JP2005521880A - Rotating bezel - Google Patents

Abstract

A first fixing mechanism (203, 221) for preventing rotation of the bezel in the counterclockwise direction of rotation and a second fixing mechanism (212, 220) for preventing rotation of the bezel in the clockwise direction. ) Rotating bezel (2) for a watch case. The bezel includes alternating first angle segments (211) and second angle segments (200). The first locking mechanism (203, 221) can be removed by simultaneously pushing at least two first angle segments (211).

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotating bezel for a watch case, and more particularly to a rotating bezel having a fixing mechanism for preventing the bezel from rotating in one of two rotation directions.

  Many watches and watch cases include a rotating bezel that is utilized to display or operate various functions of the watch. A common application of a rotating bezel is to show the remaining dive time. In this case, the bezel is provided with a scale corresponding to the elapsed minutes of the minute hand of the watch; sometimes a color segment is used on the bezel, such that when the hand points to the red range, the diver It is possible to notice very quickly that it is time to resurface.

  In many cases, notch means are provided to prevent rotation of the bezel in one of two rotational directions, generally in a clockwise direction. However, the bezel can rotate in the other direction. Sometimes during a dive, the bezel may accidentally rotate before the diver notices it. Divers who cannot fully trust the position of the bezel will become anxious as the permitted rotation continues in the direction of decreasing the displayed dive time. In extreme cases, accidental shocks and continuous contact can cause the bezel to rotate more than 180 ° and return the bezel to a position that shows a much longer dive time than the actual dive time. It can happen.

  Ruikoku Patent No. 503306 describes a watch case having a bezel that includes a locking mechanism to prevent rotation of the bezel. For this purpose, the bezel is attached to three pistons, which are actuated by springs that press the bezel upwards (glass side). The radial tooth profile of the barrel prevents any rotation of the bezel in this position. In order to rotate the bezel, it is necessary to push the top against the action of the spring to release the bezel from this tooth profile, allowing the bezel to rotate.

Although this bezel provides a sense of security that exceeds that of a normal bezel, it is not yet completely satisfactory. In other words, any part of the bezel is pushed, and a tangential force acts simultaneously. Therefore, it is relatively easy to rotate the bezel. In particular, the angular position of the bezel can change when it comes into contact with the surface on which the watchcase is located, for example when it rubs against a rock or a diver's wetsuit.
Ruizukoku Patent No. 503306 Specification

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to propose a rotating bezel system that provides greater security than prior art systems.

  This object is achieved, inter alia, thanks to a rotating bezel that includes a locking mechanism, which is, for example, a notch system, which rotates the bezel in at least one of two rotation directions. It is to prevent. In accordance with the present invention, the locking mechanism can be disengaged solely by pushing the predetermined angle segment of the bezel by the intended movement of the bezel user.

  In a preferred variant of the invention, the bezel includes at least one first angle segment and at least one second angle segment, and the locking mechanism is removed only by pushing the first angle segment. Is possible and cannot be removed by pressing the second angle segment.

  Thus, in order to rotate the bezel, it is first necessary to push a precisely defined part of the bezel. Any action on other parts of the bezel has no effect. Thus, the risk of inadvertent changes in the angular position of the bezel is greatly reduced.

  To further reduce this risk, in the recommended variant of the invention, the bezel includes alternating first and second angular segments. The angular position of the bezel can then be changed only by simultaneously pressing a predetermined minimum number of first segments, for example by simultaneously pressing at least two separate first segments. It is.

  Thus, the present invention is a rotating bezel for a wristwatch case including a first fixing mechanism for preventing rotation of the bezel in at least a first rotation direction, wherein the rotating bezel includes at least two separate bezels. It also relates to a rotating bezel in which the first locking mechanism can be removed only by simultaneously acting on this point so that the bezel can be rotated in the first direction of rotation.

  The second angle segment, which is not affected by pressing, protrudes in the recommended modification compared to the first angle segment. By doing so, the risk of accidentally removing the bezel in the event of impact or rubbing of the watch by an external object is further reduced.

The invention will be better understood by reading the description of embodiments of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings, which show:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a wristwatch case provided with a bezel according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of a watch case provided with a bezel according to the present invention.

  The watch case according to the invention comprises a body 23 displayed in a simplified manner and a bezel 2 consisting of two components 20,21. The first component 21 includes an annular set of six first angular segments 211, which are separated from each other by a gap 210. As will be seen later, the first locking mechanism of the bezel in the counterclockwise direction (first rotation direction) can be removed by pressing at least two segments 211 simultaneously.

