EP3502791B1 - Watch case with interchangeable rotating bezel - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates more particularly to a watch case with a rotating bezel, as well as a watch equipped with such a case.

Technological background

Watch cases with a rotating bezel are commonly used in diving watches. However, they are suitable for many other activities, especially sports, which require timing.

The bezel, which generally rotates in one direction (most frequently counterclockwise) is provided with a graduation, typically in tens or quarters, and an index of zero (usually in the form of a triangle one of which points towards the center of the watch).

To measure the time elapsed during a diving session (or any activity, especially sports), the wearer turns the bezel at the start of the session to align the index with the minute hand. During its journey, it then indicates, to the right of the graduation of the bezel, the time elapsed during the session.

Certain models that have become classic are well known to divers and amateurs: we can mention the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Omega Seamaster, Certina Action Diver. To ensure the unidirectional rotation of the bezel, watchmakers most often use a ratchet mechanism.

It may be advantageous for a wearer to be able to easily replace the rotating bezel. We can cite various reasons: personalization of the watch, temporary adaptation of it to certain activities, especially sports (eg scuba diving).

An interchangeable rotating bezel watch case has already been imagined, cf. eg. Swiss patent CH703400 , which proposes a mechanism comprising, in addition to the rotating bezel and a knurled ring which is integral with it, a spring washer, a toothed indexing ring, a retaining ring provided with notches and grooves, and pawls in the form of pins radials which elastically cooperate with the teeth of the toothed ring. In normal operation, the pins jump from one tooth to another while being axially blocked by the notches of the retaining ring which thus form a bayonet for fixing the bezel. To detach the latter, it should be positioned in an unstable angular position in which the pins are each at the top of a tooth, then bring the grooves of the retaining ring to the right of the teeth to release them. axially. The document WO2013 / 182487 also discloses an interchangeable rotating bezel system.

This mechanism is of complex architecture and delicate to use. The positioning of the telescope in its unstable angular position must be carried out extremely precisely, otherwise the pins tend to return to their normal position of use in which they prevent the withdrawal of the telescope. It is difficult for a normal user to replace the glasses himself, especially in the midst of sports activities. In fact, it seems that this operation can only be carried out successfully in the workshop. In addition, when the bezel is removed, the toothed indexing ring is no longer held on the middle part, and care should be taken not to drop it or even misplace it.

The need therefore persists to provide a watch case with a removable rotating bezel, the replacement of which is simple and quick while allowing reliable assembly and locking of the rotating bezel: such is a first objective of the present invention.

A second objective is, while satisfying the first objective, to minimize the number of parts ensuring the holding of the bezel.

A third objective of the invention is to form a complete interchangeable unit (integrating the bezel), the parts of which remain integral during removal. In particular, the invention proposes to provide a solution in which no individual part, after dismantling the bezel, is not connected to the bezel or to the middle part of the watch case, so as to avoid loss or damage to the watch case. such an individual part by a user of the watch in question or a positioning error during a reassembly of a bezel on the caseband.

Summary of the invention

• une carrure définissant une piste périphérique ;
• une lunette tournante ;
• une couronne dentée ;
• au moins un organe d'indexage angulaire qui coopère de manière élastique avec la couronne dentée pour définir une pluralité de positions angulaires stables de la lunette par rapport à la carrure ;
• une structure de fixation amovible de la lunette sur la carrure, qui comprend un cerclage portant des ailettes en saillie radiale, chacune apte à coopérer avec une baïonnette formée dans la carrure, la lunette étant montée sur la structure de fixation avec possibilité de débattement axial entre une position déployée et une position rétractée ;
• un système de couplage comprenant une partie mâle et une partie femelle, solidaires l'une de la lunette, l'autre de la structure de fixation, ce système de couplage étant agencé pour pouvoir adopter, selon que la lunette est en position déployée ou en position rétractée, deux configurations respectives :
  • une configuration de découplage dans laquelle la partie mâle et la partie femelle sont désaccouplées, libérant ainsi la lunette en rotation par rapport au cerclage ;
  • une position de couplage dans laquelle la partie mâle et la partie femelle sont accouplées, solidarisant ainsi en rotation la lunette et le cerclage et permettant leur rotation conjointe bidirectionnelle entre une position angulaire de fermeture dans laquelle chaque ailette est emboîtée dans une baïonnette, et une position angulaire d'ouverture dans laquelle chaque ailette est déboîtée de la baïonnette de manière à libérer la lunette.

To achieve all or part of the aforementioned objectives, it is proposed, according to a first object, a watch case comprising:

• a middle part defining a peripheral track;
• a rotating bezel;
• a toothed crown;
• at least one angular indexing member which cooperates elastically with the toothed crown to define a plurality of stable angular positions of the bezel with respect to the middle part;
• a removable fixing structure of the bezel on the middle part, which comprises a ring bearing radially projecting fins, each capable of cooperating with a bayonet formed in the middle part, the bezel being mounted on the fixing structure with the possibility of axial displacement between a deployed position and a retracted position;
• a coupling system comprising a male part and a female part, one secured to the bezel, the other to the fixing structure, this coupling system being arranged to be able to adopt, depending on whether the bezel is in the deployed position or in retracted position, two respective configurations:
  • a decoupling configuration in which the male part and the female part are uncoupled, thus freeing the bezel to rotate relative to the hoop;
  • a coupling position in which the male part and the female part are coupled, thus securing in rotation the bezel and the strapping and allowing their joint bidirectional rotation between an angular closed position in which each fin is fitted in a bayonet, and a position angular opening in which each fin is dislocated from the bayonet so as to release the bezel.

