwork 27 has on its upper edge 29 an outwardly facing Paragraph 30, which is supported in the shell 24. It will go up Clockwork 27 held by the dial 25.
  • the edge 31 only protrudes towards the shell 24, so that the dial a flat and uninterrupted surface 33 for receiving the Has coverslip.
  • the connection between the dial also occurs here and bowl in the manner already mentioned.
  • Figure 4 shows a clock in section, and thus another embodiment a shell 34.
  • the shell 34 here has a simple or spherical curve and a dial 38 facing surface 38.
  • the dial 35 rests on surface 38.
  • the cover glass 47 has a corresponding shaped face or attachment surface 39 that conforms to the shape of the surface 40 of the dial 35 is adjusted. It is about the contact surface 39 Cover glass 47 glued to the surface 40 of the dial 35 or so welded that a direct connection is created.
  • the dial 35 can be made comparatively thin and a small thickness 44 in Have comparison to its extension in the direction of an arrow 45. It is glued to as large a part of the surface 38 as possible, for example.
  • the dial 35 is very thin, it can also form a coating that is applied here on the surface 38 in a manner known per se. As well the dial could be designed as a film.
  • the dial 37 has in this version no special training for positioning or Attachment of a cover slip 47 is used.
  • the cover glass 47 is preferably used in the production of such housings by part of a tool 41 as shown in FIG. 5 on the surface 40 of the dial positioned. This positioning is then only temporary and is determined by the relative position of two surfaces 42 and 43, that happen to be in a line here, if the Cover glass is held onto the dial by this tool. This happens until the connection between cover glass and dial is established is, for example, until the previously applied adhesive solidifies or, in ultrasonic welding, until the tool has enough energy handed over so that the welding is done. This positioning can by the same tool that, for example, the adhesive or welds to the cover slip. In any case, there are none Positioning means to be provided on the dial or on the cover glass. The same procedure can be used for the connection between the dial and shell become.
  • the dial can, with appropriate training, by the Tool can also be positioned on the surface 38 of the shell 34. So can, for example, very thin and possibly flat, foil-like dials be used. It is also conceivable now dials from the same To produce material that is also used for the bracelet, so that an optical unit can be achieved.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Input Circuits Of Receivers And Coupling Of Receivers And Audio Equipment (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch case with a casing (2), a dial (4) and a crystal (5). In order to simplify assembly and provide greater freedom of design, the crystal is positioned and fastened directly on the surface (20) of the watch dial.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Gehäuse für eine Uhr, bestehend aus Schale, Zifferblatt und Deckglas, die alle aus Kunststoff gefertigt sind, sowie ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines solchen Gehäuses, gemäss den Oberbegriffen der unabhängigen Patentansprüche.The invention relates to a housing for a watch, consisting of a shell, Dial and coverslip, which are all made of plastic, as well as a Method for producing such a housing, according to the Preambles of the independent claims.

Uhrgehäuse, die einen solchen Aufbau haben, sind insbesondere für Armbanduhren und Taschenuhren vorgesehen. Bei solchen Uhren üblicher Bauart weist die Schale zwei Oeffnungen auf. Eine erste Oeffnung dient dazu, das Uhrwerk von der einen Seite zugänglich zu machen. Diese erste Oeffnung wird durch einen Deckel abgeschlossen, der die Rückseite der Uhr bildet. Eine zweite Oeffnung ist dem Anzeigeelement, beispielsweise dem Zifferblatt zugekehrt und wird durch dieses auch überdeckt. Das Uhrwerk ist in der Schale verankert und trägt üblicherweise das Zifferblatt. Ein Deckglas ist an der Schale befestigt. Damit wird die Schale nach aussen im wesentlichen durch das Deckglas und den Deckel abgeschlossen. Weiter sind auch Gehäuse bekannt, bei denen ein ringförmiger Rand an das Zifferblatt angeformt ist, über den das Deckglas befestigt ist. Dabei umfasst der ringförmige Rand das Deckglas an seinem ganzen Umfang. Watch cases that have such a structure are especially for Wristwatches and pocket watches are provided. More common with such watches The shell has two openings. A first opening serves to make the movement accessible from one side. This first opening is closed by a cover that the Back of the watch forms. A second opening is the display element, For example, facing the dial and is by this also covered. The movement is anchored in the shell and carries usually the dial. A cover slip is attached to the dish. So the shell is essentially outward through the Cover glass and the lid completed. Housings are also known, in which an annular rim is formed on the dial over which the cover slip is attached. The ring-shaped includes Edge the cover slip around its entire circumference.

