EP1712959A1 - Timepiece incorporating a rotating bezel - Google Patents

Timepiece incorporating a rotating bezel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1712959A1
EP1712959A1 EP05008106A EP05008106A EP1712959A1 EP 1712959 A1 EP1712959 A1 EP 1712959A1 EP 05008106 A EP05008106 A EP 05008106A EP 05008106 A EP05008106 A EP 05008106A EP 1712959 A1 EP1712959 A1 EP 1712959A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seal
bezel
lips
timepiece
compression member
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05008106A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Bertrand Carrard
Clément Meyrat
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.)
Swatch Group Management Services AG
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Management Services AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Management Services AG filed Critical Swatch Group Management Services AG
Priority to EP05008106A priority Critical patent/EP1712959A1/en
Priority to US11/911,363 priority patent/US8096703B2/en
Priority to EP06723970A priority patent/EP1875316A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2006/003012 priority patent/WO2006108530A1/en
Priority to CN2006800118581A priority patent/CN101238420B/en
Priority to JP2008505770A priority patent/JP5162446B2/en
Publication of EP1712959A1 publication Critical patent/EP1712959A1/en
Priority to HK09100563.8A priority patent/HK1124401A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a timepiece such as, in particular, a wristwatch, comprising a middle and a bezel capable of rotating on the middle part, a seal being inserted between the bezel and said middle part.
  • a watch of the above kind is known from the patent application European EP 1 420 307 on behalf of the Swiss company Eterna.
  • This watch has a middle and a bezel mounted mobile in rotation on the middle part.
  • the middle and the bezel define between them an annular chamber and a gap open towards the outside of the box.
  • a seal, inserted between the bezel and the middle part, is arranged in the chamber.
  • This seal comprises an annular ring of material of strongly elastically deformable type and whose section comprises two lips, one resting against the bezel and the other bearing against the middle part.
  • a compression member is disposed in the chamber, on the side of the gap, interposed between and cooperating with the lips to press respectively against the bezel and against the middle part.
  • the compression member consists of an annular spring which is in the form of a band of substantially constant width forming regular undulations arranged on either side of a circle whose diameter is substantially equal to the median diameter. from the room.
  • the corrugations are folded V on either side of the line constituting the diameter of the spring.
  • the angle formed by the corrugations is slightly greater than that formed by the lips so that, when the spring is put in place, it forces the free ends of the lips against the walls of the chamber.
  • the annular spring is in contact with the lips of the seal by the top of the V-shaped folds. It is at these folds that the pressure exerted by the spring on the seal is the strongest.
  • the spring bends come to bite the seal and sink into the material of which is made this seal, which irreparably alters the sealing qualities thereof .
  • the seal generally has the shape of an open U on the side of the gap which communicates the annular chamber with the external medium.
  • the water compresses the seal and applies the lips against the walls of the chamber. It has been realized that such an arrangement in which the water enters the seal because it is open on the gap side does not provide an optimum seal.
  • all kinds of solid elements are likely to be housed between the lips of the U-shaped seal and seize the rotating telescope mechanism.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned problems as well as others by providing a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel whose operation is particularly more reliable.
  • the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel and a middle part, the rotating bezel being rotatable relative to the middle part, said bezel and said middle part defining between them an annular chamber in communication with the body. outside via a gap, a lip seal having a U-shaped profile being disposed in the chamber so as to seal the assembly formed by the bezel and the middle part, and a body of compression exerting on the lips a compressive force under the effect of which said lips are respectively pressed against the bezel and against the middle part being housed inside the joint, the timepiece being characterized in that the compression member presents a smooth outer surface.
  • the present invention provides a compression member whose compression force is no longer transmitted along the contact points only to the seal.
  • the compression member no longer hurts the seal, which ensures a high level of sealing throughout the life of the watch.
  • the compression member is an O-ring type seal.