  The lower surface of the first component 21 includes a serrated notch 212. This notch is intended to cooperate with a series of elastic stops 220 (third stop or pawl) of the ring 22 described below, and the rotation of the bezel only in the clockwise direction. prevent.

  The second component 20 of the bezel 2 includes six second angular segments 200 arranged in the ring 201. The shape and arrangement of the second angle segment 200 corresponds to the shape and arrangement of the gap 210 of the first component 21, so that the second component 20 is viewed from above the first component 21. A bezel 2 can be constructed which fits almost without play and surrounds the glass 1 of the watch case without discontinuities. However, the second segment 200 is considerably taller than the first segment 211. The combined bezel 2 thus includes six first segments 211 and six shorter but protruding second segments 200 alternately.

  The second segment 200 further includes teeth 203, which are better seen in FIG. 2 and are directed radially outwardly to a radial tooth profile 221 (first stop) described below. ) To prevent the bezel 2 from rotating in a counterclockwise direction. In the example shown, each segment 200 has one tooth 203. In a more economical recommended variant, the number of teeth 203 is limited to three, so a particular segment 200 has no teeth. For example, it is assumed that teeth 203 can be prepared alternately for every other segment 200.

  The bezel further includes a ring 22 made of metal or synthetic material, which is responsible for the locking mechanism in the first and second rotational directions. The ring 22 includes a leg 222 that is inserted into an opening (not shown) in the body 23 so as to prevent the ring 22 from rotating relative to the body. The ring can move freely vertically by a few millimeters between the body 23 and the bezel 2; one or more springs (not shown) between the body and the ring 22 press the ring against the bezel 2 It is possible to set it to a fixed position. In the illustrated example, the vertical elastic force is provided by the portion 223 of the ring 22 that resiliently leans against the barrel 23.

  The radial tooth profile 221 inside the ring 22 is the first stop. In the stationary position, i.e. when the mentioned spring presses the ring 22 against the bezel 2, the teeth 203 of the second component 20 are inserted into the tooth profile 221 so that the rotation of this bezel is prevented. When the first angle segment 211 is pressed, the ring 22 can be pressed against the body 23 so as to release the tooth profile 221 from the teeth 203, acting against the action of the spring described above. At that time, it is possible to rotate the bezel 2 exclusively in the counterclockwise direction, and the teeth 212 remain in contact with the stop 220 of the ring 22 to prevent any rotation in the clockwise direction. .

The ring 22 thus fulfills three different functions:
1. A function of the first stop 221 for preventing any rotation of the bezel 2 when the ring 22 is raised to the upper position;
2. The function of the second stop 220 (pawl), in cooperation with the bezel teeth 212, even when the user pushes on the part of the bezel that allows the bezel to unlock. Function to prevent rotation of the bezel in the direction. A bezel rotation in a counterclockwise direction is possible.
3. A function of the spring for raising the ring 22 and the first component 21 to the raised position above the barrel.

  In a more economical variant of the invention, these three functions are realized using a single piece 22 made of synthetic material or possibly metal. In other implementation variants of the invention, it may be preferable to implement these three functions using two or even three separate components. For example, in order to limit the wear of the tooth profile 221, the tooth profile can be realized using metal parts. The synthetic ring 22 can then be re-molded over this tooth profile to achieve the other two functions described above. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the elastic force that raises the ring 22 and the bezel can also be provided by one or more separate springs, for example metal corrugated springs. The pawl (tooth 220) function can also be realized by metallic and / or synthetic parts that are different from the parts used for the first stop and / or spring.

  The play between the ring 22 and the body 23, as well as the play between the two components 20, 21, is chosen to be sufficiently small so that the first component 21 can only follow a completely vertical axis. I can't move. Attempting to tilt the plane of the first component 21 by pushing only one first angle segment 211 stops this movement. In order to change the position of the first component 21, it is therefore necessary to push at least two separate first segments 211 simultaneously. This feature provides additional security because it is not possible to remove the bezel 2 by acting on only one first angle segment 211 in this way.

  The bezel 2 is secured to the barrel 23 in the usual manner using a planar spring, which is not shown and is within the groove 204 and the barrel inside the second component 20. 23 is slid into the outer groove 230. In the described example, the planar springs are dodecagons, and the spring corners are plugged into each of the second segments 204. The planar spring thus holds the second component 20 from above the barrel 23, and the first component 21 and the ring 22 of the bezel are connected between the second component 20 and the barrel 23. It is held between them.

