EP4244680A1

EP4244680A1 - Rotating bezel for a timepiece case

Info

Publication number: EP4244680A1
Application number: EP21811279.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pedro Manuel DOS SANTOS PEDROSA; Jean-Baptiste Robin
Original assignee: Rolex SA
Current assignee: Rolex SA
Priority date: 2020-11-11
Filing date: 2021-11-10
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: US20230418229A1; WO2022101274A1; JP2023548933A; CN116472501A

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotating bezel (10) for a timepiece case, the bezel comprising: a first axis (A10), and a single frustoconical surface (1a) centred on the first axis and to be acted on by at least one press element (51) at an interface (110) between the bezel (10) and the middle (3) of the timepiece case.

Description

Rotating bezel for timepiece box.

The invention relates to a rotating bezel for a timepiece case. The invention also relates to a timepiece case comprising such a rotating bezel. The invention finally relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece case or such a rotating bezel.

We know from document EP2624076 a bezel design whose annular section is minimized so as to be arranged on an annular seat of a middle part whose surface area is also minimized. Such a bezel comprises indexing means and guide and/or braking means arranged on a single and same spoke centered on the axis of said bezel. This is made possible by means of a ring which is arranged at the interface of helical return springs (arranged on the annular seat of the case) and the underside of the bezel, an indexing pawl passing through said ring so as to cooperate with an indexing toothing arranged on said lower face of the bezel at the level of said bezel radius. Even if this solution is quite efficient, it is still possible to improve it.

The object of the invention is to provide a rotating bezel for a timepiece case making it possible to improve the known systems of the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a simple and reliable rotating bezel whose radial bulk is minimized.

A rotating bezel according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different bezel embodiments are defined by claims 2 to 5. A timepiece case according to the invention is defined by claim 6.

Different embodiments of timepiece case are defined by claims 7 to 14.

A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 15.

The appended drawings show, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece.

Figure 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a timepiece.

Figure 2 is a top view of the first embodiment of the timepiece, bezel removed.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the bezel of the first embodiment of the timepiece.

Figure 4 is a partial view in radial section along the plane IV-IV of Figure 1 of the first embodiment of the timepiece.

Figure 5 is a partial view in radial section along the plane V-V of Figure 1 of the first embodiment of the timepiece.

Figure 6 is a partial view in radial section of a second embodiment of a timepiece.

FIG. 7 is another partial view in radial section of the second embodiment of the timepiece. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the bezel of the second embodiment of the timepiece.

Figure 9 is a partial view in radial section of a variant of the second embodiment of a timepiece.

Figure 10 is another partial view in radial section of the variant of the second embodiment of the timepiece.

Figure 11 is a top view of the bezel of the variant of the second embodiment of a timepiece.

A first embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

The timepiece 200 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

The timepiece 200 comprises a timepiece movement intended to be mounted in a timepiece box 100 in order to protect it from the external environment.

The watch movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

The 100 timepiece box includes:

- a caseband 3,

- a telescope 10,

- a background, and

- an ice cream 8. The bezel is a rotating bezel, that is to say a bezel mobile in rotation around an axis A10 relative to the rest of the timepiece case, in particular relative to the caseband 3 on which it is mounted.

The caseband 3 has an annular seat 3a more particularly visible in Figure 2. This seat 3a comprises various housings 31, 32, 33 within which are arranged pressing elements 51, 52, 53, such as balls, each mounted on a helical spring 61, 62, 63. This seat 3a also comprises a housing 34 within which a shaft 4 is pivoted along an axis A4 parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A10 of rotation of bezel 10.

The rotating bezel 10 for box 100 of timepiece 200 includes:

- a first axis A10, and

- a single tapered surface 1 a centered on the first axis A10 and intended to receive the action of at least one pressing element 51, 52, 53 at an interface 110 between the bezel 10 and the middle part 3, in particular at an interface 1 10 between bezel 10 and seat 3a of case middle 3.

Preferably, the bezel has the shape of a revolution or substantially of a revolution around the axis A10.

In the first embodiment, the bezel 10 comprises for example:

- a bezel ring 1, and

- at least at least one decorative element 2.

Ring 1 includes:

- a recessed upper face 10b in order to receive the at least a decorative element 2, in particular precious stones 2, and

- A lower face 10a having the frustoconical surface 1a.

