EP2592500B1 - Watch case comprising a crown wheel with direction memory - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a watch case having a ring having a front face provided with a distinctive sign, this ring having the particularity of always returning to its original orientation after unscrewing and then screwing. The invention also relates to a method of mounting such a watch case. The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, comprising such a box. The invention also relates to a box obtained by implementing the mounting method.

Background of the invention

The manufacture and assembly of screw-on crowns on watch cases are well known.

However, for aesthetic reasons, it is preferable, when the outer face of the outer part of the crown has a distinctive sign, to be able to guarantee that the distinctive sign is in a given angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube. of the watch case to which the crown is screwed. Otherwise, the angular position of the distinctive sign is random.

The patent application published under the number EP 2 182 417 describes a screwed crown consisting of a cape, three separate tubes and a locking nut.

The first tube is connected to the ring and is screwed to the second tube, the third tube is arranged to receive the second tube, the second tube and the third tube comprise indexing means.

The third tube has an internal toothing provided on the inner periphery and arranged to cooperate with a ring gear of the second tube. The second tube and the third tube are held locked in translation by a ring and form a subassembly having an adjustable thread on which the crown associated with the first tube is screwed.

The angular orientation is fixed once and for all and is directly related to the number of teeth present on the second tube and the third tube, and the number of indexing positions is necessarily limited because of the small diameters of these tubes. On the other hand, this solution requires three tubes and is difficult to set up.

In addition, the crown and the tubes may be detached from the watch case if too much torque is applied to the crown.

The disadvantages of this crown have been overcome by the solution proposed in the international application filed on April 28, 2011 under the number PCT / CH2011 / 000094 published after the filing of this patent application under the number WO2011137544 . This international application relates to a watch case comprising a control ring consisting of two parts, namely, an inner portion and an outer portion, the latter to be maintained in the inner portion by a clamping ring.

Summary of the invention

The main purpose of the invention is to provide a watch case that is at least as satisfactory as that described in the aforementioned international application, while having an even smaller number of components.

This goal is achieved by means of a watch case as defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of a watch case are defined by claims 2 to 12.

According to the invention, a mounting method is defined by claim 13.

According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 14.

• figure 1 : une vue partielle en coupe suivant l'axe de symétrie axial de la couronne de commande C, d'un premier exemple de réalisation de la boîte de montre selon l'invention,
• figure 2 : la couronne de commande C et le premier tube de la boîte de montre de la figure 1, en vue de gauche en perspective,
• figure 3 : la boîte de montre de la figure 1, en vue de droite en perspective,
• figure 4 : la boîte de montre de la figure 1, lors de son montage, sans le deuxième tube, en vue de droite en coupe axiale et en perspective,
• figure 5 : la boîte de montre de la figure 1 sur laquelle est positionné angulairement le premier tube et avant l'assemblage du deuxième tube et de la cape, en vue de droite en coupe axiale et en perspective,
• figure 6 : la boîte de montre de la figure 1, la cape étant dévissée, en vue de droite en coupe axiale et en perspective,
• figure 7 : une vue partielle en coupe axiale d'une variante du premier exemple de réalisation de la boîte de montre selon l'invention,
• figure 8 : une vue de droite en perspective d'une variante des moyens d'indexation de la carrure,
• figure 9 : une vue de droite en coupe d'une boîte de montre selon l'invention, comportant la variante de la figure 8 et
• figure 10 : une vue partielle en coupe axiale d'un deuxième exemple de réalisation de la boîte de montre selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will now be described in detail in the following description which is given with reference to the appended figures, which schematically represent:

• figure 1 : a partial view in section along the axis of axial symmetry of the control ring C, of a first exemplary embodiment of the watch case according to the invention,
• figure 2 : the control crown C and the first tube of the watch case of the figure 1 , in perspective from left,
• figure 3 : the watch box of the figure 1 , in right perspective view,
• figure 4 : the watch box of the figure 1 during its assembly, without the second tube, in right view in axial section and in perspective,
• figure 5 : the watch box of the figure 1 on which is positioned angularly the first tube and before the assembly of the second tube and the cape, in right view in axial section and in perspective,
• figure 6 : the watch box of the figure 1 , the cape being unscrewed, in right view in axial section and in perspective,
• figure 7 : a partial view in axial section of a variant of the first embodiment of the watch case according to the invention,
• figure 8 : a right perspective view of a variant of the indexing means of the middle part,
• figure 9 : a right sectional view of a watch case according to the invention, comprising the variant of the figure 8 and
• figure 10 : a partial view in axial section of a second embodiment of the watch case according to the invention.