In its deployed position, the telescope is capable of rotating in order to be placed in one or other of the positions of the plurality of stable angular positions. To remove the telescope, it should be put in an angular position allowing it to be pushed in, then press it towards its retracted position so as to place the coupling system in the coupling configuration, and, finally, to rotate the telescope (which causes the strapping) to disengage each fin from its respective bayonet. Therefore, the sub-assembly comprising the bezel and the fixing structure, on board with it, can be removed from the middle part and replaced by another sub-assembly comprising a different bezel, the fixing structure being able to be assembled with the different bezel. or each bezel has its own fixing structure.

This procedure is particularly simple and can be carried out by the wearer himself, including in the field (rather than in the workshop). The watch case also includes a limited number of parts, which simplifies its manufacture and increases its reliability.

• La structure de fixation comprend une bague pourvue d'une collerette et d'au moins un crochet de fixation à la lunette pour retenir axialement cette lunette, et un anneau intégrant le cerclage précité et qui est interposé entre la lunette et la bague.
• L'anneau comprend au moins un ressort à cliquet qui fait saillie d'une face supérieure du cerclage pour former un organe d'indexage angulaire coopérant avec la couronne dentée.
• La couronne est formée dans la matière de la lunette d'indexage.
• La partie mâle du système de couplage est une goupille solidaire de la lunette et qui fait saillie d'une face inférieure de celle-ci, et la partie femelle est une ouverture formée dans le cerclage, apte, dans une position angulaire prédéterminée de la lunette, à accueillir la goupille en position rétractée de la lunette.
• La goupille est une pièce rapportée, emmanchée dans un trou pratiqué dans la lunette et débouchant du côté de sa face inférieure.
• L'ouverture se présente sous forme d'un trou oblong permettant un faible débattement angulaire de la lunette lorsque la goupille s'y trouve logée.
• La ou chaque baïonnette comprend une rainure pratiquée dans un rebord de la carrure, et une échancrure dans laquelle débouche tangentiellement la rainure.
• Chaque rainure se termine tangentiellement, à l'opposé de l'échancrure, par une extrémité borgne.
• La bague est pourvue d'une découpe, et l'anneau d'une griffe en saillie, complémentaire de la découpe et logée dans celle-ci pour solidariser la bague et l'anneau en rotation.
• La bague comprend une série périphérique de crochets de fixation à la lunette.
• L'anneau est pourvu de ressorts à lame qui font saillie d'une face inférieure du cerclage pour venir s'appliquer contre la piste annulaire de la carrure et ainsi plaquer les ailettes contre une face supérieure de leur baïonnette respective.
• L'anneau est pourvu d'au moins un ergot en saillie adjacent à une ailette, apte à venir s'encliqueter dans la carrure à une extrémité borgne de la baïonnette pour verrouiller l'anneau et ainsi le cerclage dans sa position angulaire de fermeture.
• Alternativement, la carrure est pourvue d'un bossage élastique qui fait saillie de la piste, et la bague est pourvue d'une encoche apte à venir s'encliqueter sur le bossage élastique pour maintenir la bague et l'anneau dans une position angulaire dans laquelle les ailettes sont engagées chacune dans leur baïonnette respective.

Various additional features can be provided, alone or in combination. So, for example:

• The fixing structure comprises a ring provided with a collar and at least one hook for fixing to the bezel to retain axially this bezel, and a ring incorporating the aforementioned strapping and which is interposed between the bezel and the ring.
• The ring comprises at least one pawl spring which protrudes from an upper face of the hoop to form an angular indexing member cooperating with the toothed ring.
• The crown is formed from the material of the indexing bezel.
• The male part of the coupling system is a pin integral with the bezel and which protrudes from a lower face thereof, and the female part is an opening formed in the ring, suitable, in a predetermined angular position of the bezel , to accommodate the pin in the retracted position of the bezel.
• The pin is an added part, fitted into a hole made in the bezel and emerging on the side of its underside.
• The opening is in the form of an oblong hole allowing a small angular movement of the bezel when the pin is housed therein.
• The or each bayonet comprises a groove made in a rim of the caseband, and a notch into which the groove tangentially emerges.
• Each groove ends tangentially, opposite the notch, with a blind end.
• The ring is provided with a cutout, and the ring with a projecting claw, complementary to the cutout and housed therein to secure the ring and the ring in rotation.
• The ring comprises a peripheral series of hooks for fixing to the bezel.
• The ring is provided with leaf springs which protrude from a lower face of the strapping to come to rest against the annular track of the middle part and thus press the fins against an upper face of their respective bayonet.
• The ring is provided with at least one protruding lug adjacent to a fin, able to snap into the middle part at a blind end of the bayonet to lock the ring and thus the strapping in its angular closed position.
• Alternatively, the middle part is provided with an elastic boss which protrudes from the track, and the ring is provided with a notch able to snap onto the elastic boss to hold the ring and the ring in an angular position in which the fins are each engaged in their respective bayonet.

There is proposed, according to a second object, a watch equipped with a watch case as presented above.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the description of embodiments, given below with reference to the drawings.

Brief description of the figures

• The FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view, from above, of a watch case equipped with an interchangeable unidirectional rotating bezel, according to a first embodiment;
• The FIG. 2 is a partial exploded perspective view, from below, of the watch case of the FIG. 1 ;
• The FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing the middle part and the fastening system;
• The FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view along the broken section line IV-IV of the FIG. 3 ;
• The FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view along the broken section line VV of the FIG. 3 ;
• The FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing the assembled watch case, with its bezel in an angular position where the zero index is at twelve o'clock;
• The FIG. 7 is a detail view in section according to the section plane VII-VII of the FIG. 6 ;
• The FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 , where the bezel has been rotated by a predetermined angle to bring it into a position allowing it to be unlocked;
• The FIG. 9 is a sectional view according to the plan IX-IX of the FIG. 8 ;
• The FIG. 10 is a detail sectional view along the XX plane of the FIG. 9 ;
• The FIG. 11 is a partial exploded perspective view, from above, of a watch case equipped with an interchangeable unidirectional rotating bezel, according to a second embodiment;
• The FIG. 12 is a partial exploded perspective view, from below, of the watch of the FIG. 11 ;
• The FIG. 13 is a partial view, from above, of the watch case of the FIG. 12 ; and
• The FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 , showing the watch case in another position.

