JP2855080B2 - clock - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to watches and, more particularly, to watches.
Crystal (glass lid) that allows removal from above the dial and can be rotated and moved relative to the case band
-The bezel (glass frame) unit and the joining gasket, said gasket being in a manner such that the structure formed by said crystal-bezel unit, said joining gasket and said case band is fluid tight, A watch which is arranged between a case band and the joint gasket is fixed to one of fixed or rotating parts.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional watches with fluid-tight rotating crystals consist of a large number of parts and their design is complex.

[0003] The Swiss patent 681 of Vueltanol,
No. 127 shows a representative example of a design used to obtain an effective fluid seal. Normal Patsukin gas ass bets is disposed between the bezel and the caseband, it arranged casing in caseband - ring to fix the entire. The best known means of simplifying the design of this type and / or producing a thinner timepiece consists of ignoring the fluid seal, which involves all disadvantages.

In addition, timepieces with external rotating bezels of the conventional type often suffer from premature deterioration due to the presence of liquid and solid contaminants between the stationary and rotating parts. This makes rotation difficult and sometimes impossible as well.

[0005] Swiss patent 662,922 discloses a fluid-tight, rotating crystal incorporating features of the type mentioned at the outset.
A watch having a bezel unit is described.

[0006]

There is a need for a timepiece that has a fluid seal so that no contaminants are present between the fixed part and the rotating part, has a simple structure, and is free from early deterioration.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved timepiece having a fluid-tight rotating crystal whose design is simplified.

[0008]

For this purpose, in a timepiece according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset, the joining gasket is a pointed cross section which is oriented in a special direction with respect to the body forming the joining gasket. The crystal-bezel unit includes at least one working portion formed by the portion and is configured to be axially movable with respect to the case band to effect removal from above.

The present invention greatly simplifies its design, since only the joining gasket and the securing means, located at the height of the caseband / bezel interface, are sufficient to allow both rotation and fluid tightness. Enables the acquisition of watches with fluid-tight rotating crystals. Moreover, in a particular embodiment, a bonded or soldered crystal / bezel unit or a combined crystal and bezel can likewise be used, thus further simplifying the design of the watch.

[0010] Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to provide an edge-to-edge crystal which is mounted from above and which therefore has the possibility of having a case band and a backside connected to each other. Various shaped crystals may be used, for example, on a curved surface or otherwise. A similar function can be obtained with improved reading characteristics and accuracy, with the edge-to-edge crystal containing the signs normally located in the slope groove. A crystal with a rotating edge to edge contact presents a number of functional possibilities such as diver's watches, slide rules and the like. The so-called simplified concept and the optimization of the number of parts allows the production of thinner cases compared to conventional fluid-tight watches.

Due to the presence of a joining gasket, the present invention prevents internal components from corrosion, damage, or other forms of wear and tear by preventing liquid or solid contaminants (particles, dust, etc.) from entering the case. Allow to be protected. The means for locking the bezel (snap, click, etc.) is thus well protected.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a timepiece according to the invention comprises a standard crystal 1, which is surrounded by a crystal (glass lid) 1 and a support surface of a bezel (glass frame) 30. It is secured to the bezel 30 by a gasket 3 inserted between it and 35 and is made of inorganic glass, plexiglass, sapphire, or some other transparent material. Portion 34 of bezel 30 enters recess 5 at the top of case band 4 at its periphery. Bezel 30
Is fixed to the case band 4 by fixing means 20, for example, normal side or polygonal springs. As in a conventional timepiece, the locking means can be removable or fixed. The fixing means 20 is preferably
As shown in FIG. 1, it is arranged along the inner surface 31 of the bezel 30. However, depending on the space available for one or the other of these surfaces, it may prove advantageous to be located along the outer surface of the bezel 30.