Ein solches Gehäuse ist beispielsweise aus den Schweizer Patenten Nr. 300360 und Nr. 70650 sowie aus dem DE-U-1 882 484 bekannt. Bei diesen Ausführungen ist das Deckglas durch einen ringförmigen Rand auf dem Zifferblatt gegen seitliche Verschiebung positioniert und zusätzlich über Verbindungsmittel darauf so befestigt, dass es nicht abgehoben werden kann. Dies bedeutet, dass die aus den genannten Schriften bekannten Zifferblätter sehr komplizierte Formen aufweisen, die aus mehr oder weniger ebenen Flächen bestehen, die das eigentliche Zifferblatt bilden und an die auch daraus herausragende Ringflächen anschliessen. Damit kann eine formschlüssige Positionierung und eine Befestigung des Deckglases auf einem solchen Zifferblatt erreicht werden. Mit anderen Worten besteht ein solches Zifferblatt aus zwei Bereichen, dem eigentlichen Zifferblatt, das zur Zeitanzeige vorgesehen ist, und einem speziell geformten Randbereich zum Befestigen eines Deckglases. Dabei ragt der Randbereich meist als Ring nach oben aus der Oberfläche des Zifferblattes heraus.Such a housing is, for example, from the Swiss patents No. 300360 and No. 70650 as well as from DE-U-1 882 484. At In these versions, the cover slip has an annular rim positioned on the dial against lateral displacement and additionally fastened to it via connecting means so that it does not can be lifted off. This means that from the above Fonts of known dials have very complicated shapes, which consist of more or less flat surfaces, which is the real thing Form the dial and stick to the one that stands out Connect ring surfaces. This enables positive positioning and an attachment of the cover slip on such a dial can be achieved. In other words, there is such a dial from two areas, the actual dial, which for Time display is provided, and a specially shaped edge area for attaching a cover slip. The edge area usually protrudes as a ring upwards out of the surface of the dial.

Ein Nachteil solcher und anderer ähnlicher Konstruktionen besteht darin, dass das Zifferblatt eine komplizierte Form mit Bereichen verschiedener Dicke aufweist, die viele verschiedene Flächen hat, die in verschiedensten Winkeln zueinander stehen und zudem durch Übergangsbereiche verbunden sein müssen. Dadurch werden Anforderungen hinsichtlich Form und Material an das Zifferblatt gestellt, die die freie Gestaltung einschränken, die die Möglichkeiten zur optischen Gestaltung begrenzen und die zudem das Zifferblatt zu einem teuren Formteil entarten lassen.There is a disadvantage to such and other similar designs in that the dial has a complicated shape with areas of different thickness, which has many different areas, that are at different angles to each other and also through Transitional areas must be connected. This makes requirements in terms of shape and material on the dial, the restrict the free design, the possibilities for optical Limit design and also the dial into one let expensive molding degenerate.

Aus der CH-645497 ist weiter ein Gehäuse mit einem Zifferblatt bekannt, das zwar ein ebenes Zifferblatt aufweist, bei dem aber das Deckglas über einen eigenen Ring direkt an der Schale befestigt ist. Auch dies ergibt eine eher aufwendige Konstruktion. Bei diesem wie auch bei den anderen genannten Gehäusen sind die gestalterischen Freiheiten bei der Formgebung stark eingeschränkt und die relativ komplizierten Formen und Konstruktionen können zu Problemen bei der Abdichtung solcher Gehäuse führen.From CH-645497 a housing with a dial is also known, which has a flat dial, but with which Cover glass is attached directly to the dish via its own ring. This also results in a rather complex construction. With this how the design of the other housings mentioned are also Freedom in the design is severely restricted and the relative Complicated shapes and constructions can cause problems with the Seal such housings.

Aus der FR-A-2 648 923 ist ein Gehäuse bekannt, bei dem das Deckglas über eine Schnappverbindung in eine umlaufende Nut im Zifferblatt eingesetzt ist. Dies setzt aber voraus, dass das Zifferblatt immer eine grössere Ausdehnung als das Deckglas hat und dass das Zifferblatt eine genügende Dicke aufweist, um eine solche Nut aufzunehmen. Diese Vebindung zwischen Deckglas und Zifferblatt ist damit noch nicht dicht. Die Dichtheit muss durch zusätzliche Mittel erreicht werden.From FR-A-2 648 923 a housing is known in which the cover slip via a snap connection in a circumferential groove in the dial is inserted. However, this presupposes that the dial is always has a larger dimension than the cover slip and that the dial has a sufficient thickness to accommodate such a groove. This connection between cover glass and dial is still there not tight. The tightness must be achieved by additional means become.

