EP0277510B1 - Watch case with a central part, a glass and means for fitting the glass to it - Google Patents

Watch case with a central part, a glass and means for fitting the glass to it Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0277510B1
EP0277510B1 EP88100421A EP88100421A EP0277510B1 EP 0277510 B1 EP0277510 B1 EP 0277510B1 EP 88100421 A EP88100421 A EP 88100421A EP 88100421 A EP88100421 A EP 88100421A EP 0277510 B1 EP0277510 B1 EP 0277510B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watchcase
set forth
crystal
glass
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88100421A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0277510A1 (en
Inventor
Paul Gogniat
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rado Uhren AG
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Rado Uhren AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0277510A1 publication Critical patent/EP0277510A1/en
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G04B39/02—Sealing crystals or glasses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
    • G04B37/225—Non-metallic cases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses
    • G04B39/004—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses from a material other than glass
    • G04B39/006—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses from a material other than glass out of wear resistant material, e.g. sapphire
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G04B47/04—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached ornaments or amusement apparatus
    • G04B47/042—Fastening of jewels and the like

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a watch case comprising a first unit formed by a middle part and a bottom together defining a housing intended to receive a movement and a second unit formed by a crystal and means for connecting the crystal to the first unit.
  • the connecting means consist of a vulcanizable elastomer gasket interposed between the crystal and the middle part.
  • This connection of the glass to the middle part cannot be dismantled and has certain drawbacks if the glass breaks, since it is then necessary to unsolder the remaining pieces of the glass, remove the remainder of the seal, then reweld a new glass with a new seal.
  • These operations are delicate and time consuming, and moreover require specific equipment to carry out the vulcanization of the joint, the latter being carried out at relatively high temperatures.
  • Swiss patent 649,435 also describes a case, the middle of which is made of metal, and the crystal, made of mineral material, has a metallic layer on the periphery of its inner face. These two parts are assembled to each other by welding adhering, on the one hand, to the metal layer and, on the other hand, to the box. This type of assembly makes it possible to obtain a solid and tight fixing between the box and the glass.
  • it poses difficult problems in terms of after-sales service Indeed, if there is a break in the ice, it is again necessary to unsolder the remaining pieces of the ice, then to resolder a new ice. This operation is delicate, because it is essential in this case that the weld does not extend beyond the space between the glass and the middle part.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art by providing a box in which after-sales service is greatly simplified, while reducing the cost of manufacturing the watch.
  • the second unit further comprises a plastic support ring connected to the glass in a non-removable manner and assembled with the first unit by removable means.
  • document FR-A-908 125 describes a watch case comprising a middle part, a crystal and a back, and means for attaching the crystal to the middle part include tabs welded or screwed to the middle part. Consequently, this document does not provide any solution to the problem posed because in the event of glass breakage, it is necessary to dismantle the welded or screwed connections which also requires a great deal of time.
  • the watch shown in FIG. 1a comprises a box comprising a middle part 10, a crystal 12 and a base 14 which define a housing inside which is a movement 16 carrying display means 18, namely a dial and needles.
  • This watch also comprises means for fixing the crystal to the middle, constituted by staples 20.
  • the middle part 10 comprises an external support part 21, of annular shape, and an internal ring 22, surrounded by the external part 21, both of rectangular section.
  • the external support part 21 is made of plastic and defines the lateral faces of the watch. It cooperates with the fixing means in a manner which will be specified below.
  • the bottom 14 and the inner ring 22, both made of stainless steel, are either welded to each other, or made in one piece.
  • the ring 22 is provided with a shoulder 24 on its inner flanks and a boss 26 on its outer flanks.
  • the upper end of the ring 22, which is close to the crystal 12, has a groove 28.
  • the shoulder 24 serves to support the movement 16 and allows it to be fixed in the middle part. More precisely, this movement is clamped between the glass 12 and the shoulder 24 by means of a flange 30, the external dimensions of which are equal to the internal dimensions of the ring 22, and the thickness of which is equal to the distance between the crystal and the dial worn by the movement 16.
  • the boss 26 cooperates with a groove 32 which the internal flanks of the support piece 21 comprise, thus joining, by a notched assembly, the piece 21 and the ring 22.
  • the groove 28 that the ring 22 comprises makes it possible to house a seal 34. This seal is further guided by the outer sides of the flange 30.
  • the means for fixing the crystal to the middle part are constituted by staples 20. These are fixed to the four corners of the watch and are advantageously made by means of a stainless steel wire. As can be seen in FIG. 1b, these staples have a general shape of stirrup, with a base 35 bearing on the glass and two lateral branches each comprising three segments. The first segments 36 extend over the edge of the crystal and part of the middle part, the second segments 38 converge towards one another and form respectively with the first an obtuse angle, and the third segments 40, in contact with one the other, extend parallel to the first segments 36.
  • the latter comprises, in the external support part 21, a first hole 42 which opens on the bottom side, and two oblique holes 44 which extend from the sides of the middle part up to the inside hole 42.
  • the segments 38 of the clips 20 are each housed in an oblique hole 44, while the two end segments 40 are engaged in clamping in the hole 42.
