EP0807872B1 - Assembly including a watch-case made of hard plastic and at least one pushbutton and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Assembly including a watch-case made of hard plastic and at least one pushbutton and method of manufacturing the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0807872B1
EP0807872B1 EP97107770A EP97107770A EP0807872B1 EP 0807872 B1 EP0807872 B1 EP 0807872B1 EP 97107770 A EP97107770 A EP 97107770A EP 97107770 A EP97107770 A EP 97107770A EP 0807872 B1 EP0807872 B1 EP 0807872B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
case
stem
head
flexible
push button
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP97107770A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0807872A1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Müller
Rolf Widmer
Clément Meyrat
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Swatch Group Management Services AG
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Swatch Group Management Services AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/10—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems
    • G04B37/106—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems of push buttons

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a watch case and at least one pusher having a rod and a head integral with the rod and projecting at the outside of the box, the rod extending from the head through a side opening of the box, the pusher comprising an elastomeric element ensuring by its elasticity a restoring force of the pusher and sealingly closing said opening by being tightly fixed on a surface outside of the box around the opening.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacture of such an assembly.
  • Pushers of this kind generally have a low race, which primarily means that they order a electrical contact in an electronic watch, by example a chronograph or a watch with functions multiple, but we can also consider their application to a watch with mechanical movement.
  • Patent publication GB 2,077,506 describes a watch case having pushers of this kind, except that the rod does not cross completely or not at all the opening of the box.
  • the rod and the outer head of the pusher are made of a single piece molded in material hard plastic.
  • the head has a wall thin enough to be slightly flexible, thus allowing low longitudinal stroke of the rod and serve as a spring reminder.
  • the free end of the rod carries a plate conductive rubber which, when pressed push button, applies to two fixed contacts for electrically connect.
  • the periphery of the flexible head is in the form of a cylindrical skirt which, in a first embodiment of the pusher, is glued so tight against the wall of the opening of the box.
  • the molded part is made in one piece with the box, the skirt connecting directly to the box around the opening.
  • Such a pusher head must have a large enough diameter so that the head is flexible. This is possible in the case of the cited document because the pushers are found on an upper face of the box. On the other hand they could not be on the side wall a wristwatch (the part called the middle part), because the height of this wall is generally very limited. In addition, the repeated flexions of the head flexible hard plastic may eventually peel off or crack the skirt, thereby affecting the tightness and functioning of the pusher.
  • the patent application FR 2 030 093 shows, in particular in its figure 7, a set which corresponds in the preamble of claim 1 and which includes a pusher body made of rigid material comprising a rod and a head.
  • An elastomeric ring seal placed under the head of the pusher and on the middle of the box, adheres to them and also ensures the recall of the pusher when it has been compressed by pressing the pusher.
  • a pusher is provided watch subdivided into two parts: a membrane elastomer blocks a lateral opening of the box, while a rigid pusher body is resiliently supported inside the box for be able to be moved when the membrane is pushed up him.
  • This two-part system requires particular support inside the box.
  • the present invention aims to avoid the drawbacks above, thanks to an achievable pusher economically by a molding process and in such a way that the pusher can be on the middle of a wristwatch.
  • the invention relates to a set of the kind indicated above, characterized in that the box is made of hard plastic and in that said pusher head is flexible and is formed by said elastomeric element.
  • the flexible head elastomer material due that it is very elastically deformable and fixed on a outer surface of the box and not in the opening, makes it possible to produce a relatively pusher narrow in the direction of the thickness of the watch, so on the outside of the middle as in chronograph watches traditional metal pushers.
  • the elastomer head can advantageously be hot molded on the box, as we will describe more away, which ensures a strong and lasting bond between the elastomeric material and plastic material of the box.
  • the elastomer head also has the advantage of absorbing shocks accidental on the pusher, thus avoiding causing damage to the inside of the watch.
  • the rod can be made of hard plastic and in particular of the same plastic as the box, this which allows to mold it at the same time as the box.
  • the rod can be in one piece with the box, being linked on one side by a flexible part, or on the contrary be separated from the box by being connected to it only by the elastomer head.
  • the rod can be made of elastomeric material and be made in one piece with flexible head.
  • the stem of the pusher is made of the same plastic as the box and is molded during step (I).
  • the push rod is made of the same elastomeric material as the head flexible and is molded during step (III).
  • FIGS 1 and 2 schematically show a box wristwatch 2 made of hard thermoplastic material such than ABS or the like.