  • the compression ratio of the seal can be freely adapted by adjusting the Shore hardness or O-ring seal section.
  • the base of the seal which constitutes an intermediate part connecting the lips of said seal is located on the side of the gap so that the free lip acts as a wedge in case of overpressure of water.
  • a lip seal is conventionally constituted by a steel frame on which has been molded a U-shaped elastomer part. The outer part of the seal comes to seal in the chamber, while the inner part has a lip which comes into contact with the compression member.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of housing in a profiled gasket a compression member having a smooth outer surface, so as to prevent contact between the compression member and the gasket being made. as a finite number of points, which would lead to seal degradation and leakage.
  • the watch case according to the invention comprises a bottom 2 and an assembly formed by a middle part 4 and a bezel 6 rotatably mounted on the middle part 4.
  • the middle part 4 and the bottom 2 define a volume in which are housed the various organs of the watch (not shown in the drawing).
  • a glass 8 is fixed on the bezel 6 with the interposition of a seal 10 between the glass 8 and said bezel 6.
  • the middle part 4 has in its middle part a flange 12 which extends towards the center of the box and under which is slid a corresponding flange 14 formed on the outer periphery of a ring 16 arranged on the side Inside the caseband 4.
  • the ring 16 could be omitted.
  • On the upper face of the flange 12 of the caseband 4 is a second ring18 which has at its upper end a flange 20 which bears on a shoulder 22 provided at the base of the rotating bezel 6.
  • a flat gasket 24 serving sliding shoe is disposed between the flange 20 of the ring 18 and the shoulder 22 of the bezel 6.
  • the middle part 4 and the bezel 6 When the assembly formed by the two rings 16 and 18, the middle part 4 and the bezel 6 is assembled, it is possible to fix the bottom 2 of the watch case 1 on the caseband 4, for example by means of screws 30, one of which only one is represented in the drawing. Other known closure systems such as a wireless seal, a ball lock or screwing the bottom 2 on the middle 4 can also be envisaged. Conventionally, a seal 32 is disposed between the bottom 2 and the middle part 4.
  • a second flat seal 34 acting as a sliding shoe is disposed in a gap 36 between the rotating bezel 6 and the middle part 4.
  • This seal also ensures a certain sealing of an annular chamber 38 communicating with the gap 36 and defined by the bezel 6 and the middle 4.
  • This annular chamber 38 has two side walls 38a and 38b respectively formed by the bezel 6 and the middle part 4, a wall upper 38c formed by the bezel 6 and a bottom wall 38d essentially formed by the middle part 4.
  • a seal 40 having a U-shaped profile is disposed in the annular chamber 38 so as to seal the watch case 1 according to the invention.
  • This seal has two lips 40a and 40b respectively bearing against the walls 38a and 38b and interconnected by an intermediate portion 40c which constitutes the base of the seal 40.
  • the base 40c of the seal 40 is in abutment against the upper wall 38c of the annular chamber 38.
  • the seal 40 opens downwards, opposite the gap 36 through which the chamber 38 communicates with the outside .
  • the free lip 40b is wedge effect in case of water overpressure, which ensures a reinforced seal of the watch case 1 according to the invention.
  • a compression member 42 such as an O-ring type seal.
  • the compression member 42 presses the lips 40a and 40b of the seal 40 respectively against the side walls 38a and 38b of the annular chamber 38.
  • the compression ratio of the seal 40 can be freely adapted by adjusting the Shore hardness or the section of the compression member 42.
  • the compression ratio of the seal 40 also determines the rotational torque of the bezel 6.
  • the outer surface or envelope of the compression member 42 is smooth, free from any projecting element, so that said compression member 42 does not risk injuring the seal 40.
  • the seal 40 is respectively shown in section and in perspective in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • FIG. 1 it is represented in the rest position in phantom and solid lines in a compressed position in the annular chamber 38.
  • the lip 40a of the seal 40 in the compressed position, is partially bent under the compression member 42.
  • the lip 40b of the same seal 40 presents at its free end a return 44. In this way, any risk that the compression member 42 may fall under the effect of gravity is avoided.
  • any type of compression member may be provided provided that its outer surface is smooth and does not risk injuring the seal sealing.
  • the seal may be made of any material having a low coefficient of friction and a non-stick surface such as polytetrafluoroethylene better known under its acronym PTFE.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)
  • Bolts, Nuts, And Washers (AREA)