FIG. 4 illustrates a radial section of the timepiece passing through an axis A31 of the housing 31 formed on the annular seat 3a of the middle part 3. The ball 51 is pressed by the spring 61 against the frustoconical surface 1 has. Thus, a point contact is formed between the ball 51 and the frustoconical surface 1a. It is advantageously the same with regard to the other pressing elements 52, 53 respectively elastically biased against the frustoconical surface 1a by their springs 62 and 63. The frustoconical surface 1 has formed on the lower surface 10a of the bezel 10 is here arranged on a first radius R1 centered on axis A10 of bezel 10.

Preferably, the frustoconical surface 1a forms an angle a (half-angle at the apex of the frustoconical surface) of between 30° and 80° with a vector z arranged in the direction of the axis A10 or with the axis A10. By convention, this vector z is oriented from the bottom of the box 100 towards the crystal of the box 100. In the first embodiment as illustrated, the frustoconical surface 1a is oriented in such a way that it approaches the axis A10 in the direction defined by the vector z. In other words, the single frustoconical surface 1a has a vertex oriented towards the top of the bezel. The top of the bezel here corresponds to the upper face of the bezel, namely the visible face of the bezel when the latter is mounted on the middle part. In other words, the top of the conical surface extending the single frustoconical surface is above the visible face of the bezel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a radial section of the timepiece passing through axis A4. The shaft 4 comprises a first portion 4a for actuating the watch movement, disposed at a first longitudinal end, as well as a second portion 4b disposed at a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end. This portion 4b is provided to be actuated by actuating elements 1b of the ring 1 of bezel 10. The actuating elements 1b are arranged at the level of a second circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a second radius R2.

The shaft 4 is for example arranged at the level of a third circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a third radius R3. More specifically, the third circle passes through axis A4 of shaft 4.

For example, these elements 1b are in the form of pins or studs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, as illustrated in FIG. 3, provided to cooperate with a Maltese cross or a pinion formed on the second portion 4b of the shaft 4 as illustrated in FIG. 5. These pins protrude from the lower face 10a of the bezel 10 in the direction of the annular seat 3a of the middle part 3, and are arranged on a second circle centered on the first axis A10 and having a second radius R2.

In the first embodiment, the first radius R1 is smaller than the second radius R2. Preferably, the ratio of the radii R2/R1 is less than 1.2, or even less than 1.1.

In the first embodiment of the bezel 10 which is illustrated, the pins 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are distributed over an angular sector S1 of the lower face 10a of the bezel. Of course, these pins could be distributed, in particular evenly distributed, all around the bezel. These pins may be made from the material of the ring 1 of bezel 10. Alternatively, these pins may be driven or riveted or brazed or welded into the bezel ring or into the bezel. The guiding and/or the braking of the bezel 10 is operated by means of the frustoconical surface 1a which cooperates with the pressing elements 51, 52, 53, each mounted on its helical spring 61, 62, 63. The pressing elements support on the frustoconical surface. The arrangement of the frustoconical surface 1a and the pressing elements generates mechanical forces from the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface 1a, which have radial components relative to the axis A10 and which are oriented towards the outside of the box. Such a configuration makes it possible to achieve good guidance in rotation of the bezel around the axis A10 relative to the middle part.

The angular indexing of the bezel 10 along the axis A10 is itself operated by hollows 11a (more particularly visible in FIG. 3) formed locally on the frustoconical surface 10a and which are intended to cooperate with the pressing elements 51, 52, 53 under the effect of the helical springs 61, 62, 63. Thus, the frustoconical surface may not be continuous but constituted by several surface portions arranged on the same cone. Such indexing makes it possible to position the bezel 10 in one or more stable angular positions corresponding to one or more function selections of the watch movement. Of course, such angular indexing is not essential.

The vertical maintenance of the bezel 10 is achieved by a ring 7 attached to the middle part 3 by means of a case seal 91, 92 at the level of the glass 8. The lining is for example composed a seal 91 and a ring 92. More particularly, the bezel 10, in particular the ring 1, comprises a groove 1 c in which it is provided to house at least a ring portion 7.

A second embodiment of a timepiece 200' is described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. The timepiece 200' is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

The 200' timepiece comprises a timepiece movement intended to be mounted in a 100' timepiece box in order to protect it from the external environment.

The 100’ timepiece box includes:

- a 3' middle case,

- a 10' telescope,

- a background, and

- an 8’ mirror.

The bezel is a rotating bezel, that is to say a bezel mobile in rotation around an axis A10' relative to the rest of the timepiece case, in particular relative to the caseband 3' on which it is mounted .