  • the box 2 includes a bottom 3 and a middle part 4 on which are provided in the present case two side pushers 5. One or more others pushers can be provided on the opposite side of the box.
  • the box 2 defines a circular central cavity 6 in which will take place, in a conventional manner, a clock movement, display means and possibly other organs, especially electronic modules.
  • a control rod (not shown) can be provided through the middle part 4, in particular between the two pushers 5 shown. Of preferably, these are the same or symmetrical one of the other and act along respective axes 7 directed towards the center 8 of the box.
  • Each pusher 5 according to Figures 1 and 2 is composed mainly of an elongated rod 10, preferably having a cylindrical, slightly conical or prismatic shape oriented along axis 7 in a lateral opening 11 of the middle part 4, and a flexible head 12 projecting from the outside of the box 2.
  • the head 12 here has a surface outer 13 in the shape of an elongated bell, which is connected smoothly to the adjacent exterior surface of the box 2.
  • the head 12 is made of an elastomeric material relatively soft, hot injection molded so to bind at one time to a first end 14 of the rod 10 and an outer surface portion 15 of the box 2 which surrounds the opening 11.
  • the surface portion 15 is preferably hollow to provide a thickness sufficient elastomeric material around the edge of the head 12.
  • the elastomer head 12 and the connection between the two materials on the surface portion 15 guarantee the tightness of the box in the area of the opening 11.
  • the end 14 of the rod 10 may have parts protruding embedded in the elastomeric material in order to strengthen its connection with the head 12.
  • the rod 10 is linked to the box 2 by a flexible part 16 in the form of a strip extending into opening 11 and serving as a spring for push button recall, in cooperation with the recall elastic provided by the flexible head 12.
  • a thin lateral clearance 17 is provided around the outer end 14 of the rod 10, except on the side of the flexible part 16, against which the head can rest.
  • the second end of rod 10 has a front surface support 18 which may have any suitable form for cooperate with the element of movement that it must push, for example an electrical contact element or a part mobile mechanics.
  • a metal strip flexible (not shown) fixed to the box 2 can be interposed between the front surface 18 and the movement to protect the plastic material of the rod 10.
  • the deformation of the flexible head 12 and the flexible part 16 causes a stroke C of the rod 10 to an active position shown in phantom.
  • Her front surface 18 can advantageously be then near a peripheral inner surface 20 of the cavity 6, which facilitates the mounting of the movement.
  • the construction described above has the advantage of be able to be manufactured by a process of molding by "bi-material" injection, that is to say that we use a single mold into which two are successively injected different materials.
  • the mold has a part which takes the place of the head flexible 12 and the hard plastic is injected into it forming the box 2 with the rod 10 and the flexible part 16.
  • replacing said part of the mold in order to mold the flexible head 12 and inject into this region the elastomeric material, which binds hot to the rod 10 and on the surface 15 of the box 2.
  • a finished box having the desired number of pushers along its middle, this number included for example between one and four.
  • the process of manufacturing is inexpensive, one can easily manufacture thus boxes having different numbers of pushers, or also use a box having for example four pushers with movement needing only three pushers, if justified for economic reasons or aesthetic.
  • Figure 3 shows a variant of the construction of Figures 1 and 2, the difference being that the rod 10 is separated from the box 2, to which it is only linked by the flexible elastomer head 12.
  • the opening 11 of the box simply has a shape cylindrical, completely surrounds the rod 10 and is extended by the clearance 17 of annular shape.
  • the rod 10 is made of the same hard plastic as the box 2, this construction can be manufactured by the same procedure as in the previous example.
  • the rod 10 is made of another material, either by prefabrication or by injection into the same mold. The push-button recall is ensured only by the elasticity of the elastomeric material of the head 12.
  • the rod 10 of the pusher 5 is made of the same elastomeric material as flexible head 12, with which it is connected by its first end 14, the pusher being thus made in one piece.
  • the rod 10 may have any suitable cross section, including a cross-shaped section in the case present.
  • the process can be used "bi-material" injection system described above, by injecting in the same mold successively the plastic hard of box 2, then the elastomeric material of the pusher 5.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un ensemble comprenant une boíte de montre et au moins un poussoir ayant une tige et une tête solidaire de la tige et saillante à l'extérieur de la boíte, la tige s'étendant à partir de la tête à travers une ouverture latérale de la boíte, le poussoir comportant un élément en matière élastomère assurant par son élasticité une force de rappel du poussoir et obturant de manière étanche ladite ouverture en étant fixé de manière étanche sur une surface extérieure de la boíte autour de l'ouverture.The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a watch case and at least one pusher having a rod and a head integral with the rod and projecting at the outside of the box, the rod extending from the head through a side opening of the box, the pusher comprising an elastomeric element ensuring by its elasticity a restoring force of the pusher and sealingly closing said opening by being tightly fixed on a surface outside of the box around the opening.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un tel ensemble.The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of such an assembly.

