阅读说明：本技术 用于钟表壳体的表圈 (Bezel for a timepiece case ) 是由 佩德罗·曼努埃尔·多斯桑托斯·普雷德罗萨 弗雷德里克·莫西埃 让-巴蒂斯特·罗班 于 2020-11-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于钟表(200)的壳体(100)的表圈(10),该表圈包括：轴线(A1)；包括第一表面(1a)的第一部件(1)；以及包括第二表面(2a)的第二部件(2),第一表面和第二表面被定位为至少基本上彼此面对和/或至少基本上垂直于轴线(A1),第一表面和第二表面用于与定位在中部(6)上的轴向保持元件(4)通过阻挡而相互作用。(Bezel (10) for a case (100) of a timepiece (200), comprising: an axis (a 1); a first component (1) comprising a first surface (1 a); and a second component (2) comprising a second surface (2a), the first and second surfaces being positioned at least substantially facing each other and/or at least substantially perpendicular to the axis (a1), the first and second surfaces being intended to interact by blocking with an axial retention element (4) positioned on the central portion (6).)

1. Bezel (10; 10 ') for a case (100; 100 ') of a timepiece (200; 200 '), comprising:

-an axis (A1; A1');

-a first part (1; 1 ') comprising a first surface (1 a; 1 a'); and

-a second part (2; 3 ') comprising a second surface (2 a; 3 a'),

the first and second surfaces are positioned at least substantially facing each other and/or at least substantially perpendicular to the axis (A1; A1 ') for interacting by blocking with an axial retention element (4; 4 ') positioned on the central portion (6; 6 ').

2. Bezel according to claim 1, wherein said first and second surfaces are sides of a groove (12; 13') formed in said bezel.

3. Bezel according to claim 2, wherein the bottom of the groove is formed by a third surface of the first part and/or by a fourth surface of the second part.

4. A bezel according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part is a main bezel ring or a lower bezel ring.

5. Bezel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second part is a decorative and/or display ring (3') of the bezel, or an intermediate ring (2) mounted between:

-a main or lower ring (1), and

-a ring (3) for the decoration and/or display of said bezel.

6. A bezel according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part is held or positioned on the first part with minimal clearance by clamping against the first part.

7. Bezel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part is made of a first material, in particular of a first ceramic, and the second part or the decorative and/or display ring (3) of the bezel is made of a second material, in particular of a second ceramic.

8. A bezel according to any preceding claim, wherein said first part is made from:

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of alumina;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia or silicon nitride;

-ceramics consisting mainly or mostly of boron carbide or aluminum nitride;

-a composite material, in particular an alumina-zirconia composite material (ZTA/ATZ) or a cermet;

metals, in particular metal alloys such as steel or noble metal alloys based on gold or platinum;

and/or the decorative and/or display ring (3) of the second part or of the bezel is made of:

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of alumina;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia or silicon nitride;

-ceramics consisting mainly or mostly of boron carbide or aluminum nitride;

-a composite material, in particular an alumina-zirconia composite material (ZTA/ATZ) or a cermet;

metals, in particular metal alloys, such as aluminum-based alloys, steel or noble metal alloys based on gold or platinum.

9. A bezel according to any preceding claim, wherein the bezel is of the rotary type.

10. Timepiece case (100; 100 ') comprising a middle portion (6; 6 '), an axial retaining element (4; 4 ') and a bezel according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Timepiece case (100; 100 ') according to claim 10, wherein the axial retaining element (4; 4') is a shearable element.

12. Timepiece (200; 200'), in particular watch, in particular wristwatch, comprising a timepiece case according to claim 10 or 11 or a bezel according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. Method for assembling a timepiece case (100; 100 ') or a timepiece (200; 200'), comprising at least the following steps:

-positioning the first part (1; 1 ') of the bezel (10; 10 ') on the middle part (6; 6 ') and then

-positioning an axial retention element (4; 4 ') on said central portion (6; 6'), and then

-positioning a second part (2; 3 ') of said bezel (10; 10') on said first part (1; 1 ') of said bezel (10; 10'),

or:

-positioning the second part (2; 3 ') of the bezel (10; 10') on the first part (1; 1 ') of the bezel (10; 10'),

-positioning an axial holding element (4; 4') between the first and second parts, and then

-positioning the assembly formed by the first part, the second part and the axial holding element on a central part (6; 6').

14. Timepiece case (100; 100') manufactured by using the method according to claim 13.

15. A timepiece (200; 200') manufactured by using the method according to claim 13.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a bezel for a timepiece case. The invention also relates to a timepiece case including such a bezel. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a bezel. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling a timepiece case or timepiece.

