EP3543800B1 - Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring - Google Patents

Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3543800B1
EP3543800B1 EP18162851.2A EP18162851A EP3543800B1 EP 3543800 B1 EP3543800 B1 EP 3543800B1 EP 18162851 A EP18162851 A EP 18162851A EP 3543800 B1 EP3543800 B1 EP 3543800B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rotating bezel
ring
annular
spring ring
toothed ring
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
EP18162851.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3543800A1 (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 EP18162851.2A priority Critical patent/EP3543800B1/en
Priority to US16/290,997 priority patent/US11385597B2/en
Priority to JP2019044503A priority patent/JP6793771B2/en
Priority to KR1020190029947A priority patent/KR102213581B1/en
Priority to CN201910208584.4A priority patent/CN110308637B/en
Publication of EP3543800A1 publication Critical patent/EP3543800A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3543800B1 publication Critical patent/EP3543800B1/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
    • G04B19/286—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel with locking means to prevent undesired rotations in both directions
    • 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

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 a spring ring.
  • a rotating bezel system is for example described in the patent document EP 2 672 333 A1 .
  • the spring ring extends in a plane in which it is capable of deforming elastically along a radius, and elastically cooperates with the toothed ring.
  • elastic arms intended to cooperate with the toothed ring are provided in an inner periphery of the spring ring, by cutting the latter. The toothed ring and the spring ring are held axially by the rotating bezel and the annular retaining ring.
  • the spring ring is angularly integral with the rotating bezel, and the toothed ring is angularly integral with the middle part.
  • the spring ring has limited flexibility in the plane that it defines. This makes it necessary to provide a sufficient width in the system in order to ensure a sufficiently clear space radially for the deformation of the spring ring, and therefore entails a significant bulk.
  • the manufacture of a such a spring ring is relatively complex, due to the cutting operation for producing the elastic arms.
  • the invention relates to an annular rotating bezel system which includes the features set out in independent claim 1.
  • a first advantage of the present invention is to make it possible to increase the flexibility of the spring ring in its plane.
  • the spring ring works in bending in its plane, allowing the teeth that it bears to mesh and disengage from the toothed ring according to the rotation of the ring. the glasses. This makes it possible to reduce the width necessary for the operation of the spring ring in the system, and therefore to obtain a saving in overall width of the assembly.
  • Such an arrangement is simple to manufacture, is compact in diameter, and makes it possible to obtain very well controlled dimensions during manufacture for the spring ring and the toothed ring.
  • Such a configuration for the spring ring also does not require tabs or strips attached to the ring, since the spring ring is formed from a single piece of material.
  • 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 over an internal lateral face of the bezel, and the spring ring has, on an outer periphery, at least one notch in which the lug of the bezel is engaged.
  • 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 teeth of the toothed ring and the or each tooth of the spring ring have an asymmetric shape in the plane defined by the spring ring.
  • the spring ring can rotate relative to the toothed ring in only one predefined direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the shape chosen for the teeth.
  • This first embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a unidirectional rotating bezel.
  • the teeth of the toothed ring and the or each tooth of the spring ring have a symmetrical shape in the plane defined by the spring ring.
  • the spring ring can rotate relative to the toothed ring in one or the other of two directions: clockwise or anti-clockwise.
  • This second embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a bidirectional rotating bezel.
  • 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 assembly of the rotating bezel system on the caseband, also allowing easy disassembly. This makes it possible to further simplify the process for manufacturing the watch case.
  • the clip-on mounting system used forms a free hooking system.
  • the figure 1 shows a watch 1 provided with a watch case 2.
  • the watch case 2 typically comprises a middle part 4.
  • the watch case 2 also comprises an annular rotating bezel system 6 as well as a watch movement which extends in a plan, 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 middle part 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. , in platinum or in 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 a spring ring 20.
  • the system 6 further comprises a decorative ring 22 forcibly engaged on the bezel. rotating 14.
  • the decorative 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 figures 1 and 3 , 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 spring ring 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 outer surface. cylindrical 8 to allow 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 rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4, and means 28 configured to slow down the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 and to damp 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 with ' a layer aimed at improving the coefficient of friction.