Detailed exposition of the invention

A first embodiment of the invention is shown in the Figures 1 to 6 .

The watch case according to the invention comprises a middle part 3 on which is mounted in a through-hole pierced in the middle band, a first tube 1. The rotation of the latter is prevented by its toothing which is clearly visible on the figure 2 , located on a part of its periphery and whose teeth which are distributed circumferentially and each extend axially, are engaged axially between the teeth of a toothing 3a which is clearly visible on the figure 3 and which is made by broaching in the hole of the middle part 3, the outer side thereof.

The axial blocking of the first tube 1 relative to the middle part 3 is achieved by virtue of an internal shoulder forming a first bearing surface 1c on which a second bearing surface 2c is pressed, formed by an external shoulder complementary to a second tube. 2. It is screwed fully into the middle part 3 so as to press both the inner axial end of the first tube 1 against an annular seal 7 and an abutment surface 1d ( figure 4 ) against a stop surface 3d provided in the hole of the middle part 3. The axial locking of the first tube 1 relative to the middle part 3 is thus ensured by the cooperation, in particular the cooperation by obstacle, of a stop surface 1d and a stop surface 3d, in particular provided on the caseband 3. The axial blocking of the first tube in the other direction is ensured by the cooperation, in particular the cooperation by obstacle or contact, the first bearing surface 1c with the second support surface 2c.

The screwing of the second tube 2 is preferably carried out using a special tool which is shaped to engage with a visible second toothing on the figure 5 and provided at the outer axial end of the second tube 2.

The first tube further comprises, over a portion of its periphery, a thread 1b cooperating with a tapping 4b formed in an annular recess provided in the cape 4 of a control ring C. On the front face 4 'of the cape 4 visible from the outside is present a distinctive sign S such as a mark or a logo.

As can be seen from the figure 2 , inside the control ring C comprises, in the center of the aforementioned annular recess, a barrel 5 which is connected to the movement of the watch by known means and which is housed and guided axially, sliding inside. the second tube 2 (cf. figure 1 ).

Operation

• le joint annulaire 7 est mis en place dans le trou de la carrure 3,
• la cape 4 de la couronne de commande C est vissée à fond sur le premier tube 1, puis on réalise l'indexation, c'est-à-dire le choix de l'orientation du signe S, et on insère l'ensemble dans le trou de la carrure 3, en faisant glisser axialement les dents de la denture la du premier tube 1 entre les dents de la denture 3a de la carrure 3 (figure 4);
• la cape 4 est ensuite dévissée du premier tube 1 tout en maintenant ce dernier dans le trou de la carrure 3 de façon à ce qu'il conserve son orientation (figure 5);
• le deuxième tube 2 est ensuite inséré dans le tube 1 (figures 5 et 6) et vissé à fond dans le trou de la carrure 3 jusqu'à ce que le premier tube 1 soit bloqué axialement par la venue de la surface de butée 1d en contact avec la surface d'arrêt 3d de la carrure 3 ; à ce moment-là, sont également en contact :
  • la première surface d'appui 1c avec la deuxième 2c surface d'appui et
  • l'extrémité axiale intérieure du premier tube 1 avec le joint annulaire 7 ;
• un deuxième joint annulaire 8 est éventuellement mis en place à l'intérieur du tube 1, entre l'extrémité axiale extérieure du deuxième tube 2 et l'extrémité axiale intérieure du premier tube 1,
• un troisième joint 9 annulaire est éventuellement mis en place à l'intérieur d'une extrémité de l'évidement annulaire de la cape 4;
• le canon 5 est ensuite relié au mouvement de la montre et la cape 4 est vissée sur le premier tube 1; au terme du vissage, le signe S est correctement orienté, c'est-à-dire qu'il est orienté comme cela a été déterminé lors du positionnement angulaire, de la mise en place et du blocage axial du premier tube 1.