  • the glass 12 is placed on the part 21 and the branches of each clip 20, initially in the shape of a U, are engaged in the holes 44 until that their ends, having joined in the hole 42, protrude from the bottom of the part 21. A traction is then exerted on these ends so as to ensure proper application of the clip on the ice. When this is done, it suffices to cut the ends of the clip flush with the hole 42 to obtain the structure of FIG. 1b.
  • the assembly thus formed can then be made integral with the internal ring 22 by virtue of the notched assembly which the boss 26 of the ring 22 and the groove 32 of the part 21 allow.
  • segments 40 of the staples 20 may have grooves on their surfaces in contact with the middle part which allow them to be better held in place.
  • the middle 10 and the glass 12 in the watch shown in section in Figure 2, we find the middle 10 and the glass 12, superimposed and aligned edge to edge, the bottom 14, the movement 16 and the display means 18.
  • the means for fixing the crystal to the middle part include rivets 48, made of stainless steel, each consisting of a head 50, a cylindrical body 52 and a ring 54, fixed to the end of body 52.
  • a single rivet is shown in the drawing.
  • the body 52 and each rivet 48 is housed in coaxial holes 56 and 58 which respectively pass through the glass 12 and the support part 21. Its free end is slightly concave and has a rivet forming a slight external rim which ensures the locking of the ring 54.
  • the glass 12 is placed on the part 21 so as to match the holes 56 and 58.
  • the body 52 of the rivets 48 is then introduced into these holes and the rings 54 placed at their ends.
  • the actual fixing is carried out by riveting the end of the body 52, the external rim of which comes to bear on the ring 54.
  • a ring 59 of flexible material can advantageously be inserted between the head 50 and the crystal 12. The assembly thus formed is then fixed to the notch on the internal part 21 of the middle part.
  • Figures 3a and 3b show another alternative embodiment in which only the glass 12 and the external support part 21 of the middle part are found.
  • the base, the movement and the internal part of the middle part, which do not have been drawn, may be similar to those shown in Figures 1a and 2.
  • the glass 12 is fixed to the part 21 by means of rivets 59 which are made of plastic.
  • a rivet is shown in the pre-assembly position in Figure 3a and after assembly in Figure 3b.
  • Each rivet 59 has a cylindrical body 60, the upper end of which is extended by a set of claws 62 arranged in a crown and each provided with a shoulder 66 which is intended to bear against the glass 12, and with a groove 68, inside the crown, into which engages the edge of a decorative element 70, such as a stone.
  • the lower end of each rivet has two rows of barbs 64 ′ and 64 ⁇ .
  • the rivets 59 each take place in holes 72 and 74 formed respectively in the crystal 12 and the external part 21 of the middle part.
  • the decorative element 70 can be made of any material, for example sapphire, ruby, or any other precious, semi-precious or simply decorative material.
  • the watch case shown in FIG. 4 has the same essential elements as those of FIGS. 1a and 2, namely a middle part 10, a crystal 12, a base 14, a movement 16 and display means 18.
  • the middle part 10 comprises also an external support piece 21 made of plastic and an internal ring 22, the latter being in one piece with the bottom 14.
  • This box differs from the boxes described and shown above by the fact that the glass 12 is curved, having a structure of either cylindrical type, or spherical type.
  • the means for assembling the crystal to the middle part are here also constituted by rivets, one of which, bearing the reference 78, is shown in the drawing.
  • These rivets made of stainless steel, have a cylindrical body 80, the lower end of which ends in barbs 82, while its upper end is fixed to the glass by means of solder 84. To facilitate this assembly by soldering, it goes from It should be understood that the lower face of the crystal must be coated with a layer of metal 86.
  • the support part 21 of this watch has blind holes 88 of section smaller than that of the body 80 and intended to each receive a rivet 78.
  • the non-removable assembly constituted by the crystal and the external part of the middle part is relatively inexpensive because, not only, it can be assembled automatically, but also and above all, the price of the plastic outer part and the means of assembling the two elements is very compared to that of ice.
  • this assembly is made integral with the rest of the watch by a simple notch system, its replacement in the event of breakage of the glass requires a minimum of intervention on the part of the repairer.
  • the means for fixing the glass to the plastic support part may have come integrally with the latter, in the form of pins engaging in beveled cutouts in the glass. The attachment is then made by deformation of the pins which bear on the bevels.
  • the glass which has a spherical structure, is aligned edge to edge with the bottom. In this way, the middle part is entirely hidden. However, it retains its essential function, that is, securing the crystal and the back to the watch.
  • the middle could also have variants. It could thus be constituted by the single support part, the bottom being able to be fixed to bayonet for example.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)
  • Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
  • Details Of Measuring And Other Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

The watch case comprises a central part (10) formed by an outer plastic support piece (21) and an inner ring (22), a glass made of mineral glass (12), a back (14), a movement (16), display means (18) and clasps (20) providing a non-demountable fixing of the glass to the outer piece of the central part. The two pieces forming the central part are removeably fixed to each other by means of a notch system. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne une boîte de montre comprenant une première unité formée d'une carrure et d'un fond définissant ensemble un logement destiné à recevoir un mouvement et une deuxième unité formée d'une glace et de moyens de liaison de la glace à la première unité.The invention relates to a watch case comprising a first unit formed by a middle part and a bottom together defining a housing intended to receive a movement and a second unit formed by a crystal and means for connecting the crystal to the first unit.