  • the annular ring 16 is for example of generally rectangular section.
  • the annular ring 16 comprises on an inner periphery an alternation between tongues 30a of a first group of tongues, and 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 consist of segments that are more flexible than the tongues 30a of the first group. Such segments are able to flex 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 brake the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 by rubbing 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 various clearances inside the system so that the user of the bezel does not feel them, as well as of controlling the torque of rotation. 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 to improve the user experience.
  • the tongues 30a, 30b of the first and second groups are separated from each other by notches 32. This in particular makes it possible 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 annular ring 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 (lxef®), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or else in a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina.
  • the toothed ring 18 is arranged to fit into the spring ring 20, that is to say that the toothed ring 18 is dimensioned to be able to be placed in the spring ring 20.
  • the toothed ring 18 and the spring ring 20 are concentric and coplanar, and are held between the lower face 23b of the bezel 14 and an upper face of the retaining ring 16.
  • the spring ring 20 elastically cooperates with the toothed ring 18. More precisely, the spring ring 20 comprises at least one thinned portion 38 having at least one tooth 40 elastically and radially in engagement with the toothed ring 18.
  • the spring ring 20 comprises three thinned portions 38 distributed over 360 °, each thinned portion 38 having a tooth 40 arranged in a middle part of the thinned portion 38. The three thinned portions 38 are spaced two by two by 120 °.
  • the spring ring 20 extends in a plane in which it is capable of deforming elastically along a radius.
  • the thinned portions 38 are arranged to increase the flexibility of the spring ring 20 in its plane.
  • each tooth 40 is in contact with the toothed ring. 'toothed ring so that there is a rest position in which each tooth 40 is in a hollow between two teeth of the toothed ring 18.
  • the spring ring 20 deforms elastically in its plane, allowing the teeth 40 to disengage from the hollows of the toothed ring 18 and to re-engage in a adjacent tooth of the toothed ring 18.
  • the bezel 14 then effectively rotates through a corresponding angular sector, to a new position.
  • the thinned portions 38 are thinned radially.
  • the spring ring 20 has on its outer periphery at least one notch 42 in which a lug 44 of the bezel 14 is engaged to link these two elements in rotation.
  • the spring ring 20 comprises three notches 42 distributed over 360 ° and spaced two by two by 120 °
  • the rotating bezel 14 comprises on an internal lateral face three corresponding lugs 44.
  • the notches 42 are formed in portions 46 of the spring ring 20 which are thicker than the thinned portions 38, in the middle parts of these portions 46.
  • the teeth 40 and the notches 42 form an alternation on the spring ring 20. , regularly distributed over 360 °.
  • This system of lugs 44 / notches 42 makes it possible to easily link the spring ring 20 in rotation to the rotating bezel 14, while facilitating the positioning of the spring ring 20 in the bezel 14.
  • the spring ring 20 is formed from a single piece of material.
  • the spring ring 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 amorphous metal alloys.
  • the spring ring 20 can also, as a variant, be made of a synthetic material.
  • the teeth of the toothed ring 18 and the teeth 40 of the spring ring 20 have an asymmetric shape in the plane defined by the spring ring 20.
  • the asymmetric shape is for example a so-called "shape”.
  • wolf's tooth that is to say that the teeth have substantially the shape of a right-angled triangle.
  • the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by each tooth 40 of the spring ring extends along the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by one of the teeth of the toothed ring 18.
  • the teeth 40 are regularly distributed over 360 °.
  • the teeth 40 are spaced two by two by 120 °.
  • the spring ring 20 can rotate relative to the toothed ring 18 in a single predefined direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the shape chosen for the teeth.
  • This first embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a unidirectional rotating bezel 14.
  • the teeth of the toothed ring 18 and the teeth 40 of the spring ring 20 have a symmetrical shape in the plane defined by the spring ring 20.
  • the symmetrical shape is for example a triangle shape. isosceles or equilateral triangle.
  • the spring ring 20 can rotate relative to the toothed ring 18 in one or the other of the two directions: clockwise or anti-clockwise.
  • This second embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a bidirectional rotating bezel 14.
  • the spring ring 20 comprises three thinned portions 38 regularly distributed over 360 °.
  • Each thinned portion 38 carries a tooth 40.
  • 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 a spring ring 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 may be angularly secured to the rotating bezel, and the ring is angularly springing. integral with the caseband.