  In order to prevent rotation of the planar spring relative to the bezel 2, means are preferably provided for linking the angular position of this spring with respect to the bezel. In the recommended variant, the planar spring is open and therefore occupies an angular segment of less than 360 °. At least one of the two ends of the planar spring is then folded outward so as to cooperate with the two sides of the segment 200 to prevent rotation of the spring relative to the second component 20. It has become. Needless to say, when the bezel 2 is actuated, the planar spring can rotate about the barrel 23.

  The illustrated embodiment includes six first segments 211 and six second segments 200 alternately. However, other arrangements with different numbers of first and / or second segments are possible. The number of first segments can be different from the number of second segments. The markings and colors of the various segments can be selected so as not to leave any doubt as to the handling to be performed to operate the bezel. Further, the first rotation fixing mechanism in the counterclockwise direction and the second rotation fixing mechanism in the clockwise direction use a common ring 22 in the described recommended example, and the common The ring includes a first stopper 221 and a third stopper 220 at the same time. However, it is also possible to place these stops on separate components.

  Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to a rotating bezel having an indication other than dive time, such as a second time zone indication.

A perspective view from above of a watch case with a bezel according to the invention A perspective view from below of a watch case with a bezel according to the invention

Explanation of symbols

1 Glass 2 Bezel 20 Component 200 Angle Segment 201 Ring 203 Tooth 204 Groove 21 Component 210 Gap 211 Angle Segment 212 Notch 22 Ring 220 Pawl 221 Tooth Shape 222 Leg 23 Body 230 Groove

Claims (13)

A rotating bezel for a watch case, including a first fixing mechanism (203, 221) for preventing rotation of the bezel (2) in at least a first rotation direction,
The first fixing mechanism can be removed by pressing the bezel (2) so that the bezel (2) can be rotated in the first rotation direction.
The bezel includes one or more first angle segments (211) and one or more second angle segments (200);
The rotating bezel, wherein the first fixing mechanism (203, 221) can be removed only by pressing at least one of the first angular segments (211).   A rotating bezel including a second fixing mechanism (212, 220) for preventing rotation of the bezel (2) in a second rotational direction, wherein the second fixing mechanism is the first angle segment. The rotating bezel according to claim 1, wherein the rotating bezel does not come off when pressing (211).   The first locking mechanism includes at least one first stop (221) whose angular position is linked to the body (23) and at least one whose angular position is linked to the bezel (2). Including a second stop (203), wherein the first and second stops prevent rotation of the bezel (2) in the first rotational direction when the bezel (2) is in an immobile position. The first rotation when the first and second stops are applied with a weighting force exerted on at least one of the first angular segments (211) The rotating bezel according to claim 1, wherein the rotating bezels can be released from each other so as to allow rotation of the bezel in a direction.   The rotating bezel of claim 3, wherein the at least one second stop (203) is connected to the at least one second angular segment (200). The at least one first stop (221) comprises a tooth profile on the ring (22);
The ring can move perpendicular to the barrel (23) by pushing the first angular segment (211) to release the first and second stops together. Item 5. The rotating bezel according to Item 3 or 4.   A rotating bezel comprising a plurality of the first angle segments (211), wherein the first mechanism (203, 221) is removed only by simultaneously pushing at least two separate first angle segments (211). 6. A rotating bezel according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be made.   A rotating bezel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bezel comprises the first angular segment (211) and the second angular segment (200) alternately.   A rotating bezel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second angular segment (200) projects relative to the first angular segment (211).   The second fixing mechanism (212, 220) includes at least one third stopper (220) whose angular position is linked to the body (23), and whose angular position is the bezel (2). Including at least one fourth stop or pawl (212) linked, wherein the third and fourth stops are independent of the weighting force exerted on the first angular segment (211) 9. The rotating bezel according to claim 2, wherein the rotating bezels are inserted into each other so as to prevent rotation of the bezel (2) in the second rotation direction.   The rotating bezel of claim 9, wherein the at least one third stop (220) comprises a tooth profile on the ring (22).   11. The bezel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bezel (2) is fixed to the barrel (23) by a planar spring whose angular position is linked to the angular position of the bezel (2). Rotating bezel as described in   A rotating bezel, wherein the planar spring occupies an angular segment of less than 360 ° and the two ends of the planar spring are folded to position the angular position of the second segment (200) of the bezel (2) The rotating bezel of claim 11, wherein the rotating bezel is adapted to be linked with an angular position of A rotating bezel for a watch case, including a first fixing mechanism (203, 221) for preventing rotation of the bezel (2) in at least a first rotation direction,
The first securing mechanism can be removed to allow rotation of the bezel (2) in the first rotational direction;
Rotating bezel, characterized in that the first locking mechanism (203, 221) can be removed only by simultaneously pushing at least two separate angular segments (211) of the rotating bezel.

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