The gasket 10 is provided on the outer surface 32 of the bezel 30.
Are arranged in the groove 33. The gasket 10 has a working part 11
Are formed so as to protrude from the surface 32. The gasket is preferably but that may be made from various materials working portion 1
Should be sufficiently flexible to permit rotational movement between the first good positioning and bezel 30 and the case band 4, and unless a sufficiently rigid to exhibit good support between the two parts No. The final test is type “NB
R75 was performed with a bonding gasket 10 made from Shore hardness. Other materials that meet these criteria, especially elastomeric materials, can be used as well, with various hardness factors.

The working part 11 is supported in a mating fit by the adjacent wall 2 of the case band 4. Such a fit creates a fluid tight connection between the rotating and stationary parts of the timepiece. In an alternative embodiment, the adjacent wall 2 is provided so that the recess 12 which can take any of a number of shapes serves as a female working part.
Made in The male working portion 11 of the gasket 10 fully or partially enters the recess 12 to complete the fluid seal for a larger contact surface, while at the same time providing more effective retention.

The joining gasket can take a number of shapes, be mounted in a number of directions, and be secured to either a bezel, case band, or crystal. Moreover, the fixing means can be integrated into the joining gasket, further simplifying the design and assembly. The gasket also offers the advantage that it can be used with a variety of materials such as steel, brass, plastic, precision metal, and the like.
The gasket can be secured to the seat by gripping, joined, vulcanized and soldered. By changing the shape, in particular the width of the working part 11 and the gripping force of the mating fit, it is necessary to optimize some mechanical properties, such as friction, and thereby rotate the crystal and / or the bezel. Power can be optimized.

The timepiece described above is thus completely and positively fluid-tight. In other words, overpressure outside the case caused by high atmospheric pressure or hydraulic pressure does not affect the inside of the case, the inside and outside pressures are the same and the media remains separate, and similarly the underpressure outside the case In some cases, for example, at high altitudes, the internal pressure is variable .
Fluid sealing is ensured at any angular position of the bezel and / or crystal relative to the case band. Furthermore, the presence of the joining gasket 10 allows vertical movement between the bezel 30 and the case band 4 with or without rotation of the bezel, as the movements can be completely independent of each other. According to the geometry adopted, the force exerted by the external pressure, possibly combined with a slight vertical movement, gives an optimal positioning on the working part 11 and increases the fluid tightness as the pressure increases. Thus, a greater level of fluid sealing is obtained more <br/> the conventional fluid-tight watch. This phenomenon allows a joining gasket of the type shown in the example of FIG. 5 to achieve a level of fluid tightness greater than 5 atmospheres.

2 to 11 show various advantageous cross sections for the joint gasket 10. FIG. 2 to 5 and 11 have a single working part, while FIGS.
Has two working parts, one of which has a recess 5
It works on the bottom wall of the car to provide good protection against any intrusion into the case. The working part which is exerting its action on the bottom of the recess 5 while simultaneously acting on the fluid tightness,
Handles vertical play between the fixed and rotating parts of the watch,
It can both help prevent decompression of the case, especially when the watch is in a low pressure environment.

Many other shapes can be used with one, two, three or more working parts arranged according to a myriad of possibilities. As will be described below in the so-called second embodiment of the invention, these various types of gaskets can be used in connection with fixing means, which fixing means are integrated with the gasket. Or it is formed subsequently.

FIG. 12 shows the second embodiment. In this figure, those elements of the same nature and playing the same role as the corresponding elements of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the bezel 30 is held by fixing means 20 located near the outer surface 32 of the projecting portion of the bezel 30. In FIG. 12, the fixing means 20 is held by a fixing ring 21 arranged on the gasket 10. The securing means 20 is preferably a conventional side or polygonal spring, but may also be different if a rod partially disposed on the gasket 10 performs the holding function, as shown in FIG. In one or the other variant, the fixing means 20 preferably comprises a part which enters the groove in the adjacent wall, thus ensuring vertical support. Various variants allow the securing means to be integrated with the gasket 10. Fixing ring 2 shown in FIG.
O is preferably a steel ring located in the gasket. The ring can obviously be made from other rigid materials, such as carbon fiber based compositions. Due to the integration of the holding means into the gasket, the design of the bezel 30 and its assembly in the case band are simplified. FIG. 12 also shows an example of a gasket 10 having two working parts . A mating fit, both lateral and vertical, ensures uniform contact between the gasket and the associated surface along the entire circumference.