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 inventionThe 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 anneau ressort. Un tel système de lunette tournante est par exemple décrit dans le document brevet EP 2 672 333 A1 . L'anneau ressort s'étend dans un plan dans lequel il est susceptible de se déformer élastiquement selon un rayon, et coopère élastiquement avec l'anneau denté. Pour ce faire, des bras élastiques destinés à coopérer avec l'anneau denté sont ménagés dans un pourtour intérieur de l'anneau ressort, par découpage de ce dernier. L'anneau denté et l'anneau ressort sont maintenus axialement par la lunette tournante et la bague annulaire de maintien. L'anneau ressort est angulairement solidaire de la lunette tournante, et l'anneau denté est angulairement solidaire de la carrure. Toutefois, dans un tel système de lunette tournante, l'anneau ressort présente une flexibilité limitée dans le plan qu'il définit. Ceci impose de prévoir une largeur suffisante dans le système afin d'assurer un espace suffisamment dégagé radialement pour la déformation de l'anneau ressort, et entraine donc un encombrement important. En outre, la fabrication d'un tel anneau ressort est relativement complexe, du fait de l'opération de découpage pour la réalisation des bras élastiques.Known annular rotating bezel systems include a rotating bezel, an annular retaining ring, a toothed ring, and a spring ring. Such a rotating bezel system is for example described in the patent document EP 2 672 333 A1 . The spring ring extends in a plane in which it is capable of deforming elastically along a radius, and elastically cooperates with the toothed ring. To do this, elastic arms intended to cooperate with the toothed ring are provided in an inner periphery of the spring ring, by cutting the latter. The toothed ring and the spring ring are held axially by the rotating bezel and the annular retaining ring. The spring ring is angularly integral with the rotating bezel, and the toothed ring is angularly integral with the middle part. However, in such a rotating bezel system, the spring ring has limited flexibility in the plane that it defines. This makes it necessary to provide a sufficient width in the system in order to ensure a sufficiently clear space radially for the deformation of the spring ring, and therefore entails a significant bulk. In addition, the manufacture of a such a spring ring is relatively complex, due to the cutting operation for producing the elastic arms.

RÉSUMÉ DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

L'invention concerne un système de lunette tournante annulaire qui comprend les caractéristiques mentionnées dans la revendication indépendante 1.The invention relates to an annular rotating bezel system which includes the features set out in independent claim 1.

Des formes particulières du système sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 11 pour le système de lunette tournante, les revendications 12 à 13, pour une boîte de montre comprenant un tel système de lunette tournante, et enfin la revendication 14 pour une montre pourvue du système de lunette tournante.Particular forms of the system are defined in dependent claims 2 to 11 for the rotating bezel system, claims 12 to 13 for a watch case comprising such a rotating bezel system, and finally claim 14 for a watch provided with the rotating bezel system.

Un premier avantage de la présente invention est de permettre d'augmenter la flexibilité de l'anneau ressort dans son plan. En effet, grâce à la ou les portions amincies qu'il présente, l'anneau ressort travaille en flexion dans son plan, permettant aux dents qu'il porte de s'engrener et de se dégrener de l'anneau denté selon la rotation de la lunette. Ceci permet de réduire la largeur nécessaire au fonctionnement de l'anneau ressort dans le système, et donc d'obtenir un gain en encombrement en largeur de l'ensemble.A first advantage of the present invention is to make it possible to increase the flexibility of the spring ring in its plane. In fact, thanks to the thinned portion or portions that it presents, the spring ring works in bending in its plane, allowing the teeth that it bears to mesh and disengage from the toothed ring according to the rotation of the ring. the glasses. This makes it possible to reduce the width necessary for the operation of the spring ring in the system, and therefore to obtain a saving in overall width of the assembly.