Detailed description of the invention

On the FIG. 1 is shown a box 1 intended to equip a watch. In addition to box 1, the watch includes various components not shown: clockwork movement (mounted in box 1), bracelet (attached to the box), crystal, case back.

Case 1 comprises, first of all, a caseband 2. Caseband 2 can be made of metal (eg steel, preferably stainless), or a synthetic material (eg, a composite material comprising a polymer matrix. loaded with fibers, typically carbon). FIG. 1 , caseband 2 is circular in outline. The middle 2 defines an interior space configured to accommodate the movement.

According to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the middle part 2 comprises horns 3 on which the bracelet is intended to be hooked for wearing the watch on the wrist. Leaving aside the lugs 3, the middle part 2 has a general symmetry of revolution about a central X axis.

The term "axial" denotes a general direction parallel to the central X axis. The term "transverse" or "horizontal" denotes a general orientation in a plane perpendicular to the central X axis. The term “radial” designates a general direction along an axis perpendicular and concurrent with the central X axis. The term “tangential” designates a general direction along a circle around the central X axis. The terms “top” and “bottom” are used in their classic definition, in a position of the box 1 where the latter is laid flat, horns down.

The middle 2 defines a peripheral track 4. This track has a circular contour around the central X axis and extends in a transverse plane. The track is bordered internally by a sleeve 5 which projects axially projecting from the track 4, and externally by a flange 6 which also extends axially projecting from the track. The height of the flange 6, measured from the track, is less than that of the socket 5 (also measured from the track).

Bayonets are formed in the middle 2. At least two bayonets are provided, eg. diametrically opposed. In the example illustrated, three bayonets 7 are provided (here distributed at 120% around the central X axis). According to a preferred embodiment, each bayonet 7 comprises a groove 8 made in the rim 6, and a notch 9 into which the groove 8 emerges tangentially.

• vers le bas par une face 10 inférieure qui s'étend dans le prolongement de la piste 4,
• vers le haut par une face 11 supérieure qui s'étend en regard de la face 10 inférieure, et
• radialement vers l'extérieur, par une paroi 12 externe formée dans le rebord 6.

The groove 8 opens out radially inwards, opposite the bush 5. The groove 8 is delimited:

• downwards by a lower face 10 which extends in the extension of track 4,
• upwards by an upper face 11 which extends opposite the lower face 10, and
• radially outwards, by an outer wall 12 formed in the rim 6.

Each notch 9 appears, in the illustrated embodiment, as a cutout in the rim 6, which tangentially interrupts the upper face 11 of the groove 8.

The bayonet 7 ends with a blind end 13. This blind end is located tangentially opposite the notch 9, and closes the groove 8.

The watch case 1 comprises, secondly, a rotating bezel 14 removably mounted on the middle part 1. The bezel is in the form of an annular part. The bezel has an upper face 15 on which is affixed or formed a graduation 16. In the example illustrated, the graduation comprises indexes, some of which are figurative and are in the form of numbers (preferably Arabic). One of the indexes, called zero index 17, is in the form of a triangle pointing towards the inside of the bezel 14, to form an origin mark from which the user measures, in minutes, the time. elapsed from a predetermined initial instant corresponding to a precise angular position of the bezel with respect to the caseband 2.

The bezel 14 also has an opposite lower face 18, which extends opposite the middle part 1 - and more precisely opposite the track 4. As illustrated in the figures. FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 , the bezel is provided with an annular rib 19 which projects radially inwards. The bezel is preferably made of a metallic material, e.g. Stainless steel.

The watch case 1 comprises, thirdly, a toothed crown 20. This toothed crown, which, as we will see, serves for the angular indexing of the bezel 14 relative to the middle part 2, comprises a peripheral series of teeth 21, here sixty in number. As shown on the FIG. 4 , each tooth 21 is asymmetrical, and comprises an inclined ramp 22 and a vertical stop surface 23, optionally connected by a horizontal plate 24. According to a preferred embodiment, the toothed crown 20 is formed in the material of the bezel 14, that is to say that they together form a single one-piece piece.

As we can clearly see on the FIG. 2 , the toothed crown 20 opens downwards, that is to say that each tooth 21 protrudes in the direction of the caseband 2, on the side of the underside 18 of the bezel 14, below the rib 19 ring finger

The box 1 comprises, fourthly, a structure SF for removable fixing of the bezel 14 on the caseband 2. In the examples illustrated, the fixing structure SF comprises, firstly, a ring 25. This ring is provided with a collar. 26 ring finger. The collar 26 extends transversely to the right of the track 4.

In the illustrated embodiments, cf. in particular the FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 , the ring 25 also comprises a cylindrical skirt 27 which projects axially from an inner edge of the flange 26, so that in cross section the ring has an L-shaped (or square) profile.

The ring 25 comprises at least one hook 28 (here in the form of a notched elastic tab) for fixing to the bezel 14. Preferably, the ring 25 comprises a peripheral series of hooks 28, distributed uniformly (or not) on the periphery. of the ring 24. The (or each) hook projects axially. In the illustrated examples ( FIG. 1 , FIG. 11 ), the (or each) hook 28 projects axially from an upper edge of the skirt 27.

As can be seen in particular on FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 , each hook 28 has, on an upper edge, a notch 29 by which the hook 28 engages with the annular rib 19 of the bezel 14. It is by the snap-fit of the notch 29 on the rib that the ring 25 is found attached to the bezel 14, on the side of the underside 18 thereof. The ring is mounted on the middle part 2 by fitting the skirt 27 on the sleeve 5 ( FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 ).