Aus der CH-A-659 169 und aus der EP-A-0 131 858 sind weiter Gehäuse bekannt, bei denen das Deckglas in eine Ausnehmung in einem Gehäuseteil eingesetzt ist, der als Schalenteil oder als Schalenteil und Zifferblatt zugleich ausgebildet ist. Das Deckglas ist hier praktisch in diesen Gehäuseteil hinein versenkt und durch eine Ausnehmung positioniert. Auch hier ist Bedingung, dass die Ausdehnung dieses Gehäuse- oder Schalenteils diejenige des Deckglases weit übersteigt. Damit sind für beiden obengenanten Gehäuse wesentliche Einschränkungen in der Gestaltung des Gehäuses hinzunehmen.CH-A-659 169 and EP-A-0 131 858 are further housings known in which the cover slip in a recess in a housing part is used as a shell part or as a shell part and Dial is formed at the same time. The cover slip is practical here sunk into this housing part and through a recess positioned. Again, the condition is that the expansion of this Housing or shell part far exceeds that of the cover slip. This means that there are significant restrictions for the two above-mentioned housings to accept in the design of the housing.

Aus der EP-A-0101 663 ist ein Gehäuse für eine Uhr bekannt, bei dem das Deckglas direkt auf die Schale aufgeschweisst ist. Das bedeutet aber, dass damit das Zifferblatt nicht über das Deckglas hinausragen darf und ist somit wiederum eine Einschränkung bei der Gestaltung der Uhr.From EP-A-0101 663 a housing for a watch is known in which the cover slip is welded directly onto the dish. That means but that the dial does not protrude beyond the cover glass may and is in turn a limitation in the design the clock.

Die Erfindung, wie sie in den Patentansprüchen gekennzeichnet ist, löst die Aufgabe die genannten Nachteile zu vermeiden und ein Gehäuse für eine Uhr mit erweiterten gestalterischen Möglichkeiten zu schaffen, das einfach herzustellen und das problemlos abzudichten ist.The invention as characterized in the claims solves the problem of avoiding the disadvantages mentioned and a housing for a watch with extended design options create that easy to manufacture and seal that easily is.

Dies wird insbesondere dadurch erreicht, dass einerseits das Zifferblatt, das die Schale in der Richtung abschliesst, aus der die Zeitanzeige betrachtet wird, direkt an der Schale festgemacht ist und dass das Deckglas andererseits direkt am eigentlichen Zifferblatt festgemacht ist. Dabei ist das Deckglas direkt auf die diesem zugekehrte Oberfläche des Zifferblattes aufgesetzt, die zur Zeitanzeige dient. Die Positionierung des Deckglases auf dem Zifferblatt und dessen Befestigung sind durch ein und dasselbe Mittel gewährleistet, so dass keine weiteren Erhebungen aus dem Zifferblatt herausragen müssen, um beispielsweise eine Positionierung durch Formschluss zu erreichen. In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist somit das Deckglas direkt auf das ebene oder gekrümmte aber eine im wesentlichen kontinuierliche Fläche bildende Zifferblatt aufgeklebt oder aufgeschweisst und das Zifferblatt wiederum ist direkt auf die Schale aufgeklebt oder aufgeschweisst. Dabei kann das Zifferblatt an bestimmten Stellen oder am ganzen Umfang auch über das Glas oder die Schale hinaus nach aussen vorstehen.This is achieved in particular by the fact that on the one hand the dial, which closes the shell in the direction from which the time display is directly attached to the shell and that the cover glass on the other hand directly on the actual dial is moored. The cover slip is facing directly towards it Surface of the dial put on, for time display serves. The positioning of the cover slip on the dial and its attachment is ensured by one and the same means, so that no further surveys protrude from the dial have to, for example, positioning by positive locking to reach. In a particularly advantageous embodiment the coverslip directly on the flat or curved but one in glued on the essential continuous surface forming dial or welded on and the dial in turn is directly on the Shell glued or welded on. The dial can certain places or the entire circumference also over the glass or the The shell protrudes outwards.