De plus, un tel agencement est simple à fabriquer, est compact en diamètre, et permet d'obtenir en fabrication des dimensions très bien maîtrisées pour l'anneau ressort et l'anneau denté. Une telle configuration pour l'anneau ressort ne nécessite en outre pas de languettes ou lamelles rapportées sur l'anneau, puisque l'anneau ressort est formé d'une seule pièce de matière.In addition, such an arrangement is simple to manufacture, is compact in diameter, and makes it possible to obtain very well controlled dimensions during manufacture for the spring ring and the toothed ring. Such a configuration for the spring ring also does not require tabs or strips attached to the ring, since the spring ring is formed from a single piece of material.

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.

Selon l'invention, la lunette tournante comprend au moins un ergot s'étendant sur une face latérale interne de la lunette, et l'anneau ressort présente, sur un pourtour extérieur, au moins une échancrure dans laquelle l'ergot de la lunette est engagé. Ceci permet de lier facilement en rotation l'anneau ressort à la lunette tournante, tout en facilitant le positionnement de l'anneau ressort dans la lunette.According to the invention, the rotating bezel comprises at least one lug extending over an internal lateral face of the bezel, and the spring ring has, on an outer periphery, at least one notch in which the lug of the bezel is engaged. This makes it possible to easily link the spring ring in rotation to the rotating bezel, while facilitating the positioning of the spring ring in the bezel.

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.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, les dents de l'anneau denté et la ou chaque dent de l'anneau ressort présentent une forme asymétrique dans le plan défini par l'anneau ressort. Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, l'anneau ressort peut tourner par rapport à l'anneau denté dans un seul sens prédéfini : horaire ou anti-horaire selon la forme choisie pour les dents. Ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention correspond donc à une lunette tournante unidirectionnelle.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the teeth of the toothed ring and the or each tooth of the spring ring have an asymmetric shape in the plane defined by the spring ring. In this first embodiment, the spring ring can rotate relative to the toothed ring in only one predefined direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the shape chosen for the teeth. This first embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a unidirectional rotating bezel.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, les dents de l'anneau denté et la ou chaque dent de l'anneau ressort présentent une forme symétrique dans le plan défini par l'anneau ressort. Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, l'anneau ressort peut tourner par rapport à l'anneau denté dans l'un ou l'autre des deux sens : horaire ou anti-horaire. Ce deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention correspond donc à une lunette tournante bidirectionnelle.According to a second embodiment of the invention, the teeth of the toothed ring and the or each tooth of the spring ring have a symmetrical shape in the plane defined by the spring ring. In this second embodiment, the spring ring can rotate relative to the toothed ring in one or the other of two directions: clockwise or anti-clockwise. This second embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a bidirectional rotating bezel.

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 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 assembly of the rotating bezel system on the caseband, also allowing easy disassembly. This makes it possible to further simplify the process for manufacturing the watch case. The clip-on mounting system used forms a free hooking system.