Abstract

The timepiece has a middle (4) and a bezel (6) rotating on the middle. The bezel and the middle delimit an annular chamber (38) between them. A sealing joint (40), having two lips, is arranged in the chamber. The joint opens towards the bottom, opposite to an interstice (36) through which the chamber communicates with outside, so that one of the two lips serves as corner in case of water overpressure. The lip has a return unit at its free end. A compressive unit (42) such as an O-ring type joint having a smooth outer surface is housed in the sealing joint.

Description

La présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie telle que, en particulier, une montre-bracelet, comportant une carrure et une lunette susceptible de tourner sur la carrure, un joint d'étanchéité étant intercalé entre la lunette et ladite carrure.The present invention relates to a timepiece such as, in particular, a wristwatch, comprising a middle and a bezel capable of rotating on the middle part, a seal being inserted between the bezel and said middle part.

Une montre du genre susmentionné est connue par la demande de brevet européen EP 1 420 307 au nom de la société suisse Eterna. Cette montre comporte une carrure et une lunette montée mobile en rotation sur la carrure. La carrure et la lunette définissent entre elles une chambre annulaire et un interstice ouvert vers l'extérieur de la boîte. Un joint d'étanchéité, intercalé entre la lunette et la carrure, est disposé dans la chambre. Ce joint comporte une bague de forme annulaire en matériau de type fortement déformable élastiquement et dont la section comprend deux lèvres, l'une en appui contre la lunette et l'autre en appui contre la carrure. Un organe de compression est disposé dans la chambre, du côté de l'interstice, intercalé entre et coopérant avec les lèvres pour les presser respectivement contre la lunette et contre la carrure.A watch of the above kind is known from the patent application European EP 1 420 307 on behalf of the Swiss company Eterna. This watch has a middle and a bezel mounted mobile in rotation on the middle part. The middle and the bezel define between them an annular chamber and a gap open towards the outside of the box. A seal, inserted between the bezel and the middle part, is arranged in the chamber. This seal comprises an annular ring of material of strongly elastically deformable type and whose section comprises two lips, one resting against the bezel and the other bearing against the middle part. A compression member is disposed in the chamber, on the side of the gap, interposed between and cooperating with the lips to press respectively against the bezel and against the middle part.

L'organe de compression est constitué d'un ressort annulaire qui se présente sous la forme d'une bande de largeur sensiblement constante formant des ondulations régulières disposées de part et d'autre d'un cercle dont le diamètre est sensiblement égal au diamètre médian de la chambre. Les ondulations son repliées en V de part et d'autre de la ligne constituant le diamètre du ressort. L'angle formé par les ondulations est légèrement supérieur à celui que forment les lèvres de sorte que, lorsque le ressort est mis en place, il contraint les extrémités libres des lèvres contre les parois de la chambre. Le ressort annulaire est en contact avec les lèvres du joint par le sommet des pliures en forme de V. C'est au niveau de ces pliures que la pression exercée par le ressort sur le joint est la plus forte. Ainsi, au cours de l'utilisation de la lunette tournante, les pliures du ressort viennent mordre le joint d'étanchéité et s'enfoncent dans la matière dont est fait ce joint, ce qui altère irrémédiablement les qualités d'étanchéité de celui-ci.The compression member consists of an annular spring which is in the form of a band of substantially constant width forming regular undulations arranged on either side of a circle whose diameter is substantially equal to the median diameter. from the room. The corrugations are folded V on either side of the line constituting the diameter of the spring. The angle formed by the corrugations is slightly greater than that formed by the lips so that, when the spring is put in place, it forces the free ends of the lips against the walls of the chamber. The annular spring is in contact with the lips of the seal by the top of the V-shaped folds. It is at these folds that the pressure exerted by the spring on the seal is the strongest. Thus, during the use of the rotating bezel, the spring bends come to bite the seal and sink into the material of which is made this seal, which irreparably alters the sealing qualities thereof .

Le joint d'étanchéité a globalement la forme d'un U ouvert du côté de l'interstice qui met en communication la chambre annulaire avec le milieu extérieur. Lorsque la montre est immergée, l'eau compresse le joint et applique les lèvres contre les parois de la chambre. On s'est rendu compte qu'un tel agencement dans lequel l'eau pénètre à l'intérieur du joint du fait que celui est ouvert du côté de l'interstice n'assure pas une étanchéité optimale. En outre, toutes sortes d'éléments solides sont susceptibles de venir se loger entre les lèvres du joint en forme de U et de gripper le mécanisme de lunette toumante.The seal generally has the shape of an open U on the side of the gap which communicates the annular chamber with the external medium. When the watch is immersed, the water compresses the seal and applies the lips against the walls of the chamber. It has been realized that such an arrangement in which the water enters the seal because it is open on the gap side does not provide an optimum seal. In addition, all kinds of solid elements are likely to be housed between the lips of the U-shaped seal and seize the rotating telescope mechanism.

