EP0639283B1 - Wristwatch - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP93/00733 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 30, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 30, 1994 PCT Filed Mar. 25, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO93/19403 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 30, 1993The wrist watch according to the invention has a strap or bracelet (8) and a case, formed from three case parts (upper part or cover glass 5, middle part or dial, lower part or bottom 3) and in which is placed a clockwork with time indicating means, particularly hands, and has standardized connecting areas (9) in which the bracelet (8) and at least two of the case parts are interconnected or interconnectable. The connecting areas (9) are e.g. constructed as hinges and during assembly serve as orientation aids for the orientation of the individual parts with one another and as application and orientation points for the orientation and assembly tools, as well as as definitive or temporary connections between the case parts and the bracelet. Shape-differing watch models having the same, standardized connecting areas, can be assembled using a substantially identical assembly procedure and tools, which leads to a faster model change procedure.

Description

The invention relates to a wristwatch according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Wristwatches with hands as time display means (one display for digital watches) have a housing in which a clockwork with time display means attached, and a bracelet attached to both sides of the case. The Housing usually consists of three parts arranged one above the other: a lower case (bottom), a middle case (dial) and an upper housing part (glass), which is laterally by an annular Housing part are held together. Usually is ring-shaped Part of the tape attached. The clockwork is between the bottom and the held middle housing part, the middle housing part an opening has through which the pointer shaft is guided. The upper part of the housing protects the time display means to the outside. The ring-shaped housing part usually has a bushing for the elevator shaft.

On newer watches, the ring-shaped housing part is often on the lower or molded on the middle part of the housing, that is, a one-piece shell takes over the function of the bottom and the annular part (for example described in the patent application EP-A-0 098 239 "Swatch") or a corresponding Shell-shaped dial takes over the function of the middle and the annular housing part (described for example in patent application CH-A-659 169 "RockWatch" from Tissot).

The assembly of such clocks consists of several steps, individual steps Parts or pre-assembled structures made up of several parts (e.g. Movement with dial and hands) brought into a defined mutual position (aligned with each other) and by positive locking or other connecting means be connected to each other. For each of these steps are Alignment aids and connection aids are necessary, either for example in the form of corresponding grooves on watch parts themselves or on corresponding ones Assembly tools are provided and accurate to the shape of the watch parts to be assembled are coordinated.

Patent application CH-A3-654 713 describes a simple manufacturing process proposed for watches, which allows bearings for barrel spindles to realize. In this manufacturing process, at least two Frame components put together in such a way that they together create an opening form, which accommodate a barrel spindle for fastening the bracelet can. The frame components are along surfaces that cover the whole Include watch case, soldered together; the cover slip and the housing shell are attached to the frame with sealing rings. According to the script US-A-3 545 198 discloses a watch top and a watch bottom made of plastic welded along surfaces that encompass the entire watch case.

The object of the invention disclosed in US-A-1 752 128 is the object based, simple and economical means of fastening the watch case to create on the bracelet. For this purpose, a two-part Watch case connected by screws to a ring, which in turn is completely covered by an opening in the bracelet.

In the document EP-A-098 239 ("Swatch") the task is set up a connection to create between the bracelet and the case, which too then remains mechanically stable if the housing is made of plastic. The The case of the Swatch consists of a plastic shell in which the cover glass is sunk; the dial is sunk in the shell and between the shell and coverslip jammed. The bracelet is hinged to the Shell attached, a plurality of formations on the shell or Bracelet increases the mechanical stability and durability of the hinge.

JP-A-53 22370 discloses a watch in which two housing parts together form an opening in which a molded part on the bracelet is arranged like a hinge. The housing parts are screwed together.

The bracelet is also according to the documents EP-A-0 469 950 or US-A-4 825 427 hinge-like in an opening forming on a housing part arranged. These writings also teach a decorative element on the Top of the watch, which is also attached in the hinge mentioned.

The patent CH-A-260 129 discloses a watch in which the winding shaft is passed through the cover slip.

In recent times, watches have become fashion accessories and collectibles new demands are placed on their manufacture. Especially it is desirable that not only the decorative patterns of clocks or watch parts in a quick model sequence and selection can be varied, but also the shapes at least the clearly visible parts. However, this is only economically justifiable if the production is not significantly more expensive due to every model change. For the Manufacture of individual watch parts lend themselves as a manufacturing process that for different shapes are relatively easy to convert, different plastic molding processes on, with parts of the for the production of different shapes Casting molds are replaced.