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 l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus du système de lunette tournante annulaire de la figure 1, une fois assemblé ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe du système de la figure 2, prise selon un plan de coupe III-III ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessous du système de lunette tournante annulaire de la figure 1, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessous du système de lunette tournante annulaire de la figure 1, 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 the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a top view of the annular rotating bezel system of the figure 1 , once assembled;
  • the figure 3 is a sectional view of the system of the figure 2 , taken according to a section plane III-III;
  • the figure 4 is a bottom view of the annular rotating bezel system of the figure 1 , according to a first embodiment of the invention; and
  • the figure 5 is a bottom view of the annular rotating bezel system of the figure 1 , 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 à 5, 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 shows a watch 1 provided with a watch case 2. The watch case 2 typically comprises a middle part 4. The watch case 2 also comprises an annular rotating bezel system 6 as well as a watch movement which extends in a plan, 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 to 5 , the annular rotating bezel system 6 is formed from an independent module. The annular rotating bezel system 6 is for example clipped onto the middle part 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 3, 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 à 5, 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 3 , 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 to 5 , 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. , in platinum or in 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 un anneau ressort 20. 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.The annular rotating bezel system 6 comprises a rotating bezel 14, an annular retaining ring 16, a toothed ring 18 and a spring ring 20. Preferably, the system 6 further comprises a decorative ring 22 forcibly engaged on the bezel. rotating 14. The decorative 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 les figures 1 et 3, 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 figures 1 and 3 , 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 l'anneau ressort 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, et comme visible à la figure 3, 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 spring ring 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, and as visible at the bottom. figure 3 , 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 outer surface. cylindrical 8 to allow 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, d'ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (Tefzel®), et 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 générale rectangulaire.According to a particular variant embodiment, illustrated on figure 1 , the annular ring 16 comprises means 26 for guiding the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4, and means 28 configured to slow down the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 and to damp 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 with ' a layer aimed at improving the coefficient of friction. The annular ring 16 is for example of generally 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 limitant 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 tongues 30a of a first group of tongues, and 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 consist of segments that are more flexible than the tongues 30a of the first group. Such segments are able to flex 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 brake the rotation of the rotating bezel 14 around the middle part 4 by rubbing 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 various clearances inside the system so that the user of the bezel does not feel them, as well as of controlling the torque of rotation. 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 to 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 each other by notches 32. This in particular makes it possible 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 annular ring 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 à 5, 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 the figures. figures 1 to 5 , 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 (lxef®), 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 (lxef®), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or else in a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina.

Comme visible aux figures 4 et 5, l'anneau denté 18 est agencé pour s'insérer dans l'anneau ressort 20, c'est-à-dire que l'anneau denté 18 est dimensionné pour pouvoir être placé dans l'anneau ressort 20. L'anneau denté 18 et l'anneau ressort 20 sont concentriques et coplanaires, et sont maintenus entre la face inférieure 23b de la lunette 14 et une face supérieure de la bague de maintien 16.As visible to figures 4 and 5 , the toothed ring 18 is arranged to fit into the spring ring 20, that is to say that the toothed ring 18 is dimensioned to be able to be placed in the spring ring 20. The toothed ring 18 and the spring ring 20 are concentric and coplanar, and are held between the lower face 23b of the bezel 14 and an upper face of the retaining ring 16.

L'anneau ressort 20 coopère élastiquement avec l'anneau denté 18. Plus précisément, l'anneau ressort 20 comprend au moins une portion amincie 38 présentant au moins une dent 40 élastiquement et radialement en prise avec l'anneau denté 18. Dans les exemples de réalisation illustrés sur les figures 1 à 5, l'anneau ressort 20 comprend trois portions amincies 38 réparties sur 360°, chaque portion amincie 38 présentant une dent 40 agencée dans une partie médiane de la portion amincie 38. Les trois portions amincies 38 sont espacées deux à deux de 120°. L'anneau ressort 20 s'étend dans un plan dans lequel il est susceptible de se déformer élastiquement selon un rayon. Les portions amincies 38 sont agencées pour augmenter la flexibilité de l'anneau ressort 20 dans son plan. Cette configuration permet, lorsque l'anneau denté 18 est inséré à l'intérieur de l'anneau ressort 20, que les dents 40 coopèrent avec les dents de l'anneau denté 18. Dans cette configuration, chaque dent 40 est en contact avec l'anneau denté de sorte qu'il existe une position de repos dans laquelle chaque dent 40 se trouve dans un creux entre deux dents de l'anneau denté 18. Quand l'utilisateur se saisit de la lunette 14 et la tourne, du fait de la flexibilité de l'anneau ressort 20 conférée par les portions amincies 38, l'anneau ressort 20 se déforme élastiquement dans son plan, permettant aux dents 40 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.The spring ring 20 elastically cooperates with the toothed ring 18. More precisely, the spring ring 20 comprises at least one thinned portion 38 having at least one tooth 40 elastically and radially in engagement with the toothed ring 18. In the examples of realization illustrated on figures 1 to 5 , the spring ring 20 comprises three thinned portions 38 distributed over 360 °, each thinned portion 38 having a tooth 40 arranged in a middle part of the thinned portion 38. The three thinned portions 38 are spaced two by two by 120 °. The spring ring 20 extends in a plane in which it is capable of deforming elastically along a radius. The thinned portions 38 are arranged to increase the flexibility of the spring ring 20 in its plane. This configuration allows, when the toothed ring 18 is inserted inside the spring ring 20, that the teeth 40 cooperate with the teeth of the toothed ring 18. In this configuration, each tooth 40 is in contact with the toothed ring. 'toothed ring so that there is a rest position in which each tooth 40 is in a hollow between two teeth of the toothed ring 18. When the user grasps the bezel 14 and turns it, due to the flexibility of the spring ring 20 conferred by the thinned portions 38, the spring ring 20 deforms elastically in its plane, allowing the teeth 40 to disengage from the hollows of the toothed ring 18 and to re-engage in a adjacent tooth of the toothed ring 18. The bezel 14 then effectively rotates through a corresponding angular sector, to a new position.