Une telle boîte est décrite dans le document EP-A-097 393. Selon ce document, les moyens de liaison sont constitués d'un joint en élastomère vulcanisable interposé entre la glace et la carrure. Cette liaison de la glace à la carrure est indémontable et présente certains inconvénients si la glace vient à se briser puisqu'il est alors nécessaire de dessouder les morceaux restant de la glace, de retirer le restant du joint, puis de ressouder une nouvelle glace avec un nouveau joint. Ces opérations sont délicates et consommatrices de temps, et nécessitent par ailleurs un équipement spécifique pour réaliser la vulcanisation du joint, cette dernière étant effectuée à des températures relativement élevées.Such a box is described in document EP-A-097 393. According to this document, the connecting means consist of a vulcanizable elastomer gasket interposed between the crystal and the middle part. This connection of the glass to the middle part cannot be dismantled and has certain drawbacks if the glass breaks, since it is then necessary to unsolder the remaining pieces of the glass, remove the remainder of the seal, then reweld a new glass with a new seal. These operations are delicate and time consuming, and moreover require specific equipment to carry out the vulcanization of the joint, the latter being carried out at relatively high temperatures.

Le brevet suisse 649 435 décrit également une boite, dont la carrure est en métal, et la glace, en matériau minéral, comporte une couche métallique sur la périphérie de sa face intérieure. Ces deux pièces sont assemblées l'une à l'autre par de la soudure adhérant, d'une part, à la couche métallique et, d'autre part, à la boîte. Ce type d'assemblage permet d'obtenir une fixation solide et étanche entre la boîte et la glace. Il pose toutefois de difficiles problèmes au niveau du service après-vente. En effet, s'il y a rupture de la glace, il est là encore nécessaire de dessouder les morceaux restant de la glace, puis de ressouder une nouvelle glace. Cette opération est délicate, car il est dans ce cas indispensable que la soudure ne déborde pas de l'espace compris entre le verre et la carrure.Swiss patent 649,435 also describes a case, the middle of which is made of metal, and the crystal, made of mineral material, has a metallic layer on the periphery of its inner face. These two parts are assembled to each other by welding adhering, on the one hand, to the metal layer and, on the other hand, to the box. This type of assembly makes it possible to obtain a solid and tight fixing between the box and the glass. However, it poses difficult problems in terms of after-sales service. Indeed, if there is a break in the ice, it is again necessary to unsolder the remaining pieces of the ice, then to resolder a new ice. This operation is delicate, because it is essential in this case that the weld does not extend beyond the space between the glass and the middle part.

Le but de la présente invention est de remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur susmentionné en fournissant une boîte dans laquelle le service après-vente est grandement simplifié, tout en permettant une réduction du coût de fabrication de la montre.The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art by providing a box in which after-sales service is greatly simplified, while reducing the cost of manufacturing the watch.

Ce but est atteint grâce au fait que la deuxième unité comprend en outre un anneau de support en matière plastique relié à la glace de façon indémontable et assemblé avec la première unité par des moyens démontables.This object is achieved thanks to the fact that the second unit further comprises a plastic support ring connected to the glass in a non-removable manner and assembled with the first unit by removable means.

Par ailleurs, le document FR-A-908 125 décrit une boîte de montre comportant une carrure, une glace et un fond, et des moyens de fixation de la glace à la carrure comportent des pattes soudées ou vissées à la carrure. Par conséquent, ce document n'apporte aucune solution au problème posé car en cas de bris de la glace, il est nécessaire de démonter les connexions soudées ou vissées ce qui demande également beaucoup de temps.Furthermore, document FR-A-908 125 describes a watch case comprising a middle part, a crystal and a back, and means for attaching the crystal to the middle part include tabs welded or screwed to the middle part. Consequently, this document does not provide any solution to the problem posed because in the event of glass breakage, it is necessary to dismantle the welded or screwed connections which also requires a great deal of time.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, faite en référence aux dessins, donnés à titre d'exemple et dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1a est une vue en perspective d'une montre réalisée selon l'invention;
  • la figure 1b est une coupe partielle selon la ligne bb de la figure 1a; et
  • les figures 2 à 4 représentent trois autres modes de réalisation.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the drawings, given by way of example and in which:
  • Figure 1a is a perspective view of a watch produced according to the invention;
  • Figure 1b is a partial section along the line bb in Figure 1a; and
  • Figures 2 to 4 show three other embodiments.