The flange 26 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the rim 6 of the middle part 2, measured at the level of the sleeve 5. In this way, the flange can freely be fitted onto the middle part 2, or be freely removed therefrom.

As we will see below, in the normal position of use, the collar 26 is not necessarily in contact with the track 4 but slightly away from the latter.

The ring 25 is preferably made of a metallic material (eg steel). However, it can be made from a plastic material (advantageously of high hardness, for example polyoxymethylene or POM).

In the examples illustrated, the fixing structure SF comprises, secondly, a ring 30 interposed between the bezel 14 and the ring 25. This ring is integral in rotation with the ring.

The ring 30 comprises a hoop 31. This hoop extends transversely in a circular manner around the axis X, and in line with the collar 26 of the ring 25. The hoop 31 has an upper face 32, facing the lower face 18 of the bezel, and, on the other hand, a lower face 33, facing the collar 26 of the ring. The strapping 31 carries radially projecting fins 34 (outwardly), each capable of fitting removably into a bayonet 7.

The overall diameter of the ring 30, measured at the level of the fins 34, is greater than the internal diameter of the rim 6 of the caseband 2, measured to the right of the bayonet 7.

In the examples illustrated, the ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25 while being nested on the skirt 27. For this purpose, the internal diameter of the ring 30 is greater than the external diameter of the skirt 27. To allow interlocking ring despite the presence of hooks 28, whose Notches 29 form radial projections, the internal edge of the strapping 31 can be grooved in line with the hooks.

The ring 30 further comprises at least one ratchet spring 35 which projects from the upper face 32 of the strapping 31 to form an angular indexing member of the bezel 14. The ratchet spring 35 resiliently cooperates with it. the ring gear 20 to define a plurality of stable angular positions (as many as there are teeth 21, here consequently sixty in number) of the bezel 14 relative to the middle part 2. Advantageously, at least two pawl springs are provided. In the illustrated embodiments, the ring 30 includes three pawl springs 35. The springs are in this case distributed so as to balance the forces, typically at 120 ° around the X axis.

Each spring 35 is preferably formed integrally (i.e. integrally) with the strapping 31. Thus, in the embodiments of the FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 , each spring is formed by a strip cut from an internal edge of the strapping, then pushed upwards.

Ring 30 is preferably made entirely of spring steel, its shaping being e.g. produced by stamping.

The ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25. As illustrated on FIG. 7 , the strapping 31 is axially wedged in abutment against the collar 26.

As seen on FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 , the ring 30 also comprises at least one claw 36 which protrudes from the lower face 33 of the strapping 31, and which cooperates with a complementary cutout 37, made opposite in the ring 25 (and more precisely in the collar 26) .

The ring 30 preferably comprises, to distribute the forces, several claws 36 (three in number in the embodiment of the FIG. 1 ; two in number in the embodiment of the FIG. 11 ), while the ring 25 includes several corresponding cutouts 37 (at number of three in the embodiment of the FIG. 1 ; two in number in the embodiment of the FIG. 11 ).

When the ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25, each claw 36 is received in the corresponding cutout 37. This results in a connection in rotation of the ring and the ring.

• sur l'anneau 30, les ailettes 34,
• sur la carrure 2, les baïonnettes 7 dans lesquelles sont introduites les ailettes 34.

The ring 30 ensures the axial locking of the ring 25 (and therefore of the bezel 14 which is attached to the latter) relative to the caseband 2, by means of the bayonet system comprising:

• on the ring 30, the fins 34,
• on the caseband 2, the bayonets 7 in which the fins 34 are inserted.

The ring 30 is fixed to the middle part 2 by a combined movement comprising an axial translation, during which the fins 34 are introduced into the notches 9, followed by a rotation around the X axis, during which each fin 34 is introduced tangentially into a groove 8. This combined movement completed, the ring 25 is held captive between the ring and the middle part 2. More precisely, even though the skirt 27 of the ring 25 is fitted onto the sleeve. 5 of the caseband, its collar 26 is held axially captive between the ring 30 and the track 4.

The blind end 13 of at least one of the grooves 8 forms an angular end-of-travel stop for the rotation of the ring 30.

The watch case 1 advantageously comprises a mechanism 38 for locking the ring 30 relative to the middle part 2, at the angular end of the ring travel during its assembly.

According to a first embodiment illustrated on FIG.1 to FIG.9 , the ring 30 is provided with leaf springs 39 (here three in number arranged at 120 ° around the X axis for a uniform distribution of the forces) which protrude from the lower face 33 of the strapping to come into contact against the annular track 4 of the middle part 2, axially urge the ring upwards and thus press the fins 34 against the upper face 11 of the groove 8 of their respective bayonet 7. In order to allow free passage (and free bending) of the leaf springs 39, the ring 25 is provided, directly above each, with a notch 40 made in the collar 26.

In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 38 comprises at least one lug 41 protruding from the ring 30, adjacent to a fin 34, and able to snap into a recess of the middle 2 to the left. 'blind end 13 of bayonet 7. Note that each lug and the recess associated with it can be provided at other locations, for example each lug is placed along a respective fin and the recess is arranged in the middle of the corresponding groove of the bayonet in question. To facilitate the mounting of the bezel, it will be understood that it is preferable that each fin and each corresponding bayonet be provided with the same locking mechanism, so that a specific fin is not dedicated to a single given bayonet.

As shown on the FIG. 5 , the lug 41 comprises a chamfered front edge 42 and a right rear edge 43. During the combined movement of fixing the ring 30 on the middle part 2, the axial translation takes place against the return force of the leaf springs 39, which tends to move the ring axially away from the track 4.

