EP3543798B1 - Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one resilient arm - Google Patents

Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one resilient arm Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3543798B1
EP3543798B1 EP18162720.9A EP18162720A EP3543798B1 EP 3543798 B1 EP3543798 B1 EP 3543798B1 EP 18162720 A EP18162720 A EP 18162720A EP 3543798 B1 EP3543798 B1 EP 3543798B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rotating bezel
annular
bezel
toothed ring
elastic arm
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18162720.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3543798A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Silvant
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.)
Omega SA
Original Assignee
Omega SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Omega SA filed Critical Omega SA
Priority to EP18162720.9A priority Critical patent/EP3543798B1/en
Priority to US16/290,994 priority patent/US11262703B2/en
Priority to JP2019044504A priority patent/JP6764969B2/en
Priority to KR1020190029949A priority patent/KR102213578B1/en
Priority to CN201910208703.6A priority patent/CN110308639B/en
Publication of EP3543798A1 publication Critical patent/EP3543798A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3543798B1 publication Critical patent/EP3543798B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an annular rotating bezel system.
  • the invention also relates to a watch case comprising a middle part and the annular rotating bezel system rotatably mounted on the middle part.
  • the invention further relates to a watch comprising the watch case.
  • the watch is for example a diving watch, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention.
  • annular rotating bezel systems include a rotating bezel, an annular retaining ring, a toothed ring, and an elastic arm, a free end of which is resiliently and radially in engagement with the toothed ring.
  • a rotating bezel system is for example described in the patent document EP 0 686 897 B1 .
  • the elastic arm is angularly secured to the annular ring, itself driven out on the middle part, and the toothed ring is angularly secured to the rotating bezel.
  • the elastic arm is formed by a wire spring comprising several segments extending in two planes perpendicular to each other. The presence of such a wire spring in the rotating bezel system therefore makes such a system relatively bulky, especially in terms of thickness.
  • the wire spring extends roughly a quarter of the bezel circumference with a radius of curvature less than the bezel radius also increasing. the bulk of the system in the radial direction of the bezel.
  • another drawback of such an annular rotating bezel system is that it cannot be easily assembled to the middle part, because the ring must first be driven out onto the middle part around a seal, then the ring. elastic arm must be attached to the ring, then it is the turn of the bezel to be assembled. Thus not only is the assembly complex, but the dismantling is almost impossible and risks damaging the rotating bezel.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide an annular rotating bezel system having a reduced bulk, while being simple to assemble and manufacture, and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art.
  • the invention relates to an annular rotating bezel system which comprises the features mentioned in independent claim 1.
  • a first advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to reduce the overall thickness and diameter of the system.
  • the elastic arm is formed of a flat leaf spring mounted in a cantilever manner in the system.
  • a flat leaf spring occupies less space in the system, and is thinner than a wire spring, allowing a saving in overall size.
  • a flat leaf spring has good elastic properties, ensuring the reliability of the rotating bezel system.
  • such an arrangement is simple to assemble and manufacture, since the annular rotating bezel system is made independent of the watch case.
  • this arrangement makes it possible to choose a material for the toothed ring independently of the material used for the rotating bezel. This makes it possible, for example, to produce glasses in precious material without risk of premature wear since the toothed ring is not integrated into the bezel but is just attached to said bezel.
  • the rotating bezel comprises at least one lug extending on an internal lateral face of the bezel, and the elastic arm has, on the side of its other end on a face located on the side opposite to the toothed ring, a notch in which the lug of the bezel is engaged, to allow a rotational connection of the elastic arm to the rotating bezel.
  • This allows the elastic arm to be easily rotated to the rotating bezel, while facilitating the positioning of the elastic arm in the bezel.
  • the annular rotating bezel system comprises three elastic arms distributed over 360 °, the three elastic arms being spaced two by two by 120 °.
  • This first embodiment of the invention makes it possible to ensure a good distribution of the bending and elastic retention torques on the toothed ring.
  • the annular rotating bezel system comprises a single elastic arm.
  • the toothed ring has, on an inner periphery, at least one lug intended to be received in a notch provided in a cylindrical outer surface of the middle part.
  • the annular rotating bezel system is formed of an independent module, said module being configured to be clipped onto the middle part.
  • This makes it possible to obtain a simple and practical mounting of the rotating bezel system on the caseband, also allowing easy removal. This makes it possible to further simplify the assembly and the process. of the watch case.
  • the clip-on mounting system used forms a free hooking system.
  • the invention also relates to a watch case comprising the annular rotating bezel system described above, and which comprises the characteristics mentioned in dependent claim 11.
  • the invention also relates to a watch comprising the watch case described above, and which comprises the characteristics mentioned in dependent claim 14.
  • the figure 1 represents a watch 1 provided with a watch case 2.
  • the watch case 2 typically comprises a middle part 4.
  • the watch case watch 2 also comprises an annular rotating bezel system 6 as well as a watch movement which extends in a plane, the watch movement not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 is rotatably mounted on the middle part 4.
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 is formed from an independent module.
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 is for example clipped onto the caseband 4, as will be detailed below.
  • the caseband 4 is annular in shape.
  • the middle part 4 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 8.
  • the cylindrical outer surface 8 is provided with a peripheral shoulder defined by a side wall 12a and a base 12b.
  • This peripheral shoulder serves as a housing for the rotating bezel system 6.
  • the side wall 12a comprises an annular protuberance or bead 13 extending over the entire perimeter of the side wall 12a and allowing the rotating bezel system 6 to be hooked on. caseband 4, by clipping.
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 rests on the base 12b.
  • the rotating bezel system 6 is thus mounted on the middle part 4, from above the latter, allowing the system 6 to be blocked in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement, while allowing rotation of the bezel around the middle part. 4.
  • the configuration of the watch case is substantially circular.
  • the middle part can be made of metal, typically steel, titanium, gold. , platinum or ceramic typically based on alumina, zirconia or silicon nitride.
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises a rotating bezel 14, an annular retaining ring 16, a toothed ring 18 and at least one elastic arm 20.
  • a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. figures 1 to 3 .
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises three elastic arms 20 distributed over 360 °, the three elastic arms 20 being spaced two by two by 120 °.
  • the system 6 further comprises a decor ring 22 forcibly engaged on the rotating bezel 14.
  • the decor ring 22 carries for example graduations, typically diving graduations in the case of a diving watch 1.
  • the decorative ring 22 is for example made of ceramic.
  • the rotating bezel 14 is annular in shape and comprises an upper face 23a visible to the user and a lower face 23b. As shown on the figure 1 , the rotating bezel 14 is for example provided on an inner periphery with an annular rim 24. The annular rim 24 cooperates by clipping with the protuberance 13 of the middle part 4, and forms with the latter a free hooking system.
  • the rotating bezel 14 is for example made of metal but could be made of any other material, for example ceramic.
  • the annular ring 16 maintains the toothed ring 18 and the elastic arms 20 in the bezel 14, in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement. This makes it possible to facilitate the mounting of the rotating bezel 14 on the middle part 4.
  • the annular ring 16 is driven into the rotating bezel 14, securing it to the latter.
  • the annular ring 16 is secured to the middle part 4.
  • the annular ring 16 rests on the base 12b of the middle part 4, and thus surrounds the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4.
  • the annular ring 16 is configured to cooperate with the cylindrical outer surface 8 to allow the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 on the middle part 4.
  • the annular retaining ring 16 is for example a flat ring.
  • the annular ring 16 comprises means 26 for guiding the rotating bezel 14 in rotation around the middle part 4, and means 28 configured to slow the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 and to dampen the sound.