La présente invention a pour objet de remédier aux problèmes susmentionnés ainsi qu'à d'autres encore en procurant une pièce d'horlogerie comportant une lunette tournante dont le fonctionnement soit notamment plus fiable.The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned problems as well as others by providing a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel whose operation is particularly more reliable.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie comportant une lunette tournante et une carrure, la lunette tournante pouvant être entraînée en rotation par rapport à la carrure, ladite lunette et ladite carrure définissant entre elles une chambre annulaire en communication avec l'extérieur par l'intermédiaire d'un interstice, un joint d'étanchéité à lèvres présentant un profil en forme de U étant disposé dans la chambre de façon à rendre étanche l'ensemble formé par la lunette et la carrure, et un organe de compression exerçant sur les lèvres un effort compressif sous l'effet duquel lesdites lèvres sont pressées respectivement contre la lunette et contre la carrure étant logé à l'intérieur du joint, la pièce d'horlogerie étant caractérisée en ce que l'organe de compression présente une surface extérieure lisse.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel and a middle part, the rotating bezel being rotatable relative to the middle part, said bezel and said middle part defining between them an annular chamber in communication with the body. outside via a gap, a lip seal having a U-shaped profile being disposed in the chamber so as to seal the assembly formed by the bezel and the middle part, and a body of compression exerting on the lips a compressive force under the effect of which said lips are respectively pressed against the bezel and against the middle part being housed inside the joint, the timepiece being characterized in that the compression member presents a smooth outer surface.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure un organe de compression dont la force de compression ne se transmet plus selon les points de contact seulement au joint d'étanchéité. Ainsi, l'organe de compression ne blesse plus le joint, ce qui permet de garantir un haut niveau d'étanchéité tout au long de la vie de la montre.Thanks to these features, the present invention provides a compression member whose compression force is no longer transmitted along the contact points only to the seal. Thus, the compression member no longer hurts the seal, which ensures a high level of sealing throughout the life of the watch.

Selon une caractéristique complémentaire de l'invention, l'organe de compression est un joint de type O-ring. Le taux de compression du joint d'étanchéité peut être adapté librement en ajustant la dureté Shore ou la section du joint O-ring.According to a complementary feature of the invention, the compression member is an O-ring type seal. The compression ratio of the seal can be freely adapted by adjusting the Shore hardness or O-ring seal section.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la base du joint d'étanchéité qui constitue une partie intermédiaire reliant les lèvres dudit joint est située du côté de l'interstice de façon que la lèvre libre fasse effet de coin en cas de surpression d'eau. En effet, un joint à lèvres est conventionnellement constitué par une armature en acier sur laquelle a été moulée une partie en élastomère en forme de U. La partie extérieure du joint vient faire étanchéité dans la chambre, tandis que la partie interne possède une lèvre qui vient en contact avec l'organe de compression.According to another characteristic of the invention, the base of the seal which constitutes an intermediate part connecting the lips of said seal is located on the side of the gap so that the free lip acts as a wedge in case of overpressure of water. Indeed, a lip seal is conventionally constituted by a steel frame on which has been molded a U-shaped elastomer part. The outer part of the seal comes to seal in the chamber, while the inner part has a lip which comes into contact with the compression member.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description détaillée qui suit d'un mode de réalisation de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement en liaison avec le dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue partielle en coupe d'une boîte de montre conforme à la présente invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du joint d'étanchéité selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle en perspective du joint d'étanchéité selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of an embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention, this example being given purely by way of illustration and not limiting only in connection with with the attached drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a watch case according to the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the seal according to the invention, and
  • Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the seal according to the invention.

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive qui consiste à loger dans un joint d'étanchéité profilé un organe de compression présentant une surface extérieure lisse, de façon à éviter que le contact entre l'organe de compression et le joint ne se fasse que selon un nombre fini de points, ce qui entraînerait une dégradation du joint et une perte d'étanchéité.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of housing in a profiled gasket a compression member having a smooth outer surface, so as to prevent contact between the compression member and the gasket being made. as a finite number of points, which would lead to seal degradation and leakage.

La présente invention va être décrite en liaison avec une boîte pour montre-bracelet. Il va de soi que cet exemple est donné à titre purement illustratif seulement et que la présente invention peut s'appliquer à tout type de pièce d'horlogerie comme une montre de poche.The present invention will be described in connection with a box for wristwatch. It goes without saying that this example is given purely for illustrative purposes only and that the present invention can be applied to any type of timepiece such as a pocket watch.

