EP1431845B1 - Watchcase - Google Patents

Watchcase Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1431845B1
EP1431845B1 EP02406123A EP02406123A EP1431845B1 EP 1431845 B1 EP1431845 B1 EP 1431845B1 EP 02406123 A EP02406123 A EP 02406123A EP 02406123 A EP02406123 A EP 02406123A EP 1431845 B1 EP1431845 B1 EP 1431845B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
markings
closed
watch case
bezel
loop spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02406123A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1431845A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Hartmann
Daniel Moille
Alberto Jaussi
William Passaquin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rolex SA
Original Assignee
Rolex SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to DE60215683T priority Critical patent/DE60215683T2/en
Application filed by Rolex SA filed Critical Rolex SA
Priority to EP02406123A priority patent/EP1431845B1/en
Priority to DE2002406123 priority patent/DE02406123T1/en
Priority to CNB2003101205617A priority patent/CN100432868C/en
Priority to US10/735,390 priority patent/US6871997B2/en
Priority to JP2003423451A priority patent/JP4402445B2/en
Publication of EP1431845A1 publication Critical patent/EP1431845A1/en
Priority to HK04105184A priority patent/HK1062202A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1431845B1 publication Critical patent/EP1431845B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle part, a rotating bezel, first angular positioning marks integral with the middle part, second angular positioning marks integral with the rotating bezel and elastic means tending constantly to engage said first and second positioning marks with each other.
  • a large number of watch cases having a telescope which is mounted so as to be rotatable.
  • Such a bezel carries one or more indications that can be placed at will in an angular position, chosen from a plurality of determined angular positions, fixed by angular positioning marks held in engagement by elastic return means.
  • Some of these glasses can turn in both directions.
  • one of the problems is to ensure that the force required to give up the restoring force exerted on the angular positioning marks is substantially equal in both directions. This force must also give the user the sensation of manipulating a mechanism that offers a certain resistance to put it in motion, but which is then soft once this resistance is overcome and which continues practically the movement of itself up to the next angular position.
  • This positioning spring comprises two straight segments connected by an arcuate segment, the free end of one of the straight segments is held in engagement with the toothing of the bezel by a support surface integral with the middle and the free end of the other straight segment is integral with this same middle part.
  • the spring is shaped so that the forces exerted by the toothing on its end in engagement with the latter, in both directions of rotation of the rotating bezel, serve to increase, respectively decrease the radius of curvature of the arcuate segment of the spring and allows balance of forces in both directions of rotation of the telescope.
  • an angular positioning device rotating bezel may require equal forces in both directions to rotate the telescope.
  • a toothing with triangular teeth formed under the bezel, cooperates with a piston mounted in a housing of the middle part.
  • the forces required to rotate the bezel in both directions are equal.
  • the document CH503305 describes a rotating bezel with intermediate polygonal elastic ring and radial positioning hook.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable solution, capable of a very long life, so practically with very low wear and fit to allow fine adjustment of the force required to move the rotating bezel.
  • the subject of the present invention is a watch case as defined by claim 1.
  • One of the essential advantages of this invention lies in the fact that the forces are not only equal in the two directions of rotation of the rotating bezel when it is a rotating bezel that can be rotated in both directions opposed, but they are balanced with respect to the axis of rotation of this bezel, which contributes to the pleasant sensation that is experienced by rotating the bezel, which combines firmness of positioning and softness during movement.
  • this solution can be used profitably even in solutions where the telescope can only rotate in one direction. Indeed, the firm positioning and the smooth movement can also be seen in the case of a bezel that can rotate in one direction.
  • the rotating bezel mechanism which is associated with the caseband B comprises a ring 2 whose section has an L shape.
  • the vertical part of this L-shaped section is driven on a cylindrical surface of the caseband B (FIGS. 4), while the horizontal part of this L-shaped section rests against a bearing surface of this box middle B.
  • the outer face of the vertical part of the L-shaped section of the ring 2 has first angular positioning marks 2a, whose angular distances are equal in the same way as those of a toothing, which are therefore integral with the middle part and whose profile, seen in plan, forms a regular festoon.
  • the shape of this festoon may be more or less accentuated depending on the characteristics sought during the movement of the rotating bezel 1 mounted on the ring 1. In this example there are 24 of these markers, and thus determine angular positions spaced 15 ° each other.
  • the rotating bezel 1 mounted on the ring 2 has firstly three radial guide slides 1a spaced 120 ° from each other and formed in three portions 1b which are reentrant inside the rotating bezel 1.
  • An annular groove 1c opens out inside the rotating bezel 1 and passes substantially in the center of the thickness of the three reentrant portions 1b.
  • Each radial guide slide 1a receives a roller 4 which has a groove 4a formed substantially in the middle of the roller 4 and which coincides with the annular groove 1c.
  • a spring 3 having the shape of a closed loop is disposed in the annular groove 1c. This spring 3 surrounds the three rollers 4 and engages in their respective grooves 4a, keeping these rollers 4 in the bottom of three of the first 2a markers spaced by 120 °, that is to say, in the example described, spaced an angle equal to 8 steps that is to say 8 marks.
  • the simultaneous engagement of the spring 3 in closed loop in the annular groove 1c of the bezel 1 and in the grooves 4a of the rollers 4 secures these rollers 4 with the bezel 1 while allowing them to move in the radial guide slides 1a .
  • These three rollers 4 constitute second angular positioning marks, made integral in rotation with the rotating bezel 1 by the radial slides 1a.
  • the number of the first fixed angular references 2a is therefore a multiple of the number of second pins 4 which are at least three in number, to ensure the centering of the rotating bezel 1 with respect to the ring 2. Due to this relationship between the number first and second marks 2a, 4, the second marks 4 are simultaneously engaged with three of the first marks 2a, in each of the 24 positions defined by the first 24 angular positioning marks.