To make assembly simple and inexpensive, especially easy for one another shaped model or a model with only one different shaped To make part convertible, the clock or their parts designed accordingly be what the object of the invention is. So it's supposed to be a wristwatch be created from the formally very different models or models with at least one formally different part with a essentially constant assembly procedures and in particular with essentially constant assembly devices from the individual parts can be put together.

This problem is solved by the wristwatch as described in the features of the claims is defined.

The wristwatch according to the invention has a strap and a strap Clockwork with time display means one lower, one middle and one upper housing part, with the side wall of the housing (annular Housing part) by forming on at least one of the housing parts is formed. The watch has two connection areas, the areas of include as many of the components of the watch as possible and designed in this way are that the components in these areas interlock so that defines their mutual position in as many directions as possible or is easy to define and that the corresponding components with simple Average in these connection areas temporarily (for one or more Assembly steps) or can definitely be connected to each other. The standardized connection areas concern at least the band and two of the housing parts and create an interface between these elements Connection.

The connection areas are considered over a generation of watch models maintain standardized areas or standardized interfaces in their Shape and their relative mutual position. In other words, the requirements for the components of the watch are limited to essential to the connection areas in which they have a specific requirement must meet, while in other areas a freely selectable form can have. The connection areas serve during the assembly of the Alignment of the individual parts against each other as points of orientation and attack of assembly and alignment tools and advantageously also as a definitive connection or part of a definitive connection between the individual parts of the clock.

The connection areas are preferably narrow to very narrow. In this way, they guarantee the formal design of the remaining areas the clock as large as possible free or better said "game" space.

Watch parts designed in this way can, so to speak, "flow" into the assembly process be introduced. For example, in the middle of the assembly process keeping all other parts a watch glass with a different shape, a dial body with a different decor etc. are introduced. thanks to the interfaces that are not visually noticeable (connection areas), but are functionally essential, watches can be made without significant price increases can be individually customized in their production, which was previously only possible on a large scale Effort was to be achieved.

Figuren 1a bis 1e

schematische Darstellungen verschiedener Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemässen Armbanduhr;

Figuren 2a bis 2c

drei beispielhafte Ausführungsformen der Verbindungsbereiche;

Figur 3

einen Teil einer erfindungsgemässen Armbanduhr parallel zur Zeigerebene geschnitten;

Figur 4

ein Deckglas oder ein Zifferblatt für die Armbanduhr gemäss Figur 3, parallel zur Zeigerebene geschnitten;

Figur 5

Deckglas oder Zifferblatt gemäss Figur 4 mit einem Armband;

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Armbanduhr, die im wesentlichen der Uhr der Figur 3 entspricht;

Figur 7

eine perspektivische Sicht eines Verbindungsbereiches, der neben dem Band (nicht dargestellt) den unteren und mittleren Gehäuseteil umfasst;

Figur 8

eine perspektivische Sicht eines Verbindungsbereiches, der neben dem Band (nicht dargestellt) den oberen, mittleren und unteren Gehäuseteil umfasst;

Figuren 9 und 10

je eine perspektivische Sicht eines Verbindungsbereiches, der zusätzliche Elemente umfasst;

Figuren 11 bis 18

Schnitte senkrecht zur Zeigerebene durch weitere beispielhafte Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemässen Armbanduhr.

In connection with the following figures, the principle of the wristwatch according to the invention and various exemplary embodiments thereof will now be described in detail. Show:

Figures 1a to 1e

schematic representations of various embodiments of the wristwatch according to the invention;

Figures 2a to 2c

three exemplary embodiments of the connection areas;

Figure 3

cut part of a wristwatch according to the invention parallel to the pointer plane;

Figure 4

a cover glass or a dial for the wristwatch according to FIG. 3, cut parallel to the pointer plane;

Figure 5

Cover glass or dial according to Figure 4 with a bracelet;

Figure 6

a side view of an embodiment of the wristwatch according to the invention, which corresponds essentially to the clock of Figure 3;

Figure 7

a perspective view of a connection area, which includes the lower and middle housing part in addition to the band (not shown);

Figure 8

a perspective view of a connection area, which includes the band (not shown), the upper, middle and lower housing part;

Figures 9 and 10

each a perspective view of a connection area that includes additional elements;

Figures 11 to 18

Cuts perpendicular to the pointer plane through further exemplary embodiments of the wristwatch according to the invention.

FIGS. 1a to 1e show correspondingly schematized watches to explain the principle of the wristwatch according to the invention. In Figure 1a, a wristwatch is shown as a top view. It has a band B which is flexibly attached to the housing G on opposite sides. The housing G consists of an upper (O), a middle (M) and a lower (U) housing part, which are arranged one above the other, and surrounds a movement, of which only the pointer Z and the crown K are visible in this figure. Possible and technically advantageous connection areas V ₁ , V ₂ , V ₃ ... are within the dash-dotted lines and are generally designated with V. They represent the standardized areas that can be used as interfaces.