Désignée dans son ensemble par la référence numérique générale 1, la boîte de montre selon l'invention comprend un fond 2 et un ensemble formé par une carrure 4 et une lunette 6 montée tournante sur la carrure 4. La carrure 4 et le fond 2 délimitent un volume dans lequel sont logés les différents organes de la montre (non représentés sur le dessin). Un verre 8 est fixé sur la lunette 6 avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité 10 entre le verre 8 et ladite lunette 6.Designated as a whole by the general reference numeral 1, the watch case according to the invention comprises a bottom 2 and an assembly formed by a middle part 4 and a bezel 6 rotatably mounted on the middle part 4. The middle part 4 and the bottom 2 define a volume in which are housed the various organs of the watch (not shown in the drawing). A glass 8 is fixed on the bezel 6 with the interposition of a seal 10 between the glass 8 and said bezel 6.

Comme le montre la figure 1, la carrure 4 présente dans sa partie médiane une collerette 12 qui s'étend vers le centre de la boîte et sous laquelle est glissée une collerette correspondante 14 ménagée sur le pourtour extérieur d'une bague 16 disposée du côté intérieur de la carrure 4. On notera que dans une variante de réalisation simplifiée, la bague 16 pourrait être omise. Sur la face supérieure de la collerette 12 de la carrure 4 est posée une seconde bague18 qui présente à son extrémité supérieure un rebord 20 qui vient en appui sur un épaulement 22 prévu à la base de la lunette tournante 6. Un joint plat 24 faisant office de patin de glissement est disposé entre le rebord 20 de la bague 18 et l'épaulement 22 de la lunette 6. Ainsi, la bague 18 et la bague 16 prennent la collerette 12 en sandwich, l'ensemble étant fixé au moyen de vis 28 dont une seule est représentée au dessin et dont le filetage est pratiqué dans ladite bague 18.As shown in Figure 1, the middle part 4 has in its middle part a flange 12 which extends towards the center of the box and under which is slid a corresponding flange 14 formed on the outer periphery of a ring 16 arranged on the side Inside the caseband 4. It will be noted that in a simplified variant embodiment, the ring 16 could be omitted. On the upper face of the flange 12 of the caseband 4 is a second ring18 which has at its upper end a flange 20 which bears on a shoulder 22 provided at the base of the rotating bezel 6. A flat gasket 24 serving sliding shoe is disposed between the flange 20 of the ring 18 and the shoulder 22 of the bezel 6. Thus, the ring 18 and the ring 16 take the flange 12 sandwiched, the assembly being fixed by means of screws 28. only one of which is shown in the drawing and whose thread is made in said ring 18.

Lorsque l'ensemble formé par les deux bagues 16 et 18, la carrure 4 et la lunette 6 est assemblé, on peut venir fixer le fond 2 de la boîte de montre 1 sur la carrure 4, par exemple au moyen de vis 30 dont une seule est représentée au dessin. D'autres systèmes de fermeture connus tels qu'un joint sans fil, une fermeture à boules ou le vissage du fond 2 sur la carrure 4 peuvent être également envisagés. Classiquement, un joint d'étanchéité 32 est disposé entre le fond 2 et la carrure 4.When the assembly formed by the two rings 16 and 18, the middle part 4 and the bezel 6 is assembled, it is possible to fix the bottom 2 of the watch case 1 on the caseband 4, for example by means of screws 30, one of which only one is represented in the drawing. Other known closure systems such as a wireless seal, a ball lock or screwing the bottom 2 on the middle 4 can also be envisaged. Conventionally, a seal 32 is disposed between the bottom 2 and the middle part 4.

Un second joint plat 34 faisant office de patin de glissement est disposé dans un interstice 36 entre la lunette tournante 6 et la carrure 4. Ce joint assure également une certaine étanchéité d'une chambre annulaire 38 communiquant avec l'interstice 36 et délimitée par la lunette 6 et la carrure 4. Cette chambre annulaire 38 présente deux parois latérales 38a et 38b respectivement formées par la lunette 6 et la carrure 4, une paroi supérieure 38c formée par la lunette 6 et une paroi inférieure 38d essentiellement formée par la carrure 4.A second flat seal 34 acting as a sliding shoe is disposed in a gap 36 between the rotating bezel 6 and the middle part 4. This seal also ensures a certain sealing of an annular chamber 38 communicating with the gap 36 and defined by the bezel 6 and the middle 4. This annular chamber 38 has two side walls 38a and 38b respectively formed by the bezel 6 and the middle part 4, a wall upper 38c formed by the bezel 6 and a bottom wall 38d essentially formed by the middle part 4.