Die durch die Erfindung erreichten Vorteile sind insbesondere darin zu sehen, dass damit die gestalterischen Möglichkeiten stark erweitert sind. Beispielsweise kann die Schale im wesentlichen durch das Zifferblatt überdeckt werden, so dass sie kaum mehr sichtbar ist. Damit kann die optische Wahrnehmung der Uhr durch die Gestaltung des Zifferblattes praktisch vollständig frei bestimmt werden. Die zu gestaltende Fläche des Zifferblattes kann sogar die Fläche des Deckglases übertreffen. Bei Armbanduhren lässt sich so beispielsweise ein fast unmerklicher Uebergang zwischen Zifferblatt und Armband schaffen und so eine gestalterische Einheit erwirken, wie sie bisher nicht möglich war. Die Flächen an denen Dekorationen angebracht werden können, sind damit wesentlich erweitert. Die Dekorationen - wie beispielsweise Bedruckungen - können so vom Armband über das Zifferblatt und über dessen Feld für die Zeitanzeige fliessen ohne durch Absätze unterbrochen zu sein oder ohne Höhenunterschiede überwinden zu müssen. Zudem kann auf diese Weise das Zifferblatt erstmals auch von der Seite, also im Profil sichtbar werden. Damit kann auch dieses Profil gestaltet werden und die Uhr kann sich optisch weiter von anderen Uhren abheben lassen. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, dass jeweils nur zwei und nicht mehrere Teile gleichzeitig mit einer Verbindung miteinander zu verbinden sind, so dass die Abdichtung zwischen den beiden Teilen einfacher und zuverlässiger ist, also länger dichtet. Durch den erfindungsgemässen Aufbau eines Uhrengehäuses ergibt sich zudem die Möglichkeit, dem Zifferblatt nicht nur dekorative Funktionen zuzuweisen. Das Zifferblatt stellt nun die Verbindung zwischen dem Deckglas und der Schale her und hat somit auch eine tragende Funktion. Das heisst bei der erfindungsgemässen Ausführung aber nicht, dass das Zifferblatt dementsprechend grosse Festigkeit oder Steifigkeit haben muss. Je nach Ausbildung der Schale kann das Zifferblatt nun sogar aus einer dünnen Folie oder aus einer Schicht eines Materials bestehen, das auf der Schale aufgebracht ist. Ebenso spielt es keine Rolle ob nun das Zifferblatt Ziffern, Striche oder überhaupt keine Elemente aufweist, die es erlauben, die Lage der Zeiger genau zu bestimmen. Als Zifferblatt verstehen wir hier einfach dasjenige Element, das aus derjenigen Richtung hauptsächlich sichtbar ist, aus der die Uhr betrachtet wird, um die Zeit abzulesen. In dem erfindungsgemässen Gehäuse sind Kräfte, die seitlich auf das Deckglas einwirken und die durch fromschlüssige Befestigungsmittel bewirkt sind, ausgeschlossen, was Spannungen im Deckglas vermeidet. Im Ruhezustand wirken nur Kräfte auf Zifferblatt und Deckglas, die durch die Schwerkraft bewirkt werden. Diese sind bei ebener Lage der Uhr im wesentlichen senkrecht zur grössten Ausdehnung des Zifferblattes gerichtet. Damit sind auch Ermüdungsbrüche des Deckglases praktisch ausgeschlossen, da keine Klemmkräfte darauf einwirken. Durch die erfindungsgemässe Gestaltung hat das Zifferblatt keine Teile, die auf die Innenfläche und/oder die Aussenfläche des Deckglases einwirken können. Kräfte wirken nur auf eine Stirnfläche des Deckglases, die auch mit dem Zifferblatt in Berührung ist.The advantages achieved by the invention are particularly therein to see that this greatly expands the design possibilities are. For example, the shell can essentially by the Dial are covered so that it is hardly visible. This allows the visual perception of the watch through the design of the Dial can be determined virtually completely freely. The too shaping surface of the dial can even cover the surface of the cover glass surpass. In the case of wristwatches, for example an almost imperceptible transition between the dial and the bracelet create and achieve a design unity that has not been possible before was. The areas where decorations can be attached are significantly expanded. The decorations - such as prints - can from the bracelet over the dial and over its Flow the field for the time display without being interrupted by paragraphs or without having to overcome height differences. You can also use this For the first time, the dial is also visible from the side, i.e. in profile become. With this, this profile can also be designed and the clock can optically stand out from other watches. Another advantage is that only two and not more than one part at a time a connection are to be connected together so that the seal between the two parts is simpler and more reliable, i.e. seals longer. The construction of a watch case according to the invention results also the ability to give the dial not just decorative features assign. The dial now represents the connection between the cover slip and the shell and therefore also has a supporting function. That means at However, the design according to the invention does not mean that the dial accordingly must have great strength or rigidity. Depending on the training The dial can now even be made from a thin film or from the shell a layer of a material that is applied to the shell. Likewise, it doesn't matter whether the dial has numbers, lines or has no elements at all that allow the position of the hands to determine exactly. We simply understand that as a dial Element that is mainly visible from the direction from which the Watch is viewed to read the time. In the housing according to the invention are forces that act laterally on the cover slip and are caused by pious Fasteners are excluded, causing tension in the Coverslip avoids. In the idle state, only forces act on the dial and Cover glass caused by gravity. These are at level Position of the clock essentially perpendicular to the greatest extent of the dial directed. Fatigue fractures in the cover slip are also practical excluded, since no clamping forces act on it. By the inventive The design of the dial has no parts on the inner surface and / or can act on the outer surface of the cover slip. Powers only act on an end face of the cover slip, which also with the dial is in contact.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von lediglich einen Ausführungsweg darstellenden Zeichnungen erläutert. Es zeigt