Figures 1b to le show corresponding clocks perpendicular to the plane in which the pointers move (pointer plane), cut and that along an in the line labeled 1a, b, c, d, e, essentially from three o'clock after six o'clock (dial marking). In the cut representations it is visible that the work W between the lower (U) and middle (M) housing part is held that the middle (M) housing part is a bushing for the pointer shaft and that the pointer Z between the middle (M) and the upper (O) housing part are arranged. Also in these representations are the one visible standardized connection area with marked with a dash-dotted border. The crown K points through the Cutting somewhat unusual to the right.

Figure 1b shows an embodiment in which the side wall of the clock the lower housing part U is molded so that it is bowl-shaped and has a bushing for the elevator shaft. All three housing parts U, M, O and the band B reach into the connection area V, that is, all three housing parts and the band are in the standardized connection area connected or at least connectable.

Figure 1c shows an embodiment in which the upper housing part O separately is attached to the middle housing part M and not in the connection area V is enough. In the standardized connection area, the middle (M) and lower (U) housing part and the band B connected to each other or connectable.

Figure 1d shows an embodiment, the central housing part M shell-shaped is formed and has a bushing for the elevator shaft. The band B, the upper (O) and the middle (M) housing part extend into the standardized connection area V, while the lower housing part U separately is attached to the middle housing part M.

Figure 1e shows an embodiment in which the upper (O) and the lower (U) housing part are both shell-shaped, so that the elevator shaft Mixing the two parts can be done. The normalized Connection area V includes in addition to the band B the lower (U) and the upper (O) housing part, the middle housing part (M) for example is jammed between the other two housing parts.

From Figures 1b to le it can be seen that for the wristwatch according to the invention very many embodiments are conceivable. They are also mixed forms of the illustrated embodiments, in which the lateral Wall of the housing in some areas by molding different Housing parts are formed, and those in which this side wall in some areas from overlapping formations of different housing parts is formed. The main feature of the wristwatch according to the invention are the standardized connection areas in which the tape and at least two of the three housing parts in a coordinated manner connected or connectable to each other.

FIGS. 2a to 2c now show three exemplary embodiments of connection areas for the wristwatch according to the invention. FIG. 2a shows a top view of a connection area which is designed as a hinge with hinge pin S. Both the band B and, for example, the lower and the upper housing part have hinge projections (B.1, B.2, O.1, O.2, O.3, U.1 and U.2) with holes for the hinge pin. These projections can be positioned (as shown) in such a way that the holes have the same axis line and the pin can be pushed through, with which the three parts can be connected. The figure clearly shows that the molded areas of the connection area can also serve as alignment aids. In particular, the formation O.2 between the formations U.1 and U.2 determines the mutual position of the upper and lower housing parts in the paper plane. To assemble the two housing parts, a mounting pin can be inserted into the bores before the assembly of the tape, which pin determines the mutual position of the two housing parts perpendicular to the paper plane.

In the same way as shown in Figure 2a, in addition to the Band all three housing parts connected together in the connection area or be connectable.

Figures 2b and 2c show further embodiments of connection areas for a watch according to the invention. It is also about Hinges that do not have a separate hinge pin. The function the hinge pin is in the embodiment of Figure 2b by a Formation B.3, for example, the volume B taken over by the corresponding two-part and an opening forming the housing parts (0.4, U.4, 0.5 ....) are surrounded, whereby the formations of the different Alternate housing parts across the width of the belt (O.4, U.4, O.5 ...). Figure 2c shows an embodiment in which the band B is a two-part, one B.4 is formed into the paired formations U.6 / 0.6 of the housing parts protrude.