  • the three angular positioning rollers 4 occupy the positions closest to the center of the rotating bezel 1 and the spring 3 is not, or is very little deformed in this position.
  • the three rollers 4 are moved radially outwardly along their respective guide slides 1a, which has the effect of deforming the spring loop 3 by giving it a convex-sided trine shape, as shown in phantom in Figure 2.
  • the profile of the lateral face between two angular positioning marks 2a forms a convex curve.
  • the force stored after the deformation of the spring 3 can be released by developing a torque that ends the movement of the rotating bezel 1 to the first positioning mark 2a following.
  • the rotating bezel 1 is held on the ring 2 by two conical notches, one 1d formed on the rotating bezel 1, the other 2d formed on the ring 2 and forcibly engaged one in the other, as illustrated 3 to 4.
  • these conical surfaces 1d, 2d are applied against each other by means of a flat elastic ring 5 whose inner edge bears against the upper edge of the ring 2 and whose outer edge is trapped between a ring 6 bearing indications intended to be displaced angularly by the rotating bezel 1 and fixed in a notch 1e of this rotating bezel, as shown in FIGS.
  • This flat ring 5 is deformed in its plane, taking a frustoconical shape, as illustrated, which makes it possible to apply the two conical notches 1d, 2d against each other in an elastic manner.
  • the choice of the intensity of this axial elastic pressure is low, so that by slightly pressing on the rotating bezel 1 to rotate it is automatically causes a slight axial displacement of the telescope, even without realizing it, to eliminate, or at least to greatly reduce the friction resulting from contact between the conical notches 1d and 2d.
  • the three rollers 4 of angular positioning associated with the spring 3 closed loop allow a perfect balancing of the positioning forces around the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel 1, this as well when the rollers 4 are in the rest position in the first markers fixed angular positioning 2a of the ring 2, only when they are between two angular positions determined by these fixed angular positioning marks 2a, so that the rotating bezel is never off-center by the forces exerted by the closed-loop spring 3, 13, 23.
  • the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 differs essentially from the first embodiment in that it is no longer rollers 4 which constitute the second positioning marks, but these are three bulges 13a directly formed during the cutting of the spring. 13 in closed loop, which engage in the angular positioning marks 2a of the ring 2.
  • the radial guide of the second marks formed by the bulges 13a is obtained by cylindrical guides 14 driven into openings cut in the center of the bulges 13a. These guides 14 are engaged in three grooves 1a formed in three portions 1b which are reentrant inside the rotating bezel 1, exactly like the rollers 4 of the first embodiment.
  • the rest of the rotating bezel mechanism is similar to the first embodiment.
  • the position of the flat elastic ring 5 which serves to apply the two conical notches 1d, 2d against each other is changed in this embodiment, but its function remains the same.
  • the positions of the first and second angular references are reversed with respect to the preceding embodiments, that is to say that it is the rotating bezel 21 which has the first angular positioning marks 21a, while the closed loop spring 23 has a fixed angular position with respect to a ring 22 integral with the caseband B, corresponding to the ring 2 of the embodiments preceding.
  • the contour of the closed-loop spring 23 seen in plan is cut to provide three protuberances 23a spaced 120 ° apart from each other in order to constitute the second angular positioning marks, intended to engage simultaneously in three of the first positioning marks.
  • angular 21a whose number is a multiple of these second angular positioning marks 23a.
  • Each protrusion 23a is associated with a radial projection 23b centered on the same radius as each protuberance 23a and which is directed towards the inside of the closed-loop spring 23.
  • Each of these radial projections 23b is mounted for radial sliding in a slide of radial guide 22a formed in the ring 22 driven on the middle of Box B.
  • the radial projections 23b have a rectangular section, so that they guide the spring 23 during its deformation subsequent to the rotation of the rotating bezel 21 and they force the spring closed loop 23 to deform in its plane.
  • the inner periphery of the closed loop spring 23 comprises three projections 23c which are engaged in three grooves 22b formed in the outer lateral face of the ring 22, so that the spring 23 is retained axially.
  • the spring 3, 13, 23 has a rectangular section whose long side is disposed in the plane of the loops formed by these springs 3, 13, 23.
  • the forces communicated to these springs to deform them in three radial directions are therefore directed in the plane of the loops formed by these springs 3, 13, 23 and therefore also parallel to the long sides of the sections of these springs.
  • the advantage of such springs lies in the fact that they can be cut in steel sheets, which allows an optimal manufacturing. These springs could however have a section of another shape, square or circular, then forming a toric spring.
  • the shape of the spring 3, 13, 23 at rest, plan view can go from the circle to the polygon with its sides and / or its rounded tops or not.
  • the number of second marks 4, 13a, 23a is at least three in number, but could be greater depending on the case.
  • the number of the first marks 2a, 21a is always a multiple of the number of second marks, so that all the second marks 4, 13a, 23a are simultaneously engaged with one of the first marks 2a, 21a.
  • the rotating bezel 1 is identical to that of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7. What changes in this variant are the pins 32a formed on the ring 32, which are sawtooth and the shape of the three bulges 33a spring 33 closed loop, which has a shape complementary to that separating two pins 32a sawtooth, so as to come into engagement with the toothing 32a and thus to allow rotation of the rotating bezel 1 only in the direction opposite to that of the needles of the watch in the example illustrated by this variant.
  • the other elements are in every respect in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates another variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7, in which the cylindrical guides 44 driven in apertures cut at the center of the bulges 43a of the closed loop spring 43 comprise three portions of increasing diameters 44a, 44b, 44c, one 44a driven into the opening of the spring 43, the next 44b which serves as a pivoting surface for a roller 45, while the third portion 44c serves as an axial stop to retain the roller 45.
  • the three rollers 45 angularly distributed as described above are engaged with the marks 2a of the ring 2 and can rotate around the cylindrical guides 44 when the bezel 1 is rotated by driving the spring 43, through the portions 44a of the cylindrical guides 44 engaged with the radial guide slides 1a of the bezel 1, identical to the bezel of FIGS. 1 to 4.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Details Of Measuring And Other Instruments (AREA)