La montre représentée à la figure 1a comporte une boîte comprenant une carrure 10, une glace 12 et une fond 14 qui définissent un logement à l'intérieur duquel se trouve un mouvement 16 portant des moyens d'affichage 18, à savoir un cadran et des aiguilles. Cette montre comporte en outre des moyens de fixation de la glace à la carrure, constitués par des agrafes 20.The watch shown in FIG. 1a comprises a box comprising a middle part 10, a crystal 12 and a base 14 which define a housing inside which is a movement 16 carrying display means 18, namely a dial and needles. This watch also comprises means for fixing the crystal to the middle, constituted by staples 20.

La carrure 10 comprend une pièce support externe 21, de forme annulaire, et un anneau interne 22, entouré par la pièce externe 21, tous deux de section rectangulaire.The middle part 10 comprises an external support part 21, of annular shape, and an internal ring 22, surrounded by the external part 21, both of rectangular section.

La pièce support externe 21 est en plastique et définit les faces latérales de la montre. Elle coopère avec les moyens de fixation d'une manière qui sera précisée ci-après.The external support part 21 is made of plastic and defines the lateral faces of the watch. It cooperates with the fixing means in a manner which will be specified below.

Le fond 14 et l'anneau interne 22, tous deux en acier inoxydable, sont soit soudés l'un à l'autre, soit réalisés d'une seule pièce. L'anneau 22 est muni d'un épaulement 24 sur ses flancs intérieurs et d'un bossage 26 sur ses flancs extérieurs. L'extrémité supérieure de l'anneau 22, qui est voisine de la glace 12, comporte une gorge 28. L'épaulement 24 sert d'appui au mouvement 16 et permet sa fixation dans la carrure. Plus précisément, ce mouvement est serré entre la glace 12 et l'épaulement 24 par l'intermédiaire d'un réhaut 30, dont les dimensions extérieures sont égales aux dimensions intérieures de la bague 22, et dont l'épaisseur est égale à la distance comprise entre la glace et la cadran que porte le mouvement 16.The bottom 14 and the inner ring 22, both made of stainless steel, are either welded to each other, or made in one piece. The ring 22 is provided with a shoulder 24 on its inner flanks and a boss 26 on its outer flanks. The upper end of the ring 22, which is close to the crystal 12, has a groove 28. The shoulder 24 serves to support the movement 16 and allows it to be fixed in the middle part. More precisely, this movement is clamped between the glass 12 and the shoulder 24 by means of a flange 30, the external dimensions of which are equal to the internal dimensions of the ring 22, and the thickness of which is equal to the distance between the crystal and the dial worn by the movement 16.

Le bossage 26 coopère avec une gorge 32 que comportent les flancs intérieurs de la pièce support 21, solidarisant ainsi, par un assemblage à cran, la pièce 21 et l'anneau 22.The boss 26 cooperates with a groove 32 which the internal flanks of the support piece 21 comprise, thus joining, by a notched assembly, the piece 21 and the ring 22.

La gorge 28 que comporte l'anneau 22 permet de loger un joint d'étanchéité 34. Ce joint est en outre guidé par les flancs extérieurs du réhaut 30.The groove 28 that the ring 22 comprises makes it possible to house a seal 34. This seal is further guided by the outer sides of the flange 30.

Comme déjà mentionné, les moyens de fixation de la glace à la carrure sont constitués par des agrafes 20. Celles-ci sont fixées aux quatre coins de la montre et sont avantageusement réalisées au moyen d'un fil en acier inoxydable. Ainsi qu'on peut le voir sur la figure 1b, ces agrafes ont une forme générale d'étrier, avec une base 35 prenant appui sur la glace et deux branches latérales comportant chacune trois segments. Les premiers segments 36 s'étendent sur la tranche de la glace et une partie de la carrure, les deuxièmes segments 38 convergent l'un vers l'autre et forment respectivement avec les premiers un angle obtus, et les troisièmes segments 40, en contact l'un avec l'autre, s'étendent parallèlement aux premiers segments 36.As already mentioned, the means for fixing the crystal to the middle part are constituted by staples 20. These are fixed to the four corners of the watch and are advantageously made by means of a stainless steel wire. As can be seen in FIG. 1b, these staples have a general shape of stirrup, with a base 35 bearing on the glass and two lateral branches each comprising three segments. The first segments 36 extend over the edge of the crystal and part of the middle part, the second segments 38 converge towards one another and form respectively with the first an obtuse angle, and the third segments 40, in contact with one the other, extend parallel to the first segments 36.

Pour maintenir l'agrafe 20 à la carrure, cette dernière comporte, dans la pièce support extérieure 21, un premier trou 42 qui s'ouvre côté fond, et deux trous obliques 44 qui s'étendent des flancs de la carrure jusqu'à l'intérieur du trou 42.To maintain the clip 20 to the middle part, the latter comprises, in the external support part 21, a first hole 42 which opens on the bottom side, and two oblique holes 44 which extend from the sides of the middle part up to the inside hole 42.