Les poussoirs de ce genre ont généralement une faible course, ce qui les destine avant tout à commander un contact électrique dans une montre électronique, par exemple un chronographe ou une montre à fonctions multiples, mais on peut aussi envisager leur application à une montre à mouvement mécanique.Pushers of this kind generally have a low race, which primarily means that they order a electrical contact in an electronic watch, by example a chronograph or a watch with functions multiple, but we can also consider their application to a watch with mechanical movement.

La publication de brevet GB 2 077 506 décrit une boíte de montre ayant des poussoirs de ce genre, sauf que la tige ne traverse pas complètement ou pas du tout l'ouverture de la boíte. La tige et la tête extérieure du poussoir sont faites d'une seule pièce moulée en matière plastique dure. La tête a une paroi assez mince pour être légèrement flexible, pour permettre ainsi une faible course longitudinale de la tige et servir de ressort de rappel. L'extrémité libre de la tige porte une plaquette de caoutchouc conducteur qui, lorsqu'on presse le poussoir, s'applique sur deux contacts fixes pour les relier électriquement. La périphérie de la tête flexible est en forme de jupe cylindrique qui, dans une première forme de réalisation du poussoir, est collée de manière étanche contre la paroi de l'ouverture de la boíte. Dans une autre forme de réalisation, la pièce moulée est faite d'une pièce avec la boíte, la jupe se raccordant directement à la boíte autour de l'ouverture.Patent publication GB 2,077,506 describes a watch case having pushers of this kind, except that the rod does not cross completely or not at all the opening of the box. The rod and the outer head of the pusher are made of a single piece molded in material hard plastic. The head has a wall thin enough to be slightly flexible, thus allowing low longitudinal stroke of the rod and serve as a spring reminder. The free end of the rod carries a plate conductive rubber which, when pressed push button, applies to two fixed contacts for electrically connect. The periphery of the flexible head is in the form of a cylindrical skirt which, in a first embodiment of the pusher, is glued so tight against the wall of the opening of the box. In another embodiment, the molded part is made in one piece with the box, the skirt connecting directly to the box around the opening.

Une telle tête de poussoir doit avoir un assez grand diamètre pour que la tête soit flexible. Ceci est possible dans le cas du document cité parce que les poussoirs se trouvent sur une face supérieure de la boíte. Par contre ils ne pourraient pas se trouver sur la paroi latérale d'une montre-bracelet (la partie appelée la carrure), parce que la hauteur de cette paroi est généralement très limitée. Par ailleurs, les flexions répétées de la tête flexible en matière plastique dur risquent à la longue de décoller la jupe ou de la fissurer, affectant ainsi l'étanchéité et le fonctionnement du poussoir.Such a pusher head must have a large enough diameter so that the head is flexible. This is possible in the case of the cited document because the pushers are found on an upper face of the box. On the other hand they could not be on the side wall a wristwatch (the part called the middle part), because the height of this wall is generally very limited. In addition, the repeated flexions of the head flexible hard plastic may eventually peel off or crack the skirt, thereby affecting the tightness and functioning of the pusher.

La demande de brevet FR 2 030 093 montre, en particulier dans sa figure 7, un ensemble qui correspond au préambule de la revendication 1 et qui comporte un corps de poussoir en matière rigide comportant une tige et une tête. Un joint annulaire en élastomère, disposé sous la tête du poussoir et sur la carrure de la boíte, adhère à celles-ci et assure en outre le rappel du poussoir lorsqu'il a été comprimé par une pression sur le poussoir.The patent application FR 2 030 093 shows, in particular in its figure 7, a set which corresponds in the preamble of claim 1 and which includes a pusher body made of rigid material comprising a rod and a head. An elastomeric ring seal, placed under the head of the pusher and on the middle of the box, adheres to them and also ensures the recall of the pusher when it has been compressed by pressing the pusher.

Dans le modèle d'utilité DE 94 15 401 U1 (correspondant à EP 0 703 512 A), il est prévu un poussoir de montre subdivisé en deux parties : une membrane en élastomère obture une ouverture latérale de la boíte, tandis qu'un corps de poussoir en matière rigide est supporté élastiquement à l'intérieur de la boíte pour pouvoir être déplacé quand on pousse la membrane jusqu'à lui. Ce système en deux parties nécessite des organes de support particuliers à l'intérieur de la boíte.In the utility model DE 94 15 401 U1 (corresponding to EP 0 703 512 A), a pusher is provided watch subdivided into two parts: a membrane elastomer blocks a lateral opening of the box, while a rigid pusher body is resiliently supported inside the box for be able to be moved when the membrane is pushed up him. This two-part system requires particular support inside the box.