  • the annular ring 16 is for example formed from a single piece of material consisting of a plastic material, in particular PTFE, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (Tefzel®), and polyoxymethylene (Delrin®), where appropriate coated a layer to improve the coefficient of friction.
  • the annular ring 16 is for example of rectangular section.
  • the annular ring 16 comprises on an inner periphery an alternation between the tongues 30a of a first group of tongues, and the tongues 30b of a second group of tongues.
  • the tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group are in contact with the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4.
  • Such tongues 30a, 30b limit the passage of dirt inside the rotating bezel system 6.
  • the tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group are arranged on an outer periphery of the annular ring 16 and are in contact with a inner surface of rotating bezel 14.
  • the first and second groups of tabs each comprise six tabs 30a, 30b, distributed over the inner periphery of the ring 16 over 360 °.
  • the tongues of the same group of tongues are thus spaced two by two by 60 °, the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups of tongues being alternated.
  • the tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group have differentiated dimensions, in the radial direction.
  • the tongues 30a of the first group of tongues have dimensions in the radial direction smaller than those of the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues, and form the means for guiding in rotation 26.
  • the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues form the sound braking and damping means 28. More precisely, the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues are made up of segments that are more flexible than the tongues 30a of the first group. Such segments are capable of flexing in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement.
  • a particular embodiment shown in figure 1 consists in that the tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group have differentiated thicknesses, the thickness being measured in the axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement.
  • the tongues 30b of the second group have a thickness less than that of the tongues 30a of the first group, thus giving them greater flexibility. Thanks to the axial flexibility of the tongues 30b of the second group, they can ensure braking of the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 by friction against the cylindrical outer surface 8, as well as damping the sound produced.
  • the braking of the rotation of the bezel 14 by the means 28 has the advantage of smoothing the different clearances inside the system so that the user of the bezel does not feel them, as well as of controlling the torque. of the bezel making it softer.
  • the braking and sound damping means 28 make it possible to reduce the noise produced by the rotation of the bezel and therefore improve the user experience.
  • the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups are separated from one another by notches 32. This makes it possible in particular to improve the flexibility of the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues.
  • the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups of tongues extend angularly over a substantially equal angular sector.
  • the annular retaining ring may comprise a simple ring. annular of rectangular section over its entire periphery driven into the bezel 14.
  • the toothed ring 18 comprises several teeth, for example 120 teeth, also distributed over its outer circumference over 360 °.
  • the toothed ring 18 also has, on its inner periphery, at least one lug 34 received in a notch 36 provided in the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4.
  • the toothed ring 18 comprises three lugs 34 distributed over 360 ° and spaced two by two by 120 °.
  • the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4 comprises three corresponding notches 36. This lugs 34 / notches 36 system allows easy angular attachment of the toothed ring 18 to the middle part 4, while facilitating the positioning of the toothed ring 18 on the middle part 4.
  • This system also makes it possible to guide the rotating bezel system. 6 for its mounting on the caseband 4.
  • the pins 34 are engaged in the notches 36, allowing the elements to be snapped inside the system 6 and the system 6 to be clipped on. the caseband 4.
  • the toothed ring 18 is formed from a single piece of material.
  • the toothed ring 18 is for example made of a metal alloy, in particular a cobalt-based alloy (40% Co, 20% Cr, 16% Ni and. 7% Mo) commercially known as phynox or of steel typically a stainless steel for example 316L.
  • the toothed ring 18 may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular a thermostable semi-crystalline thermoplastic material such as, for example, polyarylamide (Ixef®), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or even a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina.
  • Each elastic arm 20 has a fixed end 37 and a free end 38 elastically and radially in engagement with the toothed ring 18.
  • Each elastic arm 20 is formed of a flat leaf spring, the flat leaf springs 20 extending around it. 'toothed ring 18, substantially in the same plane as the plane defined by the latter.
  • the flat leaf springs 20 are arranged so that a longitudinal face of each flat leaf spring 20 extends opposite the toothed ring 18.
  • Each flat leaf spring 20 is cantilevered in the rotating bezel system annular 6.
  • each resilient arm 20 is angularly integral with the rotating bezel 14 while the opposite free end 38 has the shape of a nose 38a forming a tooth cooperating with the teeth of the toothed ring 18. More precisely , each elastic arm 20 has, on the side of its fixed end 37 on a face situated on the side opposite the toothed ring 18, a notch 40 in which a lug 42 of the bezel 14 is engaged.
  • the rotating bezel 14 comprises on an internal lateral face three lugs 42 distributed over 360 ° and spaced two by two by 120 °. This lugs 42 / notches 40 system makes it possible to easily connect the elastic arms 20 in rotation to the rotating bezel 14, while facilitating the positioning of the arms 20 in the bezel 14.
  • the plane leaf springs 20 are flexible and cantilevered in the annular rotating bezel system 6.
  • each elastic arm 20 has, on a face located on the side opposite to the toothed ring 18, a boss 44.
  • Each boss 44 bears against an internal lateral face of the bezel 14.
  • the spring is arranged to flex between its end free in engagement with the tooth and the boss. The location of this boss thus determines the desired return force of the spring.
  • This boss is arranged on the spring in this example but could also according to a variant (not shown) be arranged on the bezel.
  • each elastic arm 20 has an arcuate shape, the center of curvature of which is located inside the bezel 14.
  • the free end 38 of each elastic arm 20 preferably has a shape curved towards the center. of the rotating bezel 14 ending in the nozzle 38a.
  • the free end 38 of each arm elastic 20 has an accentuated curvature with respect to the rest of the arm 20, that is to say that the radius of curvature of the free end 38 is less than the radius of curvature of the rest of the arm 20.
  • each free end 38 of an arm 20 is in contact with the toothed ring so that there is a rest position in which the spout 38a of each free end 38 is located in a hollow between two teeth of the toothed ring 18.
  • the elastic arms 20 are deformed by approaching radially the rotating bezel 14, allowing the nozzles 38a of the free ends 38 of the arms 20 to disengage from the hollows of the toothed ring 18 and re-mesh with an adjacent tooth of the toothed ring 18.
  • the bezel 14 then effectively rotates through a corresponding angular sector, to a new position.
  • This movement is possible in only one predefined direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on the orientation of the elastic arms 20 with respect to the toothed ring 18.
  • the bezel in such a system according to the invention is therefore a bezel. unidirectional.
  • the direction of rotation of the bezel can however be modified by changing the orientation of the elastic arms 20 with respect to the toothed ring 18.
  • Each flat leaf spring 20 is formed from a single piece of material.
  • Each flat leaf spring 20 is for example made of a metal alloy having good spring properties, that is to say which easily deforms elastically while being able to deform significantly without undergoing plastic deformation, in particular phynox ® or even amorphous metal alloys.
  • each flat leaf spring 20 can also, as a variant, be made of a synthetic material.
  • each flat leaf spring 20 is manufactured by a LIGA forming process (from the German RöntgenLIthographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung).
  • the annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises a single elastic arm 20.
  • the characteristics of the elastic arm 20 illustrated in FIG. figure 4 are identical to the characteristics of the other arms 20 illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 , and described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • variants with more than three elastic arms, preferably distributed equally around the periphery of the bezel, can also be envisaged.
  • annular rotating bezel system according to the invention has been made with reference to a toothed ring angularly integral with the middle part, and to elastic arms angularly integral with the rotating bezel.
  • the reverse configuration is possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, that is to say that the toothed ring can be angularly secured to the rotating bezel, and the or each elastic arm angularly integral with the middle part.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

L'invention concerne un système de lunette tournante annulaire.The invention relates to an annular rotating bezel system.