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à une boîte de montre comprenant une carrure, une lunette tournante, des premiers repères de positionnement angulaires solidaires de la carrure, des seconds repères de positionnement angulaires solidaires de la lunette tournante et des moyens élastiques tendant constamment à mettre en prise lesdits premiers et seconds repères de positionnement les uns avec les autres.The present invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle part, a rotating bezel, first angular positioning marks integral with the middle part, second angular positioning marks integral with the rotating bezel and elastic means tending constantly to engage said first and second positioning marks with each other.

On connaît un grand nombre de boîtes de montres comportant une lunette qui est montée de manière à pouvoir tourner. Une telle lunette porte une ou plusieurs indications qui peuvent être placées à volonté dans une position angulaire, choisie parmi plusieurs positions angulaires déterminées, fixée par des repères de positionnement angulaire maintenus en prise par des moyens de rappel élastiques. Certaines de ces lunettes peuvent tourner dans les deux sens. Dans ce cas, un des problèmes est de faire en sorte que la force nécessaire pour faire céder la force de rappel exercée sur les repères de positionnement angulaire soit sensiblement égale dans les deux sens. Cette force doit en outre donner à l'utilisateur la sensation de manipuler un mécanisme qui offre une certaine résistance pour le mettre en mouvement, mais qui est ensuite doux une fois cette résistance vaincue et qui poursuit pratiquement le mouvement de lui-même jusqu'à la position angulaire suivante.A large number of watch cases are known having a telescope which is mounted so as to be rotatable. Such a bezel carries one or more indications that can be placed at will in an angular position, chosen from a plurality of determined angular positions, fixed by angular positioning marks held in engagement by elastic return means. Some of these glasses can turn in both directions. In this case, one of the problems is to ensure that the force required to give up the restoring force exerted on the angular positioning marks is substantially equal in both directions. This force must also give the user the sensation of manipulating a mechanism that offers a certain resistance to put it in motion, but which is then soft once this resistance is overcome and which continues practically the movement of itself up to the next angular position.

On a déjà proposé dans le EP 0 686 897 une solution à ce problème par l'utilisation d'un ressort de positionnement travaillant avec une denture interne de la lunette tournante. Ce ressort de positionnement comporte deux segments droits reliés par un segment arqué, l'extrémité libre de l'un des segments droits est maintenue en prise avec la denture de la lunette par une surface d'appui solidaire de la carrure et l'extrémité libre de l'autre segment droit est solidaire de cette même carrure. Le ressort est conformé pour que les forces exercées par la denture sur son extrémité en prise avec cette dernière, dans les deux sens de rotation de la lunette tournante, servent à augmenter, respectivement à diminuer le rayon de courbure du segment arqué du ressort et permet un équilibrage des forces dans les deux sens de rotation de la lunette.It has already been proposed in EP 0 686 897 a solution to this problem by the use of a positioning spring working with an internal toothing of the rotating bezel. This positioning spring comprises two straight segments connected by an arcuate segment, the free end of one of the straight segments is held in engagement with the toothing of the bezel by a support surface integral with the middle and the free end of the other straight segment is integral with this same middle part. The spring is shaped so that the forces exerted by the toothing on its end in engagement with the latter, in both directions of rotation of the rotating bezel, serve to increase, respectively decrease the radius of curvature of the arcuate segment of the spring and allows balance of forces in both directions of rotation of the telescope.

On a proposé d'autre part, dans le EP 1 139 185 une boîte de montre à lunette tournante dans laquelle la lunette tournante est susceptible d'être déplacée sélectivement dans deux positions verticales déterminées par des éléments d'arrêt. Dans une de ces positions verticales, la lunette est susceptible de tourner, tandis que dans l'autre position verticale, elle vient en prise avec des secteurs dentés d'un organe annulaire fixe qui l'empêche de tourner et la maintient dans une position angulaire déterminée.On the other hand, it has been proposed in EP 1 139 185 a rotating bezel watch case in which the rotating bezel is capable of being selectively moved in two vertical positions determined by stop elements. In one of these vertical positions, the bezel is rotatable, while in the other vertical position it engages toothed sectors of a fixed annular member which prevents it from rotating and maintains it in an angular position. determined.

On a encore proposé dans le CH 536 509 un dispositif de positionnement angulaire de lunette tournante susceptible de nécessiter des forces égales dans les deux sens pour faire tourner la lunette. A cet effet, une denture de chant à dents triangulaires, ménagée sous la lunette, coopère avec un piston monté dans un logement de la carrure. Lorsque les deux faces des dents de chant triangulaires ont des inclinaisons égales, les forces nécessaires pour faire tourner la lunette dans les deux sens sont égales. Compte tenu de la présence d'un piston qui doit être logé dans la carrure, cette, solution n'est pas facile à mettre en oeuvre, compte tenu de la place occupée.It has also been proposed in CH 536 509 an angular positioning device rotating bezel may require equal forces in both directions to rotate the telescope. For this purpose, a toothing with triangular teeth, formed under the bezel, cooperates with a piston mounted in a housing of the middle part. When both faces of the triangular edge teeth have equal inclinations, the forces required to rotate the bezel in both directions are equal. Given the presence of a piston to be housed in the middle, this solution is not easy to implement, given the space occupied.

Le document CH503305 décrit une lunette tournante avec bague élastique polygonale intermédiaire et crochet de positionnement radial.The document CH503305 describes a rotating bezel with intermediate polygonal elastic ring and radial positioning hook.

Le but de la présente invention est d'apporter une solution simple, fiable, susceptible d'une très longue durée de vie, donc pratiquement avec une usure très faible et apte à permettre d'ajuster de manière fine la force nécessaire au déplacement de la lunette tournante.The object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable solution, capable of a very long life, so practically with very low wear and fit to allow fine adjustment of the force required to move the rotating bezel.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet une boîte de montre telle que définie par la revendication 1.For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a watch case as defined by claim 1.

Un des avantages essentiels de cette invention réside dans le fait que les forces ne sont pas seulement égales dans les deux sens de rotation de la lunette tournante, lorsqu'il s'agit d'une lunette tournante susceptible d'être tournée dans les deux sens opposés, mais qu'elles sont équilibrées par rapport à l'axe de rotation de cette lunette, ce qui contribue à la sensation agréable que l'on éprouve en faisant tourner la lunette, qui allie fermeté du positionnement et douceur lors du déplacement. Ainsi, cette solution est utilisable avec profit même dans des solutions où la lunette ne peut tourner que dans un sens. En effet, le positionnement ferme et la douceur du déplacement peuvent aussi être constatés dans le cas d'une lunette susceptible de ne tourner que dans un sens.One of the essential advantages of this invention lies in the fact that the forces are not only equal in the two directions of rotation of the rotating bezel when it is a rotating bezel that can be rotated in both directions opposed, but they are balanced with respect to the axis of rotation of this bezel, which contributes to the pleasant sensation that is experienced by rotating the bezel, which combines firmness of positioning and softness during movement. Thus, this solution can be used profitably even in solutions where the telescope can only rotate in one direction. Indeed, the firm positioning and the smooth movement can also be seen in the case of a bezel that can rotate in one direction.