Background

The prior art discloses various bezel for a watch case. These rims may for example comprise a rim ring on which a decorative and/or display disc is fixed and may be attached to the middle of the case by an axial holding element designed to fit into a groove of said rim ring.

Such a design is entirely satisfactory. However, they have the disadvantage of requiring a recess to be formed in the bezel ring of minimum thickness to receive the axial retaining element. The thickness of the bezel is therefore at least partially dependent on its assembly function.

For example, patent application EP1416341 discloses a connection device between a bezel and a middle part of a watch case, which makes use of an axial retaining element designed to be fitted in the form of a one-piece part between two axial stop surfaces of the bezel. More particularly, this patent application relates to a particular geometry of an axial retaining element for aiding the assembly and disassembly of a bezel.

For another example, patent application EP2624076 discloses a watch case design comprising a bezel comprising a main bezel ring to which a decorative and/or display disc is attached. This housing design makes use of an axial retaining element disclosed in patent application EP1416341, which is designed to fit between two axial stop surfaces of a main bezel ring to which a decorative and/or display disc is attached. The two axial stop surfaces are formed by grooves machined in the main ring. Such a recess requires a sufficient bezel ring thickness. Furthermore, it is difficult to form such a groove in a bezel ring made of a hard and brittle material, in particular ceramic, due to the necessary manufacturing tolerances and the risk of wear of the tools used in the grinding step of such a groove.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide a bezel for a timepiece case that makes it possible to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks and to improve the bezels for timepiece cases known in the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a bezel for a timepiece case, which is simpler to use and can be made entirely or almost entirely of a brittle material, in particular ceramic.

The bezel for a timepiece case according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of the bezel are defined by claims 2 to 9.

The timepiece case according to the invention is defined by claim 10 or 14.

An embodiment of the timepiece case is defined by claim 11.

The timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 12 or 15.

A method for assembling a timepiece case or timepiece is defined by claim 13.

Drawings

The figures show, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention.

Fig. 1 is a partial section view taken along the first plane I-I of the first embodiment of the timepiece.

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along a second plane II-II of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the timepiece.

Detailed Description

A first embodiment of the timepiece 200 is described below with reference to fig. 1 to 3.

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

The timepiece preferably includes a timepiece case 100. The timepiece also includes a timepiece movement. The timepiece movement is mounted in a watch case to protect it from the external environment.

The timepiece movement may be an electronic or mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

The watch case 100 preferably comprises a middle part 6 and a bezel 10. The watch case 100 also preferably includes a bottom cover attached to the middle portion and a watch mirror attached to the middle portion.

The bezel may be mounted in a fixed manner on the middle part. Alternatively, the bezel may be a rotary bezel, i.e. mounted for rotational movement on the middle portion 6 about the axis a 1. Axis a1 may be the axis of the bezel. The axis a1 may be the axis of rotation of the bezel, or substantially the axis of rotation of the bezel. Preferably, axis a1 is a common axis of the bezel and the middle. In the described and illustrated embodiment, the bezel is a rotary bezel.

The watch case may comprise an element 4 for axially retaining the bezel on the middle, i.e. an element for retaining the bezel in the direction of axis a 1. This axial retaining element is, for example, a ring 4 with a T-shaped radial section, in which:

the first and second branches of the T are parallel to the axis a1 and aligned; and is

The third branch of the T is perpendicular to the axis a1 and extends radially outwards (relative to the axis a1) from the first and second branches.

Preferably, the axial holding element 4 is a shearable element. For example, the element may break at the base of the third branch when a sufficient axial force is exerted on the third branch.

Alternatively, the ring may have an L-shaped radial cross-section, wherein:

the first branch of the L is parallel to the axis a 1; and is

The second branch of the L-shape is perpendicular to the axis a1 and extends radially outwards (with respect to the axis a1) from the first branch.

Preferably, the axial retention element is a shearable element. For example, the element may break at the base of the second branch when a sufficient axial force is exerted on the second branch.

Alternatively, the ring may also have a rectangular cross-section comprising areas of lower shear resistance, for example by using grooves or slits.

The axial holding element 4 is for example mounted on a ring 5, the ring 5 itself being attached, for example by being nailed to the intermediate part 6. The ring 5 advantageously has a seat 51 against which the axial retaining element 4 rests. The seat 51 therefore prevents the axial holding element 4 from moving in translation along the axis a1 towards the mirror.

When the bezel 10 is pivotally or rotatably mounted on the middle portion 6 of the case band 100, the bezel may include the grip member 1 d. Optionally, as shown in fig. 2, the bezel may also comprise a first angular indentation and/or indexing element 1e designed to interact with a second angular indentation and/or indexing means 6a positioned on the middle part 6, in particular on the annular seat 61 of the middle part 6.