The rotation around the X axis brings the chamfered front edge 42 of the lug 41 against an edge 44 limiting the upper face 11 of the groove 8, on the side of the notch 9. While the force is continued. rotation of the ring 30, the chamfered leading edge 42 slides over the ridge, which compresses the leaf springs 39 and forces the fin 34 to pass under the upper face 11 of the groove 8 allowing the rotation of the ring 30 to continue up to the angular end stop.

In the example shown on FIG. 5 , the blind end 13 of the bayonet 7 is provided with a reserve 45 in which is snapped the lug 41 at the end of travel, by deployment of the leaf springs 39. The ring 30 is then pressed against the upper face 11 of the groove 8 by the return force of the leaf springs and it is locked in rotation in this closed position.

Simultaneously, the pawl springs 35 exert on the crown 20 (and therefore on the bezel 14) an axial force which tends to move the bezel 14 away from the middle part 2. As the ring 25 is attached to the bezel, the ring is axially stressed. until it comes to rest against the lower face 33 of the strapping 31, which explains the configuration illustrated on the FIG. 7 (in which, taking into account the position of the cutting plane, the bayonet 7 is not visible - this is however visible on the FIG. 9 ).

• un bossage 46 élastique dont est pourvue la carrure 2 et qui fait saillie de la piste 4 ;
• une encoche 47 dont est pourvue la bague 25, cette encoche 47 étant apte à venir s'encliqueter sur le bossage 46 pour maintenir la bague 25 et l'anneau 30 dans une position angulaire dans laquelle les ailettes 34 sont engagées chacune dans leur baïonnette 7 respective.

According to a second embodiment illustrated on FIG.11 to FIG.14 , the mechanism 38 for locking the ring 30 relative to the caseband 2 comprises:

• an elastic boss 46 with which the middle part 2 is provided and which protrudes from the track 4;
• a notch 47 with which the ring 25 is provided, this notch 47 being able to snap onto the boss 46 to hold the ring 25 and the ring 30 in an angular position in which the fins 34 are each engaged in their bayonet 7 respective.

In the example illustrated, the elastic boss 46 is in the form of a ball mounted on an elastic support (eg a slide mounted in axial translation in a hole 48 made in the track 4, with the interposition of a spring of reminder).

In this second embodiment, the ring 25 is advantageously provided, in addition to the notch 47 which is wedged on the ball 46 in the locked position ( FIG. 14 ), a wider recess 49 which is positioned around the ball 46 during the axial translation accompanying the joint fixing of the ring 30 and the ring on the middle part 2 ( FIG. 13 ).

The recess 49 is angularly offset from the notch 47 by an angle corresponding substantially to the angular extension of a bayonet 7.

As a variant, or in addition, the locking mechanism 38 may comprise pawl springs, provided in radial projection on a peripheral edge of the ring 30 (and more precisely of the strapping 31), and able to cooperate by snap-fastening with reserves recessed radially formed in the middle part.

• L'une (la partie 50 mâle ou la partie 51 femelle), de la lunette 14 ;
• L'autre (la partie femelle 51 ou, respectivement la partie 50 mâle), de la structure SF de fixation.

The watch case 1 comprises, fifthly, a system SC for coupling the bezel 14 to the fixing structure SF. This SC coupling system comprises a male part 50 and a female part 51, integral:

• One (the male part 50 or the female part 51), of the bezel 14;
• The other (the female part 51 or, respectively, the male part 50), of the fixing structure SF.

• une configuration de découplage dans laquelle la partie 50 mâle et la partie 51 femelle sont désaccouplées, libérant ainsi la lunette 14 en rotation par rapport au cerclage 31 ;
• une configuration de couplage dans laquelle la partie 50 mâle et la partie 51 femelle sont accouplées, solidarisant ainsi en rotation la lunette 14 et le cerclage 31 et permettant leur rotation conjointe bidirectionnelle entre une position angulaire de fermeture, dans laquelle chaque ailette 34 est emboîtée dans une baïonnette 7, et une position angulaire d'ouverture dans laquelle chaque ailette 34 est déboîtée de la baïonnette 7.

This SC coupling system is arranged to adopt two configurations:

• a decoupling configuration in which the male part 50 and the female part 51 are uncoupled, thus freeing the bezel 14 to rotate relative to the strapping 31;
• a coupling configuration in which the male part 50 and the female part 51 are coupled, thus securing in rotation the bezel 14 and the strapping 31 and allowing their joint bidirectional rotation between an angular closed position, in which each fin 34 is nested in a bayonet 7, and an angular opening position in which each fin 34 is disengaged from the bayonet 7.

• une position déployée dans laquelle le système SC de couplage est placé en position de découplage, et
• une position rétractée dans laquelle le système SC de couplage est placé en position de couplage.

The telescope 14 is, for its part, mounted on the fixing structure SF with the possibility of axial movement between:

• a deployed position in which the coupling SC system is placed in the decoupling position, and
• a retracted position in which the coupling SC system is placed in the coupling position.

In the examples illustrated, the male part 50 of the coupling system SC is integral with the bezel, while the female part 51 is integral with the fixing structure SF.

More precisely, in the examples illustrated, the male part 50 is in the form of a pin which projects from the underside 18 of the bezel 14.

The pin 50 is advantageously an attached part. In this case, the pin is fitted into a hole 52 made in the bezel 14 and emerging on the side of its lower face 18 (see the detail at the top left on the FIG. 2 ).

A single pin 50 can be provided, as in the example shown in the FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 . As a variant, several pins can be provided.

As shown in the detail medallions at the top left of the FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 , the female part 51 of the coupling system SC is in the form of an opening made in the ring 30. More precisely, this opening 51, with an advantageously closed contour, is made in the strapping 31. The female part of the system of SC coupling is therefore formed by a recess in the ring and, in general, by a part of this ring forming two stops for the pin, during the rotation of the bezel in the retracted position, respectively in both directions of rotation .