La présente invention vise à éviter les inconvénients susmentionnés, grâce à un poussoir réalisable économiquement par un procédé de moulage et de telle façon que le poussoir puisse se trouver sur la carrure d'une montre-bracelet. The present invention aims to avoid the drawbacks above, thanks to an achievable pusher economically by a molding process and in such a way that the pusher can be on the middle of a wristwatch.

Sous un premier aspect, l'invention concerne un ensemble du genre indiqué plus haut, caractérisé en ce que la boíte est en matière plastique dure et en ce que ladite tête du poussoir est flexible et est formée par ledit élément en matière élastomère.In a first aspect, the invention relates to a set of the kind indicated above, characterized in that the box is made of hard plastic and in that said pusher head is flexible and is formed by said elastomeric element.

La matière élastomère de la tête flexible, du fait qu'elle est très déformable élastiquement et fixée sur une surface extérieure de la boíte et non pas dans l'ouverture, permet de réaliser un poussoir relativement étroit dans la direction de l'épaisseur de la montre, donc sur l'extérieur de la carrure comme dans les montres-chronographes traditionnelles à poussoirs métalliques. De plus, la tête en élastomère peut avantageusement être surmoulée à chaud sur la boíte, comme on le décrira plus loin, ce qui assure une liaison solide et durable entre la matière élastomère et la matière plastique de la boíte. La tête en élastomère a aussi l'avantage d'amortir des chocs accidentels sur le poussoir, évitant ainsi de causer des dommages à l'intérieur de la montre. The flexible head elastomer material, due that it is very elastically deformable and fixed on a outer surface of the box and not in the opening, makes it possible to produce a relatively pusher narrow in the direction of the thickness of the watch, so on the outside of the middle as in chronograph watches traditional metal pushers. Of more, the elastomer head can advantageously be hot molded on the box, as we will describe more away, which ensures a strong and lasting bond between the elastomeric material and plastic material of the box. The elastomer head also has the advantage of absorbing shocks accidental on the pusher, thus avoiding causing damage to the inside of the watch.

La tige peut être faite d'une matière plastique dure et notamment de la même matière plastique que la boíte, ce qui permet de la mouler en même temps que la boíte. La tige peut être d'une pièce avec la boíte, en lui étant liée d'un côté par une partie flexible, ou au contraire être séparée de la boíte en étant reliée à celle-ci uniquement par la tête en élastomère.The rod can be made of hard plastic and in particular of the same plastic as the box, this which allows to mold it at the same time as the box. The rod can be in one piece with the box, being linked on one side by a flexible part, or on the contrary be separated from the box by being connected to it only by the elastomer head.

Dans une autre forme de réalisation, la tige peut être en matière élastomère et être faite d'une pièce avec la tête flexible.In another embodiment, the rod can be made of elastomeric material and be made in one piece with flexible head.

Un autre aspect de l'invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'un ensemble comprenant une boíte de montre en matière plastique dure et au moins un poussoir ayant une tige et une tête flexible saillante à l'extérieur de la boíte, la tige s'étendant à partir de la tête à travers une ouverture latérale de la boíte, la tête flexible étant solidaire de la tige et de la boíte et obturant de manière étanche ladite ouverture, le procédé étant caractérisé en ce que la tête flexible est moulée par injection d'une matière élastomère qui se lie de manière étanche à une surface extérieure de la boíte autour de l'ouverture, et en ce que le procédé comporte les étapes suivantes :

  • (I) injection de la matière plastique dans un moule pour former au moins la boíte,
  • (II) modification d'une partie du moule dans la région de la tête du poussoir, et
  • (III) injection de la matière élastomère dans ladite partie du moule pour former au moins la tête flexible de façon que celle-ci soit liée à chaud à ladite surface extérieure de la boíte.
    • Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an assembly comprising a watch case made of hard plastic and at least one pusher having a rod and a flexible head projecting outside the box, the rod s' extending from the head through a lateral opening of the box, the flexible head being integral with the rod and the box and sealingly closing said opening, the method being characterized in that the flexible head is injection molded '' an elastomeric material which binds tightly to an outer surface of the box around the opening, and in that the method comprises the following steps:
  • (I) injection of the plastic into a mold to form at least the box,
  • (II) modification of part of the mold in the region of the pusher head, and
  • (III) injection of the elastomeric material into said part of the mold to form at least the flexible head so that it is hot bonded to said outer surface of the box.

    • On utilise ainsi un procédé de moulage par injection dit "bimatière", particulièrement performant et économique parce qu'il n'utilise qu'un seul moule pour la réalisation de la boíte de montre et du ou des poussoirs équipant celle-ci. De plus, ce procédé assure un positionnement impeccable de chaque tige de poussoir par rapport à la boíte et donc au mouvement. An injection molding process is thus used says "bi-material", particularly efficient and economical because it only uses one mold for the realization watch case and push button (s) fitted it. In addition, this process ensures positioning impeccable of each push rod compared to the box and therefore movement.