L'invention concerne également une boîte de montre comprenant une carrure et le système de lunette tournante annulaire monté à rotation sur la carrure.The invention also relates to a watch case comprising a middle part and the annular rotating bezel system rotatably mounted on the middle part.

L'invention concerne en outre une montre comportant la boîte de montre. La montre est par exemple une montre de plongée, sans que cela ne soit limitatif dans le cadre de la présente invention.The invention further relates to a watch comprising the watch case. The watch is for example a diving watch, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention.

ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUESTATE OF THE ART

Des systèmes de lunettes tournantes annulaires connus comprennent une lunette tournante, une bague annulaire de maintien, un anneau denté, et un bras élastique dont une extrémité libre est élastiquement et radialement en prise avec l'anneau denté. Un tel système de lunette tournante est par exemple décrit dans le document brevet EP 0 686 897 B1 . Le bras élastique est angulairement solidaire de la bague annulaire, elle-même chassée sur la carrure, et l'anneau denté est angulairement solidaire de la lunette tournante. Le bras élastique est formé d'un ressort-fil comportant plusieurs segments s'étendant dans deux plans perpendiculaires l'un par rapport à l'autre. La présence d'un tel ressort-fil dans le système de lunette tournante rend donc un tel système relativement encombrant, notamment en épaisseur. En outre, le ressort-fil s'étend sur à peu près un quart de la circonférence de la lunette avec un rayon de courbure inférieur au rayon de la lunette augmentant également l'encombrement du système dans la direction radiale de la lunette. En outre, un autre inconvénient d'un tel système de lunette tournante annulaire est de ne pas pouvoir être facilement assemblé à la carrure, car la bague doit d'abord être chassée sur la carrure autour d'un joint d'étanchéité, puis le bras élastique doit être fixé à la bague, puis c'est au tour de la lunette d'être assemblée. Ainsi non seulement le montage est complexe mais le démontage est quasi impossible et risque de détériorer la lunette tournante.Known annular rotating bezel systems include a rotating bezel, an annular retaining ring, a toothed ring, and an elastic arm, a free end of which is resiliently and radially in engagement with the toothed ring. Such a rotating bezel system is for example described in the patent document EP 0 686 897 B1 . The elastic arm is angularly secured to the annular ring, itself driven out on the middle part, and the toothed ring is angularly secured to the rotating bezel. The elastic arm is formed by a wire spring comprising several segments extending in two planes perpendicular to each other. The presence of such a wire spring in the rotating bezel system therefore makes such a system relatively bulky, especially in terms of thickness. Additionally, the wire spring extends roughly a quarter of the bezel circumference with a radius of curvature less than the bezel radius also increasing. the bulk of the system in the radial direction of the bezel. In addition, another drawback of such an annular rotating bezel system is that it cannot be easily assembled to the middle part, because the ring must first be driven out onto the middle part around a seal, then the ring. elastic arm must be attached to the ring, then it is the turn of the bezel to be assembled. Thus not only is the assembly complex, but the dismantling is almost impossible and risks damaging the rotating bezel.

RÉSUMÉ DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

L'invention a donc pour but de fournir un système de lunette tournante annulaire présentant un encombrement réduit, tout en étant simple à monter et à fabriquer, et palliant les inconvénients susmentionnés de l'état de la technique.The object of the invention is therefore to provide an annular rotating bezel system having a reduced bulk, while being simple to assemble and manufacture, and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un système de lunette tournante annulaire qui comprend les caractéristiques mentionnées dans la revendication indépendante 1.To this end, the invention relates to an annular rotating bezel system which comprises the features mentioned in independent claim 1.

Des formes particulières du système sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 10.Particular forms of the system are defined in dependent claims 2 to 10.

Un premier avantage de la présente invention est de permettre de diminuer l'encombrement en épaisseur et en diamètre du système. En effet, le bras élastique est formé d'un ressort lame plan monté en porte-à-faux dans le système. Un tel ressort lame plan occupe moins d'espace dans le système, et est moins épais qu'un ressort-fil, permettant un gain en encombrement de l'ensemble. En outre, un tel ressort lame plan présente de bonnes propriétés élastiques, assurant la fiabilité du système de lunette tournante. De plus, un tel agencement est simple à monter et à fabriquer, car le système de lunette tournante annulaire est rendu indépendant de la boîte de montre.A first advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to reduce the overall thickness and diameter of the system. Indeed, the elastic arm is formed of a flat leaf spring mounted in a cantilever manner in the system. Such a flat leaf spring occupies less space in the system, and is thinner than a wire spring, allowing a saving in overall size. In addition, such a flat leaf spring has good elastic properties, ensuring the reliability of the rotating bezel system. In addition, such an arrangement is simple to assemble and manufacture, since the annular rotating bezel system is made independent of the watch case.

Enfin, cet agencement permet de choisir un matériau pour l'anneau denté indépendamment du matériau utilisé pour la lunette tournante. Ceci permet par exemple de réaliser des lunettes en matériau précieux sans risque d'usure prématurée puisque l'anneau denté n'est pas intégré à la lunette mais qu'il est juste fixé à ladite lunette.Finally, this arrangement makes it possible to choose a material for the toothed ring independently of the material used for the rotating bezel. This makes it possible, for example, to produce glasses in precious material without risk of premature wear since the toothed ring is not integrated into the bezel but is just attached to said bezel.

Avantageusement, la lunette tournante comprend au moins un ergot s'étendant sur une face latérale interne de la lunette, et le bras élastique présente, du côté de son autre extrémité sur une face située du côté opposé à l'anneau denté, une échancrure dans laquelle l'ergot de la lunette est engagé, pour permettre une liaison en rotation du bras élastique à la lunette tournante. Ceci permet de lier facilement en rotation le bras élastique à la lunette tournante, tout en facilitant le positionnement du bras élastique dans la lunette.Advantageously, the rotating bezel comprises at least one lug extending on an internal lateral face of the bezel, and the elastic arm has, on the side of its other end on a face located on the side opposite to the toothed ring, a notch in which the lug of the bezel is engaged, to allow a rotational connection of the elastic arm to the rotating bezel. This allows the elastic arm to be easily rotated to the rotating bezel, while facilitating the positioning of the elastic arm in the bezel.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, le système de lunette tournante annulaire comprend trois bras élastiques répartis sur 360°, les trois bras élastiques étant espacés deux à deux de 120°. Ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention permet d'assurer une bonne répartition des couples de flexion et de maintien élastique sur l'anneau denté.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the annular rotating bezel system comprises three elastic arms distributed over 360 °, the three elastic arms being spaced two by two by 120 °. This first embodiment of the invention makes it possible to ensure a good distribution of the bending and elastic retention torques on the toothed ring.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, le système de lunette tournante annulaire comprend un seul bras élastique.According to a second embodiment of the invention, the annular rotating bezel system comprises a single elastic arm.