Les segments 38 des agrafes 20 sont logés chacun dans un trou oblique 44, tandis que les deux segments d'extrémité 40 sont engagés à serrage dans le trou 42.The segments 38 of the clips 20 are each housed in an oblique hole 44, while the two end segments 40 are engaged in clamping in the hole 42.

Pour réaliser l'assemblage de la glace 12 à la partie externe 21 de la carrure, la glace 12 est disposée sur la partie 21 et les branches de chaque agrafe 20, initialement en forme de U, sont engagées dans les trous 44 jusqu'à ce que leurs extrémités, s'étant rejointes dans le trou 42, ressortent du fond de la pièce 21. Une traction est alors exercée sur ces extrémités de manière à assurer une bonne application de l'agrafe sur la glace. Lorsque ceci est réalisé, il suffit de couper les extrémités de l'agrafe au ras du trou 42 pour obtenir la structure de la figure 1b.To assemble the glass 12 to the external part 21 of the middle part, the glass 12 is placed on the part 21 and the branches of each clip 20, initially in the shape of a U, are engaged in the holes 44 until that their ends, having joined in the hole 42, protrude from the bottom of the part 21. A traction is then exerted on these ends so as to ensure proper application of the clip on the ice. When this is done, it suffices to cut the ends of the clip flush with the hole 42 to obtain the structure of FIG. 1b.

L'ensemble ainsi constitué peut alors être rendu solidaire de l'anneau interne 22 grâce à l'assemblage à cran que permettent le bossage 26 de l'anneau 22 et la gorge 32 de la pièce 21.The assembly thus formed can then be made integral with the internal ring 22 by virtue of the notched assembly which the boss 26 of the ring 22 and the groove 32 of the part 21 allow.

Il peut être avantageux que les segments 40 des agrafes 20 comportent, sur leurs surfaces en contact avec la carrure, des stries qui permettent de mieux assurer leur maintient en place.It may be advantageous for the segments 40 of the staples 20 to have grooves on their surfaces in contact with the middle part which allow them to be better held in place.

Dans la montre représentée en coupe à la figure 2, on retrouve la carrure 10 et la glace 12, superposées et alignées bord à bord, le fond 14, le mouvement 16 et les moyens d'affichage 18. La structure particulière de la carrure 10, avec une pièce support externe 21 et un anneau interne 22, ainsi que les moyens de montage du mouvement sont identiques à ce qui a été décrit en regard de la figure 1a. Dans cette variante de réalisation, les moyens de fixation de la glace à la carrure comportent des rivets 48, en acier inoxydable, constitués chacun d'une tête 50, d'un corps cylindrique 52 et d'une bague 54, fixée à l'extrémité du corps 52. Un seul rivet est représenté au dessin. Le corps 52 et chaque rivet 48 est logé dans des trous coaxiaux 56 et 58 qui traversent respectivement la glace 12 et la pièce support 21. Son extrémité libre est légèrement concave et présente une rivure formant un léger rebord externe qui assure le blocage de la bague 54.In the watch shown in section in Figure 2, we find the middle 10 and the glass 12, superimposed and aligned edge to edge, the bottom 14, the movement 16 and the display means 18. The particular structure of the middle 10 , with an external support part 21 and an internal ring 22, as well as the means for mounting the movement are identical to what has been described with reference to FIG. 1a. In this alternative embodiment, the means for fixing the crystal to the middle part include rivets 48, made of stainless steel, each consisting of a head 50, a cylindrical body 52 and a ring 54, fixed to the end of body 52. A single rivet is shown in the drawing. The body 52 and each rivet 48 is housed in coaxial holes 56 and 58 which respectively pass through the glass 12 and the support part 21. Its free end is slightly concave and has a rivet forming a slight external rim which ensures the locking of the ring 54.

Pour réaliser l'assemblage de la glace 12 et de la pièce support 21, la glace 12 est placée sur la pièce 21 de façon à mettre en correspondance les trous 56 et 58. Le corps 52 des rivets 48 est alors introduit dans ces trous et les bagues 54 mises en place à leurs extrémités. La fixation proprement dite est réalisée par le rivetage de l'extrémité du corps 52 dont le rebord externe vient prendre appui sur la bague 54. Pour garantir une meilleure tenue de cette fixation par rivet, il est encore possible de réaliser une soudure entre la bague 54 et le corps 52, par exemple une soudure électrique. Afin de réduire le risque de rupture de la glace, une bague 59 en matériau souple peut avantageusement être intercalée entre la tête 50 et la glace 12. L'ensemble ainsi constitué est ensuite fixé à cran sur la partie interne 21 de la carrure.To assemble the glass 12 and the support part 21, the glass 12 is placed on the part 21 so as to match the holes 56 and 58. The body 52 of the rivets 48 is then introduced into these holes and the rings 54 placed at their ends. The actual fixing is carried out by riveting the end of the body 52, the external rim of which comes to bear on the ring 54. To guarantee a better hold of this fixing by rivet, it is still possible to make a weld between the ring 54 and the body 52, for example an electrical weld. In order to reduce the risk of breakage of the crystal, a ring 59 of flexible material can advantageously be inserted between the head 50 and the crystal 12. The assembly thus formed is then fixed to the notch on the internal part 21 of the middle part.