Various exemplary examples are now to be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 18 Embodiments of the wristwatch according to the invention are described. They all have connection areas in the form of hinges between Band and case that are not as in the prior art only a housing part (mostly ring-shaped or shell-shaped housing part) but at least two housing parts with each other and with the tape make connectable. This creates a connection triangle in the connection area, in which, for example, the shell (lower part of the case) with the bracelet can be connected and in addition, for example, the bracelet with the cover slip (upper part of the housing) and thus also the cover slip with the Shell connected or even attached to it. This connection triangle, its corner points through the shell, the bracelet and the cover glass are formed (corresponding to FIG. 1e), accordingly comprises three connections, namely one between cover glass and dish, between cover glass and bracelet and between the bracelet and the shell. All of these connections are running but via the same connecting element, here the hinge. Direct Connections between these parts do not necessarily exist at first. This results in the new possibility, the extent or the strength to weight these three connections more or less strongly emphasize and thus design the structure of the wristwatch in a completely new way. Correspondingly, instead of the cover glass (upper housing part) also the dial (middle part of the case) in the connection triangle be included and take one of the cornerstones there (according to Figure 1c). According to a further embodiment of the invention, too Dial (middle part of the case) and cover glass (upper part of the case) together be included in the fastening means for the bracelet (according to Figure 1b). In this case, the connection triangle becomes a connection square expanded and the key points are the shell, the bracelet, the dial and the cover slip. By including further elements in the Connection can generally be aimed at a connection polygon.

In addition to the connections of the connection areas, other Connections between the parts of the housing are provided. Such other connections definitely support or only during assembly the clock, the connections of the connection areas. Such other connections can preferably and for example between the cover slip and the dial or between the dial and the shell and can be designed, for example, as welded connections.

This makes it possible to make direct connections between two of the housing parts to be provided, for example so that these two elements form a fixed unit form with increased bending or torsional rigidity. The individual elements can be relatively weak because of a suitable additional connection together to achieve a higher strength. For example, you could have the shell with the dial on all of it Firmly connect the circumference, for example with a closed weld seam and make the shell relatively weak. Then could the cover slip only in the connection area described above with the Shell-dial combination.

The fact that according to the invention there is now a choice, the individual Elements of a watch both directly with each other and in the above described Anchoring the connection area against each other leads to that essential extended possibilities for the constructive as well as for the exterior Design of the clock are given. So there are more ways to get one attractive external shape to adapt the internal construction, so that the watch also meets the usual requirements.

For example, the dial (middle part of the case) can also be three-dimensional or be shaped like a bowl and thus have a certain stiffness of their own received that can be used in the construction of the watch so that, for example Compromise on the rigidity of other elements of the attractive To be allowed for shape. The dial can be described in the Connection area and / or directly connected to the cover slip. It for example, the bracelet is only possible virtually, i.e. from the outside seen apparently, on a hinge element (connection area) anchor, but in reality a direct connection between the dial and bracelet, which can mean that both are made in one piece consist.

Other advantages that result from this are in particular that For example, the watch can be designed optically so that the Shell is practically no longer visible by placing the bracelet directly into the Cover glass is inserted and by the cover glass also the side surfaces of the Shell covered. Large areas are created on the cover slip that are not for the Time display are reserved and can be printed, for example. These areas can also be designed so that from the bracelet to the dial a seamless transition surface arises, or at least a surface that is perceived at least optically. The cover slip can be in the connection area be positioned and attached to the shell. Continue can the tensile forces from the bracelet at least partially in the Cover slip to be initiated. The functions mentioned can be performed by the Elements of the connection area also only temporarily, for example at Assembly of the watch can be exercised. This also brings new advantages which enable more rational production by using assembly aids avoid because they are already part of the clock. Similar benefits result for a version with the dial instead of the cover glass functionally included on the attachment with the bracelet. Then can the dial should also be designed so that the shell underneath is no longer is visible and the forces can be weighted equally well in the dial or the shell can be inserted. Almost unimagined possibilities arise when the dial and cover glass are included in the connection area are and the said connection rectangle is formed. It is too note that it is possible to make the connecting square appear only to train, but in reality still only provide a connection triangle. This is the case, for example, when connections between the four corner points, or the elements represented by them exist, but are not really brought into effect. For example this can happen because one of the connections is not sustainable made, i.e. that it is designed so that it does not transmit any forces at all can. It is also possible to create such connecting triangles or connecting quadrilaterals to be trained only for certain forces (e.g. torsional forces) however not for other forces (e.g. pressure forces).

In this way, for example, the dial is also viewed from the side visible in profile. This can also be used to design this profile and the The watch can be visually distinguished from other watches. Another The advantage is that the seal between the two parts is easier and is more reliable. The inventive structure of a Watch case also gives the option of not only the dial assign decorative functions. The dial can now also directly Establish connection between the cover slip and the dish and can therefore also have a supporting function. Likewise, it doesn't matter if now the dial has digits, dashes, or no elements at all allow the position of the pointers to be determined. We understand the dial here simply the middle housing part mentioned at the beginning, which, as already described in connection with the figures la to le, different forms can have. This middle housing part can on its top carry a mark for the position of the pointer, which also includes the shape can have a coating or a flat additional part.