Avantageusement, l'anneau denté présente, sur un pourtour intérieur, au moins un ergot destiné à être reçu dans une échancrure prévue dans une surface extérieure cylindrique de la carrure. Ceci permet une solidarisation angulaire aisée de l'anneau denté à la carrure, tout en facilitant le positionnement de l'anneau denté sur la carrure et en permettant de guider le système de lunette tournante pour son montage sur la carrure.Advantageously, the toothed ring has, on an inner periphery, at least one lug intended to be received in a notch provided in a cylindrical outer surface of the middle part. This allows easy angular attachment of the toothed ring to the middle part, while facilitating the positioning of the toothed ring on the middle part and making it possible to guide the rotating bezel system for its mounting on the middle part.

Avantageusement, le système de lunette tournante annulaire est formé d'un module indépendant, ledit module étant configuré pour être clippé sur la carrure. Ceci permet d'obtenir un montage simple et pratique du système de lunette tournante sur la carrure, permettant également un démontage aisé. Ceci permet de simplifier encore le montage et le procédé de fabrication de la boîte de montre. Le système de montage par clippage utilisé forme un système de crochement libre.Advantageously, the annular rotating bezel system is formed of an independent module, said module being configured to be clipped onto the middle part. This makes it possible to obtain a simple and practical mounting of the rotating bezel system on the caseband, also allowing easy removal. This makes it possible to further simplify the assembly and the process. of the watch case. The clip-on mounting system used forms a free hooking system.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne également une boîte de montre comprenant le système de lunette tournante annulaire décrit ci-dessus, et qui comprend les caractéristiques mentionnées dans la revendication dépendante 11.To this end, the invention also relates to a watch case comprising the annular rotating bezel system described above, and which comprises the characteristics mentioned in dependent claim 11.

Des formes particulières de la boîte de montre sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 12 et 13.Particular shapes of the watch case are defined in dependent claims 12 and 13.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne également une montre comportant la boîte de montre décrite ci-dessus, et qui comprend les caractéristiques mentionnées dans la revendication dépendante 14.To this end, the invention also relates to a watch comprising the watch case described above, and which comprises the characteristics mentioned in dependent claim 14.

BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques du système de lunette tournante annulaire selon l'invention apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante sur la base d'au moins une forme d'exécution non limitative illustrée par les dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée du système de lunette tournante annulaire selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, comprenant trois bras élastiques ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un des bras élastiques du système de lunette tournante annulaire de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessous du système de lunette tournante annulaire de la figure 1 ; et
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessous du système de lunette tournante annulaire selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
The aims, advantages and characteristics of the annular rotating bezel system according to the invention will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the annular rotating bezel system according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising three elastic arms;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the resilient arms of the annular rotating bezel system of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a bottom view of the annular rotating bezel system of the figure 1 ; and
  • the figure 4 is a bottom view of the annular rotating bezel system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

La figure 1 représente une montre 1 munie d'une boîte de montre 2. La boîte de montre 2 comprend typiquement une carrure 4. La boîte de montre 2 comprend également un système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 ainsi qu'un mouvement horloger qui s'étend dans un plan, le mouvement horloger n'étant pas représenté sur les figures pour des raisons de clarté. Le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 est monté à rotation sur la carrure 4. De préférence, comme illustré sur les figures 1, 3 et 4, le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 est formé d'un module indépendant. Le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 est par exemple clippé sur la carrure 4, comme cela sera détaillé par la suite.The figure 1 represents a watch 1 provided with a watch case 2. The watch case 2 typically comprises a middle part 4. The watch case watch 2 also comprises an annular rotating bezel system 6 as well as a watch movement which extends in a plane, the watch movement not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The annular rotating bezel system 6 is rotatably mounted on the middle part 4. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures. figures 1 , 3 and 4 , the annular rotating bezel system 6 is formed from an independent module. The annular rotating bezel system 6 is for example clipped onto the caseband 4, as will be detailed below.

Comme illustré sur la figure 1, la carrure 4 est de forme annulaire. La carrure 4 comprend une surface extérieure cylindrique 8. Comme visible sur la figure 1, la surface extérieure cylindrique 8 est munie d'un épaulement périphérique défini par une paroi latérale 12a et une base 12b. Cet épaulement périphérique sert de logement pour le système de lunette tournante 6. La paroi latérale 12a comprend une excroissance ou bourrelet annulaire 13 s'étendant sur l'intégralité du périmètre de la paroi latérale 12a et permettant le crochement du système de lunette tournante 6 sur la carrure 4, par clippage. Le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 s'appuie sur la base 12b. Le système de lunette tournante 6 est ainsi monté sur la carrure 4, depuis le dessus de cette dernière, permettant un blocage du système 6 selon une direction axiale perpendiculaire au plan du mouvement horloger, tout en autorisant une rotation de la lunette autour de la carrure 4. Dans la boîte de montre 2 prise en exemple aux figures 1, 3 et 4, la configuration de la boîte de montre est sensiblement circulaire. Toutefois, l'invention n'est nullement limitée à une telle configuration de la boîte de montre, ni aux autres dispositions décrites ci-dessus pour la carrure 4. La carrure peut être réalisée en métal, typiquement en acier, en titane, en or, en platine ou en céramique typiquement à base d'alumine, de zircone ou de nitrure de silicium.As shown on the figure 1 , the caseband 4 is annular in shape. The middle part 4 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 8. As can be seen on the figure 1 , the cylindrical outer surface 8 is provided with a peripheral shoulder defined by a side wall 12a and a base 12b. This peripheral shoulder serves as a housing for the rotating bezel system 6. The side wall 12a comprises an annular protuberance or bead 13 extending over the entire perimeter of the side wall 12a and allowing the rotating bezel system 6 to be hooked on. caseband 4, by clipping. The annular rotating bezel system 6 rests on the base 12b. The rotating bezel system 6 is thus mounted on the middle part 4, from above the latter, allowing the system 6 to be blocked in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement, while allowing rotation of the bezel around the middle part. 4. In watch box 2 taken as an example in figures 1 , 3 and 4 , the configuration of the watch case is substantially circular. However, the invention is in no way limited to such a configuration of the watch case, nor to the other arrangements described above for the middle part 4. The middle part can be made of metal, typically steel, titanium, gold. , platinum or ceramic typically based on alumina, zirconia or silicon nitride.

Le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 comprend une lunette tournante 14, une bague annulaire de maintien 16, un anneau denté 18 et au moins un bras élastique 20. Un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention est représenté sur les figures 1 à 3. Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 comprend trois bras élastiques 20 répartis sur 360°, les trois bras élastiques 20 étant espacés deux à deux de 120°.The annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises a rotating bezel 14, an annular retaining ring 16, a toothed ring 18 and at least one elastic arm 20. A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. figures 1 to 3 . In this first mode of embodiment, the annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises three elastic arms 20 distributed over 360 °, the three elastic arms 20 being spaced two by two by 120 °.