De préférence, comme illustré sur les figures 1, 4 et 5, les portions amincies 38 sont amincies radialement.Preferably, as shown in the figures 1 , 4 and 5 , the thinned portions 38 are thinned radially.

Selon l'invention, l'anneau ressort 20 présente sur son pourtour extérieur, au moins une échancrure 42 dans laquelle un ergot 44 de la lunette 14 est engagé pour lier ces deux éléments en rotation. Dans les exemples de réalisation illustrés sur les figures 1 à 5, l'anneau ressort 20 comprend trois échancrures 42 réparties sur 360° et espacées deux à deux de 120°, et la lunette tournante 14 comprend sur une face latérale interne trois ergots 44 correspondants. Les échancrures 42 sont ménagées dans des portions 46 de l'anneau ressort 20 plus épaisses que les portions amincies 38, dans des parties médianes de ces portions 46. Ainsi, les dents 40 et les échancrures 42 forment une alternance sur l'anneau ressort 20, régulièrement réparties sur 360°. Ce système ergots 44 / échancrures 42 permet de lier facilement en rotation l'anneau ressort 20 à la lunette tournante 14, tout en facilitant le positionnement de l'anneau ressort 20 dans la lunette 14.According to the invention, the spring ring 20 has on its outer periphery at least one notch 42 in which a lug 44 of the bezel 14 is engaged to link these two elements in rotation. In the embodiments illustrated on the figures 1 to 5 , the spring ring 20 comprises three notches 42 distributed over 360 ° and spaced two by two by 120 °, and the rotating bezel 14 comprises on an internal lateral face three corresponding lugs 44. The notches 42 are formed in portions 46 of the spring ring 20 which are thicker than the thinned portions 38, in the middle parts of these portions 46. Thus, the teeth 40 and the notches 42 form an alternation on the spring ring 20. , regularly distributed over 360 °. This system of lugs 44 / notches 42 makes it possible to easily link the spring ring 20 in rotation to the rotating bezel 14, while facilitating the positioning of the spring ring 20 in the bezel 14.

L'anneau ressort 20 est formé d'une seule pièce de matière. L'anneau ressort 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, l'anneau ressort 20 peut aussi, en variante, être réalisé dans un matériau synthétique.The spring ring 20 is formed from a single piece of material. The spring ring 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 amorphous metal alloys. Of course, the spring ring 20 can also, as a variant, be made of a synthetic material.