When the coupling system SC comprises several pins 50, then, correspondingly, it comprises several openings 51 made in the ring 30.

In the deployed position of the telescope 14 (illustrated on FIG. 7 ), the pin 50 is axially separated from the strapping 31. Under these conditions, the system Coupling SC is in decoupling configuration, and the telescope can freely rotate with respect to the strapping; the bezel can then be operated by the wearer for example to measure a time interval.

• soit, dans un premier sens de rotation, le démontage de la lunette 14 (avec la structure SF de fixation) de la carrure 2 par déboîtement de chaque ailette 34 de sa baïonnette 7;
• soit, dans un deuxième sens de rotation (opposé au premier), le montage de la lunette 14 (avec le système de fixation) sur la carrure 2 par emboîtement de chaque ailette 34 dans une baïonnette 7.

In one (or more) predetermined angular position (s) of the bezel 14 relative to the middle part 2, where the (or each) pin 50 is in line with a corresponding opening 51, the bezel can be moved to its retracted position by axial bearing against the pawl spring (s) 35 and possibly, in the first embodiment of the FIG.1 to FIG.9 , against the leaf spring (s) 39. The pin 50 then comes to be housed in the opening 51 ( FIG. 9 ) to couple in rotation the bezel with the ring 30. Under these conditions, any rotation of the bezel 14 maintained in its retracted position is transmitted, via the pin which abuts against the edges of the opening 51, to the strapping 31 ( and therefore to ring 30). In the retracted position of the bezel, the aforementioned coupling allows:

• or, in a first direction of rotation, the dismantling of the bezel 14 (with the fixing structure SF) from the middle part 2 by dislocation of each fin 34 from its bayonet 7;
• or, in a second direction of rotation (opposite to the first), the mounting of the bezel 14 (with the fixing system) on the middle part 2 by fitting each fin 34 into a bayonet 7.

The opening 51 preferably has an angular extension equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the pin 50. According to a preferred embodiment, the opening 51 is in the form of an oblong hole, which allows a low angular displacement of the bezel 14 when the pin 50 is housed in the opening, for the benefit of ease of use. In general, the recess forming the female part of the coupling system advantageously exhibits angular play when the male part is positioned inside this recess.

The ring 25 may itself also be provided, in line with the opening 51 in the ring, with a secondary opening 53 capable of accommodating a end of pin 50 (see detail medallions middle left on FIG. 1 and on the FIG. 12 ).

However, it is preferable that the axial movement of the bezel 14 is limited, to avoid too great a deformation of the pawl springs 35 which could possibly damage them. This is why, in a preferred embodiment, the box 1 comprises one or more stop (s) 54 for limiting the axial travel of the bezel 14. This (these) stop (s) is (are) for example. carried by the telescope 14. Thus, in the example illustrated on FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 , the (or each) stopper is in the form of an attached pin, fitted into a complementary hole 55 made in the bezel 14 on the side of its lower face 18. The box 1 comprises for example at least two stops 54 arranged on either side, and close to the (or each) pin 50, as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10 . Each stopper is situated axially set back from the pin 50, so as to allow the latter to be inserted into the opening 51. Whatever the number of pins, it is preferable to provide several stops 54 distributed over the circumference of the bezel 14 to distribute the forces.

In the retracted position of the bezel 14, the (or each) stop 54 comes to rest against the upper face 32 of the strapping 31 ( FIG. 10 ). It will be understood that the axial movement of the bezel between its deployed position and its retracted position depends on the axial projection formed by each stop 54 on the underside 18 of the bezel. Care will be taken to ensure that this clearance is large enough to allow the insertion of the pin 50 into the opening 51, while being small enough so that the compression of the pawl springs 35 does not deform them beyond their Elastic limit.

To mount the bezel 14 on the middle part 2, the procedure is preferably as explained below.

We start by assembling the telescope 14 and the fixing structure SF. To this end, in the architecture illustrated, the ring 30 is mounted on the ring 25 by threading it over the skirt 27. The hooks 28 pass through the opening. interior of the strapping 31 without difficulty, especially if it is grooved internally to the right of the hooks. The strapping 31 comes to rest on the collar 26.

Then the bezel 14 is snapped onto the ring 25, the hooks 28 flexing elastically before hooking onto the annular rib 19. The ring 30 is then sandwiched between the bezel and the ring, the pawl springs 35 cooperating. with the teeth 21 of the crown 20 and exerting an axial return force which tends to move the bezel 14 away from the ring 25 and thus to keep the notches 29 of the hooks resting against the rib 19. Under these conditions, the collar 26 is applied against the lower face 33 of the strapping 31.

The length of the pin 50, and its axial positioning in its hole 52, are such that, even when it is not aligned with the opening 51, it nevertheless allows sufficient axial movement of the bezel 14 to allow it to snap into place. on the ring 25.

• dans le premier mode de réalisation (FIG.1 à FIG.9), par l'encliquetage de l'ergot 41 dans la réserve 45 pratiquée dans la carrure 2 à l'extrémité 13 borgne de la baïonnette 7, verrouillant ainsi le cerclage 31 (et donc l'anneau 30) en rotation par rapport à la carrure 2. Ce verrouillage est annoncé par un déclic sonore accompagnant la brusque remontée de l'anneau 30, sous l'effort de rappel des ressorts 39 à lame, jusqu'à venir buter contre la face 11 inférieure de la rainure 8 ;
• dans le deuxième mode de réalisation (FIG.11 à FIG.14, la rotation de l'anneau 30 étant matérialisée par la flèche noire sur la FIG.14), par l'encliquetage de la bille 46 dans l'encoche 47 pratiquée dans la collerette 26 (ce qui se traduit également par un déclic sonore lorsque la bille 46, d'abord comprimée axialement vers la piste 4 par l'appui de la collerette, remonte brusquement sous l'effort de rappel de son ressort de rappel. Lorsque la lunette 14 est relâchée, le ressort de rappel de la bille 46 tend à plaquer l'anneau 30 (comme dans le premier mode de réalisation), contre la face 11 inférieure de la rainure 8.