Further advantages result from the inclusion of a "three-dimensional" Dial in the construction of the watch case (compare also with Figure 1d). This leads to a simplification of the manufacturing process because the design expression of the watch case now in the diverse design of the dial and standardized for the dish and cover glass Components with correspondingly standardized areas for the connection areas can be used. For example, the Winding shaft through the dial. For this, the dial not necessarily be part of the watch case, as such, according to the invention three-dimensional dial also in the watch case (formed by upper and lower housing part) can be installed (see also Figure 1e).

This will make full use of the design possibilities possible with regard to the shape of the dial and can also Krone to be involved in the artistic design of the watch. In addition to the use of dials of different thicknesses, the Installation of different sized crowns possible. Dial and crown can therefore be designed as a unit, which is an additional, and creates highly desirable networking of decorative elements.

FIG. 3 shows a section parallel to the pointer plane through part of an exemplary embodiment of the wristwatch according to the invention. A shell 1 can be seen in particular, which has a bottom 2 and a side wall 3, for example. Outside the side wall 3, a shoulder 4 is visible, on which part of a cover slip comes to rest. A cover glass 5 is only shown here with part of its side wall 6. The cover glass 5 is also only shown on the right side of a line 7, on the left side thereof the cover glass 5 is omitted in order to make a little more of the dish 1 visible. With 8 part of a half of a bracelet is designated. A connection area 9 in the form of a hinge is provided between the bracelet 8, the shell 1 and the cover glass 5. This connecting area 9 essentially comprises a pin 10, which is mounted in bores 11 in molded-on cover glass 5, in bores 12 in molded-on shell 1, and by loops 13, which are part of bracelet 8 and openings for the pin 10 form, is more or less closely entwined. In this example, the pin 10 thus has the following effects: it connects the cover glass 5 and the dish 1 to one another. It connects the shell 1 to the bracelet 8 and it connects the cover glass 5 to the bracelet 8. In addition, the pin 10 is held in place in the loops 13, for example by a press fit.

In the left half of FIG. 1 it can be seen that in an area 14 the Side wall 3 of the shell 1 is no longer shown in section. So that is a surface 15 of the side wall 3 visible. A groove 16 is cut into it. In this groove 16, for example, the cover slip 5 on the tray 1 be additionally attached. Preferably, this groove 16 can be on the whole Provided circumference of the shell 1 and also be designed as a sealing element. The cover slip is more or less strong over this groove 16 as desired attached to the shell 1. The cover glass can also be attached to the Shell in the connection area 9 have only a temporary character during the assembly of the cover slip 5 on the dish 1 and as long as, for example an adhesive does not hold in the groove 16 yet.

FIG. 4 shows a cover glass 5 with its bores 11 for a pin 10 (FIG. 3). A region 17 can also be seen, which is delimited by a circle 18. In this area 17, the cover glass 5 is transparent and provides a view of the pointers known per se and a dial. Extending outside the circle 17 is an area 19 which can be freely graphically designed and printed, for example, because it no longer has to be transparent. This area 19 extends up to lines 20 to which the bracelet connects. Like the cover glass 5, a dial can also be formed, which has the exact same shape but possibly consists of a different material, because it does not have to be transparent. The area 17 is then intended more for the display of time stamps and the area 19 can also be designed graphically in this case.

FIG. 5 shows the connection area of a watch according to FIG. 3 for the combination of cover glass or dial 5 and bracelet 8 without a shell. The bracelet 8 is attached to the cover glass or dial 5 by the pin 10. The bores 11 and the loops 13, which are drawn here in view, are already known from FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of part of a wrist watch according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the watch of FIG. 3. A cover glass 21, a dish 22, of which almost nothing is visible, and a half of a bracelet 23 are shown. A bore 24 and a pin 25 can be seen in the cover glass 21. The bore 24 is not round but elongated, namely in the direction in which tensile forces from the bracelet 23 can occur. This has the effect that tensile forces between the bracelet 23 and the cover slip 21 are not transmitted or are transmitted only to a limited extent. In contrast, forces can be transmitted between the dish 22 and the cover slip 21, provided that these are directed in the direction of an arrow 26 or have components in this direction and the pin 25 is firmly seated in the dish 22. This is assumed here because it cannot be seen from this FIG. 4. Forming the bore 24 in such a way that its greater extension lies in the direction of the arrow 26 would have the effect that tensile forces in particular are transmitted between the bracelet 23 and the cover glass 21. In contrast, the pin 25 would hardly attach the cover glass 21 to the tray 22.