Les dessins annexés illustrent, schématiquement et à titre d'exemple, trois formes d'exécution de la boîte de montre objet de cette invention.

  • La figure 1 est une vue éclatée des éléments d'une boîte de montre munie d'une lunette tournante, selon une première forme d'exécution;
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle en plan des éléments de la figure 1 assemblés, représentant en traits mixtes la lunette dans une position intermédiaire entre deux positions déterminées;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2;
  • la figure 5 est une vue éclatée des éléments d'une boîte munie d'une lunette tournante, selon une deuxième forme d'exécution;
  • la figure 6 est une vue partielle en plan des éléments de la figure 5 assemblés, représentant en traits mixtes la lunette dans une position intermédiaire entre deux positions déterminées;
  • la figure 7 est une en coupe selon la ligne V-V de la figure 6;
  • la figure 8 est une vue éclatée des éléments d'une boîte de montre munie d'une lunette tournante, selon une troisième forme d'exécution;
  • la figure 9 est une vue partielle en plan des éléments de la figure 8 assemblés, représentant en traits mixtes la lunette dans une position intermédiaire entre deux positions déterminées;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne X-X de la figure 9;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne XI-XI de la figure 9;
  • la figure 12 est une vue partielle en plan d'une variante de la forme d'exécution illustrée par la figure 6;
  • la figure 13 est une vue en coupe semblable à la figure 7 d'une autre variante illustrée par la forme d'exécution des figures 5 à 7.
The accompanying drawings illustrate, schematically and by way of example, three embodiments of the watch case object of this invention.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded view of the elements of a watch case provided with a rotating bezel, according to a first embodiment;
  • Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the elements of Figure 1 assembled, showing in phantom the bezel in an intermediate position between two specific positions;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is an exploded view of the elements of a box provided with a rotating bezel, according to a second embodiment;
  • Figure 6 is a partial plan view of the elements of Figure 5 assembled, showing in phantom the bezel in an intermediate position between two specific positions;
  • Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line VV of Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of the elements of a watch case provided with a rotating bezel, according to a third embodiment;
  • Figure 9 is a partial plan view of the elements of Figure 8 assembled, showing in phantom the bezel in an intermediate position between two specific positions;
  • Figure 10 is a sectional view along line XX of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view along the line XI-XI of Figure 9;
  • Figure 12 is a partial plan view of a variant of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6;
  • Figure 13 is a sectional view similar to Figure 7 of another variant illustrated by the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7.

Les dessins annexés illustrent essentiellement les éléments de la boîte de montre se rapportant au mécanisme relatif à une lunette tournante graduée ou portant un repère susceptible d'être déplacé dans différentes positions angulaires par rapport à une carrure de boîte B. Cette dernière, qui n'est pas nécessaire à la compréhension de la présente invention, n'est représentée que partiellement sur la vue de la figure 2 ainsi sur les coupes correspondantes des figures 3 et 4.The accompanying drawings essentially illustrate the elements of the watch case relating to the mechanism relating to a rotating bezel graduated or bearing a mark that can be moved in different angular positions relative to a middle part of box B. The latter, which does not is not necessary for the understanding of the present invention, is shown only partially on the view of Figure 2 and the corresponding sections of Figures 3 and 4.

Le mécanisme de lunette tournante qui est associé à la carrure de boîte B comporte une bague 2 dont la section présente une forme de L. La partie verticale de cette section en L est chassée sur une surface cylindrique de la carrure de boîte B (figures 3, 4), tandis que la partie horizontale de cette section en L repose contre une portée de cette carrure de boîte B. La face externe de la partie verticale de la section en L de la bague 2 présente des premiers repères de positionnement angulaires 2a, dont les distances angulaires sont égales au même titre que celles d'une denture, qui sont donc solidaires de la carrure et dont le profil, vu en plan, forme un feston régulier. La forme de ce feston peut être plus ou moins accentuée en fonction des caractéristiques recherchées lors du déplacement de la lunette tournante 1 montée sur la bague 1. Dans cet exemple ces repères sont au nombre de 24, et déterminent donc des positions angulaires espacées de 15° les unes des autres.The rotating bezel mechanism which is associated with the caseband B comprises a ring 2 whose section has an L shape. The vertical part of this L-shaped section is driven on a cylindrical surface of the caseband B (FIGS. 4), while the horizontal part of this L-shaped section rests against a bearing surface of this box middle B. The outer face of the vertical part of the L-shaped section of the ring 2 has first angular positioning marks 2a, whose angular distances are equal in the same way as those of a toothing, which are therefore integral with the middle part and whose profile, seen in plan, forms a regular festoon. The shape of this festoon may be more or less accentuated depending on the characteristics sought during the movement of the rotating bezel 1 mounted on the ring 1. In this example there are 24 of these markers, and thus determine angular positions spaced 15 ° each other.

La lunette tournante 1 montée sur la bague 2 présente d'une part trois coulisses de guidage radiales 1a espacées de 120° les unes des autres et ménagées dans trois portions 1b qui sont rentrantes à l'intérieur de la lunette tournante 1. Une rainure annulaire 1c débouche à l'intérieur de la lunette tournante 1 et passe sensiblement au centre de l'épaisseur des trois portions rentrantes 1b.The rotating bezel 1 mounted on the ring 2 has firstly three radial guide slides 1a spaced 120 ° from each other and formed in three portions 1b which are reentrant inside the rotating bezel 1. An annular groove 1c opens out inside the rotating bezel 1 and passes substantially in the center of the thickness of the three reentrant portions 1b.