In another variation of the first embodiment, the crystal-bezel unit 1/30 has a combination crystal (FIGS. 13 and 15) of which one part is shaped to form a bezel, otherwise, Replaced by a crystal (FIGS. 14 and 16) extending across the top of the watch with a bezel portion made of glass, steel, titanium, or other material joined or soldered underneath the crystal bottom surface Can be

The timepiece according to the invention can also include locking means for holding the crystal and / or the bezel in a predetermined position. Such means have been proposed and include, for example, a notch, a tooth, or a click mechanism, for example, located below the bezel.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show examples of a timepiece according to the present invention. Crystal 1 includes indicia 1a (figure, guide marks, etc.) that are typically printed on the bezel. The indicia on the crystal can be made by known means, for example by metallization. Crystal 1 with edge to edge is bezel 30
Joined to. The dial 6 includes a raised portion along the edge where the time symbols and other guide marks are located, selected according to the style of the watch. The crystal is easily moved angularly by a protruding bar 7 arranged on the periphery. The protruding bar 7 can obviously be replaced by a ridge made directly on the crystal 1. It can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17 that it is easy to superimpose the instructions on the crystal 1 and the dial 6, thereby giving a very wide variety of use characteristics. That is, the various characteristics are easy reading, greater accuracy, and the essential ease of performing some functions such as those of slide rules.

FIG. 18 shows a crystal 1 having edge-to-edge contact.
Shows a third embodiment, which is bent downward over the outside of the case band 4 so as to form a cover. Crystal 1
The gasket 10 fixed to the inner wall of the case band 4 enters the outer fixing groove 9 around the periphery of the case band 4 so as to ensure the support and rotation of the crystal 1 and the fluid tightness of the structure.

FIG . 19 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the dial 6 rotates with the crystal 1 and the bezel 30. The dial 6 is arranged on the shoulder of the rotating bezel 30. The assembly is closed from above by a crystal 1 fixed to the bezel 30 via an insertion bezel arranged in a fluid-tight manner on the bezel 30. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as it allows the implementation of a number of combinations in which the indicia and markings can be arranged on the crystal 1 and / or on the dial 6 and / or on the case band 4. Thus, for example, time-indicating guide marks, preferably located on the dial 6, can be moved by simple rotation of the crystal-bezel-dial unit to make them correspond to the time domain arranged on the case band 4. "Time domain" watches can be manufactured.
In this way, the time in the time domain can be read without changing the position of the hand. The required operations are quick and easy.

[0026]

[Effect of the Invention] As on ordination, the present invention provides dial upper <br/> may be moved by rotating with respect to acceptable and caseband removal from side Crystal - Bezeruyunitsuto the contact <br/> A gasket, said gasket being disposed between said crystal-bezel unit and said case band in such a way that the structure formed by said crystal-bezel unit, said joining gasket and said case band is fluid tight. Wherein the joining gasket is fixed to one of the fixed or rotating parts, wherein the joining gasket is formed by at least one extension having a pointed cross section oriented in a particular direction with respect to the body forming the joining gasket. The crystal-bezel unit, in particular from above, from above In order to carry out the operation, it is configured to be able to move in the axial direction with respect to the case band. It is possible to provide an improved timepiece having a fluid-tight rotating crystal whose design is simplified without premature deterioration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a timepiece equipped with a fluid-tight rotating crystal according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which the joining gasket includes only a single working part .

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a possible shape of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a possible shape of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a possible shape of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of possible shapes of a joining gasket used within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a timepiece including a fluid-tight rotating crystal in a second embodiment of the present invention in which the joining gasket includes one or more working parts.