FIG. 7 shows the connection area of a wristwatch according to the invention with a shell 30 on which projections 31 are provided for connection to the bracelet (not shown). A dial 32 or an element which contains or carries a dial and which also has projections 33 which extend into the connection area can also be seen. A cover glass 34 is placed over the dial 32. Bores 35 are provided in the projections 31 and 33, into which a pin (not shown here) can be inserted, so that the shell 30, the dial 32 and the bracelet are connected to one another.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the connection area, in which the cover glass 36 is also included. Cover glass 36 and dial 37 have projections 38 and 39 with holes 40. A shell 41 can only be seen via its end face 41a, on which also projections 42 with bores 43 are provided, which are coaxial with the bores 40 and which are provided for receiving a pin and thus for fastening the housing parts to one another and to the bracelet. By differently dimensioning these bores 43 and 40 in the shell 41, the dial 37 and the cover glass 36, it can in turn be determined whether a connection between a pair of the elements mentioned should be active and in relation to which forces it should be active.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the connection area, in which an additional element is included. The further element shown here is designed as a decorative panel 44. This decorative panel 44 covers a part of the cover glass 34 and the dial 23 and extends with projections 45 in the connection area. The decorative panel 44 has at least one opening 47 in order to expose the view through the glass 34 to the pointer (not shown) and the dial 23. In this embodiment, the shell 30, the dial 32, the cover glass 34, the bracelet (not shown here) and the decorative panel 44 are connected to one another in the connecting region 46. The decorative cover could also be inserted between the cover glass 34 and the dial 32 instead of lying over the cover glass 34.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a connection area, in which an additional element is included. The additional element is a protective element 50 assigned to the bracelet 48 with, for example, large-area openings 59, which likewise has projections 51 which extend into the connecting region 49. The connection area 49 has, in addition to the projections 51 of the protective element, also projections 52 and 58 of the dial, loops 53, 55 and 57 of the bracelet 48 and projections 54 and 56 of the shell 30. As already mentioned, not only three parts but four, five or more parts can thus be connected or connected to one another in a connecting region 46, 49. In addition to the band and the housing parts, further elements such as decorative covers 44, protective elements 50 or elements with further functions can be integrated into the connection without problems.

FIGS. 11 to 18 now show further details of embodiments of the watch according to the invention. All representations are cuts perpendicular to the pointer plane. In each of these sections, only one molding of a housing part for the connection area is shown, which is no longer to be specifically discussed in connection with these figures.

FIG. 11 shows part of a housing for a wristwatch according to the invention. The housing consists of a shell 102, the shape of which is shown here in a highly simplified manner on the inside and provides a space 103 for a clockwork (not shown). A dial 104 extends over it. A domed cover glass 105 is arranged above the dial 104, which above the dial 104 keeps a space 106 free in which pointers are arranged in a manner known per se and therefore not shown here. The shell 102 has on its upper edge 107 a groove 108 which extends over the entire circumference. The dial 104 has an extension 110 on its lower boundary surface 109, which engages in the groove 108. The extension 110 forms, together with the groove 108, a direct connection or attachment between these two parts. The dial 104 likewise has a groove 112 on its surface 111, into which an extension 113 of the cover glass 105 engages. This results in a further direct connection or attachment between the cover glass 105 and the dial 104. A molding 114 on the shell, which is part of a connection area, can also be seen. The dial also has such formations that are not visible. If it is assumed, for example, that the dish essentially has a cylindrical outer boundary, which is formed by a surface that appears here as line 115, the cover glass 105 projects beyond the dish 102. The extensions 110 and 113 are preferably fastened in the grooves 108 and 112 by welding (for example ultrasound welding) or gluing, as a result of which a seal is created at the same time.

FIG. 12 shows two halves 121 and 122 of a further exemplary housing for a watch according to the invention without the cover glass. Half 121 only shows the profile of the case, as can be seen if the case is cut approximately between the center 126 and a zone which is approximately at 9 o'clock on the dial. It can be seen that the shell 124 and the dial 125 have, for example, a common cylindrical outer surface 123. Half 122, which results approximately as a section between the center 126 and 6 o'clock on the dial, provides a view of a clockwork 127 and an electric battery 128. The clockwork 127 has an outwardly pointing shoulder 130 on its upper edge 129 which is supported in the shell 124. The clockwork 127 is held up by the dial 125. This has a reinforced edge 131, which also covers an additional side surface 132 of the shell 124.

FIG. 13 shows a wristwatch according to the invention, which is characterized in that the winding shaft leads through the dial (see also FIG. 1d). The watch is cut perpendicular to the pointer plane along a line from nine to three o'clock (dial marking).