The caseband 3' is provided with an annular seat 3a' which comprises various housings 31', 32', 33' within which pressing elements 51', 52', 53' are arranged, like balls, each mounted on a coil spring 61', 62', 63'. This seat 3a' also comprises a housing 34' within which is housed a shaft 4' along an axis A4' parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A10' of rotation of bezel 10'. This shaft 4' is movable in translation along the axis A4'. The 10' rotating bezel for 100' box of 200' timepiece includes:

- a first axis A10', and

- a single tapered surface 1a' centered on the first axis A10' and intended to receive the action of at least one pressing element 51', 52', 53' at an interface 110' between the bezel 10' and the middle part 3', in particular at an interface 110' between the bezel 10' and the seat 3a' of the middle part 3'.

Preferably, the bezel has the shape of a revolution or substantially of a revolution around the axis A10'.

In the second embodiment, the 10' bezel includes for example:

- a first ring 1 'of bezel, in particular a lower ring,

- a second 99' bezel ring, in particular an upper ring, and

- at least at least one 2' decorative element, such as a disc.

For example, the second bezel ring 99' is held against the first bezel ring 1' by the action of at least one decorative element 2'. For example, the decorative element 2' is clipped onto the first ring 1', and the second ring 99' is housed and held between the first ring 1' and the decorative element 2'.

The first 1’ ring includes:

- an upper face 10b' hollowed out in order to receive the second ring 99', and

- a lower face 10a' presenting the frustoconical surface 1a'.

FIG. 6 illustrates a radial section of a timepiece case passing through an axis A31' of the housing 31' formed on the annular seat 3a' of the 3' middle. The ball 51' is pressed by the spring 61' against the frustoconical surface 1a'. Preferably, the box 100' comprises at least three balls 51', 52', 53' each elastically biased by a spring 61', 62', 63'. A point contact is formed between the ball 51' and the frustoconical surface 1a'. It is advantageously the same with regard to the other pressing elements 52', 53' respectively elastically biased against the frustoconical surface 1a' by their springs 62' and 63'. The frustoconical surface 1a' formed on the lower surface 10a' of the first bezel ring 1' is here arranged on a first circle, of a first radius R1', centered on the axis A10' of the bezel 10'.

Preferably, the frustoconical surface 1a' forms an angle a' (half-angle at the apex of the frustoconical surface) of between 30° and 80° with a vector z' arranged in the direction of the axis A10' or with l 'axis A10'. By convention, this vector z' is oriented from the bottom of the 100' box to the 8' mirror of the 100' box. In the second embodiment as illustrated, the frustoconical surface 1a' is oriented in such a way that it approaches the axis A10' in the direction defined by the vector z'. In other words, the single frustoconical surface 1a' has a vertex oriented towards the top of the bezel.

The shaft 4', housed within the opening 34' of the annular seat 3a' of the middle part 3', is provided to cooperate with an edge toothing 1b' formed on the lower face 10a' of the bezel 10' as illustrated in Figure 7. To do this, a first longitudinal end 4a' of the shaft 4' is in contact with a helical spring 64' so that the latter can elastically return a second longitudinal end 4b' of the shaft 4 'against the toothing 1b' of bezel 10'. Thus, shaft 4' is capable of moving in translation in a direction parallel to its axis A4' under the combined effect of toothing 1b' of bezel 10' and spring 64'. The shaft 4' is for example arranged at the level of a third circle centered on the first axis A10' and having a third radius R3'. More particularly, the third circle passes through the axis A4' of the shaft 4'.

In the second embodiment more particularly illustrated in Figure 7, the spring 64' is housed in an opening 41' formed from the end 4a' of the shaft 4'. Furthermore, the end 4b' is in the form of a tooth 4b'.

The 1 b’ toothing can be symmetrical or not. Tooth 4b' may or may not be symmetrical. Furthermore, the toothing is arranged at the level of a second radius R2' of a second circle centered on the axis A10' of rotation of bezel 10'.

The guiding and/or braking of the bezel 10' is operated by means of the frustoconical surface 1a' which cooperates with the pressing elements 51', 52', 53', each mounted on its helical spring 61', 62' , 63'. The pressing elements press on the frustoconical surface 1a'. The arrangement of the frustoconical surface 1a' and the pressing elements generates mechanical forces from the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface 1a', which have radial components relative to the axis A10' and which are oriented outwards. Such a configuration makes it possible to achieve good guidance in rotation of the bezel around the axis A10' relative to the caseband.

Such a design makes it possible to arrange the surface 1a' and the elements 1b', and therefore the balls 51', 52', 53' and the shaft 4', on respectively radii R1' and R2' which are close , even very close. In the second embodiment, the first radius R1' is greater than the second radius R2'. Preferably, the ratio of the radii R17R2′ is less than 1.2, or even less than 1.1.