Les figures 3a et 3b représentent une autre variante de réalisation où l'on ne retrouve que la glace 12 et la pièce support externe 21 de la carrure 10. Le fond, le mouvement et la partie interne de la carrure, qui n'ont pas été dessinés, peuvent être similaires à ceux représentés aux figures 1a et 2. Dans cette montre, la glace 12 est fixés à la pièce 21 au moyen de rivets 59 qui sont en plastique. Un rivet est représenté en position de préassemblage sur la figure 3a et après assemblage sur la figure 3b.Figures 3a and 3b show another alternative embodiment in which only the glass 12 and the external support part 21 of the middle part are found. The base, the movement and the internal part of the middle part, which do not have been drawn, may be similar to those shown in Figures 1a and 2. In this watch, the glass 12 is fixed to the part 21 by means of rivets 59 which are made of plastic. A rivet is shown in the pre-assembly position in Figure 3a and after assembly in Figure 3b.

Chaque rivet 59 comporte un corps 60 cylindrique dont l'extrémité supérieure se prolonge par un ensemble de griffes 62 agencées en couronne et munies chacune d'un épaulement 66 qui est destiné à prendre appui contre la glace 12, et d'une gorge 68, intérieure à la couronne, dans laquelle vient s'engager le bord d'un élément de décoration 70, tel qu'une pierre. L'extrémité inférieure de chaque rivet comporte deux rangées de barbelures 64′ et 64˝.Each rivet 59 has a cylindrical body 60, the upper end of which is extended by a set of claws 62 arranged in a crown and each provided with a shoulder 66 which is intended to bear against the glass 12, and with a groove 68, inside the crown, into which engages the edge of a decorative element 70, such as a stone. The lower end of each rivet has two rows of barbs 64 ′ and 64˝.

Les rivets 59 prennent place chacun dans des trous 72 et 74 ménagés respectivement dans la glace 12 et la pièce externe 21 de la carrure.The rivets 59 each take place in holes 72 and 74 formed respectively in the crystal 12 and the external part 21 of the middle part.

Lorsqu'un rivet 59 est en position préassemblée, ainsi qu'on peut le voir à la figure 3a, les griffes 62 sont écartées, tandis que les barbelures inférieures 64′ sont accrochées sur un épaulement 76 terminant le trou 74. Dans cette position, l'élément 70 peut être posé à l'intérieur des gorges 68. Pour chasser le rivet dans la carrure, une force est appliquée sur l'élément 70 et les griffes 62 de manière à faire glisser le rivet à l'intérieur des trous 72 et 74, et à obliger les barbelures supérieures 64˝ à venir prendre appui sur l'épaulement 76. Lors de déplacement axial du rivet, la couronne que forment les griffes 62 se referme, de sorte que l'élément 70 est emprisonné dans les gorges 68.When a rivet 59 is in the pre-assembled position, as can be seen in FIG. 3a, the claws 62 are spaced apart, while the lower barbs 64 ′ are hung on a shoulder 76 ending the hole 74. In this position, the element 70 can be placed inside the grooves 68. To drive the rivet into the middle part, a force is applied to the element 70 and the claws 62 so as to slide the rivet inside the holes 72 and 74, and to force the upper barbs 64˝ to come to bear on the shoulder 76. During axial displacement of the rivet, the crown formed by the claws 62 closes, so that the element 70 is trapped in the grooves 68.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'élément décoratif 70 peut être réalisé en n'importe quel matériau, par exemple en saphir, en rubis, ou tout autre matière précieuse, semi-précieuse ou simplement décorative.In this embodiment, the decorative element 70 can be made of any material, for example sapphire, ruby, or any other precious, semi-precious or simply decorative material.

La boîte de montre représentée à la figure 4 comporte les mêmes éléments essentiels que ceux des figures 1a et 2, soit une carrure 10, une glace 12, un fond 14, un mouvement 16 et des moyens d'affichage 18. La carrure 10 comprend également une pièce support externe 21 en plastique et un anneau interne 22, ce dernier étant d'une pièce avec le fond 14. Cette boîte diffère des boîtes décrites et représentées précédemment par la fait que la glace 12 est bombée, présentant une structure soit de type cylindrique, soit de type sphérique.The watch case shown in FIG. 4 has the same essential elements as those of FIGS. 1a and 2, namely a middle part 10, a crystal 12, a base 14, a movement 16 and display means 18. The middle part 10 comprises also an external support piece 21 made of plastic and an internal ring 22, the latter being in one piece with the bottom 14. This box differs from the boxes described and shown above by the fact that the glass 12 is curved, having a structure of either cylindrical type, or spherical type.