The watch case consists of a shell 201, a cover glass 202 and a Dial 203. The domed cover glass 202 is on the three-dimensional Dial 203 fastened by a direct connection 211, the shell 201 again on dial 203 is also through a direct connection 212 attached. The connections 211 and 212 also serve as seals and can be connected using common and well-known fasteners, such as ultrasonic welding and gluing. The clockwork 207 is operated via a Swiss patent application no. 00960/92 disclosed and therefore not described here means from Holding dial 203. The winding shaft 205 is on the clockwork 207 attached and is by means of the passage 204 through the dial 203 led out of the watch case, where it wears a crown 208. The implementation 204 of the elevator shaft 205 is replaced by a in a recess 209 ring-shaped seal 206 embedded in dial 203 watertightly sealed. The dimensions of the recess 209 and the seal 206 become expediently chosen such that the seal 206 has the outside diameter the elevator shaft 205, so that the seal 206 on the elevator shaft 205 set and inserted into the passage 204 of the dial 203 can be.

FIG. 14 shows the wristwatch or pocket watch according to FIG. 13 cut perpendicular to the pointer plane and perpendicular to the sectional plane of FIG. 13, approximately by the three o'clock marking on the dial. The direct connection 211 of cover glass 202 and dial 203 and the direct connection 212 of shell 201 and dial 203 are located above and below the passage 204 of the elevator shaft 205 through the dial. Also visible are the connection areas V, into which the molded parts of the dial 203, as well as molded parts of the shell (not visible), possibly molded parts of the cover glass.

The assembly of the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 The wristwatch according to the invention advantageously takes place in such a way that first the clockwork 207 is attached to the dial 203, whereupon the Dial 203 attached to the shell 201 by means of the direct connection 212 becomes. In further steps, the seal 206 is inserted into the one intended for it Recess 209 pushed on the winding shaft 205 and the crown 208 placed on the elevator shaft 205. Now the elevator shaft 205 in the Implementation 204 of the dial 203 inserted and attached to the clockwork 207. Thereafter, the clock hands 210 on the view surface 213 of the Dial 203 set. All of these steps are done before final attachment from the cover slip 202 on the dial 203 via the direct connection 211. The connections of the connection areas V can serve as alignment aids when creating direct connections 211 and 212 and as definitive Connections between the housing parts serve.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a further variant of the wristwatch according to the invention in the same representations as FIGS. 13 and 14. The watch is characterized in that this time the elevator shaft 205 leads through the dial 203 and the shell 201. The shell 201 is pulled up over the dial 203 in the area of the passage 204 of the elevator shaft 205. The shell 201 has an inner border 201.1 which separates the side face 203.1 of the dial 203 from the clockwork 207. FIG. 15 shows how the elevator shaft 205, seen from the clockwork 207, first leads through the passage 204.1 of the shell 201 and then through the passage 204 of the dial 203.

The assembly of the invention shown in Figures 15 and 16 The wristwatch or pocket watch is expediently carried out in such a way that that after attaching the clockwork 207 to the dial 203, as well as the Attachment of the dial 203 to the shell 201 via the direct connection 212, the seal 206 is pushed into the recess 209 of the elevator shaft 205 and the crown 208 is placed on the winding shaft 205. Thereupon the elevator shaft 205 is first in the passage 204 of the dial 203 and further inserted into the passage 204.1 of the shell 201 and on the clockwork 207 is attached. After that, the clock hands 210 appear on the view surface 213 of the dial 203 set. These steps take place before final attachment of cover glass 202 on dial 203 over the direct connection 211.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show in the same representation as FIGS. 13 and 14 a further variant of the wristwatch according to the invention, which is characterized in that the elevator shaft 205 leads through the dial 203 and the cover glass 202. FIG. 18 shows how the outer border 202.1 of the cover glass 202 is pulled down over the dial 203 so that the side face 203.1 of the dial 203 in the area of the passage 204 for the elevator shaft 205 is completely enclosed by the border 202.1 of the cover glass by the dial 203. The passage of the elevator shaft 205 therefore leads from the clockwork 207, first through the passage 204 of the dial 203 and then through the passage 204.2 of the cover glass 202.

The assembly of the invention shown in Figures 17 and 18 The wristwatch is expediently carried out in such a way that two preparatory steps the clockwork 207 attached to the dial 203 as well as the dial 203 on the shell 201 via the direct connection 212 is attached. The seal 206 is then inserted into the recess 209 of the elevator shaft 205, the crown 208 is pushed onto the elevator shaft 205 and the clock hands 210 on the face 213 of the dial 203 attached. The cover glass 202 is now attached to the dial 203 by means of direct connection 211. Finally, the actual one Assembly of the elevator shaft 205 instead, such that the elevator shaft 205 is first in the implementation 204.2 of the cover slip 202 and then in the implementation 204 of the dial 203 inserted and finally on the clockwork 207 is attached.