De préférence, le système 6 comprend en outre un anneau de décor 22 engagé à force sur la lunette tournante 14. L'anneau de décor 22 porte par exemple des graduations, typiquement des graduations de plongée dans le cas d'une montre 1 de plongée. L'anneau de décor 22 est par exemple en céramique.Preferably, the system 6 further comprises a decor ring 22 forcibly engaged on the rotating bezel 14. The decor ring 22 carries for example graduations, typically diving graduations in the case of a diving watch 1. . The decorative ring 22 is for example made of ceramic.

La lunette tournante 14 est de forme annulaire et comprend une face supérieure 23a visible par l'utilisateur et une face inférieure 23b. Comme illustré sur la figure 1, la lunette tournante 14 est par exemple munie sur un pourtour intérieur d'un rebord annulaire 24. Le rebord annulaire 24 coopère par clippage avec l'excroissance 13 de la carrure 4, et forme avec cette dernière un système de crochement libre. La lunette tournante 14 est par exemple en métal mais pourrait être réalisée en tout autre matériau par exemple en céramique.The rotating bezel 14 is annular in shape and comprises an upper face 23a visible to the user and a lower face 23b. As shown on the figure 1 , the rotating bezel 14 is for example provided on an inner periphery with an annular rim 24. The annular rim 24 cooperates by clipping with the protuberance 13 of the middle part 4, and forms with the latter a free hooking system. The rotating bezel 14 is for example made of metal but could be made of any other material, for example ceramic.

La bague annulaire 16 maintient l'anneau denté 18 et les bras élastiques 20 dans la lunette 14, selon une direction axiale perpendiculaire au plan du mouvement horloger. Ceci permet de faciliter le montage de la lunette tournante 14 sur la carrure 4. De préférence, la bague annulaire 16 est chassée dans la lunette tournante 14, la solidarisant à cette dernière. Dans une variante de réalisation non représentée sur les figures, la bague annulaire 16 est solidarisée à la carrure 4.The annular ring 16 maintains the toothed ring 18 and the elastic arms 20 in the bezel 14, in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement. This makes it possible to facilitate the mounting of the rotating bezel 14 on the middle part 4. Preferably, the annular ring 16 is driven into the rotating bezel 14, securing it to the latter. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the annular ring 16 is secured to the middle part 4.

La bague annulaire 16 repose sur la base 12b de la carrure 4, et entoure ainsi la surface extérieure cylindrique 8 de la carrure 4. La bague annulaire 16 est configurée pour coopérer avec la surface extérieure cylindrique 8 pour permettre la rotation de la lunette tournante 14 sur la carrure 4. La bague annulaire de maintien 16 est par exemple une bague plate.The annular ring 16 rests on the base 12b of the middle part 4, and thus surrounds the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4. The annular ring 16 is configured to cooperate with the cylindrical outer surface 8 to allow the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 on the middle part 4. The annular retaining ring 16 is for example a flat ring.

Selon une variante de réalisation particulière, illustrée à la figure 1, la bague annulaire 16 comprend des moyens 26 de guidage en rotation de la lunette tournante 14 autour de la carrure 4, et des moyens 28 configurés pour freiner la rotation de la lunette tournante 14 autour de la carrure 4 et pour amortir le son. Dans cette variante de réalisation illustrée à la figure 1, la bague annulaire 16 est par exemple formée d'une seule pièce de matière constituée d'un matériau plastique, notamment du, PTFE, de l'ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (Tefzel®), et du polyoxyméthylène (Delrin ®) le cas échéant revêtue d'une couche visant à améliorer le coefficient de frottement. La bague annulaire 16 est par exemple de section rectangulaire.According to a particular variant embodiment, illustrated on figure 1 , the annular ring 16 comprises means 26 for guiding the rotating bezel 14 in rotation around the middle part 4, and means 28 configured to slow the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 and to dampen the sound. In this variant embodiment illustrated on figure 1 , the annular ring 16 is for example formed from a single piece of material consisting of a plastic material, in particular PTFE, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (Tefzel®), and polyoxymethylene (Delrin®), where appropriate coated a layer to improve the coefficient of friction. The annular ring 16 is for example of rectangular section.

De préférence, comme représenté sur la figure 1, la bague annulaire 16 comprend sur un pourtour intérieur une alternance entre des languettes 30a d'un premier groupe de languettes, et des languettes 30b d'un second groupe de languettes. Les languettes 30a du premier groupe et les languettes 30b du second groupe sont en contact avec la surface extérieure cylindrique 8 de la carrure 4. De telles languettes 30a, 30b limitent le passage de salissures à l'intérieur du système de lunette tournante 6. Dans la variante non représentée sur les figures selon laquelle la bague annulaire 16 est solidarisée à la carrure 4, les languettes 30a du premier groupe et les languettes 30b du second groupe sont agencées sur un pourtour extérieur de la bague annulaire 16 et sont en contact avec une surface intérieure de la lunette tournante 14.Preferably, as shown in figure 1 , the annular ring 16 comprises on an inner periphery an alternation between the tongues 30a of a first group of tongues, and the tongues 30b of a second group of tongues. The tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group are in contact with the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4. Such tongues 30a, 30b limit the passage of dirt inside the rotating bezel system 6. In the variant not shown in the figures according to which the annular ring 16 is secured to the middle part 4, the tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group are arranged on an outer periphery of the annular ring 16 and are in contact with a inner surface of rotating bezel 14.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, les premier et second groupes de languettes comprennent chacun six languettes 30a, 30b, réparties sur le pourtour intérieur de la bague 16 sur 360°. Les languettes d'un même groupe de languettes sont ainsi espacées deux à deux de 60°, les languettes 30a, 30b des premier et second groupes de languettes étant alternées.In the embodiment of the figure 1 , the first and second groups of tabs each comprise six tabs 30a, 30b, distributed over the inner periphery of the ring 16 over 360 °. The tongues of the same group of tongues are thus spaced two by two by 60 °, the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups of tongues being alternated.

Les languettes 30a du premier groupe et les languettes 30b du second groupe présentent des dimensions, selon la direction radiale différenciées. Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, les languettes 30a du premier groupe de languettes présentent des dimensions selon la direction radiale inférieures à celles des languettes 30b du second groupe de languettes, et forment les moyens de guidage en rotation 26.The tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group have differentiated dimensions, in the radial direction. In the embodiment of the figure 1 , the tongues 30a of the first group of tongues have dimensions in the radial direction smaller than those of the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues, and form the means for guiding in rotation 26.