The first angular indentation and/or the indexing element may for example comprise slots 1e regularly distributed around the axis a1 under the bezel.

The second angular indentation and/or indexing element may comprise a ball 6a positioned in the hole 62 in the middle. The balls are biased into contact with the bezel by a resilient element, in particular a helical spring 63.

Bezel 10 for case 100 of timepiece 200 comprises:

-an axis of rotation a 1;

a first component 1 comprising a first surface 1 a; and

a second part 2 comprising a second surface 2 a.

The first and second surfaces are positioned at least substantially facing each other and/or at least substantially perpendicular to the axis a 1.

The first and second surfaces are intended to interact by blocking with an axial holding element 4 positioned on the intermediate portion 6. Therefore, the first surface 1a is preferably biased against the axial holding element 4. The contact between the first surface 1a and the axial holding element prevents the bezel from moving in the axial direction towards the watch mirror.

The contact between the second surface 2a and the axial retention element 4 prevents the bezel from moving in the axial direction towards the bottom cover. Preferably, this contact prevents the bezel from rubbing on the middle support 61.

For example, the first component is a main bezel ring or a lower bezel ring. The radial cross-section of the first part may have an L-shaped geometry with a first branch extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis a1 and a second branch extending parallel or substantially parallel to the axis a1 relative to the first branch towards the watch mirror. The first branch surface centers on the seat 61 of the central portion 6. The first branch comprises a first indentation and/or an indexing element. The first branch also comprises a surface 1c preferably extending perpendicularly to the axis a 1. The first branch also comprises, on its inner edge, an abutment 1f, which abutment 1f delimits the first surface 1 a. The second branch comprises a gripping element 1 d.

The second component is for example an intermediate ring 2 mounted between:

-a main bezel ring, and

a ring 3 for the decoration and/or display of the bezel.

The second part preferably comprises parallel or substantially parallel surfaces. The second component extends, for example, perpendicular to axis a1 or substantially perpendicular to axis a 1. In particular, it comprises parallel or substantially parallel surfaces 2a and 2b, which extend for example perpendicularly to axis a1 or substantially perpendicularly to axis a 1.

The second surface 2a and the surface 1c are constructed and/or arranged to abut each other.

The ornamental and/or display ring 3 of the bezel comprises on its upper surface decorations and/or logos, in particular logos for interacting with the hands and/or other logos on the dial of the timepiece. The decorative and/or display ring 3 extends generally along a conical surface having an axis a 1. Alternatively, it may extend along a substantially flat surface perpendicular to axis a 1. The decorative and/or display ring 3 may be a decorative and/or display disc 3.

The first surface 1a and the second surface 2a constitute the sides of a groove 12 formed in the bezel, particularly the sides of the groove at the interface of the first member and the second member. The shoulder 1f forms a third surface at the bottom of the groove.

The second part forms a removal ring 2 for a decorative and/or display ring 3, which is constructed and/or arranged to be positioned on the first part 1. The knock-out ring 2 is fitted into the first component 1 with minimum clearance prior to the operation of nailing the decorating and/or displaying ring 3, so as to form an interface between the first component 1 and the decorating and/or displaying ring 3, in particular along a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the axis a 1. The decorative and/or display ring 3 is then nailed into the wall 1b of the first component 1 at the outer peripheral surface 3a of the decorative and/or display ring 3. Preferably, the wall is a conical surface having an axis a 1. When the decorating and/or displaying ring 3 has been assembled, the surface 3b of the decorating and/or displaying ring 3 rests on the surface 2b of the demounting ring 2, which itself rests by its surface 2a on the surface 1c of the first component 1.

The second component is thus held by clamping or nailing against the first component. In this case, the clamping or nailing is indirect: the second component is held by clamping or nailing the decorative and/or display ring 3 into the first component 1. In other words, the second component is positioned or confined with minimum clearance between the first component 1 and the ring 3 for decoration and/or display.

When the constituent parts of bezel 10 have been assembled, first surface 1a is positioned on first plane P1, and second surface 2a, which is positioned at the same level as surface 1c, is positioned on second plane P2. The first surface 1a and the second surface 2a thus define a groove or housing 12 delimited axially by planes P1 and P2, into which, on the one hand, the axial holding element 4 can be fitted to enable the bezel 10 to be assembled onto the middle portion 6 and, on the other hand, a removal tool can be inserted to enable the decorative and/or display ring 3 of the first part 1 to be removed when the bezel 10 is removed from the casing 100 (in particular by applying a force to separate the first and second surfaces).