Chaque coulisse de guidage radiale 1a reçoit un galet 4 qui comporte une gorge 4a ménagée sensiblement au milieu du galet 4 et qui coïncide avec la rainure annulaire 1c. Un ressort 3 présentant la forme d'une boucle fermée est disposé dans la rainure annulaire 1c. Ce ressort 3 entoure les trois galets 4 et s'engage dans leurs gorges respectives 4a, maintenant ces galets 4 dans le fond de trois des premiers repères 2a espacés de 120°, c'est-à-dire, dans l'exemple décrit, espacés d'un angle égal à 8 pas c'est-à-dire à 8 repères. L'engagement simultané du ressort 3 en boucle fermée dans la rainure annulaire 1c de la lunette 1 et dans les gorges 4a des galets 4, solidarise ces galets 4 avec la lunette 1 tout en leur permettant de se déplacer dans les coulisses de guidage radiales 1a.Each radial guide slide 1a receives a roller 4 which has a groove 4a formed substantially in the middle of the roller 4 and which coincides with the annular groove 1c. A spring 3 having the shape of a closed loop is disposed in the annular groove 1c. This spring 3 surrounds the three rollers 4 and engages in their respective grooves 4a, keeping these rollers 4 in the bottom of three of the first 2a markers spaced by 120 °, that is to say, in the example described, spaced an angle equal to 8 steps that is to say 8 marks. The simultaneous engagement of the spring 3 in closed loop in the annular groove 1c of the bezel 1 and in the grooves 4a of the rollers 4, secures these rollers 4 with the bezel 1 while allowing them to move in the radial guide slides 1a .

Ces trois galets 4 constituent des seconds repères de positionnement angulaires, rendus solidaires en rotation de la lunette tournante 1 par les coulisses radiales 1a. Le nombre des premiers repères angulaires fixes 2a est donc un multiple du nombre des seconds repères 4 qui sont au moins au nombre de trois, pour assurer le centrage de la lunette tournante 1 par rapport à la bague 2. Grâce à cette relation entre le nombre des premiers et seconds repères 2a, 4, les second repères 4 sont simultanément en prise avec trois des premiers repères 2a, dans chacune des 24 positions définies par les 24 premiers repères de positionnement angulaire.These three rollers 4 constitute second angular positioning marks, made integral in rotation with the rotating bezel 1 by the radial slides 1a. The number of the first fixed angular references 2a is therefore a multiple of the number of second pins 4 which are at least three in number, to ensure the centering of the rotating bezel 1 with respect to the ring 2. Due to this relationship between the number first and second marks 2a, 4, the second marks 4 are simultaneously engaged with three of the first marks 2a, in each of the 24 positions defined by the first 24 angular positioning marks.

Dans ces positions angulaires, les trois galets de positionnement angulaire 4 occupent les positions les plus proches du centre de la lunette tournante 1 et le ressort 3 n'est pas, voire est très peu déformé dans cette position. Dès que l'on veut tourner la lunette tournante 1, on éloigne les trois galets 4 qui sont déplacés en direction radiale vers l'extérieur le long de leurs coulisses de guidage respectives 1a, ce qui a pour conséquence de déformer la boucle du ressort 3 en lui donnant une forme de trigone à côtés convexes, comme illustré en traits mixtes sur la figure 2. Le profil de la face latérale entre deux repères de positionnement angulaires 2a forme une courbe convexe. Dès que les galets de positionnement 4 ont atteint les sommets respectifs de ces courbes convexes séparant deux premiers repères de positionnement angulaires adjacents 2a, la force emmagasinée suite à la déformation du ressort 3 peut être libérée en développant un couple qui termine le déplacement de la lunette tournante 1 jusqu'au premier repère de positionnement 2a suivant.In these angular positions, the three angular positioning rollers 4 occupy the positions closest to the center of the rotating bezel 1 and the spring 3 is not, or is very little deformed in this position. As soon as it is desired to turn the rotating bezel 1, the three rollers 4 are moved radially outwardly along their respective guide slides 1a, which has the effect of deforming the spring loop 3 by giving it a convex-sided trine shape, as shown in phantom in Figure 2. The profile of the lateral face between two angular positioning marks 2a forms a convex curve. As soon as the positioning rollers 4 have reached the respective vertices of these convex curves separating two adjacent first angular positioning marks 2a, the force stored after the deformation of the spring 3 can be released by developing a torque that ends the movement of the rotating bezel 1 to the first positioning mark 2a following.

La lunette tournante 1 est maintenue sur la bague 2 grâce à deux crans coniques, l'un 1d ménagé sur la lunette tournante 1, l'autre 2d ménagé sur la bague 2 et engagés à force l'un dans l'autre, comme illustré par les figures 3 et 4. Pour éviter tout jeu entre la lunette tournante 1 et la bague 2, ces surfaces coniques 1d, 2d sont appliquées l'une contre l'autre grâce à un anneau élastique plat 5 dont le bord interne prend appui contre le bord supérieur de la bague 2 et dont le bord externe est emprisonné entre un anneau 6 portant des indications destinées à être déplacées angulairement par la lunette tournante 1 et fixée dans un cran 1e de cette lunette tournante, comme illustré par les figures 3 et 4. Cet anneau plat 5 est déformé dans son plan, prenant une forme tronconique, comme illustré, ce qui permet d'appliquer les deux crans coniques 1d, 2d l'un contre l'autre de manière élastique. Le choix de l'intensité de cette pression élastique axiale est faible, de sorte qu'en appuyant légèrement sur la lunette tournante 1 pour la faire tourner, on provoque automatiquement un léger déplacement axial de cette lunette, même sans s'en rendre compte, permettant de supprimer, ou tout au moins de réduire fortement le frottement résultant du contact entre les crans coniques 1d et 2d.The rotating bezel 1 is held on the ring 2 by two conical notches, one 1d formed on the rotating bezel 1, the other 2d formed on the ring 2 and forcibly engaged one in the other, as illustrated 3 to 4. To prevent any play between the rotating bezel 1 and the ring 2, these conical surfaces 1d, 2d are applied against each other by means of a flat elastic ring 5 whose inner edge bears against the upper edge of the ring 2 and whose outer edge is trapped between a ring 6 bearing indications intended to be displaced angularly by the rotating bezel 1 and fixed in a notch 1e of this rotating bezel, as shown in FIGS. This flat ring 5 is deformed in its plane, taking a frustoconical shape, as illustrated, which makes it possible to apply the two conical notches 1d, 2d against each other in an elastic manner. The choice of the intensity of this axial elastic pressure is low, so that by slightly pressing on the rotating bezel 1 to rotate it is automatically causes a slight axial displacement of the telescope, even without realizing it, to eliminate, or at least to greatly reduce the friction resulting from contact between the conical notches 1d and 2d.