Once the bezel 14 and the fixing structure SF have been assembled, the sub-assembly thus formed can be mounted on the middle part 2, by fixing the ring 25 by the aforementioned combined movement: positioning of the fins 34 in line with the notches 9; axial translation (descent) of the sub-assembly until bringing the fins to the level of the grooves 8, then rotation of the sub-assembly until the angular end of travel of the ring 30, determined:

• in the first embodiment ( FIG.1 to FIG.9 ), by the latching of the lug 41 in the reserve 45 made in the middle part 2 at the blind end 13 of the bayonet 7, thus locking the strapping 31 (and therefore the ring 30) in rotation with respect to the middle part 2. This locking is announced by an audible click accompanying the sudden ascent of the ring 30, under the return force of the leaf springs 39, until it abuts against the lower face 11 of the groove 8;
• in the second embodiment ( FIG.11 to FIG.14 , the rotation of the ring 30 being materialized by the black arrow on the FIG. 14 ), by the latching of the ball 46 in the notch 47 made in the collar 26 (which also results in an audible click when the ball 46, first compressed axially towards the track 4 by the support of the collar, rises sharply under the return force of its return spring.When the bezel 14 is released, the return spring of the ball 46 tends to press the ring 30 (as in the first embodiment) against the face 11 bottom of the groove 8.

As can be seen on the FIG. 7 , in the absence of axial stress on the bezel 14, the pin 50 is moved away from the strapping 31, so that the bezel can be rotated without dragging the ring 30 with it.

The bezel 14 is advantageously unidirectional. Given the orientation of the pawl springs 35, the bezel is, here, constrained to a rotation (with respect to the ring 30 and to the ring 25 which remain fixedly fixed in rotation with respect to the middle part 2) in the anticlockwise. As the ring and the ring are invisible to the wearer, the latter only sees the rotation of the bezel 14 relative to the caseband 2.

The timing of an activity (eg a scuba diving session) is done as follows. The wearer rotates the bezel 14 until the index 17 is brought from zero in line with the minute hand. Note that, the pin 50 being spaced from the upper face 32 of the ring 30, it in no way hinders the rotation of the bezel.

When the wearer releases the bezel 14, the latter is held in this position (which is a stable equilibrium position as long as no rotation is imparted to it) by the pawl springs 35, each of which is snapped between two. successive teeth 21 of the crown 20.

The passage of time causes the minute hand to travel through an angular sector on the bezel 14, which allows the wearer to measure on the graduation the time elapsed (eg ten or fifteen minutes) since the moment at which it was taken. carried out the positioning of the index 17 from zero.

To remove the bezel 14, it should be rotated (in the counterclockwise direction allowed by the pawl springs 35) until the pin 50 is directly above the opening 51, as illustrated by the arrow in arc at the top left on the FIG. 8 .

The angular position of the bezel 14 corresponding to the alignment of the pin with the opening 51 can be determined by the alignment of visual marks (eg lines or dots) formed respectively on the bezel and on the middle 2 .

Then it is necessary to press axially on the bezel 14 in order to push it towards the middle part 2 by making it pass from its deployed position to its retracted position (as illustrated by the vertical arrow on the left on the FIG. 9 ) to move the coupling SC system from its decoupling configuration to its coupling configuration.

More precisely, in the examples illustrated, one presses axially on the bezel 14 to introduce the pin 50 into the opening 51. As long as the bezel is held down, the pin is retained tangentially in the opening, which keeps it integral in rotation. the bezel, the ring 25 and the ring 30.

It will be noted that, in the first embodiment, the axial support on the bezel 14 enables the lug 41 to be released from the reserve 45, and therefore to unlock the ring 30 to release it in rotation relative to the caseband 2. and thus allow disassembly of the bezel.

• en utilisation courante, pour régler la position angulaire de l'index 17 de zéro,
• puis pour amener la lunette 14 dans la position angulaire d'alignement de la goupille 50 avec l'ouverture 51,
• enfin, pour démonter la lunette 14 de la carrure 2 (avec la bague 25 qui demeure accrochée à la lunette, et l'anneau 30 intercalé entre elles).

It is then necessary to rotate the bezel 14 in the opposite direction to that of the rotation carried out during the combined movement of fixing the ring 30 on the middle part 2. In the illustrated embodiments, where the assembly rotation takes place. clockwise, the removal rotation is counterclockwise. It's simple and practical because, with the exception of assembly, the wearer always turns the bezel in the same direction:

• in current use, to adjust the angular position of the index 17 from zero,
• then to bring the bezel 14 into the angular position of alignment of the pin 50 with the opening 51,
• finally, to remove the bezel 14 from the middle part 2 (with the ring 25 which remains attached to the bezel, and the ring 30 interposed between them).

The sub-assembly thus removed can then be set aside, and replaced by another sub-assembly comprising a bezel 14 of different shape and / or color, according to the assembly procedure already described.

Various variants can be envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the frame SF for fixing the bezel can be in the form of a single piece. More precisely, it is conceivable that the ring 25 and the ring 30 are formed in the same piece made in one piece. Conversely, the fixing structure SF could include a larger number of parts.

Thus, if we have seen, in the first embodiment illustrated on the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , that leaf springs 39 may be carried by the ring 30, it is alternatively conceivable that such leaf springs are formed on a separate part, e.g. by a retaining ring underlying the ring 25.