Les languettes 30b du second groupe de languettes forment les moyens de freinage et d'amortissement du son 28. Plus précisément, les languettes 30b du second groupe de languettes sont constituées de segments plus souples que les languettes 30a du premier groupe. De tels segments sont aptes à fléchir selon une direction axiale perpendiculaire au plan du mouvement horloger. Pour ce faire, un exemple de réalisation particulier représenté à la figure 1 consiste en ce que les languettes 30a du premier groupe et les languettes 30b du second groupe présentent des épaisseurs différenciées, l'épaisseur étant mesurée selon la direction axiale perpendiculaire au plan du mouvement horloger. Typiquement, les languettes 30b du second groupe présentent une épaisseur inférieure à celle des languettes 30a du premier groupe, leur conférant ainsi une plus grande souplesse. Grâce à la flexibilité axiale des languettes 30b du second groupe, celles-ci peuvent assurer un freinage de la rotation de la lunette tournante 14 autour de la carrure 4 par frottement contre la surface extérieure cylindrique 8, ainsi qu'un amortissement du son produit.The tongues 30b of the second group of tongues form the sound braking and damping means 28. More precisely, the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues are made up of segments that are more flexible than the tongues 30a of the first group. Such segments are capable of flexing in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement. To do this, a particular embodiment shown in figure 1 consists in that the tongues 30a of the first group and the tongues 30b of the second group have differentiated thicknesses, the thickness being measured in the axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement. Typically, the tongues 30b of the second group have a thickness less than that of the tongues 30a of the first group, thus giving them greater flexibility. Thanks to the axial flexibility of the tongues 30b of the second group, they can ensure braking of the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 by friction against the cylindrical outer surface 8, as well as damping the sound produced.

Le freinage de la rotation de la lunette 14 par les moyens 28 présente l'avantage de lisser les différents jeux à l'intérieur du système de sorte que l'utilisateur de la lunette ne les ressente pas, ainsi que de maîtriser le couple de rotation de la lunette en le rendant plus doux. En outre, les moyens de freinage et d'amortissement du son 28 permettent de réduire le bruit produit par la rotation de la lunette et donc d'améliorer le ressenti utilisateur.The braking of the rotation of the bezel 14 by the means 28 has the advantage of smoothing the different clearances inside the system so that the user of the bezel does not feel them, as well as of controlling the torque. of the bezel making it softer. In addition, the braking and sound damping means 28 make it possible to reduce the noise produced by the rotation of the bezel and therefore improve the user experience.

De préférence, les languettes 30a, 30b des premier et second groupes sont séparées les unes des autres par des échancrures 32. Ceci permet notamment d'améliorer la flexibilité des languettes 30b du second groupe de languettes.Preferably, the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups are separated from one another by notches 32. This makes it possible in particular to improve the flexibility of the tongues 30b of the second group of tongues.

De préférence encore, comme visible sur la figure 1, les languettes 30a, 30b des premier et second groupes de languettes s'étendent angulairement sur un secteur angulaire sensiblement égal.More preferably, as visible on the figure 1 , the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups of tongues extend angularly over a substantially equal angular sector.

Il va de soi que selon d'autres variantes de réalisation de l'invention la bague annulaire de maintien peut comprendre une simple bague annulaire de section rectangulaire sur tout son pourtour chassée dans la lunette 14.It goes without saying that according to other variant embodiments of the invention, the annular retaining ring may comprise a simple ring. annular of rectangular section over its entire periphery driven into the bezel 14.

L'anneau denté 18 comprend plusieurs dents, par exemple 120 dents, également réparties sur son pourtour extérieur sur 360°. De préférence, l'anneau denté 18 présente en outre, sur son pourtour intérieur, au moins un ergot 34 reçu dans une échancrure 36 prévue dans la surface extérieure cylindrique 8 de la carrure 4. Dans les exemples de réalisation illustrés sur les figures 1, 3 et 4, l'anneau denté 18 comprend trois ergots 34 répartis sur 360° et espacés deux à deux de 120°. La surface extérieure cylindrique 8 de la carrure 4 comprend trois échancrures 36 correspondantes. Ce système ergots 34 / échancrures 36 permet une solidarisation angulaire aisée de l'anneau denté 18 à la carrure 4, tout en facilitant le positionnement de l'anneau denté 18 sur la carrure 4. Ce système permet également de guider le système de lunette tournante 6 pour son montage sur la carrure 4. Ainsi, en pressant depuis le dessus du système 6, on engage les ergots 34 dans les échancrures 36, permettant d'encliqueter les éléments à l'intérieur du système 6 et de clipper le système 6 sur la carrure 4.The toothed ring 18 comprises several teeth, for example 120 teeth, also distributed over its outer circumference over 360 °. Preferably, the toothed ring 18 also has, on its inner periphery, at least one lug 34 received in a notch 36 provided in the cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4. In the embodiments illustrated on figures 1 , 3 and 4 , the toothed ring 18 comprises three lugs 34 distributed over 360 ° and spaced two by two by 120 °. The cylindrical outer surface 8 of the middle part 4 comprises three corresponding notches 36. This lugs 34 / notches 36 system allows easy angular attachment of the toothed ring 18 to the middle part 4, while facilitating the positioning of the toothed ring 18 on the middle part 4. This system also makes it possible to guide the rotating bezel system. 6 for its mounting on the caseband 4. Thus, by pressing from above the system 6, the pins 34 are engaged in the notches 36, allowing the elements to be snapped inside the system 6 and the system 6 to be clipped on. the caseband 4.

L'anneau denté 18 est formé d'une seule pièce de matière. L'anneau denté 18 est par exemple constitué d'un alliage métallique, notamment un alliage à base de cobalt (40%Co, 20%Cr, 16%Ni et. 7%Mo) dénommé commercialement phynox ou de l'acier typiquement un acier inoxydable par exemple 316L. En variante, l'anneau denté 18 peut être constitué d'un matériau thermoplastique, notamment un matériau thermoplastique semi-cristallin thermostable tel que par exemple du polyarylamide (Ixef®), du polyétheréthercétone (PEEK) ou encore en un matériau céramique comme de la zircone ou de l'alumine.The toothed ring 18 is formed from a single piece of material. The toothed ring 18 is for example made of a metal alloy, in particular a cobalt-based alloy (40% Co, 20% Cr, 16% Ni and. 7% Mo) commercially known as phynox or of steel typically a stainless steel for example 316L. As a variant, the toothed ring 18 may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular a thermostable semi-crystalline thermoplastic material such as, for example, polyarylamide (Ixef®), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or even a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina.

Chaque bras élastique 20 présente une extrémité fixe 37 et une extrémité libre 38 élastiquement et radialement en prise avec l'anneau denté 18. Chaque bras élastique 20 est formé d'un ressort lame plan, les ressorts lame plans 20 s'étendant autour de l'anneau denté 18, sensiblement dans le même plan que le plan défini par ce dernier. Les ressorts lame plans 20 sont agencés de sorte qu'une face longitudinale de chaque ressort lame plan 20 s'étend en regard de l'anneau denté 18. Chaque ressort lame plan 20 est monté en porte-à-faux dans le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6. Pour ce faire, selon un exemple de réalisation particulier illustré aux figures 1 à 3, l'extrémité fixe 37 de chaque bras élastique 20 est angulairement solidaire de la lunette tournante 14 tandis que l'extrémité libre opposée 38 présente la forme d'un bec 38a formant dent coopérant avec la denture de l'anneau denté 18. Plus précisément, chaque bras élastique 20 présente, du côté de son extrémité fixe 37 sur une face située du côté opposé à l'anneau denté 18, une échancrure 40 dans laquelle un ergot 42 de la lunette 14 est engagé. Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 3, la lunette tournante 14 comprend sur une face latérale interne trois ergots 42 répartis sur 360° et espacés deux à deux de 120°. Ce système ergots 42 / échancrures 40 permet de lier facilement en rotation les bras élastiques 20 à la lunette tournante 14, tout en facilitant le positionnement des bras 20 dans la lunette 14.Each elastic arm 20 has a fixed end 37 and a free end 38 elastically and radially in engagement with the toothed ring 18. Each elastic arm 20 is formed of a flat leaf spring, the flat leaf springs 20 extending around it. 'toothed ring 18, substantially in the same plane as the plane defined by the latter. The flat leaf springs 20 are arranged so that a longitudinal face of each flat leaf spring 20 extends opposite the toothed ring 18. Each flat leaf spring 20 is cantilevered in the rotating bezel system annular 6. To do this, according to a particular embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 3 , the fixed end 37 of each resilient arm 20 is angularly integral with the rotating bezel 14 while the opposite free end 38 has the shape of a nose 38a forming a tooth cooperating with the teeth of the toothed ring 18. More precisely , each elastic arm 20 has, on the side of its fixed end 37 on a face situated on the side opposite the toothed ring 18, a notch 40 in which a lug 42 of the bezel 14 is engaged. In the embodiment illustrated on figure 3 , the rotating bezel 14 comprises on an internal lateral face three lugs 42 distributed over 360 ° and spaced two by two by 120 °. This lugs 42 / notches 40 system makes it possible to easily connect the elastic arms 20 in rotation to the rotating bezel 14, while facilitating the positioning of the arms 20 in the bezel 14.