  • Figur 1 einen Schnitt durch einen Teil eines erfindungsgemässen Gehäuses,
  • Figur 2 eine Aufsicht auf ein Gehäuse,
  • Figur 3 einen teilweisen Schnitt durch eine Schale mit einem Zifferblatt,
  • Figur 4 einen Schnitt durch eine weitere Ausführung eines Gehäuses und
  • Figur 5 einen Schritt eines Verfahrens zum Befestigen eines Deckglases auf einem Zifferblatt.
    • In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. It shows
  • FIG. 1 shows a section through part of a housing according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 shows a top view of a housing,
  • FIG. 3 shows a partial section through a shell with a dial,
  • 4 shows a section through a further embodiment of a housing and
  • Figure 5 shows a step of a method for attaching a cover slip on a dial.

    • Aus Figur 1 ist ein Teil eines Gehäuses 1 für eine Armbanduhr im Schnitt dargestellt. Das Gehäuse 1 besteht aus einer Schale 2 deren Ausformung im Inneren hier stark vereinfacht dargestellt ist und einen Raum 3 für ein Uhrwerk vorsieht, das hier nicht eingesetzt ist. Darüber erstreckt sich ein Zifferblatt 4. Ueber dem Zifferblatt 4 ist ein gewölbtes Deckglas 5 angeordnet, das über dem Zifferblatt 4 einen Raum 6 freihält in dem, in an sich bekannter und deshalb hier nicht näher dargestellter Weise, Zeiger angeordnet sind. Die Schale 2 weist an ihrem oberen Rand 7 wahlweise eine kleine Nut 8 auf, die sich über den ganzen Umfang erstreckt. Das Zifferblatt 4 weist an seiner unteren Begrenzungsfläche 9 ebenso wahlweise einen kleinen Fortsatz 10 auf, der in die Nut 8 eingreift. Der Fortsatz 10 bildet zusammen mit der Nut 8 eine Verbindung oder Befestigung zwischen diesen beiden Teilen. Ebenso weist das Zifferblatt 4 auf seiner Oberfläche 11 eine Nut 12 auf, in die ein Fortsatz 13 des Deckglases 5 eingreift. Dies ergibt die Verbindung oder Befestigung zwischen dem Deckglas 5 und dem Zifferblatt 4. Das Zifferblatt 4 weist eine im wesentlichen kontinuierliche Oberfläche 20 auf, die sich beispielsweise in einen ebenen Bereich 20a und einen zur Schale hin abfallenden Bereich 20b aufteilen lässt. So hat die Oberfläche 20 eine im wesentlichen nach aussen zum Deckglas hin gewölbte Form. Die Nut 12 ist hier für eine Schweissverbindung vorgesehen oder nimmt bei einer Klebeverbindung beispielsweise den Klebstoff auf. Die Nut 12 ist vergleichsweise sehr klein dimensioniert. Man erkennt ferner ein an sich bekanntes Befestigungsmittel 14 für ein hier nicht gezeigtes Armband, das an zwei gegenüberliegenden Bereichen der Schale 2 angeordnet ist. Das Zifferblatt 4 ragt mit einem Teil 16 im Bereiche dieses Befestigungsmittels 14 über die eigentliche Schale 2 und über das Deckglas 5 hinaus nach aussen vor. Geht man beispielsweise davon aus, dass die Schale im wesentlichen eine zylindrische äussere Begrenzung aufweist, die durch eine Fläche gebildet wird, die hier als Linie 15 erscheint, so ragt in diesem Beispiel sogar das Deckglas 5 über die Schale 2 hinaus vor, ohne die Schale 2 auch seitlich zu umgeben. Vorzugsweise werden die Fortsätze 10 und 13 durch Schweissen, in den Nuten 8 und 12 befestigt, wodurch gleichzeitig eine Abdichtung geschaffen wird. Als Schweissverfahren ist insbesondere Ultrasschallschweissen vorteilhaft, weil Schale, Zifferblatt und Deckglas aus Kunststoff bestehen. Die genannten Fortsätze können auch in die Nut eingeklebt werden, so dass neben dem Schweissen vorzugsweise adhäsive Verbindungen vorgesehen sind. Solche Verbindungen sind unlösbar und benötigen keine mechanischen Verbindungselemente.1 shows part of a housing 1 for a wristwatch in section shown. The housing 1 consists of a shell 2 whose shape in Inside is shown here in a highly simplified manner and a room 3 for a clockwork provides that is not used here. A dial extends over it 4. A curved cover glass 5 is arranged above the dial 4, the Above the dial 4, a space 6 is kept free, in a manner known per se and therefore pointers are not shown here. The Shell 2 optionally has a small groove 8 on its upper edge 7 which extends over the entire circumference. The dial 4 points to his lower boundary surface 9 also optionally a small extension 10, which engages in the groove 8. The extension 10 forms together with the groove 8 a connection or attachment between these two parts. As well the dial 4 has on its surface 11 a groove 12 into which a Extension 13 of the cover slip 5 engages. This results in the connection or attachment between the cover slip 5 and the dial 4. The dial 4 has a substantially continuous surface 20, for example in a flat area 20a and a sloping area Area 20b can be divided. So surface 20 essentially has one Form curved outwards towards the cover slip. The groove 12 is here for one Welded connection provided or takes for example with an adhesive connection the glue on. The groove 12 is dimensioned very small in comparison. A fastener 14 known per se can also be seen a bracelet, not shown here, on two opposite areas the shell 2 is arranged. The dial 4 protrudes with a part 16 in the areas this fastener 14 over the actual shell 2 and over the cover slip 5 outwards in front. For example, if you assume that the shell essentially has a cylindrical outer boundary, which is formed by a surface that appears here as line 15, so in this example the cover glass 5 even protrudes beyond the dish 2, without also surrounding the bowl 2 laterally. Preferably the extensions 10 and 13 by welding, fixed in the grooves 8 and 12, whereby at the same time a seal is created. As a welding process is in particular Ultrasonic welding is advantageous because the shell, The dial and cover glass are made of plastic. The extensions mentioned can also be glued into the groove, so that in addition to welding, adhesive connections are preferably provided. Such connections are permanent and do not require any mechanical connection elements.