The mounting of the control ring C on the watch case generally takes place as follows:

• the annular seal 7 is put in place in the hole of the caseband 3,
• the cape 4 of the control ring C is screwed fully onto the first tube 1, then the indexing is effected, that is to say the choice of the orientation of the sign S, and the whole is inserted into the hole of the caseband 3, axially sliding the teeth of the toothing of the first tube 1 between the teeth of the toothing 3a of the caseband 3 ( figure 4 );
• the cape 4 is then unscrewed from the first tube 1 while keeping the latter in the hole of the middle part 3 so that it retains its orientation ( figure 5 );
• the second tube 2 is then inserted into the tube 1 ( Figures 5 and 6 ) and screwed fully into the hole of the middle part 3 until the first tube 1 is blocked axially by the coming of the abutment surface 1d in contact with the stop surface 3d of the middle part 3; at that time, are also in contact:
  • the first bearing surface 1c with the second support surface 2c and
  • the inner axial end of the first tube 1 with the annular seal 7;
• a second annular seal 8 is optionally placed inside the tube 1, between the outer axial end of the second tube 2 and the inner axial end of the first tube 1,
• a third annular seal 9 is optionally placed inside an end of the annular recess of the cape 4;
• the barrel 5 is then connected to the movement of the watch and the cape 4 is screwed onto the first tube 1; at the end of the screwing, the sign S is correctly oriented, that is to say that it is oriented as determined during the angular positioning, the positioning and the axial blocking of the first tube 1.

Thus, the control crown C will keep its orientation, in that later, after each of unscrewing and screwing, the sign S will be correctly oriented.

The first tube 1 surrounding the second tube 2 and projecting outwardly relative thereto, it is not easy for a user to access the second tube 2 and unscrew it. In the case where a toothing 2e is provided on the inner or outer end of the second tube 2, only a qualified watchmaker equipped with a suitable tool can unscrew the second tube 2.

On the figure 7 is shown a variant of the first embodiment according to which, in order to enhance the seal, an annular seal 10 is disposed in an annular groove formed at the outer periphery of the first tube 1 on which is formed the thread 1b.

On the figures 8 and 9 is shown an alternative embodiment of the toothing 3a of the middle part 3.

As can be seen in these figures, the toothing 3a ', performed here by machining, comprises a number of teeth (three in this case) lower than that of the toothing 3a visible in particular on the figure 3 .

On the figure 10 is shown a second embodiment of the invention, wherein, instead of providing the toothing 3a directly on the middle part 3, a toothing 3a "has been executed on a ring 6 which has been secured by driving (or any other means appropriate) in the hole of the middle part 3, the latter then having a recess of a diameter greater than that of the first embodiment of the invention.An abutment surface 3d 'has also been formed in the ring 6. The toothing 3a "and the abutment surface 3d 'perform the same functions as their counterparts 3a and 3d. So, in this embodiment, the axial locking of the first tube 1 relative to the middle part 3 is therefore ensured by the cooperation, in particular the cooperation by obstacle, of a stop surface 1d and a stop surface 3d ', in particular provided on the ring 6. The axial locking of the first tube in the other direction is provided by the cooperation, including cooperation by obstacle or contact, the first bearing surface 1c with the second support surface 2c.

Other variants

Of course, it is quite possible to make modifications to the examples of realization which have just been exposed.

For example, rather than providing a tapping in the control ring C and a corresponding thread on the first tube 1, we could do the opposite (including threading on the barrel 5 and corresponding tapping in the first tube 1).

In addition, rather than being screwed into the middle part 3, the second tube 2 can be fixed differently, for example by driving. In this case, the geometry of the tube 2 is shaped to allow its disassembly of the middle part, for example with the addition of a groove.

The first and second indexing means (1a, 3a, 3a ', 3a ") shown in the aforementioned embodiments are not embodied by the bias of teeth which are distributed circumferentially and each extend axially on their respective member. It is also quite conceivable to achieve the same effects through circumferentially distributed and circumferentially extending edge teeth on their respective members.