Les moyens d'assemblage de la glace à la carrure sont ici aussi constitués par des rivets dont l'un, portant la référence 78, est représenté au dessin. Ces rivets, en acier inoxydable, comportent un corps cylindrique 80 dont l'extrémité inférieure se termine par des barbelures 82, tandis que son extrémité supérieure est fixée à la glace au moyen de soudure 84. Pour faciliter cet assemblage par soudure, il va de soi que la face inférieure de la glace doit être revêtue d'une couche de métal 86. La pièce support 21 de cette montre comporte des trous borgnes 88 de section inférieure à celle du corps 80 et destinés à recevoir chacun un rivet 78.The means for assembling the crystal to the middle part are here also constituted by rivets, one of which, bearing the reference 78, is shown in the drawing. These rivets, made of stainless steel, have a cylindrical body 80, the lower end of which ends in barbs 82, while its upper end is fixed to the glass by means of solder 84. To facilitate this assembly by soldering, it goes from It should be understood that the lower face of the crystal must be coated with a layer of metal 86. The support part 21 of this watch has blind holes 88 of section smaller than that of the body 80 and intended to each receive a rivet 78.

Pour réaliser l'assemblage de la glace et de la carrure, on commence par fixer les rivets 78 sur la glace 12, par soudage. Cette dernière, ainsi équipée, est alors mise en place de manière à faire correspondre le corps 80 de chacun des rivets 78 avec l'un des trous 88. Une force est ensuite appliquée sur la glace 12 pour faire pénétrer les rivets 78 dans les trous 88 et plaquer la glace contre la pièce extérieure 21. La glace peut, de plus, être soumise à des vibrations ultrasonores, ce qui favorise la pénétration des rivets à l'intérieur des trous 88 et provoque la fusion du plastique en contact avec les barbelures 82. L'accrochage est ainsi amélioré,To assemble the crystal and the middle part, one starts by fixing the rivets 78 on the crystal 12, by welding. The latter, thus equipped, is then set up so as to make correspond the body 80 of each of the rivets 78 with one of the holes 88. A force is then applied to the glass 12 to make the rivets 78 penetrate into the holes 88 and press the ice against the external part 21. The ice can, moreover, to be subjected to ultrasonic vibrations, which promotes the penetration of the rivets inside the holes 88 and causes the plastic to melt in contact with the barbs 82. The attachment is thus improved,

Dans les différents modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits, l'ensemble indémontable constitué par la glace et la partie externe de la carrure est relativement peu coûteux car, non seulement, il peut être assemblé de façon automatisée, mais aussi et surtout, le prix de la partie externe en plastique et des moyens d'assemblage des deux éléments est dérisoire par rapport à celui de la glace. En outre, puisque cet ensemble est rendu solidaire du reste de la montre par un simple système à cran, son remplacement en cas de cassure de la glace nécessite un minimum d'intervention de la part du réparateur.In the various embodiments which have just been described, the non-removable assembly constituted by the crystal and the external part of the middle part is relatively inexpensive because, not only, it can be assembled automatically, but also and above all, the price of the plastic outer part and the means of assembling the two elements is ridiculous compared to that of ice. In addition, since this assembly is made integral with the rest of the watch by a simple notch system, its replacement in the event of breakage of the glass requires a minimum of intervention on the part of the repairer.

De prime abord, il pourrait paraître aberrant d'associer un matériau noble, tel que le saphir, à un matériau souvent considéré comme vil, tel que la matière plastique. Cette aberration n'est qu'apparente. On constate, en effet, que l'essentiel des caractéristiques mécaniques et esthétiques de la montre sont définies par sa face supérieure, surtout lorsque la glace est bombée et alignée bord à bord avec les flancs de la carrure.At first glance, it might seem absurd to associate a noble material, such as sapphire, with a material often considered vile, such as plastic. This aberration is only apparent. It is found, in fact, that the main mechanical and aesthetic characteristics of the watch are defined by its upper face, especially when the crystal is curved and aligned edge to edge with the sides of the middle.

La boîte de montre telle que décrite et revendiquée est susceptible de nombreuses variantes.The watch case as described and claimed is susceptible of numerous variations.

Ainsi, par exemple, les moyens de fixation de la glace à la pièce support en plastique peuvent être venus de matière avec celle-ci, sous forme de têtons s'engageant dans des découpures biseautées de la glace. La fixation se fait alors par déformation des têtons qui prennent appui sur les biseaux.Thus, for example, the means for fixing the glass to the plastic support part may have come integrally with the latter, in the form of pins engaging in beveled cutouts in the glass. The attachment is then made by deformation of the pins which bear on the bevels.

Dans une autre variante, la glace, qui présente une structure sphérique, est alignée bord à bord avec le fond. De la sorte, la carrure est entièrement masquée. Elle conserve toutefois sa fonction essentielle, soit la solidarisation de la glace et du fond à la montre.In another variant, the glass, which has a spherical structure, is aligned edge to edge with the bottom. In this way, the middle part is entirely hidden. However, it retains its essential function, that is, securing the crystal and the back to the watch.