    Dans une forme particulière du procédé, la tige du poussoir est faite de la même matière plastique que la boíte et est moulée au cours de l'étape (I).In a particular form of the process, the stem of the pusher is made of the same plastic as the box and is molded during step (I).

    Dans une autre forme du procédé, la tige du poussoir est faite de la même matière élastomère que la tête flexible et est moulée au cours de l'étape (III).In another form of the process, the push rod is made of the same elastomeric material as the head flexible and is molded during step (III).

    D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront dans la description suivante de différents exemples de réalisation, présentés à titre non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:

    • la figure 1 est une vue frontale partielle d'une boíte de montre en plastique, partiellement coupée dans la zone d'un poussoir, dans une première forme de réalisation de l'invention;
    • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1;
    • la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, pour une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention, et
    • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe partielle illustrant encore une autre forme de réalisation de l'invention.
    Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following description of various embodiments, presented without implied limitation with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
    • Figure 1 is a partial front view of a plastic watch case, partially cut in the area of a pusher, in a first embodiment of the invention;
    • Figure 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of Figure 1;
    • FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, for a second embodiment of the invention, and
    • Figure 4 is a partial sectional view illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention.

    Les figures 1 et 2 montrent schématiquement une boíte de montre-bracelet 2 en matière thermoplastique dure telle que l'ABS ou analogue. La boíte 2 comprend un fond 3 et une carrure 4 sur laquelle sont prévus dans le cas présent deux poussoirs latéraux 5. Un ou plusieurs autres poussoirs peuvent être prévus sur le côté opposé de la boíte. La boíte 2 définit une cavité centrale circulaire 6 dans laquelle prendront place, de manière classique, un mouvement d'horlogerie, des moyens d'affichage et éventuellement d'autres organes, en particulier des modules électroniques. Une tige de commande (non-représentée) peut être prévue à travers la carrure 4, notamment entre les deux poussoirs 5 représentés. De préférence, ceux-ci sont identiques ou symétriques l'un de l'autre et agissent suivant des axes respectifs 7 dirigés vers le centre 8 de la boíte. Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a box wristwatch 2 made of hard thermoplastic material such than ABS or the like. The box 2 includes a bottom 3 and a middle part 4 on which are provided in the present case two side pushers 5. One or more others pushers can be provided on the opposite side of the box. The box 2 defines a circular central cavity 6 in which will take place, in a conventional manner, a clock movement, display means and possibly other organs, especially electronic modules. A control rod (not shown) can be provided through the middle part 4, in particular between the two pushers 5 shown. Of preferably, these are the same or symmetrical one of the other and act along respective axes 7 directed towards the center 8 of the box.

    Chaque poussoir 5 selon les figures 1 et 2 se compose principalement d'une tige allongée 10, ayant de préférence une forme cylindrique, légèrement conique ou prismatique orientée suivant l'axe 7 dans une ouverture latérale 11 de la carrure 4, et une tête flexible 12 saillante à l'extérieur de la boíte 2. La tête 12 a ici une surface extérieure 13 en forme de cloche allongée, qui se raccorde de manière lisse à la surface extérieure adjacente de la boíte 2. La tête 12 est faite d'une matière élastomère relativement molle, moulée par injection à chaud de façon à se lier à la fois à une première extrémité 14 de la tige 10 et à une portion de surface extérieure 15 de la boíte 2 qui entoure l'ouverture 11. La portion de surface 15 est de préférence en creux pour ménager une épaisseur suffisante de la matière élastomère sur le pourtour de la tête 12. La tête en élastomère 12 et la liaison entre les deux matières sur la portion de surface 15 garantissent l'étanchéité de la boíte dans la zone de l'ouverture 11. L'extrémité 14 de la tige 10 peut présenter des parties saillantes noyées dans la matière élastomère afin de renforcer sa liaison avec la tête 12.Each pusher 5 according to Figures 1 and 2 is composed mainly of an elongated rod 10, preferably having a cylindrical, slightly conical or prismatic shape oriented along axis 7 in a lateral opening 11 of the middle part 4, and a flexible head 12 projecting from the outside of the box 2. The head 12 here has a surface outer 13 in the shape of an elongated bell, which is connected smoothly to the adjacent exterior surface of the box 2. The head 12 is made of an elastomeric material relatively soft, hot injection molded so to bind at one time to a first end 14 of the rod 10 and an outer surface portion 15 of the box 2 which surrounds the opening 11. The surface portion 15 is preferably hollow to provide a thickness sufficient elastomeric material around the edge of the head 12. The elastomer head 12 and the connection between the two materials on the surface portion 15 guarantee the tightness of the box in the area of the opening 11. The end 14 of the rod 10 may have parts protruding embedded in the elastomeric material in order to strengthen its connection with the head 12.

    Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, la tige 10 est liée à la boíte 2 par une partie flexible 16 en forme de bande s'étendant dans l'ouverture 11 et servant de ressort de rappel du poussoir, en coopération avec le rappel élastique assuré par la tête flexible 12. Pour faciliter la flexion de la tête 12, un mince dégagement latéral 17 est prévu autour de l'extrémité extérieure 14 de la tige 10, sauf du côté de la partie flexible 16, contre laquelle la tête peut s'appuyer.In the example of FIG. 1, the rod 10 is linked to the box 2 by a flexible part 16 in the form of a strip extending into opening 11 and serving as a spring for push button recall, in cooperation with the recall elastic provided by the flexible head 12. To facilitate bending of the head 12, a thin lateral clearance 17 is provided around the outer end 14 of the rod 10, except on the side of the flexible part 16, against which the head can rest.

    Du côté de la cavité intérieure 6, la seconde extrémité de la tige 10 présente une surface frontale d'appui 18 qui peut avoir toute forme appropriée pour coopérer avec l'élément du mouvement qu'elle doit pousser, par exemple un élément de contact électrique ou une pièce mécanique mobile. Le cas échéant, une lamelle métallique flexible (non représentée) fixée à la boíte 2 peut être interposée entre la surface frontale 18 et le mouvement pour protéger la matière plastique de la tige 10. Sous l'effet d'une poussée manuelle appliquée sur la surface extérieure 13, la déformation de la tête flexible 12 et de la partie flexible 16 entraíne une course C de la tige 10 jusqu'à une position active représentée en trait mixte. Lorsque cette poussée est relâchée, la tige est rappelée en position de repos par l'élasticité de la matière. Sa surface frontale 18 peut avantageusement se trouver alors à proximité d'une surface intérieure périphérique 20 de la cavité 6, ce qui facilite le montage du mouvement.On the side of the interior cavity 6, the second end of rod 10 has a front surface support 18 which may have any suitable form for cooperate with the element of movement that it must push, for example an electrical contact element or a part mobile mechanics. If necessary, a metal strip flexible (not shown) fixed to the box 2 can be interposed between the front surface 18 and the movement to protect the plastic material of the rod 10. Under the effect of a manual push applied to the surface 13, the deformation of the flexible head 12 and the flexible part 16 causes a stroke C of the rod 10 to an active position shown in phantom. When this push is released, the rod is recalled in the rest position by the elasticity of the material. Her front surface 18 can advantageously be then near a peripheral inner surface 20 of the cavity 6, which facilitates the mounting of the movement.

    La construction décrite ci-dessus a l'avantage de pouvoir être fabriquée par un procédé de moulage par injection dit "bimatière", c'est-à-dire qu'on utilise un seul moule dans lequel on injecte successivement deux matières différentes. Dans une première étape, le moule est pourvu d'une partie qui occupe la place de la tête flexible 12 et l'on y injecte la matière plastique dure formant la boíte 2 avec la tige 10 et la partie flexible 16. On remplace ensuite ladite partie du moule afin de mouler la tête flexible 12 et l'on injecte dans cette région la matière élastomère, qui se lie à chaud à la tige 10 et à la surface 15 de la boíte 2. Après démoulage, on dispose d'une boíte terminée ayant le nombre voulu de poussoirs le long de sa carrure, ce nombre étant compris par exemple entre un et quatre. Comme le procédé de fabrication est peu coûteux, on peut aisément fabriquer ainsi des boítes ayant différents nombres de poussoirs, ou également utiliser une boíte ayant par exemple quatre poussoirs avec un mouvement n'ayant besoin que de trois poussoirs, si cela se justifie pour des motifs économiques ou esthétiques.The construction described above has the advantage of be able to be manufactured by a process of molding by "bi-material" injection, that is to say that we use a single mold into which two are successively injected different materials. In a first step, the mold has a part which takes the place of the head flexible 12 and the hard plastic is injected into it forming the box 2 with the rod 10 and the flexible part 16. Then replacing said part of the mold in order to mold the flexible head 12 and inject into this region the elastomeric material, which binds hot to the rod 10 and on the surface 15 of the box 2. After demolding, we has a finished box having the desired number of pushers along its middle, this number included for example between one and four. Like the process of manufacturing is inexpensive, one can easily manufacture thus boxes having different numbers of pushers, or also use a box having for example four pushers with movement needing only three pushers, if justified for economic reasons or aesthetic.