The idea of the invention can also be applied to a wristwatch a pocket watch or a similar watch can be obtained, this instead the bracelet has another element attached to it (fastening element for example for a chain, watch cover or decorative element).

Claims (18)

1. Wristwatch having a casing in which a watch movement (W) with time indicators, in particular hands (Z), is arranged, it being the case that the casing, in three parts, comprises a first outer part (U) and a second outer part (O) and the central part (M), and the watch movement (W) is arranged between the first outer part (U) and the central part (M) and the time indicators (Z) are arranged between the central part (M) and the second outer part (O), and having a wrist strap (B) which has connecting parts (B.1, B.2, ...) which, along with other connecting parts (U.1, U.2 ..., O.1, O.2, ...) on casing parts (U, M, O), form a pinned articulation, characterized in that at least two of the casing parts, the central part (M) and one of the two outer parts (U, O) or the two outer parts (U, O), can be interlinked with said connecting parts (B.1, B.2, ...) on the wrist strap (B) such that, together, they form said pinned articulation in the form of a pinned articulation of at least three connecting parts (U.1, U.2 ..., M.1, M.2, ..., O.1, O.2, ..., B.1, B.2, ...) arranged around a common region of rotation.
2. Wristwatch according to Claim 1, characterized in that the two outer parts (U, O) and the central part (M) of the casing as well as the wrist strap (B) have connecting parts (U.1, U.2, ... M.1, M.2 ..., O.1, O.2, ..., B.1, B.2, ...) which can be assembled to form a pinned articulation and, together, form a pinned articulation of at least four connecting parts which are arranged around a common region of rotation.
3. Wristwatch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pinned articulation is formed by at least one integrally formed element (U.1, U.2, O.1, O.2, O.3) which has bores and is located on at least two casing parts (U, M, O) in each case, by at least one loop (B.1, B.2) on the wrist strap (B), and by a pin (S) which runs through the bores of the integrally formed elements and the loops.
4. Wristwatch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pinned articulation is formed by at least one integrally formed element (B.3) on the strap (B), the integrally formed strap element (B.3) being arranged in opening-forming integrally formed elements (U.4, O.4, O.5) of at least two casing parts (U, O, M).
5. Wristwatch according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pinned articulation is formed by at least one integrally formed element (U.6, O.6) in each case on at least two casing parts (U, O, M), the integrally formed casing-part elements (U.6, O.6) being arranged in pairs in opening-forming integrally formed elements (B.4) on the strap (B).
6. Wristwatch according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one further, direct connection (211, 212) is provided between two casing parts (201, 202, 203).
7. Wristwatch according to Claim 6, characterized in that, by means of one further direct connection (108, 110 and 112, 113) in each case, the central casing part or the face (104) is fastened directly on the bottom casing part or the shell (102) and the top casing part or the cover glass (105) is fastened directly on the central casing part or the face (104).
8. Wristwatch according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the direct connection (211, 212) provided is a weld connection.
9. Wristwatch according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one further part (44, 50) of the watch is included in the connecting region.
10. Wristwatch according to Claim 9, characterized in that the further part included in the connecting region is a protective or decorative element (44, 50).
11. Wristwatch according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the central casing part or the face (203) is configured three-dimensionally such that it has a volume, in that a lead-through (204) for a winding stem (205) is provided in said volume, and in that the lead-through of the winding stem (205) through the face (203) is sealed by means of a seal (206).
12. Wristwatch according to Claim 11, characterized in that the face (203) projects beyond the cover glass (202) on all sides.
13. Wristwatch according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the lead-through (204) of the winding stem (205) additionally leads through the bottom casing part or the shell (201).
14. Wristwatch according to Claim 13, characterized in that the lead-through (204) of the winding stem (205) additionally leads through the top casing part or the cover glass (202).
15. Wristwatch according to Claim 14, characterized in that the three-dimensional face (203) is of non-uniform thickness.
16. Cover glass for a wristwatch according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it has at least two integrally formed elements (11, 38) for connection to the wrist strap (8).
17. Cover glass according to Claim 16, characterized in that it has a transparent region (17) and a non-transparent region (19).
18. Face for a wristwatch according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it has at least two integrally formed elements (39) for connection to the wrist strap (8).

Images