It is also possible to apply the variants of Figures 7, 8 and 9 in the second embodiment.

The placement of the annular seals in the exemplary embodiments is optimized to ensure the sealing of the watch case. Those skilled in the art will be able to adapt the arrangement and / or the number of these joints according to the requirements and the design choices.

An embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention may advantageously comprise a watch case according to one of the embodiments and variants described above.

In this document, "distinctive sign" means any visible element of the crown to distinguish an orientation of the ring about its axis of rotation. The knurling or splines of the crown may be excluded from such an element. In other words, the term "distinctive sign" means any visible element of the crown having the consequence that the crown is not a form of revolution. In particular, a distinctive sign may include a marking of the crown, even if this marking is made without substantial contribution or removal of material to the crown.

Claims (14)

1. A watch case comprising:

   - a middle (3),

   - a first tube (1) provided with first indexing means (1a),

   - a control crown (C) including:

   • a cap (4) having a distinctive sign (S) on a front face (4'), and

   • a bush (5) intended to be connected to the movement of the watch,

   - a second tube (2) adapted to be fastened to the middle (3) and to receive the bush (5),

   - the control crown (C) and the first tube (1) including respective screwing means (1b,4b) for screwing them together;
   characterized in that:

   - second indexing means (3a,3a',3a") fastened to the middle (3) are provided to cooperate with the first indexing means (1a) of the first tube (1), and

   - the first tube (1) and the second tube (2) are conformed so that fastening the second tube (2) to the middle (3) ensures axial immobilization of the first tube (1) relative to the middle (3), an abutment surface (1d) of the first tube (1) coming into contact with a stop surface (3d; 3d') of the middle (3) or the stop surface (3d') of a ring (6) fixed or linked to the middle.
2. A watch case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tube (1) has a first bearing surface (1c) coming into contact with a second bearing surface (2c) provided on the second tube (2).
3. A watch case according to claim 2, wherein the first bearing surface (1c) is constituted by an internal shoulder and the second bearing surface (2c) is constituted by an external shoulder (2c).
4. A watch case as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second tube (2) is adapted to be driven into the middle (3), the second bearing surface (2c) coming to abut against the first bearing surface (1c).
5. A watch case as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second tube (2) is adapted to be screwed into the middle (3), the second bearing surface (2c) coming to abut against the first bearing surface (1c).
6. A watch case as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second tube (2) includes means (2e) enabling it to be screwed/unscrewed with the aid of an appropriate tool.
7. A watch case as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means (2e) are constituted by teeth provided at the same end as the control crown (4).
8. A watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second indexing means (1a,3a,3a',3a") are constituted by teeth conformed to interengage axially with each other.
9. A watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second indexing means (3a,3a') are provided in the middle (3).
10. A watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second indexing means (3a") are situated on a ring (6) fastened to the middle (3).
11. A watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said abutment surface (1d) of the first tube (1) is adapted to come to abut against said stop surface (3d, 3d') formed in the middle (3).
12. A watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the screwing means (1b) of the first tube (1) are constituted by an external thread and the screwing means (4b) of the control crown (C) are constituted by an internal thread formed in an annular recess provided in the control crown (C).
13. A method of assembling a watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps:

    - the cap (4) of the control crown (C) is screwed fully home on the first tube (1),

    - the sign (S) on the front face (4') of the cap (4) is oriented in a particular manner relative to the middle (3),

    - the free end of the first tube (1) is inserted in the middle (3) by causing the teeth (1a) of the first part (1) to slide axially in the teeth (3a,3a',3a") fastened to the middle (3),

    - the cap (4) is unscrewed from the first tube (1) with the latter tube held in the middle (3),

    - the second tube (2) is inserted in the first tube (1),

    - the second tube (2) is screwed in until it is immobilized axially by the abutment surface (1d) of the first tube (1) coming into contact with the stop surface (3d) of the middle (3) or the stop surface (3d') of a ring (6) fixed or linked to the middle, and

    - the cap (4) is screwed fully home on the first tube (1) .
14. A timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, including a watch case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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