    La figure 3 représente une variante de la construction des figures 1 et 2, la différence étant que la tige 10 est séparée de la boíte 2, à laquelle elle n'est liée que par la tête flexible 12 en élastomère. Dans ce cas, l'ouverture 11 de la boíte a simplement une forme cylindrique, entoure complètement la tige 10 et se prolonge par le dégagement 17 de forme annulaire. Si la tige 10 est faite de la même matière plastique dure que la boíte 2, cette construction peut être fabriquée par le même procédé que dans l'exemple précédent. Par contre on peut aussi prévoir que la tige 10 soit faite d'une autre matière, soit par préfabrication, soit par injection dans le même moule. Le rappel du poussoir est assuré uniquement par l'élasticité de la matière élastomère de la tête 12.Figure 3 shows a variant of the construction of Figures 1 and 2, the difference being that the rod 10 is separated from the box 2, to which it is only linked by the flexible elastomer head 12. In in this case, the opening 11 of the box simply has a shape cylindrical, completely surrounds the rod 10 and is extended by the clearance 17 of annular shape. If the rod 10 is made of the same hard plastic as the box 2, this construction can be manufactured by the same procedure as in the previous example. On the other hand may also provide that the rod 10 is made of another material, either by prefabrication or by injection into the same mold. The push-button recall is ensured only by the elasticity of the elastomeric material of the head 12.

    Dans les deux formes de réalisation illustrées par les figures 1 à 3, on peut prévoir en outre que l'extrémité 14 de la tige 10 en plastique dur soit apparente sur la surface extérieure 13 de la tête en élastomère, pour former une sorte de bouton. Celui-ci peut être soit proéminent, soit à fleur de la surface 13.In the two embodiments illustrated by Figures 1 to 3, it can further be provided that the end 14 of the rod 10 of hard plastic either visible on the outer surface 13 of the head in elastomer, to form a kind of button. This one can be either prominent or flush with the surface 13.

    Dans une autre variante, représentée schématiquement à la figure 4, la tige 10 du poussoir 5 est faite de la même matière élastomère que la tête flexible 12, à laquelle elle est raccordée par sa première extrémité 14, le poussoir étant ainsi fait d'une seule pièce. Pour présenter une rigidité suffisante, la tige 10 peut avoir n'importe quelle section transversale appropriée, notamment une section en forme de croix dans le cas présent. Dans ce cas aussi, on peut utiliser le procédé d'injection "bimatière" décrit plus haut, en injectant dans un même moule successivement la matière plastique dure de la boíte 2, puis la matière élastomère du poussoir 5.In another variant, shown schematically in Figure 4, the rod 10 of the pusher 5 is made of the same elastomeric material as flexible head 12, with which it is connected by its first end 14, the pusher being thus made in one piece. For have sufficient rigidity, the rod 10 may have any suitable cross section, including a cross-shaped section in the case present. In this case too, the process can be used "bi-material" injection system described above, by injecting in the same mold successively the plastic hard of box 2, then the elastomeric material of the pusher 5.

    Les exemples présentés ci-dessus démontrent que l'invention permet de fabriquer une boíte de montre pourvue de poussoirs d'une manière extrêmement simple et économique, en évitant de nombreux problèmes liés à la fabrication, au montage et à l'étanchéité des poussoirs mécaniques traditionnels. L'invention s'applique aussi bien à des chronographes mécaniques qu'à des montres électroniques dont les poussoirs n'actionnent, par exemple, que des contacts électriques.The examples presented above demonstrate that the invention makes it possible to manufacture a watch case provided with pushers in an extremely simple and economical, avoiding many problems related to manufacturing, mounting and sealing of pushers traditional mechanical. The invention also applies both mechanical chronographs and watches electronic devices whose push buttons do not example, that electrical contacts.

    Claims (12)