Comme on a pu le constater de la description qui précède, les trois galets 4 de positionnement angulaire associés au ressort 3 en boucle fermée permettent un parfait équilibrage des forces de positionnement autour de l'axe de rotation de la lunette tournante 1, ceci aussi bien lorsque les galets 4 sont en position de repos dans les premiers repères de positionnement angulaire fixes 2a de la bague 2, que lorsqu'ils sont entre deux positions angulaires déterminées par ces repères de positionnement angulaire fixes 2a, de sorte que la lunette tournante n'est jamais décentrée par les forces exercées par le ressort en boucle fermée 3, 13, 23.As can be seen from the foregoing description, the three rollers 4 of angular positioning associated with the spring 3 closed loop allow a perfect balancing of the positioning forces around the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel 1, this as well when the rollers 4 are in the rest position in the first markers fixed angular positioning 2a of the ring 2, only when they are between two angular positions determined by these fixed angular positioning marks 2a, so that the rotating bezel is never off-center by the forces exerted by the closed-loop spring 3, 13, 23.

De ce fait, les frottements résultant habituellement du décentrage de la lunette tournante sous l'effet du ressort de positionnement sont évités. Cet équilibrage des forces sur l'axe de rotation de la lunette tournante constitue une caractéristique essentielle de l'invention qui explique le fait que la lunette tournante peut être positionnée avec une force qui la maintient bien dans en position déterminée par les repères respectifs, tout en donnant, lors du déplacement angulaire de cette lunette tournante, une sensation agréable, associant fermeté du positionnement et douceur du déplacement angulaire, d'un repère 2a à l'autre.As a result, the friction usually resulting from the decentering of the rotating bezel under the effect of the positioning spring is avoided. This balancing of the forces on the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel constitutes an essential characteristic of the invention which explains the fact that the rotating bezel can be positioned with a force which holds it well in a position determined by the respective marks, while by giving, during the angular displacement of this rotating bezel, a pleasant sensation, associating firmness of the positioning and softness of the angular displacement, from a reference 2a to the other.

Bien que le nombre de galets de positionnement 4 soit dans l'exemple décrit au nombre de trois et que ceci représente la forme d'exécution préférée de l'invention, il serait possible de n'avoir que deux galets 4 diamétralement opposés. Ce choix pourrait être préféré, notamment lorsque l'on désire réduire la force nécessaire au déplacement de la lunette tournante sans réduire pour autant les dimensions du ressort en boucle fermée 3.Although the number of positioning rollers 4 is in the example described in the number of three and this represents the preferred embodiment of the invention, it would be possible to have only two rollers 4 diametrically opposed. This choice could be preferred, especially when it is desired to reduce the force required to move the rotating bezel without reducing the dimensions of the closed-loop spring 3.

La deuxième forme d'exécution illustrée par les figures 5 à 7 diffère essentiellement de la première par le fait que ce ne sont plus des galets 4 qui constituent les seconds repères de positionnement, mais ce sont trois renflements 13a directement formés lors du découpage du ressort 13 en boucle fermée, qui s'engagent dans les repères de positionnement angulaires 2a de la bague 2. Le guidage radial des seconds repères formés par les renflements 13a est obtenu par des guides cylindriques 14 chassés dans des ouvertures découpées au centre des renflements 13a. Ces guides 14 sont engagés dans trois rainures 1a ménagées dans trois portions 1b qui sont rentrantes à l'intérieur de la lunette tournante 1, exactement comme les galets 4 de la première forme d"exécution.The second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 differs essentially from the first embodiment in that it is no longer rollers 4 which constitute the second positioning marks, but these are three bulges 13a directly formed during the cutting of the spring. 13 in closed loop, which engage in the angular positioning marks 2a of the ring 2. The radial guide of the second marks formed by the bulges 13a is obtained by cylindrical guides 14 driven into openings cut in the center of the bulges 13a. These guides 14 are engaged in three grooves 1a formed in three portions 1b which are reentrant inside the rotating bezel 1, exactly like the rollers 4 of the first embodiment.

Le reste du mécanisme de lunette tournante est semblable à la première forme d'exécution. La position de l'anneau élastique plat 5 qui sert à appliquer les deux crans coniques 1d, 2d l'un contre l'autre est changée dans cette forme d'exécution, mais sa fonction reste la même.The rest of the rotating bezel mechanism is similar to the first embodiment. The position of the flat elastic ring 5 which serves to apply the two conical notches 1d, 2d against each other is changed in this embodiment, but its function remains the same.

Dans le cas de la troisième forme d'exécution illustrée par les figures 8 à 11, les positions des premiers et des seconds repères angulaires sont inversées par rapport aux formes d'exécution précédentes, c'est-à-dire que c'est la lunette tournante 21 qui présente les premiers repères de positionnement angulaire 21a, tandis que le ressort en boucle fermée 23 a une position angulaire fixe par rapport à une bague 22 solidaire de la carrure de boîte B, correspondant à la bague 2 des formes d'exécutions précédentes. Le contour du ressort en boucle fermée 23 vu en plan est découpée pour ménager trois protubérances 23a espacées de 120° les unes des autres, afin de constituer les seconds repères de positionnement angulaire, destinés à s'engager simultanément dans trois des premiers repères de positionnement angulaire 21a dont le nombre est un multiple de ces seconds repères de positionnement angulaire 23a.In the case of the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, the positions of the first and second angular references are reversed with respect to the preceding embodiments, that is to say that it is the rotating bezel 21 which has the first angular positioning marks 21a, while the closed loop spring 23 has a fixed angular position with respect to a ring 22 integral with the caseband B, corresponding to the ring 2 of the embodiments preceding. The contour of the closed-loop spring 23 seen in plan is cut to provide three protuberances 23a spaced 120 ° apart from each other in order to constitute the second angular positioning marks, intended to engage simultaneously in three of the first positioning marks. angular 21a whose number is a multiple of these second angular positioning marks 23a.