Likewise, if, in the examples illustrated, the skirt 27 is integrated into the ring 25, it could be envisaged, in a variant, that it be in the form of a separate part, which would form a ring ensuring an axial connection of the the bezel 14 to the flange 26. Such a connection can be achieved by providing in the internal machining of the bezel a groove into which the hooks 28 are inserted with a small clearance. In particular, in an advantageous variant, the springs 39 may be integral not with the ring 30 but with the collar 26, for example be integral with this collar and produced by cutting the latter. In such a case, the pins 54, forming stops for transmitting an axial force applied to the bezel during its dismantling, can be omitted without risk of damaging the pawl springs 35 and the teeth of the ratchet. ring gear 20, because this axial force is then directly transmitted from the bezel to the collar carrying the springs 39.

In addition, if in the examples illustrated the pawl springs 35 and the fins 34 are formed by the ring 30, one could imagine, in a variant, that they are formed by two separate parts but integral in rotation within the SF fixing structure.

It will be noted that these last three variants are not mutually exclusive but could be combined at least in part.

Finally, it will be noted that the removable fixing system of a rotating bezel on a middle part according to the invention has a particular advantage in that the bayonets provided in an internal wall of the middle part are not only suitable for receiving a rotating bezel, unidirectional or bidirectional, but also a non-rotating bezel provided with fixing fins integral with such a bezel. It will therefore be understood that the present invention makes it possible to have a very large choice for a set of glasses capable of being associated alternately with the middle part of the watch case in order to vary its appearance and, where appropriate, its functionality.

Claims (16)

1. Watch case (1) comprising:

   - a middle (2) defining a peripheral track (4);

   - a rotating bezel (14);

   - a toothed crown (20);

   - at least one angular indexing member (35) that resiliently engages with the toothed crown to define a plurality of stable angular positions of the bezel (14) relative to the middle;

   - a structure (SF) for detachably fastening the bezel (14) on the middle (2);

   said watch case being characterized in that:

   - the fastening structure comprises a circular element (31) supporting radially projecting fins (34), each capable of engaging with a bayonet (7) formed in the middle (2);

   - the watch case comprises a coupling system (SC) comprising a male part (50) and a female part (51), one of which is integral with the bezel (14) and the other one of which is integral with the fastening structure (SF), with this coupling system arranged to be able to adopt two following configurations:

   • a decoupling configuration, in which the male part and the female part are decoupled, thus rotationally releasing the bezel relative to the circular element (31);

   • a coupling configuration, in which the male part and the female part are coupled, thus rotationally securing the bezel and the circular element and allowing their combined bidirectional rotation between a closed angular position of the circular element, in which each of its fins (34) is engaged in a corresponding bayonet (7), and an open angular position, in which each fin is disengaged from the corresponding bayonet so as to release the bezel and the circular element from the middle;

   - the bezel (14) is mounted on the fastening structure (SF) with the possibility of axial clearance, when the bezel is mounted on the middle with the circular element (31) in its closed angular position, between:

   • a deployed position, in which the coupling system (SC) is placed in a decoupling position and the bezel is capable of rotating in order to be placed in any one of the positions of the plurality of stable angular positions;

   • a retracted position, in which the coupling system (SC) is placed in a coupling position.
2. Watch case (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening structure (SF) comprises a ring (25) provided with a collar (26) and at least one hook (28) for fastening to the bezel (14), and a lock ring (30) that comprises the circular element (31) and is interposed between the bezel and the ring.
3. Watch case (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lock ring comprises at least one pawl spring (35) that projects from an upper face (32) of the circular element (31) to form the said angular indexing member engaging with the toothed crown.
4. Watch case (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the male part of the coupling system (SC) is a pin (50) integral with the bezel (14) and which projects from a lower face (18) thereof, and the female part is a recess, in particular an opening (51) formed in the circular element (31), capable of, at least in a predetermined angular position of the bezel, receiving the pin in the retracted position of the bezel when this one is mounted on the middle via the fastening structure.
5. Watch case (1) according to claim 4, wherein the pin (50) is an added part press-fitted into a hole (52) provided in the bezel (14) and emerging on the side of its lower face (18).
6. Watch case (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the recess has some angular clearance for the pin when said pin is housed therein, in particular the opening (51) is in the form of an oblong hole allowing a slight angular clearance in the bezel (14) when the pin (50) is housed in this oblong hole.
7. Watch case (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the or each bayonet (7) comprises a groove (8) provided in a rim (6) of the middle (2), and a hollow (9), in which the groove (8) tangentially emerges.
8. Watch case (1) according to claim 7, wherein each groove (8) ends tangentially, opposite the hollow (9), with a blind end (13).
9. Watch case (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the ring (25) is provided with a cut (37) and the lock ring is provided with a projecting claw (36), matching the cut and housed therein in order to rotationally secure the ring and the lock ring (30).
10. Watch case (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the ring (25) comprises a peripheral series of hooks (28).
11. Watch case (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the lock ring (30) is provided with leaf springs (39) that project from a lower face (33) of the circular element (31) in order to be applied against the annular track (4) of the middle (2) and thus urge the fins (34) against an upper face (11) of their respective bayonet.
12. Watch case (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the lock ring (30) is provided with at least one catch (41) that is capable of snap-fitting in an indentation (45) of the middle (2) in order to lock the lock ring and thus the circular element in its closed angular position.
13. Watch case (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the catch (41) is provided adjacent to a fin and the indentation (45) is arranged at a blind end (13) of a bayonet (7).
14. Watch case (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the middle (2) is provided with a resilient boss (46) that projects from the track (4), and wherein the ring (25) is provided with a notch (47) capable of snap-fitting on the boss (46) in order to retain the ring and the lock ring (30) in an angular position in which the fins (34) are engaged in their respective bayonets (7).
15. Watch case (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the crown (20) is integrally formed with the bezel (14).
16. Watch equipped with a watch case (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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