    1. Assembly comprising a watch case (2) and at least one push button (5) having a stem (10) and a head attached to the stem and projecting outside the case, the stem (10) extending from the head through a lateral opening (11) of the case, the push button including an element made of an elastomeric material, which assures a return force for the push button by its own elasticity and closes said opening in a sealed manner, said element being fixed in a sealed manner onto an external surface (15) of the case around the opening (11),
         characterized in that the case (2) is made of a hard plastic material and in that said head (12) of the push button is flexible and is formed by said element made of an elastomeric material.
    2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (10) is made of a hard plastic material and comprises a first end (14) onto which the flexible head is moulded.
    3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the stem (10) is made of the same plastic material as the case (2).
    4. Assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the stem (10) is made in a single piece with the case (2), to which it is connected on one side by a flexible portion (16).
    5. Assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that said flexible portion (16) is situated in said opening (11).
    6. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stem (10) is separate from the case (2), to which it is connected by the flexible head (12).
    7. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (10) is made of elastomeric material and is made in a single piece with the flexible head (12), which is connected to a first end (14) of the stem.
    8. Assembly according to claims 2 or 7, characterized in that a second end of the stem comprises a frontal support surface (18) which extends into an internal cavity (6) of the case at least in an active position of the push button, produced by applying external pressure onto the flexible head in the direction of the stem.
    9. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that said frontal surface (18) is situated close to a peripheral internal surface (20) of said cavity (6) in a rest position of the push button.
    10. Method for manufacturing an assembly comprising a hard plastic watch case (2) and at least one push button (5) having a stem (10) and a flexible head (12) projecting outside the case, the stem extending from the head through a lateral opening (11) of the case, the flexible head being attached to the stem and the case and closing in a sealed manner said opening,
         characterized in that the flexible head is moulded by injecting an elastomeric material which is connected in a sealed manner to an external surface of the case around the opening, and in that the method comprises the following steps:
      (I) injecting the plastic material into a mould to form at least the case,
      (II) modifying part of the mould in the region of the push button head, and
      (III) injecting the elastomeric material in said part of the mould to form at least the flexible head so that it is heat bonded to said external surface of the case.
    11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the push button stem is made of the same plastic material as the case and is moulded during step (I).
    12. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the push button stem is made of the same elastomeric material as the flexible head and is moulded during step (III).
    EP97107770A 1996-05-17 1997-05-13 Assembly including a watch-case made of hard plastic and at least one pushbutton and method of manufacturing the same Expired - Lifetime EP0807872B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9606155 1996-05-17
    FR9606155A FR2748828B1 (en) 1996-05-17 1996-05-17 ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A HARD PLASTIC WATCH BOX AND AT LEAST ONE PUSH-BUTTON, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH AN ASSEMBLY

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0807872A1 EP0807872A1 (en) 1997-11-19
    EP0807872B1 true EP0807872B1 (en) 2002-01-09

    Family

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    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP97107770A Expired - Lifetime EP0807872B1 (en) 1996-05-17 1997-05-13 Assembly including a watch-case made of hard plastic and at least one pushbutton and method of manufacturing the same

    Country Status (10)

    Country Link
    US (2) US6000842A (en)
    EP (1) EP0807872B1 (en)
    JP (1) JPH1048352A (en)
    CN (1) CN1132070C (en)
    AU (1) AU719683B2 (en)
    DE (1) DE69709484T2 (en)
    FR (1) FR2748828B1 (en)
    HK (1) HK1008248A1 (en)
    SG (1) SG65649A1 (en)
    TW (1) TW324796B (en)

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    DE60044711D1 (en) * 2000-05-11 2010-09-02 Swatch Group Man Serv Ag A push-button provided portable electronic device, in particular a clock
    SG109448A1 (en) 2000-05-11 2005-03-30 Swatch Group Man Serv Ag Portable electronic device such as, in particular, a timepiece, fitted with a push-button
    US6950516B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2005-09-27 Nokia Corporation User changeable electronic device/mobile phone covers and method
    US7408843B2 (en) * 2005-07-15 2008-08-05 Dennis Brandon Medicine cap timing apparatus
    DE102006010896A1 (en) * 2006-03-09 2007-09-13 Witte-Velbert Gmbh & Co. Kg Key e.g. remote key, housing, has pushbuttons lying in through holes with lateral distance and held by flexible plastic insert, where insert forms sealing outwardly, and pushbuttons are manufactured from phosphorescent material
    EP2033174B8 (en) 2006-05-22 2015-04-15 Nike International Ltd. Watch display comprising light sources and a translucent cover
    EP1933213A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2008-06-18 Globalsat Technology Corporation A water-proof watch case with GPS and a method for manufacturing the same
    EP2746873B1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2017-11-15 Meco S.A. Modular assembly of a push button
    US9720443B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-08-01 Nike, Inc. Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality
    GB2558415B (en) 2015-05-22 2019-02-06 Dyson Technology Ltd A hand held appliance
    CN111061140A (en) * 2018-10-17 2020-04-24 精工爱普生株式会社 Timepiece case and timepiece

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    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    EP0807872A1 (en) 1997-11-19
    CN1132070C (en) 2003-12-24
    FR2748828A1 (en) 1997-11-21
    HK1008248A1 (en) 1999-05-07
    FR2748828B1 (en) 1998-07-10
    US6346208B1 (en) 2002-02-12
    TW324796B (en) 1998-01-11
    SG65649A1 (en) 1999-06-22
    AU2082097A (en) 1997-11-20
    DE69709484D1 (en) 2002-02-14
    DE69709484T2 (en) 2002-10-17
    CN1171571A (en) 1998-01-28
    US6000842A (en) 1999-12-14
    AU719683B2 (en) 2000-05-18
    JPH1048352A (en) 1998-02-20

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