    Figur 2 zeigt ein Gehäuse für eine Uhr gemäss Figur 1 in Aufsicht. Man erkennt somit hauptsächlich das Zifferblatt 4, das vom durchsichtigen und damit in dieser Darstellung nicht sichtbaren Deckglas überdeckt wird. Man erkennt auch die Befestigungsmittel 14 für ein Armband von dem hier beide Hälften 17 und 18 zu sehen sind. Dabei ist die Hälfte 17 an der Schale bereits befestigt, die Hälfte 18 dagegen noch nicht. Man erkennt ferner die obengenannten Teile 16 des Zifferblattes 4, die über die Schale und das Deckglas hinausragen. Eine Aufzugskrone 19 ist auch in diesem Gehäuse vorgesehen.Figure 2 shows a housing for a clock according to Figure 1 in supervision. One notices thus mainly the dial 4, that of the transparent and therefore cover glass that is not visible in this illustration is covered. One notices also the fastening means 14 for a bracelet, of which both halves here 17 and 18 can be seen. Half 17 is already attached to the shell, however, half 18 not yet. You can also see the above Parts 16 of the dial 4, which protrude beyond the shell and the cover slip. An elevator crown 19 is also provided in this housing.

    Die Figur 3 zeigt zwei Hälften 21 und 22 einer weiteren Ausführung eines Gehäuses ohne das Deckglas. Die Hälfte 21 zeigt lediglich das Profil des Gehäuses wie es sich ergibt, wenn man das Gehäuse etwa zwischen dem Zentrum 26 und einer Zone schneidet, die etwa bei 9 Uhr auf dem Zifferblatt liegt. Man erkennt, dass die Schale 24 und das Zifferblatt 25 beispielsweise eine gemeinsame zylindrische Aussenfläche 23 haben. Die Hälfte 22, die sich etwa als Schnitt zwischen dem Zentrum 26 und 6 Uhr auf dem Zifferblatt ergibt, gibt den Blick frei auf ein Uhnverk 27 und eine elektrische Batterie 28. Das Uhrwerk 27 weist an seinem oberen Rand 29 einen nach aussen weisenden Absatz 30 auf, der sich in der Schale 24 abstützt. Nach oben wird das Uhrwerk 27 durch das Zifferblatt 25 festgehalten. Dieses weist hier einen verstärkten Rand 31 auf, der auch eine zusätzliche Seitenfläche 32 der Schale 24 überdeckt. Der Rand 31 ragt aber nur zur Schale 24 hin, so dass das Zifferblatt eine ebene und ununterbrochene Oberfläche 33 zur Aufnahme des Deckglases aufweist. Auch hier geschieht die Verbindung zwischen Zifferblatt und Schale auf die bereits erwähnte Art und Weise.FIG. 3 shows two halves 21 and 22 of a further embodiment of a Housing without the cover slip. Half 21 only shows the profile of the Housing as it turns out if you place the housing approximately between the center 26 and a zone that intersects around 9 o'clock on the dial lies. It can be seen that the shell 24 and the dial 25, for example have a common cylindrical outer surface 23. Half of 22 who are approximately as a cut between the center of the clock and 6 o'clock on the dial reveals a view of a Uhnverk 27 and an electric battery 28. The clockwork 27 has on its upper edge 29 an outwardly facing Paragraph 30, which is supported in the shell 24. It will go up Clockwork 27 held by the dial 25. This shows a reinforced one Edge 31, which also has an additional side surface 32 of shell 24 covered. The edge 31 only protrudes towards the shell 24, so that the dial a flat and uninterrupted surface 33 for receiving the Has coverslip. The connection between the dial also occurs here and bowl in the manner already mentioned.