Un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention va maintenant être décrit en référence à la figure 4. Selon ce premier mode de réalisation, les dents de l'anneau denté 18 et les dents 40 de l'anneau ressort 20 présentent une forme asymétrique dans le plan défini par l'anneau ressort 20. La forme asymétrique est par exemple une forme dite « dent de loup », c'est-à-dire que les dents présentent sensiblement une forme de triangle rectangle. En position d'engrainement des dents, l'hypoténuse du triangle formé par chaque dent 40 de l'anneau ressort s'étend le long de l'hypoténuse du triangle formé par une des dents de l'anneau denté 18.A first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figure 4 . According to this first embodiment, the teeth of the toothed ring 18 and the teeth 40 of the spring ring 20 have an asymmetric shape in the plane defined by the spring ring 20. The asymmetric shape is for example a so-called "shape". wolf's tooth ”, that is to say that the teeth have substantially the shape of a right-angled triangle. In the tooth training position, the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by each tooth 40 of the spring ring extends along the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by one of the teeth of the toothed ring 18.

Les dents 40, chacune agencée dans une partie médiane d'une portion amincie 38, sont régulièrement réparties sur 360°. Ainsi, dans l'exemple illustré sur la figure 4 selon lequel l'anneau ressort 20 comprend trois dents 40, les dents 40 sont espacées deux à deux de 120°.The teeth 40, each arranged in a middle part of a thinned portion 38, are regularly distributed over 360 °. Thus, in the example illustrated on figure 4 according to which the spring ring 20 comprises three teeth 40, the teeth 40 are spaced two by two by 120 °.

Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, l'anneau ressort 20 peut tourner par rapport à l'anneau denté 18 dans un seul sens prédéfini : horaire ou anti-horaire selon la forme choisie pour les dents. Ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention correspond donc à une lunette tournante 14 unidirectionnelle.In this first embodiment, the spring ring 20 can rotate relative to the toothed ring 18 in a single predefined direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the shape chosen for the teeth. This first embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a unidirectional rotating bezel 14.

Un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention va maintenant être décrit en référence à la figure 5. Selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, les dents de l'anneau denté 18 et les dents 40 de l'anneau ressort 20 présentent une forme symétrique dans le plan défini par l'anneau ressort 20. La forme symétrique est par exemple une forme de triangle isocèle ou de triangle équilatéral.A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figure 5 . According to this second embodiment, the teeth of the toothed ring 18 and the teeth 40 of the spring ring 20 have a symmetrical shape in the plane defined by the spring ring 20. The symmetrical shape is for example a triangle shape. isosceles or equilateral triangle.

Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, l'anneau ressort 20 peut tourner par rapport à l'anneau denté 18 dans l'un ou l'autre des deux sens : horaire ou anti-horaire. Ce deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention correspond donc à une lunette tournante 14 bidirectionnelle.In this second embodiment, the spring ring 20 can rotate relative to the toothed ring 18 in one or the other of the two directions: clockwise or anti-clockwise. This second embodiment of the invention therefore corresponds to a bidirectional rotating bezel 14.

De préférence, selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, l'anneau ressort 20 comprend trois portions amincies 38 régulièrement réparties sur 360°. Chaque portion amincie 38 porte une dent 40.Preferably, according to this second embodiment, the spring ring 20 comprises three thinned portions 38 regularly distributed over 360 °. Each thinned portion 38 carries a tooth 40.

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 un anneau ressort angulairement solidaire 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 l'anneau ressort 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 a spring ring 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 may be angularly secured to the rotating bezel, and the ring is angularly springing. integral with the caseband.