Such a design is particularly advantageous for manufacturing a bezel 10 with a decorative and/or display ring 3 made of a brittle material, in particular ceramic, since the removal of the decorative and/or display ring 3 is carried out without direct contact between the tool and the decorative and/or display ring 3. The risk of breakage of the ring 3 for decorative and/or display during the disassembly of the constituent elements of the bezel is therefore greatly reduced or even eliminated.

The first part can be made of a first material, in particular ceramic, and the second part and/or the decorative and/or display ring 3 of the bezel can be made of a second material, in particular second ceramic.

The first component can in particular be made of the following materials:

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of alumina;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia or silicon nitride;

-ceramics consisting mainly or mostly of boron carbide or aluminum nitride;

composite materials, in particular alumina-zirconia composite materials (ZTA/ATZ) or cermets.

Alternatively, the first component may be made of a metal, in particular a metal alloy such as steel or a noble metal alloy based on gold or platinum.

The ring 3 for decoration and/or display can be made in particular of the following materials:

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of alumina;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia or silicon nitride;

-ceramics consisting mainly or mostly of boron carbide or aluminum nitride;

composite materials, in particular alumina-zirconia composite materials (ZTA/ATZ) or cermets.

Alternatively, the decorative and/or display ring 3 may be made of metal, in particular of an aluminium-based alloy or steel or of a noble metal alloy based on gold or platinum.

Preferably, the second part may be made of metal, in particular of aluminum or brass-based alloy or steel or noble metal alloy such as gold or platinum-based alloy. Alternatively, the second component may be made of a composite material. Alternatively, the second component may be made of:

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of alumina;

-a ceramic consisting mainly or mostly of zirconia or silicon nitride;

-ceramics consisting mainly or mostly of boron carbide or aluminum nitride;

composite materials, in particular alumina-zirconia composite materials (ZTA/ATZ) or cermets.

As a further alternative, the second part may be made of a polymeric material, in particular a high performance polymer, such as a polymer belonging to the Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, for example Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

A second embodiment of the timepiece 200' is described below with reference to fig. 4.

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

The timepiece preferably includes a timepiece case 100'. The timepiece also includes a timepiece movement. The timepiece movement is mounted in a watch case to protect it from the external environment.

The timepiece movement may be an electronic or mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

The watch case 100 'preferably comprises a middle portion 6' having an axis a1 'and a bezel 10'. The watch case 100' also preferably includes a bottom cover attached to the middle portion and a watch mirror attached to the middle portion.

For example, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the bezel 10 ' does not have an intermediate ring, and in that the decorative and/or display ring 3 ' forms the second part and is fixed to the first part 1 ', for example by means of an adhesive. The surfaces 1a 'and 3 a' of the first part 1 'and of the second part 3' respectively extend along two different planes P1 ', P2' so as to form a housing 13 'for receiving the axial retaining element 4'. Thus, in this embodiment, the second component is denoted by reference numeral 3'.

Reference numerals of elements in this second embodiment are derived from those of elements of the first embodiment having the same structure or shape or having the same function, plus a "'" unless otherwise noted.

The timepiece case 100 is described below; 100' or timepiece 200; 200' is performed.

The method at least comprises the following steps:

-placing the bezel 10; 10' first part 1; 1' is positioned in the middle portion 6; 6', in particular bezel support 61; 61' and then

-axially retaining the element 4; 4' is positioned in the middle portion 6; 6', in particular to the ring 5 of the middle part; 5' on, then

-placing the bezel 10; 10' of the second part 2; 3' is positioned at bezel 10; 10' first part 1; 1' above.

May be formed in ring 5; the retaining element is positioned before or after 5' assembly onto the central portion.

Alternatively, for assembling the timepiece case 100; 100' or timepiece 200; the method of 200' may include at least the steps of:

-placing the second component 2; 3' is positioned at the first part 1; at the position of 1' above the base,

positioning, where appropriate, a ring 3 for the decoration and/or display of the bezel on the first part 1, and then

-axially retaining the element 4; 4' is positioned at the first element 1; 1' and a second element 2; 3' to then

Positioning the assembly formed in the previous step in the central portion 6; 6' above.

In the first embodiment, the decorative and/or display ring 3 is nailed or clamped to the first part after the second part has been positioned on the first part. In a second embodiment, the decorative and/or display ring 3' is glued to the first part. Obviously, the decorative and/or display ring 3' can be fixed to the first component, for example by clamping or nailing.

These modes of execution enable the assembly of the constituent elements of the bezel directly to the middle portion 6; 6' and thus in the housing 100; 100' provides greater flexibility in assembly.