Selon cette configuration, les ressorts lame plans 20 sont montés flexibles et en porte-à-faux dans le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6.According to this configuration, the plane leaf springs 20 are flexible and cantilevered in the annular rotating bezel system 6.

De préférence, et comme visible sur les figures 1 à 3, chaque bras élastique 20 présente, sur une face située du côté opposé à l'anneau denté 18, un bossage 44. Chaque bossage 44 est en appui contre une face latérale interne de la lunette 14. Le ressort est agencé pour fléchir entre son extrémité libre en prise avec la dent et le bossage. L'emplacement de ce bossage détermine ainsi la force de rappel souhaitée du ressort. Ce bossage est agencé sur le ressort dans cet exemple mais pourrait aussi selon une variante (non représentée) être agencé sur la lunette.Preferably, and as visible on the figures 1 to 3 , each elastic arm 20 has, on a face located on the side opposite to the toothed ring 18, a boss 44. Each boss 44 bears against an internal lateral face of the bezel 14. The spring is arranged to flex between its end free in engagement with the tooth and the boss. The location of this boss thus determines the desired return force of the spring. This boss is arranged on the spring in this example but could also according to a variant (not shown) be arranged on the bezel.

De préférence encore, chaque bras élastique 20 présente une forme arquée dont le centre de courbure est situé à l'intérieur de la lunette 14. En outre, l'extrémité libre 38 de chaque bras élastique 20 présente de préférence une forme recourbée vers le centre de la lunette tournante 14 se terminant par le bec 38a. Autrement dit, l'extrémité libre 38 de chaque bras élastique 20 présente une courbure accentuée par rapport au reste du bras 20, c'est-à-dire que le rayon de courbure de l'extrémité libre 38 est inférieur au rayon de courbure du reste du bras 20.More preferably, each elastic arm 20 has an arcuate shape, the center of curvature of which is located inside the bezel 14. In addition, the free end 38 of each elastic arm 20 preferably has a shape curved towards the center. of the rotating bezel 14 ending in the nozzle 38a. In other words, the free end 38 of each arm elastic 20 has an accentuated curvature with respect to the rest of the arm 20, that is to say that the radius of curvature of the free end 38 is less than the radius of curvature of the rest of the arm 20.

De cette façon, les extrémités libres 38 des bras élastiques 20 coopèrent élastiquement via le bec 38a avec l'anneau denté 18. Dans cette configuration, chaque extrémité libre 38 d'un bras 20 est en contact avec l'anneau denté de sorte qu'il existe une position de repos dans laquelle le bec 38a de chaque extrémité libre 38 se trouve dans un creux entre deux dents de l'anneau denté 18. Quand l'utilisateur se saisit de la lunette 14 et impose à celle-ci un couple de rotation supérieur à un certain couple de ressort déterminé par les bras élastiques 20, les bras élastiques 20 se déforment en se rapprochant radialement de la lunette tournante 14, permettant aux becs 38a des extrémités libres 38 des bras 20 de se dégager des creux de l'anneau denté 18 et de se ré-engrener dans une dent adjacente de l'anneau denté 18. La lunette 14 tourne alors effectivement d'un secteur angulaire correspondant, vers une nouvelle position. Ce mouvement est possible dans un seul sens prédéfini : horaire ou anti-horaire, selon l'orientation des bras élastiques 20 vis-à-vis de l'anneau denté 18. La lunette dans un tel système selon l'invention est donc une lunette unidirectionnelle. Le sens de rotation de la lunette peut toutefois être modifié en changeant l'orientation des bras élastiques 20 vis-à-vis de l'anneau denté 18.In this way, the free ends 38 of the resilient arms 20 elastically cooperate via the nose 38a with the toothed ring 18. In this configuration, each free end 38 of an arm 20 is in contact with the toothed ring so that there is a rest position in which the spout 38a of each free end 38 is located in a hollow between two teeth of the toothed ring 18. When the user grasps the bezel 14 and imposes a torque of rotation greater than a certain spring torque determined by the elastic arms 20, the elastic arms 20 are deformed by approaching radially the rotating bezel 14, allowing the nozzles 38a of the free ends 38 of the arms 20 to disengage from the hollows of the toothed ring 18 and re-mesh with an adjacent tooth of the toothed ring 18. The bezel 14 then effectively rotates through a corresponding angular sector, to a new position. This movement is possible in only one predefined direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on the orientation of the elastic arms 20 with respect to the toothed ring 18. The bezel in such a system according to the invention is therefore a bezel. unidirectional. The direction of rotation of the bezel can however be modified by changing the orientation of the elastic arms 20 with respect to the toothed ring 18.

Chaque ressort lame plan 20 est formé d'une seule pièce de matière. Chaque ressort lame plan 20 est par exemple constitué d'un alliage métallique ayant de bonnes propriétés ressort c'est-à-dire qui se déforme facilement de manière élastique tout en pouvant se déformer de manière importante sans subir de déformation plastique, notamment du phynox® ou encore d'alliages métalliques amorphes. Bien entendu, chaque ressort lame plan 20 peut aussi, en variante, être réalisé dans un matériau synthétique.Each flat leaf spring 20 is formed from a single piece of material. Each flat leaf spring 20 is for example made of a metal alloy having good spring properties, that is to say which easily deforms elastically while being able to deform significantly without undergoing plastic deformation, in particular phynox ® or even amorphous metal alloys. Of course, each flat leaf spring 20 can also, as a variant, be made of a synthetic material.

Selon un exemple de réalisation particulier, chaque ressort lame plan 20 est fabriqué par un procédé de formation LIGA (de l'allemand RöntgenLIthographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung).According to a particular embodiment, each flat leaf spring 20 is manufactured by a LIGA forming process (from the German RöntgenLIthographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung).