As for the first embodiment, the axial retention of the bezel 10' is itself defined by a ring T attached to the middle part 3' via a case seal at the level of the crystal 8 '. The gasket is composed of a 91' gasket and a 92' ring. More particularly, the first and second rings 1′ and 99′ form a groove 1c′ in which at least one ring portion 7′ is provided to be housed.

A variant of the second embodiment of a timepiece 200′ is described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. In this variant, the second bezel ring 99' has the particularity of comprising the edge toothing 1b' formed on the lower face 10a' of the bezel 10'. Such a variant embodiment is particularly advantageous for simplifying the geometry of the first bezel ring 1', and thus simplifying the machining of the latter. Overall, the first ring can be seen as an outer ring and the second ring can be seen as an inner ring, because the first ring is arranged around the second ring, in particular relative to axis A10'.

For example, the second bezel ring 99' is held against the first bezel ring 1' by the action of at least one decorative element 2'. For example, the decorative element 2' is clipped onto the first ring 1', and the second ring 99' is housed and held between the first ring 1' and the decorative element 2'. In this case, the first ring can be additionally or alternatively seen as a lower ring and the second ring can be seen as an upper ring, because the second ring is introduced into the first ring from the upper side of the first ring and the rings abut against each other at a surface of the second ring facing downwards and a surface of the first ring oriented upwards (in the direction defined by the vector z').

Alternatively or additionally, ring 99' can be secured to ring 1' by any other means. For example, by driving, riveting, welding or brazing. In order to guarantee the connection in rotation of the first ring 1 'with the ring 99', the latter may include angular stop elements. For example, the ring 1 'may include lobes 1 c' projecting towards the axis A10 ', which are provided to cooperate with openings 99c' formed in the outer periphery of the ring 99 ', as is visible in the figure 1 1 . Advantageously, the openings 99c' have a geometry complementary to that of the lobes 1c'. Naturally, the lobes could be formed on the 99' ring and the apertures could be formed on the 1' ring.

Preferably, throughout this document, by “annular seat”, we mean a surface for receiving a bezel. Preferably, this surface forms an integral part of the middle part. Preferably, this surface is generally arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bezel, with the exception in particular of the frustoconical surface which has a specific orientation according to the invention.

Preferably, throughout this document, by "radial section", we mean a section along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the bezel. In other words, the axis of rotation of the bezel is included in such a plane. Preferably, throughout this document, by “guiding and/or braking surface”, we mean a surface designed to cooperate with guiding and/or braking elements. These elements can, for example, take the form of balls elastically returned by one or more springs.

Preferably, throughout this document, by "radius", we preferably mean a median radius. More particularly, the first radius R1, R1′ through which the frustoconical surface 1a, 1a′ passes corresponds to the radius dividing the frustoconical surface 1a, 1a′ into two portions whose areas are equal or substantially equal. Furthermore, the second radius R2 through which the elements 1b pass passes more particularly through the center of the pins or studs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Furthermore, the second radius R2′ through which the elements 1b pass corresponds to the radius dividing the edge toothing 1b' into two portions whose areas are equal or substantially equal.

Throughout this document, by “angular indexing” or “indexing of the bezel” is meant the definition of different stable angular positions of the bezel relative to the middle part. These stable positions can be separated by a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions or two indexed positions or two indexing positions, the bezel temporarily passes through a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. The bezel can leave a stable position only if a torque greater than a threshold torque is exerted on the bezel, whereas the bezel can leave an unstable position when a torque less than this threshold torque is exerted on the bezel.

Throughout this document, the terms "first", "second" and "third" in the expressions "first ray", "second ray" and "third ray", have a distinctive meaning and not a temporal meaning or a meaning relative to a place.

In the two embodiments described, the pressing elements are balls. However, the pressing elements or certain pressing elements can also be studs or shafts, in particular studs or shafts having a hemispherical or substantially hemispherical end.

In the two embodiments described, three pressing elements are implemented. However, the watch case may have more than three pressing elements, in particular four, five or six pressing elements acting on the bezel.

Whatever the variants and embodiments, the various pressing elements are preferably evenly distributed around the axis A10; A10', i.e. the pressing elements are arranged symmetrically relative to one or more planes passing through axis A10; A10' or according to rotational symmetry around axis A10; A10'.