Il est aussi possible de réaliser une boîte dans laquelle des joints d'étanchéité sont venus de matière avec la pièce support ou surmoulés et un matériau plus souple.It is also possible to produce a box in which seals have come integrally with the support part or overmolded and a more flexible material.

Enfin, la carrure pourrait également présenter des variantes. Elle pourrait ainsi être constituée par la seule pièce support, le fond pouvant être fixé à bayonnette par exemple.Finally, the middle could also have variants. It could thus be constituted by the single support part, the bottom being able to be fixed to bayonet for example.

Claims (14)

1. Watchcase including a first unit comprising a caseband (10) and a back cover (14) together defining a housing intended to receive a movement (16) and a second unit comprising a crystal (12) and fixing means (20, 48, 59, 78) for fixing the crystal to the first unit, characterized in that said second unit further includes a plastic support annulus (21) connected to the crystal (12) in an unremovable manner and assembled with the first unit by removable means (26, 32).
2. Watchcase as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the plastic support annulus (21) is snap fitted onto the first unit.
3. Watchcase as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first unit comprises an internal element (22) which constitutes a fitting for the movement (16).
4. Watchcase as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that said internal element is integral with said back cover.
5. Watchcase as set forth in claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the crystal (12) is in edge to edge alignment with the support annulus (21).
6. Watchcase as set forth in claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the crystal (12) is fixed by clasps (20).
7. Watchcase as set forth in claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the crystal (12) is fixed onto the plastic support annulus by rivets (48, 59, 78).
8. Watchcase as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that said rivets (48) include each a cylindrical body (52) provided with an upset end and a ring (54) mounted on the cylindrical body and retained by said upset end.
9. Watchcase as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that said body (52) and said ring (54) are additionally fixed together by welding.
10. Watchcase as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the rivet (59, 78) is engaged in a hole (74, 88) in the support annulus and includes spurs (64′, 64˝, 82) which cooperate with the walls of said hole to prevent disassembly.
11. Watchcase as set forth in claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said rivet (59) includes a head formed from a plurality of claws (62) arranged in a crown, each provided with a shoulder (66) bearing on the crystal (12) and with a groove (68), the set of grooves serving to retain a decorative element (70).
12. Watchcase as set forth in claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the lower surface of the crystal (12) bears a metallized layer (86) to which said rivet (78) is welded.
13. Watchcase as set forth in claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said crystal is of mineral material.
14. Watchcase as set forth in claim 13, characterized in that said material is sapphire.
EP88100421A 1987-01-22 1988-01-14 Watch case with a central part, a glass and means for fitting the glass to it Expired - Lifetime EP0277510B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH22087A CH666981GA3 (en) 1987-01-22 1987-01-22
CH220/87 1987-01-22

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EP0277510A1 EP0277510A1 (en) 1988-08-10
EP0277510B1 true EP0277510B1 (en) 1991-06-05

Family

ID=4182012

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88100421A Expired - Lifetime EP0277510B1 (en) 1987-01-22 1988-01-14 Watch case with a central part, a glass and means for fitting the glass to it

Country Status (5)

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EP (1) EP0277510B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2552158B2 (en)
CH (1) CH666981GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3863078D1 (en)
HK (1) HK142094A (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106896701A (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-27 斯沃奇集团研究和开发有限公司 For the dial plate embossing of clock and watch

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2855620B1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2005-08-26 Michel Louis Marie Gigoux DEVICE FOR SEALING A GLASS ON A WATCH BOX USING ONE OR MORE SCREWS THROUGH THE SAME
DE102015207049A1 (en) * 2015-04-17 2016-10-20 Levitation AG Watch glass with at least one gemstone

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CH649435GA3 (en) * 1981-05-22 1985-05-31

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FR908125A (en) * 1944-12-12 1946-04-01 R & L Feusier Ets Watch lens fixing device
US2566741A (en) * 1948-07-10 1951-09-04 Longines Wittnauer Watch Co In Watch casing
IL29264A (en) * 1967-03-29 1970-08-19 Latex Prod Ltd Non-return valve for medical uses
JPS5597486U (en) * 1978-12-21 1980-07-07
JPS5689977U (en) * 1979-12-13 1981-07-18
CH642810B (en) * 1981-12-02 Rado Montres Sa WATCH BOX.
CH649436GA3 (en) * 1982-06-10 1985-05-31
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Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106896701A (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-27 斯沃奇集团研究和开发有限公司 For the dial plate embossing of clock and watch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2552158B2 (en) 1996-11-06
JPS63187186A (en) 1988-08-02
EP0277510A1 (en) 1988-08-10
HK142094A (en) 1994-12-23
CH666981GA3 (en) 1988-09-15
DE3863078D1 (en) 1991-07-11

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