FIG. 13 shows a crystal-bezel unit forming a single piece, the first having an edge-to-edge crystal.
It is a fragmentary sectional view of a timepiece provided with a fluid-tight rotating crystal in a modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a timepiece with a fluid-tight rotating crystal according to another modification of the first embodiment having a crystal-bezel having an edge-to-edge contact.

FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of a crystal-bezel unit having an edge-to-edge crystal forming an integral piece.
It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a timepiece provided with a fluid-tight rotating crystal in a modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view showing a timepiece including a crystal according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the timepiece shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a timepiece with a fluid-tight rotating crystal in a third embodiment of the present invention in which the crystal extends over the sides of the case band.

FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view showing a timepiece including a fluid-tight rotating crystal in a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the dial rotates with the crystal and the bezel.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Crystal (glass lid) 4 Case band 6 Dial 10 Gasket (joining gasket) 11 Working part 20 Fixing means 30 Bezel (glass frame) 31 Inner surface of bezel 32 Outer surface of bezel 33 Groove

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-238473 (JP, A) JP-A-7-244170 (JP, A) Fully open 1983-170579 (JP, U) Really open 1983 57989 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 63-141485 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G04B 19/28 G04G 1/00 305

Claims (15)

(57) [Claims] 1. A dial (6) and a case band (4)
Is pivotable with respect to and can be removed from above.
Crystal-bezel unit (1, 30)
Crystal-bezel unit (1, 30)
Bonding gasket (1) disposed between the basebands (4).
0), characterized in that the by the joining gasket (10), the Crystal - Bezeruyunitsuto (1,30) and said joining gasket (10) and the caseband (4) by the the <br/> Ri structure is formed Is fluid-tight , and the joining gasket (10) is a fixed part of the case band (4) or
The rotating part of the crystal-bezel unit (1,3
0), the joining gasket (10) is connected to the joining gasket (1).
0) comprising at least one working part (11) formed by an extension which is a pointed cross section oriented in a particular direction with respect to the body forming said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30). A timepiece characterized in that it can be moved axially with respect to said case band (4) in order to effect removal from the case. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the working portion of the joining gasket cooperates with an adjacent wall of the case band to obtain a mating fit. The clock described. 3. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the working part is oriented radially . 4. A timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the working part (11) is oriented axially . 5. The axial movement of said crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) to said working part (11) oriented axially such that said crystal moves close to said dial (6). The timepiece according to claim 4, wherein the timepiece causes an increase in directional force. 6. The watch according to claim 4, wherein the axial movement of the crystal-bezel unit is a function of the force exerted by the ambient pressure experienced by the watch.
The clock described in. 7. The crystal-bezel unit (1, 30) is fixed to the case band (4) via fixing means (20) .
7. The timepiece according to any one of 6 . Wherein said crystal - claim Bezeruyunitsuto (1, 30) is characterized in that it is fixed to the caseband via the joining gasket (10) 1
The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . 9. The timepiece according to claim 7, wherein the fixing means (20) is arranged along an inner surface (31) of the bezel (30). 10. The timepiece according to claim 7, wherein the fixing means (20) is provided integrally with the joining gasket (10). 11. The gasket according to claim 7, wherein the joining gasket is arranged in a groove formed in an outer surface of the bezel. The clock described in. 12. The timepiece according to claim 1 , wherein a lower surface of the crystal is fixed to an upper part of the bezel. Wherein said dial (6) is the Crystal - Bezeruyunitsuto (1,30) simultaneously with the As can rotate Crystal - claim 1, characterized in that fixed to Bezeruyunitsuto (1, 30) The timepiece according to any one of claims 12 to 12 . 14. The crystal - claim Bezeruyunitsuto that (1, 30) is characterized in that it is made integral
The timepiece according to any one of 1 to 13 . 15. The crystal (1) extends outward along the edge of the case band (4), and the bonding gasket (10) is attached to the crystal (1).
The timepiece according to claim 14, characterized in that it is arranged between an extension of the case band and an edge of the case band (4).