Un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention va maintenant être décrit en référence à la figure 4. Selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, le système de lunette tournante annulaire 6 comprend un seul bras élastique 20. Les caractéristiques du bras élastique 20 illustré sur la figure 4 sont identiques aux caractéristiques des autres bras 20 illustrés sur les figures 1 à 3, et décrites en référence au premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. Bien entendu des variantes avec plus de trois bras élastiques de préférence répartis également à la périphérie de la lunette peuvent être également envisagées.A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figure 4 . According to this second embodiment, the annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises a single elastic arm 20. The characteristics of the elastic arm 20 illustrated in FIG. figure 4 are identical to the characteristics of the other arms 20 illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 , and described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention. Of course, variants with more than three elastic arms, preferably distributed equally around the periphery of the bezel, can also be envisaged.

La description précédente du système de lunette tournante annulaire selon l'invention a été faite en référence à un anneau denté angulairement solidaire de la carrure, et à des bras élastiques angulairement solidaires de la lunette tournante. Toutefois, l'homme du métier comprendra que la configuration inverse est possible sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention, c'est-à-dire que l'anneau denté peut être angulairement solidaire de la lunette tournante, et le ou chaque bras élastique angulairement solidaire de la carrure.The preceding description of the annular rotating bezel system according to the invention has been made with reference to a toothed ring angularly integral with the middle part, and to elastic arms angularly integral with the rotating bezel. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the reverse configuration is possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, that is to say that the toothed ring can be angularly secured to the rotating bezel, and the or each elastic arm angularly integral with the middle part.

Claims (14)

  1. Annular rotating bezel system (6) intended to be rotatably mounted on a middle part (4) of a watch case (2) inside which is housed a timepiece movement which extends in a plane, including a rotating bezel (14), an annular holding ring (16), a toothed ring (18), and at least one elastic arm (20) of which a free end (38) is elastically and radially meshed with the toothed ring (18), said toothed ring (18) and said at least one elastic arm (20) being held in an axial direction perpendicular to the plane of the movement in the bezel (14) by the annular holding ring (16), either the toothed ring (18) or the elastic arm (20) being arranged to be angularly joined to the rotating bezel (14), and other being arranged to be angularly joined to the case middle (4);
    characterized in that said at least one elastic arm (20) is formed of a flat strip-spring mounted in a cantilever arrangement in the system (6).
  2. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating bezel (14) includes at least one lug (42) extending over an inner lateral surface of the bezel (14), and in that said at least one elastic arm (20) has, on the side of its other end (37) on a surface located on the opposite side to the toothed ring (18), a hollow (40) in which the lug (42) of the bezel (14) is engaged, to allow a rotating connection between said at least one elastic arm (20) and the rotating bezel (14).
  3. Annular rotating bezel system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one elastic arm (20) has, on a face located on the opposite side to the toothed ring (18), a boss (44), said boss (44) resting against an inner lateral face of the bezel (14).
  4. Annular rotating bezel system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one elastic arm (20) has an arched shape whose centre of curvature is located inside the bezel (14).
  5. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to claim 4, characterized in that the free end (38) of said at least one elastic arm (20) has a curved shape towards the centre of the bezel (14).
  6. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat strip-spring (20 is formed of a single piece of material comprising a crystalline or amorphous metal alloy.
  7. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat strip-spring (20 is fabricated by a LIGA process.
  8. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises three elastic arms (20) distributed over 360°, the three elastic arms (20) being spaced apart from each other by 120°.
  9. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toothed ring (18) has, on an inner edge, at least one lug (34) intended to be received in a hollow (36) provided in an external cylindrical surface (8) of the case middle (4), to allow angular joining of the toothed ring (18) to the case middle (4).
  10. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said system (6) is formed of an independent module, said module being configured to be clipped onto the case middle (4).
  11. Watch case (2) comprising a case middle (4) and a system (6) provided with an annular rotating bezel (14) rotatably mounted on the case middle (4), characterized in that the annular rotating bezel system (6) conforms to any of the preceding claims.
  12. Watch case (2) according to claim 11, when the rotating bezel system (6) depends on claim 10, characterized in that the case middle (4) includes an external cylindrical surface (8) provided with a peripheral shoulder (12a, 12b), the peripheral shoulder (12a, 12b) comprising, on a lateral face (12a), an annular protrusion (13), and in that the rotating bezel (14) is provided on an inner edge with an annular rim (24), said annular rim (24) cooperating with said annular protrusion (13) in a clip mount and forming a free hooking system.
  13. Watch case (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the toothed ring (18) is angularly joined to the case middle (14), and the other end (37) of said at least one elastic arm (20) is angularly joined to the rotating bezel (14).
  14. Watch (1) comprising a watch case (2), characterized in that the watch case (2) conforms to any of claims 11 to 13.
EP18162720.9A 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one resilient arm Active EP3543798B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18162720.9A EP3543798B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one resilient arm
US16/290,994 US11262703B2 (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-04 Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one elastic arm
JP2019044504A JP6764969B2 (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-12 An annular rotating bezel system with at least one elastic arm
KR1020190029949A KR102213578B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-15 Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one elastic arm
CN201910208703.6A CN110308639B (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-19 Ring-shaped rotary bezel system comprising at least one elastic arm

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18162720.9A EP3543798B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one resilient arm

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3543798A1 EP3543798A1 (en) 2019-09-25
EP3543798B1 true EP3543798B1 (en) 2020-12-30

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18162720.9A Active EP3543798B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising at least one resilient arm

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US11262703B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3543798B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6764969B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102213578B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110308639B (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3800514B1 (en) * 2019-10-04 2024-01-17 Comadur S.A. Spring ring of a snap fitting of a rotating bezel

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3910479A1 (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-10-04 Beltpatent Ag Ennetbuergen Timepiece, in particular a wrist watch
JP3027840B2 (en) * 1991-06-07 2000-04-04 カシオ計算機株式会社 Equipment case with rotating bezel
JPH06186355A (en) * 1992-12-18 1994-07-08 Casio Comput Co Ltd Structure of rotary bezel
CH686470B5 (en) 1994-06-09 1996-10-15 Rolex Montres Box rotating bezel watch.
JP2003194968A (en) * 2001-12-28 2003-07-09 Seiko Instruments Inc Rotary bezel apparatus and watch
EP2672333A1 (en) 2012-06-06 2013-12-11 Omega SA Rotating bezel system
CH706597A2 (en) * 2012-06-06 2013-12-13 Omega Sa Middle part for clock element, has gear angularly interdependent of middle part, and springs angularly interdependent of optical device and support element to allow indexing of position of system with regard to middle part
EP2672332B1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2019-11-13 Omega SA Improved rotating bezel system
EP2677371A1 (en) * 2012-06-21 2013-12-25 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Non-removable shockproof system for a timepiece
JP6741397B2 (en) * 2014-02-10 2020-08-19 ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニムＲｏｌｅｘ Ｓａ Mobile watch side and watch
EP3276432B1 (en) * 2016-07-26 2020-03-25 Omega SA Casing subassembly for a timepiece, watch or jewel

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KR102213578B1 (en) 2021-02-08
CN110308639B (en) 2021-08-13
JP6764969B2 (en) 2020-10-07
US20190294113A1 (en) 2019-09-26
US11262703B2 (en) 2022-03-01
KR20190110444A (en) 2019-09-30
CN110308639A (en) 2019-10-08
JP2019164130A (en) 2019-09-26
EP3543798A1 (en) 2019-09-25

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