Un joint d'étanchéité 40 présentant un profil en forme de U est disposé dans la chambre annulaire 38 de façon à rendre étanche la boîte de montre 1 selon l'invention. Ce joint présente deux lèvres 40a et 40b en appui respectivement contre les parois 38a et 38b et reliées entre elles par une partie intermédiaire 40c qui constitue la base du joint 40. Comme on peut le constater à l'examen de la figure 1, la base 40c du joint 40 est en appui contre la paroi supérieure 38c de la chambre annulaire 38. Autrement dit, le joint 40 s'ouvre vers le bas, à l'opposé de l'interstice 36 par lequel la chambre 38 communique avec l'extérieur. De la sorte, la lèvre libre 40b fait effet de coin en cas de surpression d'eau, ce qui garantit une étanchéité renforcée de la boite de montre 1 selon l'invention.A seal 40 having a U-shaped profile is disposed in the annular chamber 38 so as to seal the watch case 1 according to the invention. This seal has two lips 40a and 40b respectively bearing against the walls 38a and 38b and interconnected by an intermediate portion 40c which constitutes the base of the seal 40. As can be seen from the examination of Figure 1, the base 40c of the seal 40 is in abutment against the upper wall 38c of the annular chamber 38. In other words, the seal 40 opens downwards, opposite the gap 36 through which the chamber 38 communicates with the outside . In this way, the free lip 40b is wedge effect in case of water overpressure, which ensures a reinforced seal of the watch case 1 according to the invention.

A l'intérieur du joint 40 est logé un organe de compression 42 tel qu'un joint de type O-ring. L'organe de compression 42 presse les lèvres 40a et 40b du joint 40 respectivement contre les parois latérales 38a et 38b de la chambre annulaire 38. Le taux de compression du joint d'étanchéité 40 peut être adapté librement en ajustant la dureté Shore ou la section de l'organe de compression 42. Le taux de compression du joint d'étanchéité 40 détermine également le couple de rotation de la lunette 6.Inside the seal 40 is housed a compression member 42 such as an O-ring type seal. The compression member 42 presses the lips 40a and 40b of the seal 40 respectively against the side walls 38a and 38b of the annular chamber 38. The compression ratio of the seal 40 can be freely adapted by adjusting the Shore hardness or the section of the compression member 42. The compression ratio of the seal 40 also determines the rotational torque of the bezel 6.

Selon l'invention, la surface extérieure ou enveloppe de l'organe de compression 42 est lisse, exempte de tout élément saillant, de sorte que ledit organe de compression 42 ne risque pas de blesser le joint d'étanchéité 40.According to the invention, the outer surface or envelope of the compression member 42 is smooth, free from any projecting element, so that said compression member 42 does not risk injuring the seal 40.

Le joint d'étanchéité 40 est représenté respectivement en coupe et en perspective sur les figures 2 et 3. A la figure 1, il est représenté en position de repos en traits mixtes et en traits pleins en position comprimée dans la chambre annulaire 38. Comme on peut le voir à l'examen de ces figures, en position comprimée, la lèvre 40a du joint d'étanchéité 40 est partiellement recourbée sous l'organe de compression 42. D'autre part, la lèvre 40b de ce même joint 40 présente à son extrémité libre un retour 44. De la sorte, tout risque que l'organe de compression 42 puisse tomber sous l'effet de la gravité est évité.The seal 40 is respectively shown in section and in perspective in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 1, it is represented in the rest position in phantom and solid lines in a compressed position in the annular chamber 38. it can be seen on examining these figures, in the compressed position, the lip 40a of the seal 40 is partially bent under the compression member 42. On the other hand, the lip 40b of the same seal 40 presents at its free end a return 44. In this way, any risk that the compression member 42 may fall under the effect of gravity is avoided.

La présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit et diverses modifications et variantes simples peuvent être envisagées par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, tout type d'organe de compression peut être prévu pourvu que sa surface extérieure soit lisse et ne risque pas de blesser le joint d'étanchéité. Par ailleurs, le joint d'étanchéité peut être réalisé en tout matériau présentant un coefficient de frottement peu élevé et une surface anti-adhérente tel que du polytétrafluoréthylène mieux connu sous son acronyme PTFE.The present invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and various simple modifications and variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, any type of compression member may be provided provided that its outer surface is smooth and does not risk injuring the seal sealing. Furthermore, the seal may be made of any material having a low coefficient of friction and a non-stick surface such as polytetrafluoroethylene better known under its acronym PTFE.

Claims (5)

Pièce d'horlogerie comportant une lunette tournante (6) et une carrure (4), la lunette tournante (6) pouvant être entraînée en rotation par rapport à la carrure (4), ladite lunette (6) et ladite carrure (4) définissant entre elles une chambre annulaire (38) communiquant avec l'extérieur par l'intermédiaire d'un interstice (36), un joint d'étanchéité à lèvres (40) présentant un profil en forme de U étant disposé dans la chambre (38) de façon à rendre étanche l'ensemble formé par la lunette (6) et la carrure (4), un organe de compression (42) exerçant sur les lèvres (40a, 40b) un effort compressif sous l'effet duquel lesdites lèvres (40a, 40b) sont pressées respectivement contre la lunette (6) et contre la carrure (4) étant logé à l'intérieur du joint (40), la pièce d'horlogerie étant caractérisée en ce que l'organe de compression (42) présente une surface extérieure lisse.Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel (6) and a middle part (4), the rotating bezel (6) being rotatable relative to the middle part (4), said bezel (6) and said middle part (4) defining between them an annular chamber (38) communicating with the outside through a gap (36), a lip seal (40) having a U-shaped profile being disposed in the chamber (38). in order to seal the assembly formed by the bezel (6) and the middle part (4), a compression member (42) exerting on the lips (40a, 40b) a compressive force under the effect of which said lips (40a , 40b) are respectively pressed against the bezel (6) and against the middle part (4) being housed inside the seal (40), the timepiece being characterized in that the compression member (42) has a smooth outer surface. Pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que l'organe de compression (42) est un joint de type o-ring.Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the compression member (42) is an o-ring type seal. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2. caractérisée en ce que la base (40c) du joint d'étanchéité (40) qui constitue une partie intermédiaire reliant les lèvres (40a, 40b) dudit joint (40) est située du côté de l'interstice (36) de façon que la lèvre libre fasse effet de coin en cas de surpression d'eau.Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 or 2. characterized in that the base (40c) of the seal (40) which constitutes an intermediate portion connecting the lips (40a, 40b) of said seal (40) is situated on the side of the gap (36) so that the free lip acts as a wedge in case of overpressure of water. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que, en position comprimée, la lèvre (40b) de ce même joint (40) présente à son extrémité libre un retour (44).Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that , in the compressed position, the lip (40b) of the same seal (40) has at its free end a return (44). Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que le joint d'étanchéité (38) est réalisé en polytétrafluoréthylène.Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the seal (38) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.
EP05008106A 2005-04-13 2005-04-13 Timepiece incorporating a rotating bezel Withdrawn EP1712959A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05008106A EP1712959A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2005-04-13 Timepiece incorporating a rotating bezel
US11/911,363 US8096703B2 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel
EP06723970A EP1875316A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel
PCT/EP2006/003012 WO2006108530A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel
CN2006800118581A CN101238420B (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel
JP2008505770A JP5162446B2 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 A watch with a rotating bezel
HK09100563.8A HK1124401A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2009-01-20 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05008106A EP1712959A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2005-04-13 Timepiece incorporating a rotating bezel

Publications (1)

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EP1712959A1 true EP1712959A1 (en) 2006-10-18

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EP05008106A Withdrawn EP1712959A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2005-04-13 Timepiece incorporating a rotating bezel
EP06723970A Withdrawn EP1875316A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel

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EP06723970A Withdrawn EP1875316A1 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-04-03 Timepiece comprising a rotating bezel

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US (1) US8096703B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1712959A1 (en)
JP (1) JP5162446B2 (en)
CN (1) CN101238420B (en)
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WO (1) WO2006108530A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101238420A (en) 2008-08-06
CN101238420B (en) 2012-02-01
US20080192586A1 (en) 2008-08-14
JP5162446B2 (en) 2013-03-13
WO2006108530A1 (en) 2006-10-19
EP1875316A1 (en) 2008-01-09
HK1124401A1 (en) 2009-07-10
US8096703B2 (en) 2012-01-17
JP2008536132A (en) 2008-09-04

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