Chaque protubérance 23a est associée à une saillie radiale 23b centrée sur le même rayon que chaque protubérance 23a et qui est dirigée vers l'intérieur du ressort en boucle fermée 23. Chacune de ces saillies radiales 23b est montée pour un coulissement radial dans une coulisse de guidage radiale 22a ménagée dans la bague 22 chassée sur la carrure de boîte B. Les saillies radiales 23b ont une section rectangulaire, de sorte qu'elles guident le ressort 23 pendant sa déformation consécutive à la rotation de la lunette tournante 21 et elles obligent le ressort en boucle fermée 23, à se déformer dans son plan.Each protrusion 23a is associated with a radial projection 23b centered on the same radius as each protuberance 23a and which is directed towards the inside of the closed-loop spring 23. Each of these radial projections 23b is mounted for radial sliding in a slide of radial guide 22a formed in the ring 22 driven on the middle of Box B. The radial projections 23b have a rectangular section, so that they guide the spring 23 during its deformation subsequent to the rotation of the rotating bezel 21 and they force the spring closed loop 23 to deform in its plane.

Le pourtour interne du ressort en boucle fermée 23 comporte trois saillies 23c qui sont engagées dans trois rainures 22b ménagées dans la face latérale externe de la bague 22, de sorte que le ressort 23 est retenu axialement.The inner periphery of the closed loop spring 23 comprises three projections 23c which are engaged in three grooves 22b formed in the outer lateral face of the ring 22, so that the spring 23 is retained axially.

Comme on peut le remarquer sur les trois formes d'exécutions décrites, le ressort 3, 13, 23 présente une section rectangulaire dont le long côté est disposé dans le plan des boucles formées par ces ressorts 3, 13, 23. Les forces communiquées à ces ressorts pour les déformer selon trois directions radiales sont donc dirigées dans le plan des boucles formées par ces ressorts 3, 13, 23 et donc aussi parallèlement aux longs côtés des sections de ces ressorts. L'avantage de tels ressorts réside dans le fait qu'ils peuvent être découpés dans des feuilles d'acier, ce qui permet une fabrication optimale. Ces ressorts pourraient cependant avoir une section d'une autre forme, carrée ou circulaire, formant alors un ressort torique.As can be seen from the three embodiments described, the spring 3, 13, 23 has a rectangular section whose long side is disposed in the plane of the loops formed by these springs 3, 13, 23. The forces communicated to these springs to deform them in three radial directions are therefore directed in the plane of the loops formed by these springs 3, 13, 23 and therefore also parallel to the long sides of the sections of these springs. The advantage of such springs lies in the fact that they can be cut in steel sheets, which allows an optimal manufacturing. These springs could however have a section of another shape, square or circular, then forming a toric spring.

Ces forces radiales également réparties autour de l'axe de rotation de la lunette tournante 1, 21 provoquent, suivant qu'elles sont dirigées vers le centre ou vers la périphérie, c'est-à-dire suivant qu'il s'agit de forces centripètes ou de forces centrifuges, un allongement par augmentation du rayon de courbure des arcs des segments de ressorts 3, 13, situés entre deux repères de positionnement adjacents 4, 13a, comme illustré par les positions intermédiaires illustrées en traits mixtes sur les figures 2 et 6 ou une rétraction sous l'effet de forces centripètes comme dans le cas de la troisième forme d'exécution où les protubérances 23b tendent à se rapprocher les unes des autres lorsqu'elles sont déplacées vers le centre de la lunette 21, comme l'illustre en traits mixtes la déformation du ressort en boucle fermée 23 sur la figure 9, correspondant à une position intermédiaire de la lunette 21 entre deux repères 21a.These radial forces equally distributed around the axis of rotation of the rotating bezel 1, 21 cause, depending on whether they are directed towards the center or towards the periphery, that is to say according to whether it is a question of centripetal forces or centrifugal forces, an increase by increasing the radius of curvature of the arcs of the spring segments 3, 13, situated between two adjacent positioning marks 4, 13a, as illustrated by the intermediate positions illustrated in phantom in FIGS. and 6 or a retraction under the effect of centripetal forces as in the case of the third embodiment where the protuberances 23b tend to approach each other when they are displaced towards the center of the telescope 21, as is shown in phantom lines the deformation of the closed-loop spring 23 in FIG. 9, corresponding to an intermediate position of the telescope 21 between two markers 21a.

La forme du ressort 3, 13, 23 au repos, vue en plan peut aller du cercle au polygone avec ses côtés et/ou ses sommets arrondis ou non. Le nombre des seconds repères 4, 13a, 23a est au moins au nombre de trois, mais pourrait être supérieur suivant les cas. Le nombre des premiers repères 2a, 21a est toujours un multiple du nombre des seconds repères, pour que tous les seconds repères 4, 13a, 23a soient en prise simultanément avec un des premiers repères 2a, 21a.The shape of the spring 3, 13, 23 at rest, plan view can go from the circle to the polygon with its sides and / or its rounded tops or not. The number of second marks 4, 13a, 23a is at least three in number, but could be greater depending on the case. The number of the first marks 2a, 21a is always a multiple of the number of second marks, so that all the second marks 4, 13a, 23a are simultaneously engaged with one of the first marks 2a, 21a.

Bien que l'un des avantages des formes d'exécutions décrites jusqu'ici est de permettre d'avoir des forces de positionnement de la lunette égales quel que soit le sens de rotation de celle-ci, l'invention est aussi applicable à une lunette tournante conçue pour ne tourner que dans un sens de rotation. Une telle variante est illustrée par la figure 12.Although one of the advantages of the embodiments described so far is to allow to have equal positioning forces of the bezel regardless of the direction of rotation thereof, the invention is also applicable to a rotating bezel designed to rotate only in one direction of rotation. Such a variant is illustrated in FIG.

La lunette tournante 1 est identique à celle des formes d'exécution des figures 1 à 7. Ce qui change dans cette variante, ce sont les repères 32a ménagés sur la bague 32, qui sont en dents de scie et la forme des trois renflements 33a du ressort 33 en boucle fermée, qui présente une forme complémentaire à celle séparant deux repères 32a en dents de scie, de manière à venir en prise avec cette denture 32a et à n'autoriser ainsi la rotation de la lunette tournante 1 que dans le sens contraire à celui des aiguilles de la montre dans l'exemple illustré par cette variante. Les autres éléments sont en tout point conformes à la forme d'exécution des figures 5 à 7.The rotating bezel 1 is identical to that of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7. What changes in this variant are the pins 32a formed on the ring 32, which are sawtooth and the shape of the three bulges 33a spring 33 closed loop, which has a shape complementary to that separating two pins 32a sawtooth, so as to come into engagement with the toothing 32a and thus to allow rotation of the rotating bezel 1 only in the direction opposite to that of the needles of the watch in the example illustrated by this variant. The other elements are in every respect in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7.