    Figur 4 zeigt eine Uhr im Schnitt, und damit eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Schale 34. Die Schale 34 weist hier eine einfach oder kugelförmig gebogene und einem Zifferblatt 35 zugewandte Oberfläche 38 auf. Auf dieser Oberfläche 38 liegt das Zifferblatt 35 auf. Das Deckglas 47 weist eine entsprechend geformte Stirn- oder Aufsetzfläche 39 auf, die an die Form der Oberfläche 40 des Zifferblattes 35 angepasst ist. Über die Aufsetzfläche 39 ist das Deckglas 47 auf der Oberfläche 40 des Zifferblattes 35 so aufgeklebt oder aufgeschweisst, dass dabei eine direkte Verbindung entsteht. Das Zifferblatt 35 kann vergleichsweise dünn ausgebildet sein und eine geringe Dicke 44 im Vergleich zu seiner Ausdehnung in Richtung eines Pfeiles 45 aufweisen. Es ist auf einem möglichst grossen Teil der Oberfläche 38 beispielsweise aufgeklebt. Ist das Zifferblatt 35 sehr dünn, so kann es auch eine Beschichtung bilden, die hier auf der Oberfläche 38 in an sich bekannter Weise aufgebracht ist. Ebenso könnte das Zifferblatt als Folie ausgebildet sein. Das Zifferblatt 37 hat in dieser Ausführung keine spezielle Ausbildung die zur Positionierung oder Befestigung eines Deckglases 47 dient.Figure 4 shows a clock in section, and thus another embodiment a shell 34. The shell 34 here has a simple or spherical curve and a dial 38 facing surface 38. On this The dial 35 rests on surface 38. The cover glass 47 has a corresponding shaped face or attachment surface 39 that conforms to the shape of the surface 40 of the dial 35 is adjusted. It is about the contact surface 39 Cover glass 47 glued to the surface 40 of the dial 35 or so welded that a direct connection is created. The dial 35 can be made comparatively thin and a small thickness 44 in Have comparison to its extension in the direction of an arrow 45. It is glued to as large a part of the surface 38 as possible, for example. If the dial 35 is very thin, it can also form a coating that is applied here on the surface 38 in a manner known per se. As well the dial could be designed as a film. The dial 37 has in this version no special training for positioning or Attachment of a cover slip 47 is used.

    Bei der Herstellung solcher Gehäuse wird vorzugsweise das Deckglas 47 durch einen Teil eines Werkzeuges 41 wie es die Figur 5 zeigt auf der Oberfläche 40 des Zifferblattes positioniert. Diese Positionierung ist dann nur vorübergehend und wird durch die relative Lage zweier Flächen 42 und 43, die hier zufälligerweise in einer Linie liegen, zueinander bewirkt, wenn das Deckglas durch dieses Werkzeug auf dem Zifferblatt festgehalten wird. Dies geschieht solange bis die Verbindung zwischen Deckglas und Zifferblatt hergestellt ist, also beispielsweise bis das vorher aufgebrachte Klebemittel verfestigt ist oder, beim Ultraschallschweissen, bis das Werkzeug genügend Energie übergeben hat, so dass die Schweissung erfolgt ist. Dabei kann diese Positionierung durch dasselbe Werkzeug geschehen, das beispielsweise die Klebe- oder Schweissverbindung zum Deckglas herstellt. Jedenfalls sind so keine Positioniermittel am Zifferblatt oder am Deckglas vorzusehen. Dasselbe Verfahren kann für die Verbindung zwischen Zifferblatt und Schale angewendet werden. Dabei kann das Zifferblatt, bei entsprechender Ausbildung, durch das Werkzeug ebenso auf der Oberfläche 38 der Schale 34 positioniert werden. So können beispielsweise ganz dünne und eventuell auch flache, folienartige Zifferblätter verwendet werden. Es ist auch denkbar nun Zifferblätter aus demselben Material herzustellen, das auch für das Armband verwendet wird, so dass eine optische Einheit erreicht werden kann.The cover glass 47 is preferably used in the production of such housings by part of a tool 41 as shown in FIG. 5 on the surface 40 of the dial positioned. This positioning is then only temporary and is determined by the relative position of two surfaces 42 and 43, that happen to be in a line here, if the Cover glass is held onto the dial by this tool. This happens until the connection between cover glass and dial is established is, for example, until the previously applied adhesive solidifies or, in ultrasonic welding, until the tool has enough energy handed over so that the welding is done. This positioning can by the same tool that, for example, the adhesive or welds to the cover slip. In any case, there are none Positioning means to be provided on the dial or on the cover glass. The same procedure can be used for the connection between the dial and shell become. The dial can, with appropriate training, by the Tool can also be positioned on the surface 38 of the shell 34. So can, for example, very thin and possibly flat, foil-like dials be used. It is also conceivable now dials from the same To produce material that is also used for the bracelet, so that an optical unit can be achieved.