The invention also relates to a timepiece case 100 manufactured by applying the aforementioned method; 100'.

The invention also relates to a timepiece manufactured by applying the method.

Preferably, in different embodiments and variants, the watch case comprises a biasing element which biases the bezel into contact with the axial holding element 4. These biasing elements tend to move the bezel away from the middle support 61. These biasing elements may be of the resilient type. These biasing elements may comprise helical springs mounted in holes provided in the middle part and opening at the seat of the middle part.

Preferably, in different embodiments and variants, the axial retaining element 4 is an annular retaining element described in patent application EP 1416341. Such an element allows to easily remove bezel 10 from middle portion 6 by shearing the portion thereof having the smallest cross section.

Advantageously, in different embodiments and variants, the surfaces 1a, 1c, 2a, 2b and 3b extend along a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation and/or rotation axis a1 of the bezel 10.

Preferably, in different embodiments and variants, the bezel is of the rotary or pivoting type. For example, in order to manufacture a fixed bezel, a case band may be manufactured according to any of various embodiments and modifications, and a means for locking the rotation of the bezel may be added thereto. In this case, no notches and/or indexing elements are necessary.

In various embodiments and variants, the first surface and the second surface constitute a recess or a housing formed in the bezel, in particular the sides of the recess or the housing at the interface of the first part and the second part. The seat or indentation in the first element forms a third surface at the bottom of the recess. However, the bottom of the groove may alternatively be formed by a surface of the second part or surfaces formed on the first and second parts. In other words, instead:

the indentation of the second part may form a recess or a receptacle, or

Two complementary indents in the first and second parts may form a recess or receptacle.

In different embodiments and variants, the first part can be made of a first material and the decorative and/or display ring 3, 3' of the bezel can be made of a second material. More precisely, the first component 1 can be made of a first ceramic and the decorative and/or display ring 3, 3' can be made of a second ceramic. The first and/or second ceramic may consist essentially or mostly of zirconia. Alternatively, the first and/or second ceramic may consist essentially or mostly of alumina. Alternatively, the first and/or second ceramic may also consist predominantly or largely of zirconium oxide or silicon nitride. Alternatively, the first and/or second ceramic may also consist predominantly or largely of boron carbide or aluminum nitride.

In different embodiments and variants, the first component 1 and/or the decorative and/or display ring 3, 3' can be made of a composite material. The material may be, for example, an alumina-zirconia composite (ZTA/ATZ) or a cermet.

In different embodiments and variants, the first component 1 and/or the ring for decoration and/or display 3, 3' can be made of glass.

In general, the first part 1 and the decorative and/or display ring 3, 3' can be made of different materials and/or have different colours and/or have different terminals, providing a variety of combinations taking into account the appearance of the bezel. Alternatively, the first part 1 and the ring for decoration and/or display 3, 3' can be made of the same material and/or have the same color and/or have the same terminal.

In the solution described above, the bezel comprises two axial stop surfaces designed to interact with axial retaining elements positioned on the middle of the watch case, these two surfaces belonging respectively to two different parts of the bezel. Advantageously, the first axial stop surface may correspond to a surface of the main ring of the watch. Also advantageously, the second axial stop surface may correspond to a surface of a disassembly ring of a decorative and/or display disc of the bezel. Alternatively, the second axial stop surface may correspond to a surface of a decorative and/or display ring.

In other words, the two axial stop surfaces 1a, 2 a; 1a ', 3a ' can be connected with at least one axial holding element 4 with a ring 5, 5 ' interposed; 4', in particular an annular retaining element 4 positioned on the middle of the watch case; 4' interaction, these two surfaces belonging respectively to the bezel 10; 10' two different parts 1; 1', 2; 3'.

This design is particularly advantageous due to its ease of application.

This design is particularly useful for a device having a first component 1 made by a conventional injection or replication method; the manufacture of the bezel of 1' is also particularly advantageous. A first member 1; the absence of grooves within 1' makes it possible to eliminate other finishing steps that are difficult to perform due to the geometry, manufacturing tolerances and expected surface quality of such grooves. Thus, the first component 1; 1' may for example be made of a non-metallic material, such as ceramic.

Thus, the new bezel design allows for the manufacture of thinner bezels that can be assembled in a conventional manner using test methods. Furthermore, the design advantageously makes it possible to provide an "all-ceramic" bezel having a bezel disc made of ceramic (for decoration and/or display) and a main or lower bezel ring made of ceramic.

Throughout this document, unless otherwise specified, "radial cross-section" refers to a radial cross-section relative to axis a 1.