La figure 13 illustre une autre variante de la forme d'exécution des figures 5 à 7, dans laquelle les guides cylindriques 44 chassés dans des ouvertures découpées au centre des renflements 43a du ressort 43 en boucle fermée, comportent trois portions de diamètres croissants 44a, 44b, 44c, l'une 44a chassée dans l'ouverture du ressort 43, la suivante 44b qui sert de surface de pivotement pour un galet 45, alors que la troisième portion 44c sert de butée axiale pour retenir le galet 45. Les trois galets 45 répartis angulairement comme décrits précédemment sont en prise avec les repères 2a de la bague 2 et peuvent tourner autour des guides cylindriques 44 lorsque la lunette 1 est entraînée en rotation en entraînant le ressort 43, grâce aux portions 44a des guides cylindriques 44 en prise avec les coulisses de guidage radiales 1a de la lunette 1, identique à la lunette des figures 1 à 4.FIG. 13 illustrates another variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7, in which the cylindrical guides 44 driven in apertures cut at the center of the bulges 43a of the closed loop spring 43 comprise three portions of increasing diameters 44a, 44b, 44c, one 44a driven into the opening of the spring 43, the next 44b which serves as a pivoting surface for a roller 45, while the third portion 44c serves as an axial stop to retain the roller 45. The three rollers 45 angularly distributed as described above are engaged with the marks 2a of the ring 2 and can rotate around the cylindrical guides 44 when the bezel 1 is rotated by driving the spring 43, through the portions 44a of the cylindrical guides 44 engaged with the radial guide slides 1a of the bezel 1, identical to the bezel of FIGS. 1 to 4.

Claims (8)

  1. Watch case comprising a case middle (B), a rotary bezel (1, 21), first (2a, 21a) and second (4, 13a, 23a) angular positioning markings, one set (4, 13a, 21a) secured to the rotary bezel (1, 21) and the other set (2a, 23a) to the case middle (B) and elastic means (3, 23) tending constantly to place said first (2a, 21a) and second (4, 13a, 23a) positioning markings in engagement with one another, the watch case being characterized in that the first (2a, 21a) and second (4, 13a, 23a) positioning markings are distributed evenly over 360° with respective numbers of spacings one of which is a multiple of the other which is at least equal to 2 and the respective outlines of which extend in a plane parallel to that of said bezel (1, 21), radial guide means (1a, 22a) being engaged with said markings (4, 13a, 23a) having the smallest number of spacings, said elastic means having the form of a closed-loop spring (3, 13, 23) associated with each of said markings (4, 13a, 23a) engaged with said radial guide means (1a, 22a) to simultaneously exert on these markings radial pressures directed toward said other markings (2a, 21a) and to subject said closed-loop spring (3, 13, 23) to angularly distributed radial forces as said rotary bezel (1, 21) moves.
  2. Watch case according to Claim 1, in which said markings (4) engaged with said radial guide means (1a, 22a) consist of rollers each of which has a groove (4a) sized to accommodate a portion of said closed-loop spring (3).
  3. Watch case according to one of Claims 1 and 2 in which the outline of said closed-loop spring (13, 23) viewed in plan view is shaped to form said markings (13a, 23a) engaged with said radial guide means (1a, 22a), the radial axis passing through the center of each of said markings (13a, 23a) being coaxial with an element (14, 23b) secured to said spring engaged with said guide means (1a, 22a).
  4. Watch case according to Claim 3 in which the outline of said closed-loop spring (23a) viewed in plan view is shaped to form said element (23b) engaged with said guide means (22b).
  5. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims in which said closed-loop spring (3, 13, 23) has a circular outline.
  6. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims in which said closed-loop spring (3, 13) is axially retained by an annular slot formed in the bezel (1).
  7. Watch case according to one of Claims 1 to 5 in which the internal outline of said closed-loop spring (23) has projections (23c) that fit into slots formed on an internal lateral face integral with the case middle (B).
  8. Watch case according to one of Claims 1-4, 6, 7 in which said closed-loop spring (3, 13, 23) has more or less a polygonal outline.
EP02406123A 2002-12-20 2002-12-20 Watchcase Expired - Lifetime EP1431845B1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02406123A EP1431845B1 (en) 2002-12-20 2002-12-20 Watchcase
DE2002406123 DE02406123T1 (en) 2002-12-20 2002-12-20 watchcase
DE60215683T DE60215683T2 (en) 2002-12-20 2002-12-20 watchcase
US10/735,390 US6871997B2 (en) 2002-12-20 2003-12-12 Watch case
CNB2003101205617A CN100432868C (en) 2002-12-20 2003-12-12 Watch casing
JP2003423451A JP4402445B2 (en) 2002-12-20 2003-12-19 Watch case
HK04105184A HK1062202A1 (en) 2002-12-20 2004-07-15 Watchcase

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02406123A EP1431845B1 (en) 2002-12-20 2002-12-20 Watchcase

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1431845A1 EP1431845A1 (en) 2004-06-23
EP1431845B1 true EP1431845B1 (en) 2006-10-25

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EP02406123A Expired - Lifetime EP1431845B1 (en) 2002-12-20 2002-12-20 Watchcase

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US (1) US6871997B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1431845B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4402445B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100432868C (en)
DE (2) DE02406123T1 (en)
HK (1) HK1062202A1 (en)

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DE02406123T1 (en) 2005-01-13
CN100432868C (en) 2008-11-12
JP4402445B2 (en) 2010-01-20
US6871997B2 (en) 2005-03-29
JP2004205515A (en) 2004-07-22
DE60215683T2 (en) 2007-02-22
HK1062202A1 (en) 2004-10-21
DE60215683D1 (en) 2006-12-07
CN1510534A (en) 2004-07-07
EP1431845A1 (en) 2004-06-23
US20040141424A1 (en) 2004-07-22

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