    Claims (11)

    1. Casing for a watch, comprising a shell (2), face (4) and cover glass (5), all of which are produced from plastic, characterized in that the face (4) has a supporting function for the cover glass (5) and the shell (2), extends as far as the wrist-strap fastening (14), and permits optionally arrangeable positionings (13, 10) for the shell (2) and cover glass (5), and in that differently shaped cover glasses (5) and differently shaped shells (2) are thus fastened optionally by integral and sealed connections, i.e. ones produced by adhesive bonding or welding, positioned on opposite sides of the face (4).
    2. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the integral connection between the cover glass and the face produces a direct connection (12, 13) to the top surface (20), this connection directly and exclusively positioning and fastening the cover glass on the face.
    3. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the face is fastened directly on the shell.
    4. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the extent of the face corresponds at least to the extent of the cover glass.
    5. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in comparison with its extent (45), the face has an essentially constant and small thickness (44).
    6. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the top surface of the face is curved essentially outwards.
    7. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cover glass (47) is only in contact with the face (35) via a bearing surface (39).
    8. Casing according to Claim 2, characterized in that the integral connection provided is a weld connection.
    9. Casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cover glass is only subjected to forces which are caused by the inherent gravitational force.
    10. Method of producing a casing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cover glass is positioned on the face by a tool (41) and is then secured directly on the top surface (40) of the face.
    11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the face is positioned on the shell (34) by a tool (41) and is then secured directly on the shell.
    EP93906617A 1992-03-26 1993-03-25 Watch case Expired - Lifetime EP0632909B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (5)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    CH960/92 1992-03-26
    CH96092 1992-03-26
    CH836/93 1993-03-19
    CH83693 1993-03-19
    PCT/EP1993/000732 WO1993019402A1 (en) 1992-03-26 1993-03-25 Watch case

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0632909A1 EP0632909A1 (en) 1995-01-11
    EP0632909B1 true EP0632909B1 (en) 1999-03-10

    Family

    ID=25685847

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP93906617A Expired - Lifetime EP0632909B1 (en) 1992-03-26 1993-03-25 Watch case

    Country Status (6)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0632909B1 (en)
    JP (1) JPH08508336A (en)
    AT (1) ATE177543T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE59309434D1 (en)
    ES (1) ES2131577T3 (en)
    WO (1) WO1993019402A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    CH686472B5 (en) * 1994-05-19 1996-10-15 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag Watch case likely to receive a choice of two dials of different sizes.
    EP1046968B1 (en) * 1999-04-22 2008-11-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Means for interconnecting a crystal, a dial and a case-ring in a timepiece

    Family Cites Families (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE1296316U (en) *
    DE1882484U (en) * 1963-08-14 1963-11-07 Lust & Co WATCH CASE.
    CH650894GA3 (en) * 1982-08-12 1985-08-30 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag
    CH659169GA3 (en) * 1985-10-07 1987-01-15
    FR2648923B1 (en) * 1989-06-21 1993-02-12 Cabry Pierre PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF WRISTWATCHES AND WRISTWATCHES THUS PRODUCED

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    ES2131577T3 (en) 1999-08-01
    WO1993019402A1 (en) 1993-09-30
    ATE177543T1 (en) 1999-03-15
    EP0632909A1 (en) 1995-01-11
    DE59309434D1 (en) 1999-04-15
    JPH08508336A (en) 1996-09-03

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