In the two embodiments described, the single frustoconical surface has an apex oriented towards the top of the bezel. However, the single frustoconical surface could alternatively have an apex oriented towards the underside of the bezel. The underside of the bezel here corresponds to the lower face of the bezel, namely the non-visible face of the bezel when the latter is mounted on the middle part. In other words, the top of the conical surface extending the single frustoconical surface is located below the lower face of the bezel. In such an embodiment, the arrangement of the frustoconical surface and the pressing elements creates mechanical forces of the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface which have radial components relative to the axis A10; A10' and which are oriented towards the inside of the box.

Whatever the variants and embodiments, the bezel can present time information or information derived from the time. This information can be carried by a decorative element of the bezel.

In the two embodiments described, the mechanical actions exerted by the pressing elements on the frustoconical surface are contact actions. However, the actions could alternatively be actions at a distance, such as magnetic forces.

Whatever the variants and embodiments, the rotating bezel comprises a single tapered surface 1a centered on the first axis A10; A10' and intended to receive the action of at least one pressing element. This excludes the rotating bezel from comprising two frustoconical surfaces centered on the first axis and each intended to receive an action from a pressing element. This excludes in particular two frustoconical surfaces centered on the first axis and forming a radial section of bezel having a V shape in which one or more pressing elements could press simultaneously on the two sides of the V. As seen above, the single frustoconical surface may consist of several portions of the same conical surface. Thanks to such a geometry, the radial space required for the implementation of the guide means and the indexing means of the bezel can be limited. In particular, this makes it possible to make the frustoconical surface cohabit with indexing elements and/or bezel actuation elements, in particular for a bezel whose lower face has a small surface area, while presenting performance in terms of guiding and/or braking at least equivalent to those of the solutions known from the prior art. The annular section of the glasses according to the invention can therefore be minimized. Such a design is particularly advantageous for the definition of a rotating bezel arranged within a small-diameter case provided with a middle part comprising an annular seat whose section is minimized and/or for the definition of a set rotating bezel .

Claims

Claims:

1. Rotating bezel (10; 10') for case (100; 100') of timepiece (200; 200'), the bezel comprising:

- a first axis (A10; A10’), and

- a single tapered surface (1a; 1a') centered on the first axis and intended to receive the action of at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53; 51', 52', 53') at a interface (110; 110') between the bezel (10; 10') and a middle part (3, 3') of a case (100, 100') of a timepiece (200; 200').

2. Bezel according to claim 1, characterized in that the frustoconical surface (1a; 1a') has an angle (a; a') with the axis (A10; A10') of between 30° and 80°.

3. Bezel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the single frustoconical surface has a vertex oriented towards the top of the bezel.

4. Bezel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the single frustoconical surface has a vertex oriented towards the underside of the bezel.

5. Bezel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises elements (1 b; 1 b ') for indexing or actuation arranged at the level of a second circle centered on the first axis (A10 A10') and having a second radius (R2, R2').

6. Timepiece case (100; 100') comprising a middle part (3; 3') and a bezel (10; 10') according to one of claims 1 to 5. Timepiece case according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53; 51', 52', 53') at an interface (1 10; 1 10') between the bezel (10; 10') and the caseband (3; 3'), the at least one pressing element being intended to press on the single tapered surface (1a; 1a'). Timepiece case according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53, 51', 52', 53') comprises a ball or a pressing element having a hemispherical end or substantially hemispherical and/or in that the at least one pressing element (51, 52, 53, 51', 52', 53') is arranged at the level of a first circle centered on the first axis (A10; A10' ) and having a first radius (R1 , R1 '). Timepiece case according to one of Claims 6 to 8 and comprising a bezel according to Claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a shaft (4; 4') having a second axis (A4; A4') parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis (A10; A10'), the shaft (4; 4') being arranged to cooperate with the indexing or actuation elements (1b; 1b') and the shaft (4 4'), in particular the second axis (A4; A4'), being disposed at the level of a third circle centered on the first axis (A10; A10') and having a third radius (R3, R3'). Timepiece case according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shaft (4) is a shaft that can rotate around the second axis (A4). Timepiece case according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elements (1 b) are in the form pins provided to cooperate with a pinion (4b) or a Maltese cross (4b) secured to the shaft (4). Timepiece case according to Claim 9, characterized in that the shaft (4') is a shaft movable in translation along the second axis (A4'). Timepiece case according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elements (1b') form a set of teeth designed to cooperate with a tooth (4b') integral with the shaft (4'). Timepiece case according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that a ratio:

- of the largest of the first and second rays on

- the smallest of the first and second radii is less than 1.2, or even less than 1.1. Timepiece (200; 200'), in particular watch, in particular wristwatch, comprising a case according to one of Claims 6 to 14 and/or a bezel according to one of Claims 1 to 5.