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, comprising a rotating bezel (14), an annular holding ring (16), a toothed ring (18), and a spring ring (20) which extends in a plane in which it is capable of deforming elastically along a radius, the spring ring (20) cooperating elastically with the toothed ring (18), said toothed ring (18) and said spring ring (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 spring ring (20) being arranged to be angularly joined to the rotating bezel (14), and the other being arranged to be angularly joined to the case middle (4), characterised in that
    the spring ring (20) comprises at least one thinned portion (38) arranged to increase the flexibility of the spring ring (18) in its plane, the thinned portion (38) having at least one tooth (40) elastically and radially meshed with the toothed ring (18) and wherein the rotating bezel (14) comprises at least one lug (44) extending over an inner lateral surface of the bezel (14), and in that the spring ring (20) has, on an outer edge, at least one hollow (42) in which the lug (44) of the bezel (14) is engaged to allow a rotating connection between the spring ring (20) and the rotating bezel (14).
  2. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to claim 1, characterised in that said thinned portion (38) is radially thinned.
  3. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said tooth (40) is arranged in a median part of the thinned portion (38).
  4. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised 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).
  5. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring ring (20) is formed of a single piece of material consisting of a crystalline or amorphous metal alloy.
  6. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the toothed ring (18) is formed of a single piece of material consisting of a metal alloy, especially phynox or steel.
  7. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the toothed ring (18) is formed of a single piece of material consisting of a thermostable semi-crystalline thermoplastic material, especially thermostable polyetheretherketone particularly polyarylamide, or a ceramic material particularly made from zirconia or alumina.
  8. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring ring (20) comprises three thinned portions (38) distributed over 360°, the three thinned portions (38) being spaced apart from each other by 120°.
  9. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the teeth of the toothed ring (18) and the or each tooth (40) of the spring ring (20) have an asymmetrical shape in the plane defined by the spring ring (20).
  10. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the teeth of the toothed ring and the or each tooth (40) of the spring ring (20) have a symmetrical shape in the plane defined by the spring ring (20).
  11. Annular rotating bezel system (6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said system (6) is formed of an independent module, said module being configured to be clipped onto the case middle (4).
  12. 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), characterised in that the annular rotating bezel system (6) conforms to any of the preceding claims.
  13. Watch case (2) according to claim 12, when the rotating bezel system (6) depends on claim 11, characterised in that the case middle (4) comprises 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 by clipping together with said annular protrusion (13) and forming a free hooking system.
  14. Watch (1) including a watch case (2), characterised in that the watch case (2) conforms to claim 12 or 13.
EP18162851.2A 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring Active EP3543800B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18162851.2A EP3543800B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring
US16/290,997 US11385597B2 (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-04 Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring
JP2019044503A JP6793771B2 (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-12 Circular rotating bezel system with spring ring
KR1020190029947A KR102213581B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-15 Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring
CN201910208584.4A CN110308637B (en) 2018-03-20 2019-03-19 Ring-shaped rotary bezel system comprising a spring ring

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18162851.2A EP3543800B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3543800A1 EP3543800A1 (en) 2019-09-25
EP3543800B1 true EP3543800B1 (en) 2021-11-10

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18162851.2A Active EP3543800B1 (en) 2018-03-20 2018-03-20 Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US11385597B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3543800B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6793771B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102213581B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110308637B (en)

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EP3800514B1 (en) * 2019-10-04 2024-01-17 Comadur S.A. Spring ring of a snap fitting of a rotating bezel
EP3819717A1 (en) * 2019-11-05 2021-05-12 Rolex Sa Glass for a timepiece case
EP3832398A1 (en) 2019-12-04 2021-06-09 Comadur S.A. Rotating bezel system comprising a ceramic rotating bezel
JP2022099298A (en) 2020-12-22 2022-07-04 ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニム Spring for notching system and timepiece notching system
JP2022099297A (en) 2020-12-22 2022-07-04 ロレックス・ソシエテ・アノニム Spring for notching system and timepiece notching system

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CH703400B1 (en) * 2010-07-05 2015-01-15 Cartier Création Studio Sa watch box with a rotating bezel.
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US20190294114A1 (en) 2019-09-26
KR20190110443A (en) 2019-09-30
JP6793771B2 (en) 2020-12-02
CN110308637A (en) 2019-10-08
EP3543800A1 (en) 2019-09-25
KR102213581B1 (en) 2021-02-08
US11385597B2 (en) 2022-07-12
JP2019164129A (en) 2019-09-26
CN110308637B (en) 2022-04-08

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